Parent Vocabulary

Cottonwood Elementary School Parent Vocabulary

AR (Accelerated Reading)

AR books are listed on Cottonwood’s website. The books are organized by author, title, and reading level (i.e. 3.0–3.9 = 3rd grade reading levels). Students can take a content quiz on AR books on the computer at school. Some teachers require a certain number of AR points in their grading.

Benchmark Tests

Benchmark tests are given once a quarter to measure student growth in various subjects. Teachers decide when these tests are given.

Common Core

In August 2010, the Utah State Board of Education adopted new state core standards in Reading/Language Arts and Mathematics. These standard were adopted for the opportunity to have nationally and internationally benchmarked standards, and to improve literacy and mathematics instruction across the state. For more information on the Common Core, you can visit the following website: schools.utah.gov/curr/utahcorestandards

RISE (Readiness Improvement Success Empowerment)

This assessment measures academic knowledge of the core curriculum taught in the current school year. This testing replaced the SAGE testing.

SAGE (Student Assessment of Growth and Excellence)

This assessment measures academic knowledge of the core curriculum taught in the current school year. This is done to meet the federal accountability requirements for No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Children in grade 3 are tested in Math and Language Arts, and in grades 4–5 in Math, Language Arts and Science.

DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills)

This assessment measures reading accuracy and fluency. In Kindergarten and first grade, it also assesses phonemic awareness and knowledge of the alphabet. The tests are scored as Intensive (below grade level, needs much support), Strategic (below grade level, needs support), and Core (at or above grade level). The assessment is given three times each year: Fall (End of August – Mid-September); Winter (January); Spring (Mid-May – early June). Based on the results of this assessment, children in the first through third grades will receive a letter, mandated by the State Legislature; SB150, notifying parents if their children are NOT reading on grade level. This letter will come out after February 15.

DWA (Direct Writing Assessment)

State mandated test given to 5th grade students to assess their writing skills. Students write to a specific prompt revealed the day of the test. The writing format is persuasive argument. Given only one time per year, usually in early spring.

G/T (Gifted and Talented)

Each year advanced learners are selected by teachers and parents to participate in G/T placement for Granite School District’s magnet program at Morningside Elementary. Qualified students are invited to attend this program the following year. This test will also place students in Cottonwood Elementary G/T program which is approximately the top 5–7% of learners in each grade clustered together in an honors group and taught by a G/T endorsed teacher. For more information you can visit the following website: graniteschools.org/curriculuminstruction/gifted-talented

5th grade students who want to be considered for Jr. High G/T programs must also be tested. Tests are given once a year, about mid-year.

IEP (Individualized Education Program)

An IEP is designed to meet the unique educational needs of one child, who may have a disability, as defined by federal regulations. The IEP is intended to help children reach education goals more easily than they otherwise would. The IEP should describe how the student learns, how the student best demonstrate that learning and what teachers and service providers will do to help the student learn more effectively.

PTC (Parent Teacher Conference)

Any meeting set up by a parent or teacher to discuss the needs of a student.

SEP (Student Educator Plan)

Teacher, parent, and student meeting held twice a year to discuss the academic goals of the student and review the student’s performance.

SSAP (School and Student Achievement Plan)

The SSAP is a comprehensive plan designed to improve student’s achievements. It involved analyzing the school’s performance overtime using multiple lines of evidence and setting specific, measurable goals for improvements. The SSAP plan is put together by our school community council, which consists of the principal, one teacher, and several elected parents. Our school’s SSAP is available on line through the Granite School District website. A new plan must be submitted each year and approved by the district and state accountability committees. The money to fund these projects comes from state lands that are dedicated to raise money for all Utah schools.

FPS (Future Problem Solvers): 5th grade

A creative thinking competition that challenges students to look at a problem that our society might face in the future and then as a team of four students come up with a futuristic scenario that could address and solve the problem.

Geography Bee: 4th–5th

Spelling Bee: 4th–5th

Reflections: all grades

A fine arts PTA competition, some categories are photography, creative writing, 3-D art, dance, music, film, and art.

STEM Science Fair: all grades

5th grades can qualify for region and state competitions.

Maturation: 5th