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QUESTIONS |
ANSWERS |
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1.
Are there kid-friendly 6-trait scoring rubrics based on a 4 (not 5) point
scale? |
At
this time, there isn’t a “kid-friendly” six trait scoring rubric based on a 4
point scale. It is a great idea and
we will see what we can do to find or develop one. |
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2. Teaming-is there a schedule that supports
this model (common planning & block-scheduling)? |
There
are many types of teaming models that have common planning and blocks of academic
learning time. A true teaming
schedule has time blocks that are completely flexible. Kulshan and Fairhaven currently have
teaming schedules with “common planning.”
Merebloom, Canady and the National Middle School Association have
published books with samples. |
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3.
Is there a reason for the fall DRP testing dates window? |
The
fall DRP testing window is designed to fit a number of constraints. One is to meet a balance of testing early
enough to find out where students are in their reading abilities in a timely
manner, yet testing late enough to give students a chance to settle into
school. Another constraint is the
elementary and middle school reporting periods. The DRP testing window closes at the end of the elementary fall
reporting window, November 8, to allow teachers to use that information for
report cards and parent conferences.
Finally, the test itself has parameters for interpreting the data
correctly. The DRP norming study,
which analyzed tens of thousands of test scores to clarify grade level
expectations, relied only upon the scores of students tested in last week of
October and first week of November.
Testing earlier than this will interfere with our own interpretation
of what are the grade level expectations for our students. |
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4.
District Diagnostic Reading test-have they narrowed it down? If so, which test are they considering? |
The
Middle School Literacy Task Force is looking at assessment tools that support
classroom instruction. Currently,
they are considering the QRI (Qualitative Reading Inventory), Fluency Test,
and Running Records. Each of these
assessment tools serves a different purpose.
The Fluency Test will help teachers begin to identify those students
who are really struggling as readers.
Teachers will be able to identify those students who read all the
words but have no comprehension and those students who are really
tangled. The QRI is to be used with
the tangled readers in order to find out just where their reading breaks down
and to begin to identify what instruction would be of benefit. A running record can be taken on any piece
of text in a short amount of time and provide the teacher with some on the
spot reading information about how a child is making meaning. |
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5.
Could we have a time where teachers can share best practices? |
The
next two scheduled grade level meetings will focus on the topics identified
by the teachers at the October meeting.
Sharing is at the top on their list and will be part of the agenda. |