QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS – FIRST GRADE

OCTOBER 2, 2002

QUESTIONS	ANSWERS
1. What are the required units for the first grade	Curriculum for math, literacy, social studies, science, health, PE and music outline the critical content for each grade level.
2. Do you use the math timings?	For grades 1-2 we have identified arithmetic fact expectations. Our focus is on developing understandings and accuracy, not speed.
3. Do you use the “Hiding Assessment” in math for Number Sense? How does this transfer to the report card making system at each reporting period?	In November and March, we recommend using the “hand game” or other assessments that give information about number sense. You may mark NA in Nov/Mar for Arithmetic Facts. In June we expect 1^st grade teachers to use the 1-10 Add/Subtract assessments. Please refer to the Report Card manual for specifics.
4. How do we match our understanding/philosophy about in depth learning with the demands of having to assess and report to parents on so many curriculum areas?	Do you want to revise the elementary report card? We would be interested in having your suggestions about which sections need revision. Plan talk with your principal so we will know of interest.
5. What does each grade level get for social studies?	See the list of curriculum/resources for your grade level.
6. How do we mark the 6 Trait Assessment on a 4,3,2,1, report card scale? Are there writing samples and prompts?	First grade teachers should be teaching (and therefore reporting) all 6 traits by the end of the year. Assess writing using the 6 trait assessment model-either using the Primary Rubric for grades K-2/3 and the Standard Rubrics for each trait for grades 3-5. The teacher’s role in choosing topics is to know and value their children’s interest, experiences, uniqueness, feelings, and what is significant in their lives. Topic choice should, as far as possible, be left to the writer although in some situations, such as reporting on a science experiment, the choice of topic is restricted. When learners choose their topics for themselves, they retain ownership of their writing, and have a purpose for writing. Most children at the early levels are full of ideas that they can write about. Teachers are expected to have students write in a variety of forms and for a variety of audiences and purposes each grading period which is on a 4 point scale.
7. What about D’Nealian? Is there training for D’Nealian? What are the D’Nealian prompts? Can we email them to everyone? How are the handwriting expectations begun at the K level?	Yes, there will be training for D’Nealian in January. We will send out copies of the prompts to all the first grade teachers. The Kindergarten teachers will be talking about handwriting expectations and seeing how they can support handwriting development that is aligned with the District Adoption.
8. What about the CARE now that it is not an official Bellingham curriculum? Will there be support for continuing to teach it? Can we send parent notes home?	CARE is not an official curriculum in the Bellingham School District and should not be taught at this time. CARE was replaced by Great Body Shop and is the type of curriculum that requires special training for staff; parent notification prior to use; opportunity for parents to review materials; and opportunity for parents to exclude their students from the program. There was interest at the grade level meetings in reinstating the CARE program. We will begin investigating whether or not this might be a possibility in light of the moratorium on curriculum that is in place at this time.
9. Is Second Step required? Does it overlap with Health and Social Studies Units?	Second Step is required. It supplements the health and social studies program. If overlap occurs, teachers can determine how and where to integrate and teach the concepts.