Curriculum Corner

Over the summer, NWEA completed and released the results of a linking study that strives to statistically connect the scores for ILEARN and NWEA MAP Growth RIT scores. The results of this study can help educators better predict student levels of proficiency on ILEARN based on Map Growth RIT scores.

This study presents the ILEARN score ranges and the corresponding NWEA RIT cut scores. The data tables can be used to predict a student's likely performance level on the ILEARN when MAP Growth is taken in the fall, winter, or spring. For example, a 3rd grade student who had a RIT score of 193 on MAP Growth Reading in the fall is likely to reach "At Proficiency" on the ILEARN ELA test. A 3rd grade student who had a RIT score of 200 on the MAP Growth Reading in the winter is also likely to score "At Proficiency" on the ILEARN ELA test. The winter score is higher than the fall score because growth is expected between fall and winter test sessions for NWEA. MAP Growth cut scores are also included for Grade 2 so educators can track early learners’ progress toward proficiency on the ILEARN test by Grade 3.

Taking a look at the data charts can help teachers identify who may benefit from extra intervention as the ILEARN assessment window approaches.

The link to the full study can be found here: ILEARN-MAP Growth Linking Study

Be sure to take a look at page 16 and 17 for tables specific to MAP Growth cut scores.

In a typical year, any veteran educator can tell you that February through Spring Break can be a tough time. Coupled with COVID-19 restrictions resulting in the cancelling or limiting of events and activities, this time of the year may have many students struggling to remain motivated and focused. You may even begin to see an increase in disruptive or disengaged behaviors. Rick Smith, founder of Conscious Teaching, who often presents the 2X10 method says, "It's a motivator, it's a management strategy, and it's a formally researched way to turn a student from a negative to a positive influence." Smith also says this strategy gives a disruptive student what they may be seeking in the first place: a positive connection with an adult.

So, what is it? Simply put, spend two minutes a day for ten school days in a row talking with a disruptive or disengaged student. The goal is to talk about anything but the behavior or academics. Focus on their interests, hobbies, new shoes, book you saw them reading, doodles you saw on the corner of their paper, etc. Don't have two minutes? Try shooting for one minute, but keep it consistent over the ten school days. It may be awkward at first, but the student will warm up to the idea and it will be easier as you get to know the student better. Research shows this strategy can help develop a connection and relationship with a student that may lead to less disruptive behavior, a better attitude towards school or the class, and motivate the student to put in extra effort.

Want to learn more? Check out this article from the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Click on the button link below.

Last month, we let readers know that the curriculum department was teaming up with WCSC's eLearning Coach/Technology Trainer, Jeff Tron, to add a "Teacher Spotlight" section to the WITTS page. We are excited to inform our readers that the first Teacher Spotlight is live on the website. Mackenzie Hawkins, a math teacher at Castle South, features Desmos and how she uses this tool in her classroom. She even features ways Desmos could be used in other subjects.

Mackenzie writes, "Desmos is a platform that offers engaging, digital math activities for all grade levels. There are many ready-made activities and tasks available to use as-is OR for teachers to edit and adapt as they see fit. What I love most about this tool and platform is that I can read ALL of my students' (in-person and livestream) responses in real time from the Teacher Dashboard on my end; I can ask a question and know what 30 students are thinking at any given time and then address those responses during instruction. I often use this tool for a simple "I notice...I wonder..." hook to a lesson (you can easily add images and videos to any custom Activity Builder!); I use it for entrance or exit slip responses and polls, SEL check-ins, dry-erase problem practice (it has a sketch tool and "graph paper" even!), a way to facilitate math routines and present three-act tasks, a way to teach asynchronously...the list goes on, and the possibilities are endless! It is definitely my go-to tool for formative assessment, especially since not all of my students are sitting in my classroom. Desmos is the first place I look for engaging tasks to introduce or supplement instruction!"

Be sure to check out the website and this month's teacher spotlight here: WITTS Website

If you are have a tool, strategy, or idea you would like to share, please fill out the Google Form here: Teacher Spotlight Sign Up

In place of recommended reading, this month we are going to share the responses from the January reader's contest. Readers were asked to share their favorite "go to" place for fresh teaching ideas. Here are their responses:

• Facebook Communities
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Colleagues
• Teachers Pay Teachers
• National subject area associations
• NEA
• We are Teachers
• The Not So Wimpy Teacher
• https://jenniferfindley.com/
• https://robertkaplinsky.com/
  
• Paula Kluth
• Desmos
• Simply Kinder
• Whole Brain Teaching
• Kesler Science
• wizer.me
• Edutopia
• Math Tech Connections
• YouTube
• AND OF COURSE....The Curriculum Corner Newsletter

Be sure to enter the February Reader's Contest to share your teaching favorites to follow on social media!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!

The Curriculum Department is excited to announce that we will be hosting the WCSC PD Fair on July 28th and July 29th at Castle High School. We are in the planning stages and are seeking presentation proposals at this time. Please fill out the Google Form that is linked below if you are interested in presenting. Proposals are due March 12, 2021 and those selected to present will earn 25 PGP points. The planning committee is seeking sessions that cover a wide variety of topics to appeal to all teachers.

PD Fair Proposal Form

Thank you for reading our February newsletter. After reading, fill out the form below for your chance to win a special treat delivered to you at school!

Congrats to our January winner, Christina Lawrence!

Click Here to Enter!

Email: estallings@warrick.k12.in.us
Website: www.warrick.k12.in.us
Location: 300 East Gum Street, Boonville, IN, USA
Phone: (812)897-6037