The last three years we have really focused on writing. We have implemented school wide prompts and have really gained valuable feedback that have led to crucial conversations on how we can support our students and each other. The video below is very well done and touches upon the feedback that Mrs. Merodio has given us on writing. She does a great job working with our 1st-8th graders and across all grade levels she is noticing a pattern. They need help with organizing their thoughts. This video gives a great example on a very visual process for students to organize their writing. Please watch this video!! Check out this video .
Writing aligned to the Common Core and the needs of English Learners
As we continue to focus on the needs of our English learners, it is important to continue to examine how instruction is differentiated. This article from Larry Ferlazzo and Katie Hull Sypnieski provides an overarching view of writing. The article discusses the three types of writing in the Common Core: Argument/Opinion, Information/Explanation, and Narrative. The author's highlight the integration of reading with writing, especially for Argument and Information writing.
The article provides some specific implications for English learners and writing.
- Create meaningful opportunities to communicate ideas rather than focus on grammar and conventions
- Provide support for citations
- Provide modeling and guidance
- Provide many sentence starters and graphic organizers
- Use collaborative writing projects
- Support students in self-assessment and goal setting
California
Science Test (CAST)
The
California Science Test (CAST) is an online test based on the California Next
Generation Science Standards (NGSS). All local educational agencies (LEAs) with
eligible students in grades five and eight will administer a pilot CAST. LEAs
with eligible students in high school (i.e., students in grades ten, eleven, or
twelve) will be pre-selected and only one grade will participate in the spring
2017 pilot. The CAST pilot uses the current California Assessment of Student
Performance and Progress test delivery system and will only be administered
online. Students will not receive scores for the pilot test; however, student
participation data will be collected and reported for accountability.
Who takes the CAST pilot? Participation in the CAST pilot is required
for all students in grades five and eight, and for the pre-selected high school
grades with the exception of eligible students who will take the California
Alternate Assessment for
Science pilot.
View
the CAST Informational Video (8:19) to learn more about
CAST’s alignment to the California NGSS.
HERE IS FUN VIDEO TO WATCH THAT TTEACHERS CREATED ABOUT SBAC.
No Excuses is COMING to Fairfield-Suisun and we WILL be there! This two day event will focus, reiterate, and reinforce what we, at SV, already believe: All students can succeed! Let me know ASAP if you want to attend July 31 and August 1 at RHS (local!) and counts for Buy Back for next year!! All our newer teachers: This is an AWESOME opportunity!! All not so newer teachers: This is an AWESOME opportunity!
RANDOM T4S Sweeps are scheduled for March April 3-7 (M-F).
Observable Fish Moments at SV:
Be There: Thank you Janice Whan for supporting our site as our APM!!
Play: Thank you Mr. M for making our morning walk interactive and fun!
Choose your attitude:
To actually choose how you respond to life, not just react, you must be intentional. Ask yourself throughout the day, "What is my attitude right now? Is it helping the people who depend on me? Is it helping me to be most effective?" NO EXCUSES!!
Make Their Day: Fill out a good news referral and make a student’s day. Make a positive phone call home.
THROUGH THE FISH PHILOSOPHY,
WE BUILD STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE PEOPLE WE WORK WITH,
THE STUDENTS WE TEACH AND THE PEOPLE WE LOVE.
