FINAL TESTING WEEK
This will be the last week for CAASPP and PFT testing. All testing should be completed by May 31st. 5th grade teachers: Please don’t forget to enter your PFT information into Aeries.
Great news! We have received the ELPAC results for our 3-6th grade students. All results can be found in ELLevation under the Test Results tab.
REMINDER:
EL Monitoring Forms are now due.
Students that have been previously Reclassified are also required to be monitored for 4 years.
iReady ACCOUNT ACCESS
Teachers will have access to accounts in iReady this summer. They will be sent via email in July.
SUMMER Curriculum Correspondence
Here are a few reminders...
The Pause Rules Guide (PDF) and the Expiration Rules Guide (PDF) are easy to understand guides for when students pause a test and provides a timeline on when certain tests expire. These can be found on the Videos and Quick Reference Guides web page.
PHYSICAL FITNESS TESTING
Please make sure students’ scores are entered into Aeries by Friday, May 26th in order to ensure all students have been accounted for by May 31st. So far we have only 78% of our 5th grade classes reported. If you have any doctor’s notes excusing a student from PE Testing, please give them to your principal ASAP.
EL MONITORING FORMS
Teachers received an email from ELLevation on May 12th regarding monitoring forms for English Learners.
EL Monitoring Forms are due on May 25th.
Students that have been previously Reclassified are also required to be monitored for 4 years. Please make sure to complete these all RFEP Monitoring forms by May 25th.
SUMMER Curriculum Correspondence
The work of our classified employees can be invisible to the community, but it enables teachers and administrators to focus on teaching and learning. Without the dedication of our support staff, our schools could not function properly and we would not be able to educate children.
Here are a few reminders...
The Pause Rules Guide (PDF) and the Expiration Rules Guide (PDF) are easy to understand guides for when students pause a test and provides a timeline on when certain tests expire. These can be found on the Videos and Quick Reference Guides web page.
EL MONITORING FORMS
Teachers will receive an email from ELLevation on May 12th regarding monitoring forms for English Learners.
EL Monitoring Forms are due on May 25th.
Students that have been previously Reclassified are also required to be monitored for 4 years. Please make sure to complete these all RFEP Monitoring forms by May 25th.
SUMMER Curriculum Correspondence
This summer we will have Curriculum Correspondence for all students. TK students will be provided print material packets while K-5 will be provided online or print materials. More info for teachers and parents will be provided next week.
Here are a few reminders...
The Pause Rules Guide (PDF) and the Expiration Rules Guide (PDF) are easy to understand guides for when students pause a test and provides a timeline on when certain tests expire. These can be found on the Videos and Quick Reference Guides web page.
EL MONITORING FORMS
Teachers will receive an email from ELLevation on May 12th regarding monitoring forms for English Learners.
EL Monitoring Forms are due on May 25th.
Students that have been previously Reclassified are also required to be monitored for 4 years. Please make sure to complete these all RFEP Monitoring forms by May 25th.
This year, we’re joining together to tell teachers that we are thankful to have them and honored to work along side them in support of our children
It's time to show them our love and appreciation so let’s give the teachers in our lives a special thanks for all that they do during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 1–5. That’s because Teaching is a Work of Heart!
Here are a few reminders...
The Pause Rules Guide (PDF) and the Expiration Rules Guide (PDF) are easy to understand guides for when students pause a test and provides a timeline on when certain tests expire. These can be found on the Videos and Quick Reference Guides web page.
Teacher Support Meeting
Busy with testing but still want to attend? Our next meeting is VIRTUAL - please RSVP by clicking here!
BANDWIDTH TESTING
MONDAY April 24th!!!
Dear 3rd-6th Grade Teachers,
As we prepare for the spring CAASPP Assessments which will be given online, it is important that we assess the bandwidth at each of our sites.
Monday, April 24th at 9:30am, we need all 3rd -6th grade students to do the following:
Students should restart the Chromebook
Click on the Secure Test Browser on the bottom left under Apps and sign in
Select California from the drop down menu
Select the Grade Level they are enrolled in
Click on the Go to Practice and Training Test Site on the bottom left.
Select a Smarter Balanced Practice Test to begin.
Only test for 10 minutes
CAASPP INFORMATION
BANDWIDTH TESTING
DATE CHANGE
Dear 3rd-6th Grade Teachers,
As we prepare for the spring CAASPP Assessments which will be given online, it is important that we assess the bandwidth at each of our sites.
Monday, April 24th at 9:30am, we need all 3rd -6th grade students to do the following:
Students should restart the Chromebook
Click on the Secure Test Browser on the bottom left under Apps and sign in
Select California from the drop down menu
Select the Grade Level they are enrolled in
Click on the Go to Practice and Training Test Site on the bottom left.
Select a Smarter Balanced Practice Test to begin.
Only test for 10 minutes
CAASPP Directions for Administration
As we gather materials for CAASPP Testing, Ed. Services would like to know if you need the DFA printed or if you are going to use the document online.
Please complete this Google Form so we can send materials to your school site.
CAASPP UNIVERSAL TOOLS
Here is clarification regarding CAASPP Universal Tools, Designated Supports and Accommodations. CAASPP provides these helpful videos that show how students use/see them. In addition, here is a link that explains all the tools, supports, and accommodations.
Universal Tools
All students may access features of the assessments that are provided either as digitally delivered components of the TDS (embedded) or separate from it (non-embedded) based on student preference and selection. For example, global notes is an embedded universal tool; scratch paper is a non-embedded universal tool.
Designated Supports
Designated Supports are available for use by any student for whom the need has been indicated by an educator (or team of educators working with the parent/guardian and student) or specified in the student’s individualized education program (IEP). They are provided either as digitally delivered components of the Testing Delivery System (embedded) or separate from it (non-embedded).
Accommodations
Accommodations must be permitted to all eligible students taking CAASPP and ELPAC tests if specified in the student's IEP or Section 504 plan.
Text to Speech–Click here for a video
Passages
This accommodation is appropriate for one of a very small number of students with a documented need in an IEP or Section 504 plan. A student who uses text-to-speech will need headphones unless tested individually in a separate setting.
Items and/or Stimuli
This designated support can be used by all students if it is deemed necessary by an educator or team of educators.
Read Aloud–Click here for a video
This accommodation is appropriate for a very small number of students.
This is an accommodation that should be specified in a student’s IEP or 504 Plan.
The text is read aloud to the student by an adult in the room.
A student should have the option of asking the reader to slow down or repeat text.
PERFORMANCE TASKS
The CAASPP will be here NEXT MONTH! Students have the ability to practice Performance Tasks.
Login to Practice and training test to demonstrate to students a Performance Task both in ELA and Math.
Tasks consists of a number of steps which can become overwhelming when students first see it. So practice makes perfect!
Upcoming Professional Development Opportunity
Do you love science but help to navigate the Inspire Science program? Feel like you want to encourage your ALL of your students to engage more fully during science time? Join us as we dive into the Inspire Science program and go step-by-step into the features and tools built into this curriculum that address California ELD standards.
This session will give you confidence and next steps in addressing your students' needs. You will also be sure to enhance engagement and participation from your non-EL students as well!
ALL levels of teachers and grade levels are welcome to attend!
ALL students in 5th grade will take the Physical Fitness Test (PFT). The PFT testing window is now open and will close on May 31st. Make sure to input information in Aeries.
Like last year, students will complete 5 areas of the Fitnessgram:
Abdominal Strength - Curl Ups
Aerobic Capacity - Pacer
Flexibility - Sit and Reach
Trunk Extensor - Trunk Lift
Upper Body - Push Ups
Click here for more PFT information including how to videos.
DO NOT COLLECT HEIGHT AND WEIGHT INFORMATION.
Make sure to check your email this week for information regarding the 6th grade Math Placement Test. Dr. Fullwood will send out an email with all of the details.
The IMC has extra Science materials that are available on a first come, first serve basis. Some of the items include food coloring, clay, pipe cleaners, and much more! Click here to view and request items: Science Materials Form
Do you love science but find the Inspire Science program tricky to navigate? Feel like you want to encourage your English Learners (and, really, ALL of your students!) to engage more fully during science time?
Then join us as we dive into the Inspire Science program and go step-by-step into the features and tools built into this curriculum that address California ELD standards.
This session will give you confidence and next steps in addressing your English Learners' needs. You will also be sure to enhance engagement and participation from your non-EL students as well!
ALL levels of teachers and grade levels are welcome to attend!
Mark your calendar and RSVP by clicking here!
Teacher Support Meeting
Ed Services is excited to welcome ALL teachers to our April Teacher Support Meeting! These meetings are intended to build community and support among SSUSD teachers.
Any questions? Contact Daniella Barajas, dbarajas@sssd.k12.ca.us
Do students new to the United States have to take the CAASPP tests?
If a student has been designated as an English learner and is within his or her first 12 months of enrollment in a U.S. school as of April 15 of the previous year they are not required to take the SBAC ELA (This exemption applies only to the ELA portion of the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment.)
They are still required to take the SBAC Math and Science (5th grade). The following Translated Directions are available. The translated directions do require a biliterate student or adult to read the directions in conjunction with the online Math test.
Spanish Translated Test Directions for mathematics are available as an embedded resource in the test as a part of the translations designated support. If you have a student that would benefit from translated directions in Spanish, please email Vivian Fiss vfiss@sssd.k12.ca.us
The Test Operations Management System (TOMS) will be unavailable from Friday, April 7, 2023, at 5 p.m. to Monday, April 10, 2023, at 8 a.m. for a scheduled downtime.
You’re invited to attend a Virtual Imagine Learning Training on
Friday, April 7th. We are offering beginning, intermediate, and advance level trainings. These trainings are optional.
You may attend as many sessions as you’d like ($42/hour).
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://imaginelearning.zoom.us/j/95222658246?pwd=ZTgzQWozT0pVY1JhQVdDN2g0U0t3dz09
Meeting ID: 952 2265 8246
Passcode: 238201
Test your Zoom audio & video components prior to your session by visiting zoom.us/test.
Teacher Support Meeting
Ed Services is excited to welcome ALL teachers to our April Teacher Support Meeting! These meetings are intended to build community and support among SSUSD teachers.
Any questions? Contact Daniella Barajas, dbarajas@sssd.k12.ca.us
Do you love science but find the Inspire Science program tricky to navigate? Feel like you want to encourage your English Learners (and, really, ALL of your students!) to engage more fully during science time?
Then join us as we dive into the Inspire Science program and go step-by-step into the features and tools built into this curriculum that address California ELD standards.
This session will give you confidence and next steps in addressing your English Learners' needs. You will also be sure to enhance engagement and participation from your non-EL students as well!
ALL levels of teachers and grade levels are welcome to attend!
Mark your calendar and RSVP by clicking here!
You asked and we listened….
Summer School dates have been changed!
The new dates for GENERAL ED SUMMER ACADEMY will be June 12th-30th. If you have already signed up, please email Vivian Fiss at vfiss@sssd.k12.ca.us to let her know if you're still interested.
NO CHANGES FOR ESY.
NEW APPLICANTS, Click here to sign up for GENERAL ED SUMMER ACADEMY
ACADEMIC VOCABULARY
There are so many resources to support our students with CAASPP Assessments. Here is a reminder to the link to grade level Academic Vocabulary for the CAASPP in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
ELA - Academic Vocabulary
Math- Academic Vocabulary
VERY IMPORTANT
You asked and we listened….
Summer School dates have been changed!
The new dates for GENERAL ED SUMMER ACADEMY will be June 12th-30th. If you have already signed up, please email Vivian Fiss at vfiss@sssd.k12.ca.us to let her know if you're still interested.
NO CHANGES FOR ESY.
NEW APPLICANTS, Click here to sign up for GENERAL ED SUMMER ACADEMY
SCORE NOW
ATTENTION 6th GRADE TEACHERS
This is a friendly reminder: It’s time to talk to our sixth graders about tobacco use. Please review the Stanford Toolkit .
Make sure to complete this Google Form to let us know when you have completed all 6 lessons.
NOTE: Please complete before the end of the year. The date to complete the sessions are at teacher discretion.
A notification letter was sent to all sixth grade parents via ParentSquare on Feb. 13th.
UPDATES and ANNOUNCEMENTS
1) Please see the chart below which shows when ELPAC scores will be
available.
2) ELLevation Monitoring Forms are due today, March 17th. Please note that
ELLevation will be offline on Saturday, March 18th.
IMAGINE LEARNING CERTIFICATE
As your students work their way through the Imagine Learning Platforms such as Language & Literacy or Imagine Math, you can award them with Certificates of Achievement. You can give them to your students for completing a certain number of lessons in a week or for passing a challenging lesson they’ve been working on with perseverance…the options are endless and it helps give your students a motivational boost.
3rd-6th GRADE TEACHERS ONLY
CAASPP DIRECTIONS FOR ADMINISTRATION
As we gather materials for CAASPP Testing, Ed. Services would like to know if you need the DFA printed or if you are going to use the document online. Please complete this Google Form so we can send materials to your school site.
As a friendly reminder, an Orton Gillingham folder has been created so teachers can find all of the OG resources they will need in one place. If you have any suggestions of items to add, please email Nicole Packer.
Click here to access the Orton Gillingham folder.
GATE TESTING
GATE Testing will take place between March 13-24. The GATE assessment is online and will be conducted by teachers in their classrooms. Teachers should select a date and time for the assessment that works with their schedule. The testing will take approximately 1 hour to complete. Click here for more information about what you need to do before, during and after testing.
Scholars@Home GATE testing will take place at the district office. The district office will contact families who have completed permission forms to schedule a time for the assessment.
GREAT NEWS!
We began EARLY this year with IAB administration, but here are resources and reminders for us all!
ALL students in 5th grade will take the Physical Fitness Test (PFT). The PFT testing window is February 1st - May 31st so it's important to start practicing the fitness activities with your students now. Inputting information into Aeries will open in April.
Like last year, students will complete 5 areas of the Fitnessgram:
Abdominal Strength - Curl Ups
Aerobic Capacity - Pacer
Flexibility - Sit and Reach
Trunk Extensor - Trunk Lift
Upper Body - Push Ups
Click here for more PFT information including how to videos.
DO NOT COLLECT HEIGHT AND WEIGHT INFORMATION.
As a friendly reminder, an Orton Gillingham folder has been created so teachers can find all of the OG resources they will need in one place. If you have any suggestions of items to add, please email Nicole Packer.
Click here to access the Orton Gillingham folder.
ALL students in 5th grade will take the Physical Fitness Test (PFT). The PFT testing window is February 1st - May 31st so it's important to start practicing the fitness activities with your students now. Inputting information into Aeries will open in April.
Like last year, students will complete 5 areas of the Fitnessgram:
Abdominal Strength - Curl Ups
Aerobic Capacity - Pacer
Flexibility - Sit and Reach
Trunk Extensor - Trunk Lift
Upper Body - Push Ups
Click here for more PFT information including how to videos.
DO NOT COLLECT HEIGHT AND WEIGHT INFORMATION.
Did you know that there are CAST practice and training tests on the CAASPP website? If you are interested in using these materials in order to work with your students prior to the CAST assessment, you can access them by clicking here.
As a friendly reminder, an Orton Gillingham folder has been created so teachers can find all of the OG resources they will need in one place. If you have any suggestions of items to add, please email Nicole Packer.
Click here to access the Orton Gillingham folder.
ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS!
Capture your students’ attention by using the Hanging Hashtag Activity to allow your students to analyze an image related to academic content. Students can use the organizers below to think about what they see and think, as well as what connections they can make to the image and your unit of study.
Please sign in to ELLevation BEFORE clicking the video link.
Here is one great resource from Math Genius Squad that you can plan to use if you want to encourage more…
Engagement from students during math time
Effort on math tasks and assignments
Discussion and collaboration between students when solving problems.
On your Math Genius Squad Grade Level page, click on “Back to School Math Lesson Plans”. Even though we are not in the beginning of the year, these can be used any time in the school year. You can find great ideas here for building and maintaining a growth mindset in math and promoting productive discussions during math time.
As a friendly reminder, an Orton Gillingham folder has been created so teachers can find all of the OG resources they will need in one place. If you have any suggestions of items to add, please email Nicole Packer.
Click here to access the Orton Gillingham folder.
STUDENT LED CONFERENCES
Interested in learning more about Student-Led Conferences?
Now is a great time to think about Student-Led Conferences as Family Conference days are coming up soon (March 9th-10th).
Student led conferences are a great option to involve upper grade elementary students (3rd-6th grade) in their learning and growth. It encourages students to take ownership and responsibility for their behavior and progress. Students will feel a sense of pride in their achievements so far and it can help them become more aware of what they are still working on. It’s also a great way to improve school-family partnership!
Read this article from Edutopia to learn more or click on the following two templates to consider what this could look like in your own classroom.
BENCHMARK ADVANCE
Did you know? You can now multi-select resources to add to an assignment or a bookshelf! Select the check mark at the top left of the resource thumbnail. Once more than one resource is selected, you’ll see an option to add them to an assignment or bookshelf. Learn more about creating an assignment or adding resources to a bookshelf.
ELLEVATION STRATEGIES
Teacher Support Meeting
Please join us for this informative meeting for all teachers.
Any questions? Email Daniella Barajas at dbarajas@sssd.k12.ca.us
ALL students in 5th grade will take the Physical Fitness Test (PFT). The PFT testing window is February 1st - May 31st so it's important to start practicing the fitness activities with your students now. Inputting information into Aeries will open in April.
Like last year, students will complete 5 areas of the Fitnessgram:
Abdominal Strength - Curl Ups
Aerobic Capacity - Pacer
Flexibility - Sit and Reach
Trunk Extensor - Trunk Lift
Upper Body - Push Ups
Click here for more PFT information including how to videos.
SCV YOUTH ARTS SHOWCASE
The City of Santa Clarita Youth Arts Showcase will be held at the Newhall Community Center on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 11am-3pm. Please click here for more information as well as to access the entry form for the Painters, Pictures, and Prose Contest.
Has your class learned new content-specific vocabulary and you want them to engage in meaningful, collaborative review?
Try out the “Don’t Mention It” Activity from ELLevation! It takes vocabulary review and makes it into a fun and social game.
Think: Taboo meets Heads Up.
Head to the Strategies section in Ellevation
Watch the video here to get a better idea and head to the Strategies section of Ellevation to check it out and see content specific learning and language objectives differentiated by K-2, 3-5 and 6th grade.
You can also click here for the downloadable organizers and sentence stems. You can find this one, and many others, from the ELLevation homepage when you click on the Strategies tab and then click on Activities.
Take a look at these two example lesson plans for a K-2 math lesson and a 3-5 science lesson using “Don’t Mention It”.
UPCOMING TESTING
ALL students in 5th grade will take the Physical Fitness Test (PFT). The PFT testing window is February 1st - May 31st so it's important to start practicing the fitness activities with your students now. Inputting information into Aeries will open in April.
Like last year, students will complete 5 areas of the Fitnessgram:
Abdominal Strength - Curl Ups
Aerobic Capacity - Mile
Flexibility - Sit and Reach
Trunk Extensor - Trunk Lift
Upper Body - Push Ups
Click here for more PFT information including how to videos.
IMC INFORMATION
Click here to check out IMC Resources including book sets and museum pieces you can check out. If you have any questions, please reach out to IMC Technician, Claudine Nehme: clnehme@sssd.k12.ca.us
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is just around the corner.
Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year among East and Southeast Asian cultures, including Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean communities, among others. The New Year celebration is usually celebrated for multiple days—not just one day as in the Gregorian calendar’s New Year. In 2023, Lunar New Year begins on January 22. Tied to the lunar calendar, the holiday began as a time for feasting and to honor household and heavenly deities, as well as ancestors. The New Year typically begins with the first new moon that occurs between the end of January and spans the first 15 days of the first month of the lunar calendar—until the full moon arrives. To see more information about Lunar New Year click the link below! https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/chinese-new-year
TEACHER INNOVATION GRANT
The Ed Services team is looking to tailor the monthly Teacher Support Meetings to better fit your needs! These meetings are intended to build community and support among SSUSD teachers with a focus on those who are either new to the field or new to our district. We would appreciate your input. We know how valuable your time is so the survey should take no more than 3-5 minutes.
Click here to take the quick, anonymous and optional survey.
UPCOMING TESTING
Spring GATE Testing will take place in March.
All second graders will be tested.
3rd-6th Teachers
We need your input.
Please let us know who you would recommend for GATE testing no later than 02/03/23.
Click here to add your recommendations:
22-23 3rd-6th Grade Recommendations
A GATE Testing Consent form will be prepared and sent to your sites this coming week. Please return the forms to your Office Managers as soon as possible. All signed forms will be scanned to Irma Pacias in Educational Services and a hard copy should be placed in the student’s cumulative folder.
For your reference, here is a list of our current GATE students.
ATTENTION 6TH GRADE TEACHERS
Link to register: https://lacoe.k12oms.org/2685-229432
Access Code (all lowercase): vapefree
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is just around the corner.
Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year among East and Southeast Asian cultures, including Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean communities, among others. The New Year celebration is usually celebrated for multiple days—not just one day as in the Gregorian calendar’s New Year. In 2023, Lunar New Year begins on January 22. Tied to the lunar calendar, the holiday began as a time for feasting and to honor household and heavenly deities, as well as ancestors. The New Year typically begins with the first new moon that occurs between the end of January and spans the first 15 days of the first month of the lunar calendar—until the full moon arrives. To see more information about Lunar New Year click the link below! https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/chinese-new-year
ORTON GILLINGHAM
Tips and Tricks to Support Student Progress: Tip 2 - Allow for review of prior taught concepts!
Always allow for a Three Part Drill at least 2-3 per week if you use IMSE OG every day. Do the Three Part Drill every time you meet, if you don’t see your student every day. Repetition is essential for mastery of concepts.
Keep your review to 10-15 min. If you have several review concepts in your card deck, choose approximately 30 cards for the visual, 30 sounds for the auditory/kinesthetic, and create approximately 20 syllables during blending. Be sure to include the 5 vowels in all 3 parts of the drill along with new concepts and problem areas. This will help with mastery.
Did you know that there are CAST practice and training tests on the CAASPP website? If you are interested in using these materials in order to work with your students prior to the CAST assessment, you can access them by clicking here.
ATTENTION 6TH GRADE TEACHERS
INTERIM ASSESSMENT BANKS (IABs)
ALL IABs must be completed by Friday, January 13. If your students took the wrong IAB or FIAB, please have them complete the correct one by Friday. As a reminder, these are the IAB/FIAB tests by grade level that students should have completed:
3rd - Read Literary Text IAB
3rd - Multiply & Divide within 100 FIAB
4th - Read Literary Text IAB
4th - Four Operations FIAB
5th - Read Literary Text IAB
5th - Operations with Whole Numbers & Decimals FIAB
6th - Read Literary Text IAB
6th - Ratios & Proportional Relationships FIAB
Inspire Science Teacher Support
Ed Services is excited to offer an Inspire Science Support Training for all interested teachers. Our focus will be on making sense of science instruction and how to engage all learners including our English language learners.
INTERIM ASSESSMENT BANKS (IABs)
Thank you for completing the EL Progress Monitoring Forms!
We also appreciate your positive feedback. We were pleased to hear that many of you found the process easy to complete.
It is now time to complete RFEP Monitoring Forms. Students that were previously Reclassified are required to be monitored for 4 years after their reclassification. These RFEP Monitoring Forms were emailed today and will be due by
December 16th
INTERIM ASSESSMENT BANKS (IABs)
Thank you for completing the EL Progress Monitoring Forms!
We also appreciate your positive feedback. We were pleased to hear that many of you found the process easy to complete.
It is now time to complete RFEP Monitoring Forms. Students that were previously Reclassified are required to be monitored for 4 years after their reclassification. These RFEP Monitoring Forms were emailed today and will be due by
December 16, 2022.
Syllabication: Diphthongs
Diphthongs is a word derived from Greek di meaning 2 and phthongs meaning sounds/voice. These are vowel units that begin in one point of articulation, and move into another point of articulation. These are sometimes referred to as gliding vowels.
Diphthongs Tips:
It is considered one sound. Therefore, oil has one syllable.
Use the back of your Diphthong Syllable Poster to see all of the diphthongs to help with syllabication.
These are often referred to as “noisy” vowels since they often make sounds that we may hear in the environment /ow/ /oo/ /ah/.
Remember to use the Syllable Division Word Book and the Syllable Posters to help you teach this syllable type. Model for students. Then allow for plenty of independent practice. Add Bossy R words to the Rapid Word Chart for additional practice in automaticity. IMSE’s Leveled Practice Books include plenty of decodable text for practice.
Syllabication: Consonant le
The final syllable type is Consonant le. These syllables include: ble, fle, tle, dle, gle, kle, ple, zle, cle. These are syllables because there is a vowel sound attached. What is the vowel sound? The e is silent! The consonant next to the ‘l’ is creating the schwa vowel sound. The ‘e’ is placed there as an orthographic marker since every syllable has to have a vowel.
Consonant le tips:
Use the Syllable Poster for Consonant -le syllable types.
Have students underline the first vowel and look for another vowel other than an ‘e’ at the end. If there is only an ‘e’ at the end, they must determine if it’s a Magic E or a Consonant -le. If it’s a consonant-le, circle the unit and draw a syllable wall right before it.
Students label it C-le and read the word.
Remember that these syllables do not sound like “l blends”. L blends do not create a new syllable, but these do. -ble sounds more like /bul/ whereas bl- doesn’t contain a vowel (blister not bulister).
TEACHER SUPPORT MEETING
Join Us for our next Teacher Support Meeting on Thursday, December 8th!
OG TEACHER SUPPORT
Ed Services will be offering an Orton-Gillingham Support Training for all interested teachers to share best practices and effective strategies to improve reading skills and reading comprehension. Teachers will be paid extra duty rate to attend.
INSPIRE SCIENCE TEACHER SUPPORT
Ed Services is excited to offer an Inspire Science Support Training for all interested teachers. Our focus will be on making sense of science instruction with this curriculum and how to engage all learners including our English language learners. Teachers will be paid extra duty rate to attend.
DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!
Imagine Language and Literacy
Professional Development Opportunity
Imagine will offer a webinar on December 5th 3:45-5:15 pm. Training will focus on best data practices, small group instruction and one-to-one instruction. Teachers will be paid extra duty rate to attend.
INTERIM ASSESSMENT BANKS (IABs)
IABs are required for all 3rd-6th grade students. The dates for IABs are November 28- December 16th. The list of required IABs are located HERE.
Schools received log in cards for CAASPP. In addition, resources regarding IABs are located below:
ORTON GILLINGHAM RESOURCES
SSUSD OG Landing Page for all things Orton Gillingham
Click here for a copy of a Thanksgiving Blending Board
Imagine Math
Teachers are able to assign lessons to students within Imagine Math. This is a great way to help students who need a little extra help with particular standards. Click Here to see how you can support students with this resource.
Orton Gillingham – Suffix -ed
When teaching suffix -ed, it’s important to have students understand why -ed makes 3 different sounds.
Reminders:
-ed says /id/ when the base word ends with /d/ or /t/ (hunted or jaded)
-ed says /d/ when the base word ends with a voiced sound (pleased)
-ed says /t/ when the base word ends with an unvoiced sound (kissed)
When encoding, first state the base word. Students should only fingertap the base word. Then write it.
Then have students add -ed and tell you what sound it will make (and why).
Then have students rewrite the full word.
When decoding, encourage students to identify any known suffixes (like -ed) or known prefixes by circling them. Then they can look at the rest of the word and break it into syllables if needed. This will help transition students into word sums or looking at morphemes.
OG TEACHER SUPPORT
Ed Services will be offering an Orton-Gillingham Support Training for all interested teachers to share best practices and effective strategies to improve reading skills and reading comprehension. Teachers will be paid extra duty rate to attend.
Imagine Language and Literacy
Professional Development Opportunity
Imagine will offer a webinar on December 5th 3:45-5:15 pm. Training will focus on best data practices, small group instruction and one-to-one instruction. Teachers will be paid extra duty rate to attend.
INSPIRE SCIENCE TEACHER SUPPORT
Ed Services is excited to offer an Inspire Science Support Training for all interested teachers. Our focus will be on making sense of science instruction with this curriculum and how to engage all learners including our English language learners. Teachers will be paid extra duty rate to attend.
The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, using fun tutorials to show that anybody can learn the basics. This is supported by over 400 partners and 200,000 educators worldwide.
Learn how to teach your students to participate in the Hour of Code. Teachers will be paid extra duty rate to attend.
Join fellow teacher, Ken Newton, on December 1st, @3:45pm in the District Office Training Room
ORTON GILLINGHAM RESOURCES
SSUSD OG Landing Page for all things Orton Gillingham
Click here for a copy of a Thanksgiving Blending Board
OG ASSESSMENT REMINDER
OG weekly assessments on the concept taught should have an 80% accuracy rate for 80% of your students.
For students that score below 80%, reteach the concept the following week for a minimum of two meetings. These meetings should take no more than 20 minutes. Have students write the concept in isolation on a white board or paper instead of the sand tray before continuing on to dictation.
If more than 20% of your class did not score 80% or higher, reteach the concept the following week before moving on to the next concept.
Formative assessments help drive instruction. If you see a pattern of incorrect responses for a specific concept (e.g. writing the /sh/ sound in sentences) incorporate opportunities to practice this concept in your lesson planning.
RECLASSIFICATION OF ENGLISH LEARNERS
DUE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18th!
Teachers received an email from ELLevation which showed students that may be eligible for reclassification. English Learners have the opportunity to reclassify once they have met the reclassification criteria. Please see the criteria below:
Reclassification Criteria:
Overall Level 4 on ELPAC (Click here for students with an Overall 4.)
Standards Met or Exceeded in CAASPP
On grade level in ELA based on STAR and ESGI assessments
Teacher Evaluation (see email from ELLevation)
Parent Consultation
Please contact Vivian Fiss for more information.
GRADING GUIDELINES
Teachers will indicate student progress toward standards mastery using the following rubric grades:
4 = Standards Exceeded
3 = Standard Met
2+ = Standard Nearly Met (but approaching)
2 = Standard Nearly Met
1 = Standard Not Met
* = Not Assessed in This Grading Period
EFFORT GRADES
E = Excellent
S = Satisfactory
N = Unsatisfactory
Plus and minus effort grades are still allowed.
Here is a quick video explaining how to add grades into Aeries. It explains how to navigate through Aeries to the Standards Based Report Card and how to toggle between grades by student or grades by standard.
We will host a Winter Academy during week of
January 3-6, 2023
Here are some details:
Location TBD
January 3rd-6th ( 4 days)
Student Hours 8:30am -11:30am
Teacher Hours 8:00am -12:00pm
Complete lessons and materials will be provided for teachers.
Please CLICK HERE to complete the interest form.
Please email Vivian Fiss for additional information. vfiss@sssd.k12.ca.us
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14th @ 3:45pm
We’ll share with you how to encourage student engagement and take the mystery of what students are thinking by using any of the dozens of easy-to-implement strategies. Expect plenty of take-home examples for both primary and upper elementary grades that you can take and use in your classroom the very next day!
ALL levels of teachers are welcome to attend. Teachers will be paid extra duty rate.
The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, using fun tutorials to show that anybody can learn the basics. This is supported by over 400 partners and 200,000 educators worldwide.
Learn how to teacher your students to participate in the Hour of Code.
Join us on December 1st, @3:45pm in the District Office Training Room
RSVP FORM COMING SOON!!
CELEBRATE SCHOOL PSYCHS!
Make sure to turn your clocks back one hour this Sunday!
Daylight savings time will end Sunday, November 6th at 2am local time.
Thank you for attending PDD #3
If you haven't already, please complete the Evaluation Form:
Click HERE.
Click here to review the slides from PDD #3 and to watch the video examples to see how some of these strategies are done in action.
Positive and Proactive Strategies & Behavior Functions handout
GRADING GUIDELINES
Teachers will indicate student progress toward standards mastery using the following rubric grades:
4 = Standards Exceeded
3 = Standard Met
2+ = Standard Nearly Met (but approaching)
2 = Standard Nearly Met
1 = Standard Not Met
* = Not Assessed in This Grading Period
EFFORT GRADES
E = Excellent
S = Satisfactory
N = Unsatisfactory
Plus and minus effort grades are still allowed.
Here is a quick video explaining how to add grades into Aeries. It explains how to navigate through Aeries to the Standards Based Report Card and how to toggle between grades by student or grades by standard.
RECLASSIFICATION OF ENGLISH LEARNERS
Teachers received an email from ELLevation which showed students that may be eligible for reclassification. English Learners have the opportunity to reclassify once they have met the reclassification criteria. Please see the criteria below:
Reclassification Criteria:
Overall Level 4 on ELPAC (Click here for students with an Overall 4.)
Standards Met or Exceeded in CAASPP
On grade level in ELA based on STAR and ESGI assessments
Teacher Evaluation (see email from ELLevation)
Parent Consultation
Please contact Vivian Fiss for more information.
ENGLISH LEARNER MONITORING FORMS
Available now.
Please complete the EL Monitoring forms by
November 10, 2022.
ORTON GILLINGHAM RESOURCES
SSUSD OG Landing Page for all things Orton Gillingham
Click here for a copy of a Thanksgiving Blending Board
Are you looking for ways to differentiate your quick assessments for students?
We’ll share with you how to encourage student engagement and take the mystery of what students are thinking by using any of the dozens of easy-to-implement strategies. Expect plenty of take-home examples for both primary and upper elementary grades that you can take and use in your classroom the very next day!
ALL levels of teachers are welcome to attend. Teachers will be paid extra duty rate. The same PD will be offered on two different days to accommodate schedules.
We will host an English Learner Winter Academy for the week of January 3-6, 2023
Here are some details:
Location TBD
January 3rd-6th ( 4 days)
Student Hours 8:30am -11:30 am
Teacher Hours 8:00am -12:00 pm
Complete EL lessons and materials will be provided for teachers.
Please email Vivian Fiss if you are interested in teaching: vfiss@sssd.k12.ca.us
TEACHER SUPPORT MEETING
We are excited to meet with you next week on Thursday, November 3rd at 3:45 pm in the District Office Boardroom.
GATE
Click here to make a copy of the DLP FORM
Click here to view a sample DLP Sample
Submit DLPs to principals with report cards for review and signature. Make sure to review the goals and success criteria with parents and modify as needed with parent input. Please contact Vivian Fiss for additional information.
IMC INFORMATION
Click here to check out IMC Resources including book sets and museum pieces you can check out. If you have any questions, please reach out to IMC Technician, Claudine Nehme: cnehme@sssd.k12.ca.us
ORTON GILLINGHAM RESOURCE PAGE
There have been several updates to the OG platform and implementation. All of the updates and resources have been placed in your OG Online Profile. A resource page has been created for you. Please Click here for more information regarding the IMSE Digital Platform and other resources. This page will be updated on an ongoing basis. Some things to look for are:
If teachers took the Intermediate course, there is NO NEED to take the Morphology course.
The Scope and Sequence has been updated.
Interactive OG--they have updated the interface so while it looks different, many of the components are the same.
This information and other resources are located on the resource page linked above. Please contact Nicole Packer for more information.
NOT SEEING PROGRESS? - PART 2
Allow for review of prior taught concepts.
Always allow for a Three Part Drill at least 2-3 per week if you use IMSE OG every day. Do the Three Part Drill every time you meet, if you don’t see your student every day. Repetition is essential for mastery of concepts.
Keep your review to 10-15 min. If you have several review concepts in your card deck, choose approximately 30 cards for the visual, 30 sounds for the auditory/kinesthetic, and create approximately 20 morpheme combinations during blending. This will help with mastery.
Allow for your student to be successful and pull away as they begin to grow.
Be sure to give your students lots of support by giving them as much as they need to begin to show success and gain confidence. They will also gain confidence during this time. Don’t pull these cues away too soon. If your student needs phoneme/grapheme level support, including letter formation, left to right orientation, or spelling rules for orthography, please consider IMSE’s Comprehensive course.
Allow your students to become completely independent in all areas so that they can transfer what they learn into other classes.
NEW OG TRAINING DATES
Please see below new dates being offered by IMSE. If any of these dates work for you, please complete a conference request form here.
Note time difference; 6:00 PM Eastern time = 3:00 PM Pacific time.
IMSE/OG GIVE AWAY
CURSIVE WRITING
Cursive Handwriting Pages are available in Benchmark Advance. The cursive pages can be printed and copied on your own OR complete this Google Form and Ed Services will copy the requested pages for you.
SULPHUR SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT
YOUNG AUTHORS PUBLISHING CONTEST GUIDELINES
The Young Authors competition is a contest to recognize the best writers in the District. This is not a vehicle to reward every student for their effort or improvement. Student work should be a product of the ongoing writing process in your classroom.
This is an optional event. If you do not want to have your students’ work judged and possibly published, you do not need to submit any work to the contest.
Please start collecting the best samples of your students’ work. Possible future entries might be collected in
• a central teacher-held file of writing works for your class
• individual student portfolios or writing folders in in a physical or online folder
Do not send home any writing that you think may prove to be a good entry in the contest!
Writing can reflect any content area. Submitted entries must be edited final copies which have progressed through all the stages of the writing process. The entries need to contain a beginning, middle, and end.
Please instruct your students to avoid violence in their stories. (Slaying dragons as part of a fairy tale is OK, but not gratuitous shootings, stabbings, etc.)
Stories should be original. Please, no retellings of fairy tales or other stories.
This is not a homework assignment. Entries should be completed as in-class assignments.
This is not similar to the SSDTA Writing Contest in that you can and should direct and assist students. Anything submitted to SSDTA Writing Contest cannot be used for the Young Authors competition.
Suggestions for entries include:
• Poetry collection: epigram, romance, limerick, lyric, epic, ballad
• Drama: plays
• Fictional prose: short story, novel, imaginative story-telling
(animal stories, fairy tales, legends, myths, nursery tales)
• Non-fiction: biographies, essays, personal narratives
SIGN UP NOW!!
Split Grade Level Inspire Science Instructional Strategies PD Series
Ed Services will share instructional strategies and tools for you to try out and take into your own classroom. In this session, you will receive scope and sequence guides, standards alignment documents and ideas on organization and management strategies.
In order to make the session meaningful and effective, we will be meeting over a series of dates specific to split grade level. Mark your calendars for the following dates from 3:45 - 5:00 pm @ the District Office Boardroom.
Monday, October 17th: 4th/5th grade (RSVP here)
Tuesday, October 18th: 5th/6th grade (RSVP here)
For more information, contact Daniella Barajas, TOSA
Not Seeing Progress? Part I
Now that you’ve been using the IMSE Orton-Gillingham approach for one- two years, you should be seeing significant gains with your students. However, what if you’re not? Here are some tips to help you stay on track.
Be sure that you are not cutting corners and using each strategy with fidelity.
Sometimes teachers forget to plan ahead and get an ‘object’ for each new concept taught, so they skip this part. Choosing and manipulating an object that reinforces your new concept is perhaps the most important part of the multi-sensory experience. This is the opportunity to bring in a real-world object to help your student make a connection.
Use the sensational sand for green concepts. This is another area where some teachers will avoid. Perhaps a dry erase board or gel board is being used instead. Those are fine on occasion, but using the sand or an iPad app allows the student to use those nerve endings in the tips of their fingers which helps strengthen mastery of concepts.
Be sure that you are finger tapping words correctly in the application section of the lesson plan. There should never be more than 3 taps per syllable. Students should fingertap with their offhand and be ready to write with their dominant hand. Always go left to right. With multisyllabic words, be sure to fingertap one syllable at a time. Do a phonemic awareness activity beforehand as a warm-up.
Don’t forget to stand when arm tapping Red Words. These steps go from gross motor to fine motor. Standing is important! Be sure that your students are arm tapping with the correct hand and going in the correct direction. They should be holding their red word in their offhand.
Be sure to follow the Blue Flip Chart and do the steps as they were meant to be done. Don’t skip parts. Otherwise, it’s no longer being taught with fidelity.
Spend time every day on phonemic awareness at least through 2nd grade or beyond with struggling readers.
Assess, assess, assess!
Be sure that you assess before working with your class or student. For general education teachers, you should be benchmarking three times a year to see how your students are progressing. If someone isn’t progressing, this might be an indication that Tier II intervention is needed.
Intervention specialists and tutors should be progress monitoring at least monthly or perhaps even weekly, depending on your student’s needs. This will help determine whether the intervention is working or not. Using a fluency assessment is a good way to monitor progress.
For Tier 2 Intervention, you should be using this as an intervention for 30 minutes, 3-5 days per week with a group size of 5-8 students. Your intervention should last at least 8-15 weeks before making decisions on moving the student or trying a new intervention. This is a great opportunity for the classroom teacher to work with the 5-8 students who need a little extra support.
Tier 3 Intervention is our Learning Support Teachers who are working with students who are far behind in their grade level reading fluency.
You should assess a new concept taught to ensure mastery, every week.
Examples of grade level standard and I Can statements below.
What: The Grade Level Standard
Use the four operations with whole numbers to solve problems. (4.OA3)
Why: I Can Statement
So "I can solve two digit multiplication problems."
GOAL SETTING STAR ASSESSMENTS
Drilling Down to the Standards
Please click here to watch a video on how to look at the most recent Star Assessment and how your students did in each grade level standard that was assessed.
Your site principal will receive this data disaggregated by teacher and grade level this week.
For more information, contact Nicole Packer, Ed Program Coordinator and Terri Heldt, TOSA
PHONOLOGY vs. MORPHOLOGY INSTRUCTION
Orton Gillingham (OG) instruction in phonology can be used in grades K-2 as Tier 1 instruction with reteaching as necessary. It should be used as a Tier 2 and Tier 3 intervention. This instruction is to help readers “lift the words” from the page to assist in both reading and writing development.
Upper Grade teachers (3rd-6th) are encouraged to use morphology for Tier 1 instruction with reteaching as necessary. This instruction is designed to teach word meanings through prefixes, suffixes, Greek base words and Latin base words. Tier 2 and 3 intervention in these grades should be for students who have not yet mastered all of the K-2 phonics concepts in Orton Gillingham or in reading fluency if their ORF scores are below the 50th percentile for their current grade level.
SIGN UP NOW!!
Split Grade Level Inspire Science Instructional Strategies PD Series
Ed Services will share instructional strategies and tools for you to try out and take into your own classroom. In this session, you will receive scope and sequence guides, standards alignment documents and ideas on organization and management strategies.
In order to make the session meaningful and effective, we will be meeting over a series of dates specific to split grade level. Mark your calendars for the following dates from 3:45 - 5:00 pm @ the District Office Boardroom.
For more information, contact Daniella Barajas, TOSA
TEACHER SUPPORT MEETING
“I’m so glad I came today, I got so many questions answered! I feel so much better.”
- a teacher who attended our last Teacher Support Meeting
Come on down and/or bring a friend to our next Teacher Support Meeting next Thursday, October 6th at 3:45-5:15 pm in the District Office Boardroom.
Our theme for the next meeting will be on Self-Care and Mindfulness. We are going to also cover common student problem behaviors, ELL FAQs and an open teacher question time.
ANNUAL NOTIFICATION LETTERS
EL Parents were mailed Annual Notification letters. The letters included the spring CAASPP results and Summative ELPAC results. The letters also included a section for a signature. Parents were notified that the signature is not required and they can keep the letter for their records.
If you receive a letter from a student, you are welcome to return the letter to parents.
IMAGINE LEARNING and LITERACY
Great news! Imagine Language & Literacy is available for all students in all grade levels!
When your class first logs in to Imagine Language and Literacy, they will be prompted to take an initial diagnostic assessment. As students use the program consistently and complete lessons, the content provided to them will change and adjust to their level.
Teachers can change student settings to provide auditory and written directions and lessons in the students home language. There are currently 15 languages offered by Imagine including Spanish, Russian, Cantonese and more.
ORTON GILLINGHAM
Hispanic Heritage Month Activities and Lessons
Yesterday marked the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month!
Here is a great overview video from PBS on Hispanic Heritage month’s origin and purpose: PBS Hispanic Heritage Month
Some fun and informative ideas to engage your class include:
Have students pick a famous Hispanic individual to research. Then they can create a poster (here is a free template) or create Google Slides to share with the class (here is a template you can use and share).
Have a class discussion with students on their heritage, if they are comfortable. Place student names on a World Map. Students can research their family origins and come back to report their findings to a small group or partner or whole class.
Read a new biography (click here for a list of books on Epic!) on a Hispanic individual who has contributed to our everyday lives. Guide student's time for a small group discussion on how they relate to the individual or what they admire about them.
Dig into some beautiful Hispanic artwork and have students create their own inspired artwork. Click here for a list of Hispanic artists and Lessons.
SMALL GROUP INSTRUCTION AND DIFFERENTIATION
Imagine Language & Literacy
The Action Areas Tool is an interactive tool that shows the skills and academic standards where your students need additional support. Click here to learn more:
Overview of the Action Areas Tool in the Language & Literacy Program Understanding-the-Action-Areas-Tool-in-Imagine-Language-Literacy
Creating a Playlist in the Action Areas Tool Creating-a-new-playlist-from-the-Action-Areas-Tool
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Help! I have a “Newcomer” - what can I do to support them?
It can be tricky to know how to best meet the needs of your students who are new to the country or an English speaking environment. The great news is that Imagine Language and Literacy is a great first step to helping them adjust/transition to an English speaking classroom.
Here’s how using Imagine Language and Literacy can help your Newcomers and EL students:
Automatic Diagnostic Assessment
When your class first logs in to Imagine Language and Literacy, they will be prompted to take an initial diagnostic assessment. This is an important step as it will provide the accurate initial data for student language proficiency.
Computer Adaptive → Responsive to Student Data
As students use the program consistently and complete lessons, the content provided to them will change and adjust to their level.
Built-In Native Language Support!
This is arguably the most exciting feature for our EL
students! Teachers can change student settings to provide auditory and written directions and lessons in the students home language. There are currently 15 languages offered by Imagine including Spanish, Russian, Cantonese and more.
Doubling Rule
Epic!
ELPAC Testing
Thank you for your support while the Ed Services team completes ELPAC testing. ELPAC Examiners will do their best to work around recess and lunch schedules.
Help! I have a “Newcomer” - what can I do to support them?
It can be tricky to know how to best meet the needs of your students who are new to the country or an English speaking environment. The great news is that Imagine Language and Literacy is a great first step to helping them adjust/transition to an English speaking classroom.
Here’s how using Imagine Language and Literacy can help your Newcomers and EL students:
Automatic Diagnostic Assessment
When your class first logs in to Imagine Language and Literacy, they will be prompted to take an initial diagnostic assessment. This is an important step as it will provide the accurate initial data for student language proficiency.
Computer Adaptive → Responsive to Student Data
As students use the program consistently and complete lessons, the content provided to them will change and adjust to their level.
Built-In Native Language Support!
This is arguably the most exciting feature for our EL
students! Teachers can change student settings to provide auditory and written directions and lessons in the students home language. There are currently 15 languages offered by Imagine including Spanish, Russian, Cantonese and more.
If you would like to learn more about any of these resources, reach out to our TOSA Daniella Barajas (dbarajas@sssd.k12.ca.us)
In addition to Imagine Learning, we also have Rosetta Stone, BrainPop ELL, Benchmark Advance ELD curriculum (designated and integrated), iPads, Chromebooks, and hot spots for Newcomers so that students can practice at home.
SMALL GROUP INSTRUCTION AND DIFFERENTIATION
There are a team of ELPAC Examiners who will begin ELPAC Testing this coming week. Attached are the names of students we will be pulling for testing Initial ELPAC List ELPAC Testing must be completed within the first 30 days. Our team will do their best to work around recess and lunch. Thank you for your support in completing this required testing on time.
SMALL GROUP INSTRUCTION AND DIFFERENTIATION