Forward Thinking

It's time to begin to think forward about the 

Forward Exam!!

Reflections from the 2015-16 WI Forward Exam showed that 

our students needed more support in answering 

Text Dependent Questions 

(citing text evidence to answer questions)  

Although only 3rd-5th grade students take the exam, it is helpful for all staff to understand these types of questions and how we can prepare students to think in this deeper, more complex manner.  

Here's a brief overview of what we will be looking at during this week's staff meeting (Feb. 28):

Learning Targets

• I understand what text-dependent analysis is and the criteria for success.
• I have one thing to apply to my classroom instruction to prepare my students for text- dependent analysis.

  

Immerse

K-4th Grade-  Text Dependent Analysis (TDA) Forward Exam 3-4

5th Grade-      Text Dependent Analysis (TDA) Forward Exam 5-6
Waunakee: Text Dependent Questions
DPI website - Forward Exam

Investigate/ Coalesce

Staff Meeting: February 28th - Presentation

Go Public
Apply some of your learning in your classroom
1. Use electronic resources to cite evidence

• Highlighting important evidence and using it in a complete answer  
• Taking Notes
• Scrolling text
• Padlet
• Diigo
• Padlet    

2. Create opportunities to respond to reading by citing evidence.
3. Use Rubric to adapt for your students reading responses
4. Use exemplars to share high-quality responses.

21 Day Challenge

The Power of Positive Relationships  

In celebration of Valentine's Day, and its reminder to show others how much we care, this post reminds us of the power of positive relationships. In our PLC work, we've talked a lot about Emotional Intelligence and how that impacts interactions and relationships with our colleagues. And as an educator, you know the power of making connections with your students. Research shows that when teachers and staff build relationships with their students, there's a substantial impact on the students' performance in school.

Dan and Lisa joined me for a Personalized Learning training last Friday.  We spent a lot of time "frontloading" the idea of building relationships with students.  As our conversations continued, we realized that not only do relationships build a layer of trust that establishes the student motivation and self-directed learning that is essential for Personalized Learning, but it's also good practice to get to know your students.  Don't worry - we aren't implementing Personalized Learning this week!  But I do think the 21 Day Challenge is something we can all think about.  While I'm sure you will find most of it affirms things you already do, I'm hoping it brings the power of relationships to the front of your thinking.  Check out the link: 21 Day Challenge For Building Relationships.

Have a great week, and a Happy Valentine's Day!

Sue