Debbie Mc. - Hi, Martha
martha - I am eager to chat today! I have lots of questions.
martha - Debbie, When counting the artifacts. My questions is ..... entry 1 SS. I read artifacts and I'm not sure if this means one per sheet or can I use one-meaning several sheets for the same artifact. Exa. a drawing and a writing as one.
Debbie Mc. - Martha, I think the number may have changed this year, but if you can get those two on the same sheet and don't have to reduce the print to lower than 10 pt. and the drawing is clear I think these count as one. Is the writing explaining the drawing?
martha - One of the learning exp. was having visitors from the comm. in to visit and talk. The students had to write reports on the lesson. This is one report for each of 4 guest. Can I use all 4 reports as one artifact or do I use only one report?
Debbie Mc. - If you use all four they will count as four artifacts. My directions from last year say that each work sample counts as one artifact.
Debbie Mc. - Martha, I think you'd better ask someone who has the directions for this year's artifacts.
mel - Hi everyone! How is everybody doing?
Kelly - Martha - my understanding is that you can use all 4 - and count it as one artifact - but the pages count as 4 pages of the 12 allowed (am I right, there is a total of 12 pages allowed this year?)
Nancy H. - That's right, Kelly
martha - Kelly, It's me again about SS. I want to know how to count these artifacts. I have one I want to use which is a drawing and a report writing. Will this count as 2 or 1(since it about the same topic)?
Kelly - Martha - I think that you use that as 1 artifact - 2 pages....
liz - I have a work sample that is a book of 16 pages. I copied 4 on one page by reducing size..it is still readable...is that o.k?
diana - as long as the size of writing does not go below 10 pt.
Kelly - In regards to the food comments a few minutes ago....I'm sitting here eating a big salad - it's where I always eat. Good thing, too, because the dining room table is completely covered with my stuff! :)
mel - Liz, I think "readable" means 10 pt. font or larger
Lana - Is everyone including the optional artifacts for the classroom community and science portfolios? Anyone know if they affect the score in any way?
kscally - Kelly -- I think that everyone missed Mary's. The triplets are keeping her busy and we have spring break next week. Maybe I'll see you then.
Debbie Mc. - Lana, I don't think it will affect your score. Just make sure that your artifacts help the assessor understand your written commentary. They should help complete the picture of your teaching.
mel - I am not including an artifact for Entry 3
Kelly - Kathy - sounds good - my spring break is week after next. Lana - my understanding about the optional artifacts is that are NOT scoreable...
Lana - Hi, Kelly, are you going to some big reading convention/meeting in St. Louis shortly? Some teachers from my school might go. But I wasn't given the opportunity.
diana - Am considering assessing EC Gen portfolios this summer. Has any one here done that?
Rachinnc - I am thinking of doing the NBPTS but may be transferring into curriculum specialist job which is still considered a "teacher" here - can I still do the NBPTS w/o a classroom??
diana - Yes you can two in our district are doing that.
Kelly - Lana - I don't know of one....except there is a 4 blocks workshop here May 8.....what reading conference is it, do you know?
Lana - Diana, are you a candidate? If so, you can't assess yet. Otherwise definately GO FOR IT! Rachinnc, I think you need access to a class in order to write the portfolios.
Rachinnc - It should take a year, correct?
Lana - Kelly, sorry I don't know the name. I wanted to go when I heard it was in St. Louis because I thought we could meet for dinner! That's where you live, right?
Rachinnc - I would have access as one of our responsibilities is to be a "model teacher" - go into rooms to model for newer teachers.
tammy - I'm struggling with specific and global questions that I want to know about one child's reading development, can anyone give me ideas. I teach Pre-K
diana - Yes order your box from NBPTS this summer you have until Apr. to complete portfolio
Lana - Kelly, I think that might be it - four blocks... that's a new reading program, right?
Rachinnc - When can I apply to begin? I am at a year-round school right now - our year starts in July.
liz - Has everyone "booked" your assessment date?
diana - yes, rach, you can use your work with those students
Lana - Liz, yes what a HASSLE!
Kelly - Lana - YES, I live in St. Louis! Tressella (from onelist) was here about 2 weeks ago. We met and had dinner before her flight back to Kentucky. It was great fun!
martha - I have been looking in the manual for the # of pages for artifacts in entry 1. I can find nothing regarding page number. Any help?
liz - Lana-I know..but they called me back today!
Lana - Kelly, I don't think any of the teachers at our school who were given the opportunity to go to the workshop want to go. I'm going to pester my principal for a ticket, although she only wants third grade teachers to go. Wouldn't it be great to meet!
diana - This summer, rach you can start then
Nancy H. - You can have 12 pages for entry 1
Debbie Mc. - Rachinnc, I think that you might be at a disadvantage unless you can get to know those students really well.
Kelly - Lana - I am doing 4 Blocks in my room this year. It is a WONDERFUL balanced literacy program. It's the best thing I've EVER found to teach Reading/LA - I love it. I'm so excited to go to the workshop...although my principal is being a pain about me going....
Lana - So, anybody including the optional artifacts in science and community portfolios? I don't want to!
Lana - Krlly, I think we're going to pilot Four Blocks next year!!
martha - Thanks Nancy! I hoped that was the case. I have worked today to choose the right ones for the lessons and asses. Thanks
Nancy H. - No optional artifacts for me , Lana
Debbie Mc. - Lana, if you can tie everything up and give good evidence without the artifacts, that's okay.
Kelly - Lana - let me know! It would be great to meet you!
Rachinnc - I've been debating with what to do next - NBPTS, Mentor Teacher or doctorate... hmmm... just finished new certification for TAG.
Lana - Whoops! That's KElly!
Lana - Thanks, Debbie and Nancy. Kelly, I'm going to "bug" my principal big time beginning Monday!
Rachinnc - Are you refering to four blocks of subjects??
alicebob - I need help choosing the artifacts for the literacy entry. can someone please elaborate on what the assessors want to see.
martha - Lana, I am including several for the science. I have a good photograph and illustration on an assignment from the taping and I had to transcript my video. Or rather I chose to transcribe it.
Debbie Mc. - I got to meet a good friend of Virginia's in Seattle. She was a great lady.
Lana - Martha, that makes sense. What you're including kind of explains what's on the video, right?
tammy - Four blocks is a literacy development program by Patricia Cunningham... my school is doing it Pre-K-5
Kelly - Lana - DO bug her. I've bought all their books - and been on the 4 Blocks mailring for over a year now. So I've trained myself....but I am really excited to go to the workshop. It's going to be hard, though, because it's the week we test. (Yuck!)
Pat - I have some science questions. In my video my name is mentioned. Is mentioned. Is this a problem
Rachinnc - Do you have a website for 4 blocks?
liz - Martha-Why did you transribe the video?
diana - alicebob, I think that diverse writing assignments are important. Also, use things that can show the student's strengths, weaknesses, and pattern of growth.
Lana - Alicebob, be sure that each literacy artifact addresses the student from an oral, writing and reading aspect. Show strengths and weaknesses; each artifact is proof.
Debbie Mc. - Alicebob, Virginia could probably better answer your questions. They want to see work samples that allow you to demonstrate how you can assess the child's abilities and use this info to help the student progress.
martha - Yes. I feel the lessons needs some thing more concrete and the child's work is great!
mel - Alice-I think they want to see progression over the period of time
Pat - Alicebob, I'm having the same problem What grade are you?
Lana - Kelly, I will bug her and let you know if, by chance, she lets me come! That would be so fun!
diana - Use things that you can comment on a lot. I saved a lot more than 8 artifacts, and then chose the ones to include based on how the write up was going.
Nancy H. - I am working on literacy too. I am trying to assess oral language. Any suggestions??
Kelly - Rachinnc - you can find out lots about it right here at teachers.net. On their opening page there is a column to the left. Click on the 4 Blocks columns....by Cheryl Sigmon....she's their chief "presenter"....
Joey - NBPTS EC-Gen Chat
alicebob - pat I teach third grade.
Rachinnc - OK- thanks....
Lana - Nancy, I think listening skills comes under oral language...
martha - Liz, I felt it is important to understand when some of the "noise" level is "loud". I think I feel more secure with the ass. having the transcribsion in hand., Also, a mentor told me it was a good idea.
alicebob - debbie, are they looking for tests, writing that has been checked, the reading inventory page that gave the levels....
Debbie Mc. - I my child's oral language development, speaking vocabulary, use of correct language.
alicebob - what kind of artifact will show oral language development?
liz - Is it ok to call students by first name in the video?
Lana - Any suggestions for reading material for the AC center?
Lana - Liz, first names are fine!
Debbie Mc. - Alicebob, I used different areas. A poem, a story, a weather report because my child loved the weather.
Nancy H. - I teach K so I have 4 dictations,alicebob
alicebob - liz I called the students by their first names as well
martha - alicebob, I teach 3rd grade and am not sure about the literacy entry at all. I have lots of artifacts and don't know what to pick. I'll e-mail you later.
alicebob - debbie, a poem that they wrote?
Debbie Mc. - Are the literay entries still generated by the child? If so you would have a hard time using an artifact for this. You will have to addess that in your written commentary.
Lana - Alicebob, you might present the artifact and explain how the child shared it with others or answered quesitons about it. Virginia is really our expert. If she doesn't join the chat, go to the Onelist sight and ask the same questions. She usually responds there.
Pat - My name is mentioned on science video. Is this a probem? Does anyone know?
diana - Probab;ly won't be shown by a written artifact, can transcribe a conversation or simply write about it, and analyse it by teacher obs.
Debbie Mc. - Yes, Alicebob.
liz - lana- thanks. I've just been questioning everything lately!!
alicebob - thanks to all
Debbie Mc. - Pat, I don't think so. Your drivers license are there, so your name is there, but I don't think assessors pay that much attention to it.
Lana - Pat, no problem as long as it's not mentioned several times. My name's in my video too; an NBT told me that's ok!
Pat - Thanks Lana and Debbie. This was really bothering me
alicebob - do we need to go into detail about the formal reading inventory that we gave, or is that only one aspect. everything together is what is going to paint the picture?
Lana - Pat, I was worried about it to. I filmed my own video for that part. One child looked right into the camera and said, Hello Mrs. ____" Yikes! I just kept filming!
Lana - Alicebob, give lots of examples of formal and informal testing.
martha - alicebob, what formal inventory did you do for your student?
Debbie Mc. - Alicebob, remember that one assessment will not tell you everything you need to know about the child, especially in early childhood. Sometimes informal assessments are more accurate.
Kelly - The name thing is just normal class routine.....they don't expect you to have a video without names being mentioned.
martha - Debbie, give me some suggestions about informal ass. for 3rd garde literacy.
martha - Kelly, will you have time to read my entries #5 and 6?
alicebob - I'm so stressed. can you give me some ideas for the informal assess.. I have journal writing, writing to a prompt,social studies test looking for information ,
liz - Back to work..good luck everyone..we're almost there!
Lana - Alicebob, how about just sitting and chatting with the child about their interests and attitude towards reading as an informal assessment?
martha - alicebob, you sound like me. I have lots of writing I can use. But, I'm confused.
Lana - Kelly, for a change I'm not having any problem staying with the chat and haven't had to refresh. Now, just watch...
tammy - Alicebob. how about looking at ways the child uses literacy in other disciplines
martha - Lana, would that be considered as informal ass.
Lana - It seems informal to me and it surely provides information....
martha - You mean sort like an inventory of the childs literacy interest? Can you use this as docm. ass.
alicebob - lana, and then what do you do with that? I just don't get it. I feel like I am missing a link as to what the artifacts should show. I feel like I am totally lost. The problem I am having I guess is that my student reads on a first grade instructionall evel but is capable of testing and completing a lot of the third grade work.
Lana - My informal assessments were writing samples, oral reading samples, the chat type visit I had with the child and interest survey sent to parents and running records kept to monitor the progress. I used what the child said about his interests to find reading material that would motivate him because it was something he liked!
Debbie Mc. - Alicebob, contact me off the chat and I'll help you. Even if I have to walk you through it.
Kelly - Alicebob - were you on the list when Virginia wrote what I call her "epistles"? I think she dealt with a lot of your questions in there. I'd be happy to send them to you if you didn't see them before....
Lana - Virginia read my portfolio and didn't freak or anything with those items in there!! But again, I'm just a candidate... I might be smearing egg on my face here!
alicebob - yes, kelly I got the list.thanks. it helps. maybe I am just hitting a wall, so to speak.
martha - Kelly and Debbie. Me too, I'm a 3rd grade teacher as well. Please send it to me also Thanks
Debbie Mc. - Alicebob, that happens to everybody during this. You'll be fine. Just hang in there.
alicebob - thanks debbie. do I have your email address?
Debbie Mc. - crow@muhlon.com
kscally - Kelly -- Would you send Virginia's epistles to me, too? Thanks!
Kelly - Martha - send me your email address...
Debbie Mc. - Kelly, If I don't have Virginia's epistles, I'll let you know.
martha - Kelly, masseymartha@hotmail.com
tammy - me too. Tammylshepherd@aol.com
mel - Kelly- me too, if you'd be so kind: melodyspicer@earthlink.net
Lana - Kelly, are you planning to be an assessor after you're certified?
kscally - scally@webcombo.net
alicebob - kelly, did you finish your section?
Debbie Mc. - Kelly, we could assess in Daytona Beach this summer. I got an invitation.
martha - I'm saving entry 2 till last. I think I really scared of it. I do so much better with specifics like SS or Science. I'll be so glad to have this think over!
mel - My biggest struggle is trying to get Pre-Ks to discuss....for community video. We tape everyday hoping for a good one. The kids are just not use to group interaction like that!
martha - What do you do to be an assessor?
Pat - In the science entry what do they mean by learning experiences? Is there a time frame for this. I'm thim=nking 3 learning experiences - one each day
Debbie Mc. - The NBPTS ideally would like for all assessors to be NBCTs, but until there are enough early childhood teachers can assess but must go through an application process.
Lana - Mel, I've read of people getting the little ones talking about something like taking care of a classroom animal... Just a thought...
Kelly - Kathy, Martha, Mel, and Tammy - I just sent you Virginia's epistle - hope it helps! :)
alicebob - why is it so hard to get the early childhood degree?
Pat - I keep getting timed out. Anyone know what I should do?
Lana - Pat, hit the refresh button.
mel - Muchas gracias, Kelly!!
Lana - Alicebob, is EC any harder than the others?
Kelly - Debbie - I'd love to, but I don't think I can - too much else going on! My entry is not done - I don't have a good video yet......but I'm working on it! I would love to assess whenever I finally get this certification! :)
kscally - Thanks, Kelly!
Debbie Mc. - Pat, what three things did you do with your class.
mel - I don't know why EC is so difficult. We were talking about that at my support group this week......
Debbie Mc. - Kelly, I'm not going to this summer. I have too much going on at school and at home. Maybe next summer we can go together. Share a room and make some moola.
Lana - Anybody know the passing rate for EC?
alicebob - it seems that way. in Miami only two people got EC, and about 26 got the other certifications
Kelly - Debbie - that would be GREAT! :) Then we can plan our school that we're going to open! :)
Debbie Mc. - Mel, I think that the difficulty level is relative. Everybody probably thinks that his/her area is the most difficult.
mel - Isn't passing rate for EC below 50% nationwide?
Lana - alicebob, now tell us only three people attempted EC!
Kelly - Lana - nbpts won't give out those figures. But it's safe to say that it's roughly 50% passing rate....
Debbie Mc. - Maybe next summer it'll be somewhere like St. Thomas. We could go there. I've been and it's absolutely beautiful.
Pat - Debbie, all the experiences were magnet experiments, testing observing, predicting
Lana - Isn't 50% the passing rate for all areas?
Debbie Mc. - I have the cities where assessing will take place if anyone is interested.
mel - I remember last year at the AC the middle childhood people received prompts in the mail beforehand and is was a great advantage....
JO - Any vocational teachers lurking out there?
Lana - Debbie, I'm interested! Will it be the same cities next year?
Kelly - Debbie - I was there almost 30 years (honeymoon!). It was a beautiful place....would be nice to go back there!
alicebob - no there were about 10. how to we get the stats on this? also, how many people pass on the first try as opposed to retakes. whats the big secret with the info. on the passing rate?
Lana - So, is the AC harder/ easier/ same stress as the portfolios?
mel - Somehow 41% sticks in my mind.....maybe for my state, or school district.....??
Debbie Mc. - Pat, what I mean is they want to know about three learning activities and you must include the one with the videotape lesson. You might write about the video and the two lessons that came after it. You might talk about the video, the one that came before and after. You might talk about two that came before and then the video.
Lana - alicebob, great questions - wish I knew
Kelly - Mel - you all will be well prepared for the AC by the folks on the ring! They have GREAT stuff (outlines, etc.) to help! They're just waiting for the portfolios to be turned in before starting up with that!
Lana - Kelly, have you passed the AC activities?
Debbie Mc. - I've heard that if you have no help the passing rate is 17-22%. Don't know if that's true.
alicebob - debbie that sounds about right, 2 out of 10 in Miami.
Debbie Mc. - Some may be the same Lana, some may be different. If the number of candidates grow, the number of cities grow.
martha - I wonder what constitutes help? this group has been the most help to me and I really don't have much other help.
Kelly - Lana - some - I have never retaken any of them. I am sure the passing rate is lower for people with no help. My first year, when we had no one who knew what they were doing, only 2 of 13 passed!
Debbie Mc. - Lana, do you want the early childhood cities?
Pat - I know but this week on the mail ring someone I don't know who said to remember a learning experience could be several days to several weeks! This paniced me as that was not my understanding at all
Debbie Mc. - martha, out there all alone. I didn't know about the list last year. No one around who knew anything about it. Shooting in the dark.
Lana - Debbie, it would be interesting, yes! You must be certified. Do they automatically invite you to be an assessor once you're certified?
mel - I was so surprised at my support group when they did not suggest NBCT read our entries!! Why not??? This ring is sure a Godsend!
Debbie Mc. - Pat, I confined my writing to three lessons. It's hard for children to carry thoughts for that length of time.
martha - Thank goodness I just found this ring on my own. Surfing the computer for help in the beginning.
Debbie Mc. - Mel, from experience, I would have loved to had someone read my entries last year.
Lana - Mel, who did they think could read the papers and provide feedback?
alicebob - girls I had no help the first time around, last year. I missed by 21 points. not bad considering I worked by myself. the ring and onelist has been a tremendous help
Lana - alicebob, that is very impressive! You did a terrific job. I could never come that close by myself .
mel - I don't know they rationale......I think it's a stupid thing to say.
Pat - Debbie, do mean three lessons over three days and one of those lessons is the videotpape?
Debbie Mc. - Portfolio--Daytona Beach, Henderson Nevada, Durham NC, Berea Ohio, Tulsa OK, San Antonio Assessment Exercises--Colorado Springs, Indianapolis, Baltimore, and Dallas
alicebob - how come I am so lost now?
Debbie Mc. - Pat, yes that's what I did. Kelly is that what you did?
Kelly - I think it's good to have as many readers as you can get! Then it's up to you to decide how to meld their advice to fit your writing!
martha - Pat, I took almost two weeks for my science lessons. I can't imagine doing it in three days.
Lana - Debbie, thank you for the cities!
mel - I agree about readers! Kudos to all!
Debbie Mc. - Pat, you don't have to do this, but for me it was the simplest way to write it up. And that's how I like to do my teaching. Making connections from day to day, but not necessarily the same thing.
Pat - Debbie, did you pass this entry?
Debbie Mc. - Martha, my unit lasted two weeks two, but the three learning experiences that I wrote about lasted for three days. Everybody doesn't have to do this, but for me it was more comfortable and fit my teaching style. Yes I passed.
Kelly - I did three "days" ....but I think it's all semantics. Like Debbie said, you relate one day to the next, etc....so it could seem as if it's one lesson to someone....or you could say that each segment is a separate lesson....
alicebob - to begin the literacy should I follow the outline of how will my response be scored, or the questions in the section titled one child's literacy development?
Debbie Mc. - Martha, I meant lasted two weeks "too".
Kelly - Debbie is one of my heros!
mel - As a banker, I did better on the portfolio than at the AC. My portfolio was almost strong enough to carry me through...I'm 20 points down too!
Debbie Mc. - Follow the questions in the entry. You will have the "how will my response be scored" if you answer the questions and teach to the standards.
Lana - Mel, any words of wisdom to prepare for the AC?
Kelly - alicebob - follow the portfolio questions....
alicebob - mel, i was the reverse. scored good at the a/c
Debbie Mc. - No, Kelly. You're one of mine. I could never do what you have done.
Pat - Kelly, I think I must not be understanding this science entry. I can't figure out how 3 learning experiences took 2 weeks
Kelly - Hey - lots of us are in about the same boat! I'm 19 points away from it....or I'm 93% of the way there, which is how I prefer to state it! :)
Debbie Mc. - Alicebob, just make sure that you answer the questions and don't write all around them.
martha - I have found it very helpful to tape the sheet with the portion of "how will this be scored" right in front of the computer and go from there. I use the Buzz word sheets hand in hand. Thanks for everything!
mel - Just study all the wonderful info you will get for the AC, meet with people to study together if possible, cover all bases, like if they say Math, know a lesson for all strands of math; and don't "freak out" the day of the exercise!!
Debbie Mc. - Let someone read your entry who is not familiar with what you're doing. If they have the questions, they'll be able to tell if you've answered them and also tell you if the evidence is there that you are meeting the standards. Turn those statements in how will my response be scored into questions. Look at your scoring guide. The questions that the assessors use are right in there for each entry.
Kelly - Pat - The GEMS unit I did had about a 3 week time frame....but it was sort of 4 lessons. Each lesson took about 3-4 days...but if you looked at each "lesson" you could have actually said that it was several "lessons" long - does that make sense?
Lana - Happy writing to all; I'm going to get back to the grind. Thank you, everyone, for the information and encouragement. Kelly, maybe I'll see you at that conference! You ARE 93% there!
Kelly - Hey wffye! I see you here! Thanks for stopping by! :)
Debbie Mc. - Is that you Tres from KY.
alicebob - sounds like a place to start. is the main focus n the artifacts themselves, or what i write? I think I am getting hung up on what those artifacts have to be, when I should focusing somewhere else.
tres - No I'm from Md.-- hi
mel - Kelly, 93% sounds so much better!! Talk about the glass being "half full..." Suppose I'm at 91 or 92% ? :-)
Debbie Mc. - Alicebob, answer the first question. Then go to the second. Write it one sentence at a time. Let me know. I don't want you to stress anymore than you have to.
Pat - Kelly does this mean 3 learning experieces or 3 lessons. What are they looking for. I know this might be crucial to passing this entry
Kelly - mel - if you need 20 points you're at 92.7% ! :)
Debbie Mc. - Kelly, you must have whizzed the math section. Quick!
alicebob - debbie, thanks. I'll start with the first question and take it from there. I'll look in the scoring guide as well.
Kelly - Pat - I would just worry about 3 lessons. They just want to see the flow that you're using.....
Debbie Mc. - Pat, why don't you tell us what you did in your unit. Lesson by lesson.
mel - Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! and I like that .7! You see, math is not my expertise...:-) !
Kelly - Debbie - nope....I just happen to have a little calculator that sits right here at the computer....much easier than trying to use the one that's on the computer! :)
Debbie Mc. - You know I learned in school that you can round up .7 to the nearest whole number.
Kelly - Debbie ;) I like your style!
Debbie Mc. - Guys, this is off the topic but, in Seattle I met a university professor who is going on sabbatical next year to go back to the classroom to go through board certification. I didn't have the heart to tell her that she might have to bank scores.
martha - Thanks to everyone for your help. I better go back to gathering artifacts and writing SS. Any takers for reading? Please let me know masseymartha@hotmail.com Thanks!!
mel - alicebob-follow the portfolio section questions. Then, print out a copy and highlight with different colored felt pens. Go thru and highlight Standards stuff you said, the scoring rubric as another color, and the Guiding Notes or anything else you have so you can VISIBLY SEE that you have been clear, concise, and consistent.......
Debbie Mc. - Martha, we'll read your entries.
Pat - Debbie, in the first lesson(video) students did a didcovery experiment. with magnets. They tested objects to see if they were pulled by the magnet. They made 2 classifications; pulled and not pulled. Then they were given a new set of objects and based on what they learned fron the first experience, they had to predict what objects would be pulled by the magnet and which would not they then tested their hupothesis. Finally they did a magnet hunt around the room. The next 2 experiences were similar in nature - one testing the styrengh of various magnets, the other experience was testing which objects magnetism will pass through and which objects magnetism won't pass through. What do I need to do . This must not be enough or what their looking for.
Debbie Mc. - Pat, you can write about what you did right before the video or you can use the two things that came after the video. I think that's plenty. What about you sinetag?
Pat - Debbie don't I have to write about all 3. When I say write I mean at least describe the 2 that I didn't videotape?
Debbie Mc. - sinetag, are you the one that gave candidates the great info last Sat. (Of course I missed that chat).
melody - I remember the invaluable advise from last week.....I only saw the archive because I forgot the live time at 1:00 here
sinetag - Yes I was there.
Pat - Debbie, I think I'm just confused. What do you mean by preference. I'll be writing about the video and the other 2 learning experiences.
Debbie Mc. - I'm sure there are a lot of grateful people out ther.
sinetag - you're very sweet
melody - There was a great summary of it done by one of our "angels". Do you need it Debbie Mc?
Debbie Mc. - Pat, what I mean is which three of those will help assessors see your teaching style and teaching to the standards the best.
Debbie Mc. - Thanks, Melody, but I copied it from the list.
melody - It was a good clarification of science Big Ideas
Debbie Mc. - Sinetag, Pat doesn't know which three learning experiences she should write about. Maybe you can help her more than Kelly and I have been able to.
sinetag - what are your choices?
Pat - I think it's the video. It doesn't matter does it as I have to write extensively about the video. The video is done. Does this help.
sinetag - hey there's my buddy Dana
Debbie Mc. - Dana, someone was just speaking of the "angel" from the list.
dana (carbag) - hi girls!
Debbie Mc. - Yes, Pat that will help you. But you must be the one who decides which three you will write about.
dana (carbag) - Serafin is the angel!
Debbie Mc. - Tell sinetag about your magnets unit.
Debbie Mc. - More than one angel in heaven.
dana (carbag) - Hi Nancy, ole buddy!
melody - Yes, there are many angels here!
dana (carbag) - Thanks Debbie!
Debbie Mc. - I'm missing Kelly. Wonder what happened? I'm going scouting for her. Be back.
sinetag - see now I can read what you right and hear your accent
dana (carbag) - Me, too, Rosie!
melody - blanfam - aren't you Shirley?
blanfam - Dana and I just had a wonderful conversation on the phone!!!!
dana (carbag) - Yes she's shirley
blanfam - Yes I am Shirley in Oregon
sinetag - hey Dana and I just had a wonderful conversation on the phone, too! What's THAT about Dana?
melody - How far along are all of you on your portfolio entries?
blanfam - I'm scared of my portfolio
blanfam - I'm not very far at all
Debbie Mc. - Well, last week I missed all that good stuff about science. and I was hoping for something good to pass on to my candidates.
melody - Tell us about your next entry
blanfam - I have some ideas I want to get to work on
blanfam - I am refining #1 so I can put it to rest
melody - Ok, Shirley, if the urge is there.....go with it!
Debbie Mc. - Good luck, Shirley. If you need us you know where we are.
Debbie Mc. - I think number one was my hardest entry.
blanfam - I asked for readers last week and received a lot of good info, which got me thinking about how I could strengthen the entry.
melody - I feel #3 was my hardest because I missed the whole point last year!
Debbie Mc. - Good Shirley. Doesn't that make you feel better.
blanfam - I have #2 and #3 started #4 is the flying worms don't know if I can save that one
Debbie Mc. - If I don't volunteer to read entries on the listserve it's because I think there will be plenty of people to volunteer. If anyone needs me to read, just contact me.
melody - I've read a few entries of #3 and it is difficult to hit the point right on the head.
blanfam - Actually, I only had two people reply from the listserve
melody - Debbie, I may take you up on that. Been too embarrassed to as the others
Debbie Mc. - Melody, please don't feel embarassed. I'll read for you. I just worry that I don't give good enough feedback.
Debbie Mc. - Pat, can I help you anymore. I haven't done a very good job, I'm afraid.
melody - Listen, feedback is feedback. I think it is all good. Did you pass this entry?
Debbie Mc. - Which one Melody?
Debbie Mc. - You guys will be helpful for others next year.
melody - Debbie - Entry #3 - Community
dana (carbag) - Debbie, will you read for me,too/ Do you have time
melody - I offered to read an entry for someone....and got their whole portfolio! Whew!
Debbie Mc. - Yes, I passed and yes I'll read for anybody who asks. I just hate to volunteer on the listserve. I don't want to get overloaded and not do a good job reading for the people taht I do read for. Does that make sense.
dana (carbag) - Debbie - only one entry at a time LOL
Debbie Mc. - Melody, that happens a lot. People trust you. It's got to be hard to turn these entries over to another person. They are very personal.
melody - Debbie - makes good sense. Thanks. Will contact you soon, I hope!
Debbie Mc. - Melody, how many are you doing?
Debbie Mc. - Okay Dana.
Debbie Mc. - Bama won't tell us. I think they keep getting kicked off.
dana (carbag) - Yall Kelly said to say 'bye" she can read as we write but she can't send messages!
melody - Debbie - I'm only doing one: Entry #3 on community. Other entries passed and almost made up for a weak AC total. But on Entry #3, I bombed!
dana (carbag) - Are you sure it is okay, Debbie?
Debbie Mc. - Sure, Dana. It helps me to be a better teacher. I promised the Lord that I would read for anybody who asked me.
melody - Hey, what is the time and station for the nightly chat??
Debbie Mc. - 9 central at the onelist.com
dana (carbag) - I have entry 1 ready - be brutal!
Debbie Mc. - Dana, I know that you would rather hear it now than in November.
Debbie Mc. - Please, remember that I am a mentor and have not been trained to assess.
Pat - Debbie this has been a frustrating 2 hours. I keep getting timed out or kicked off and I';m so stessed about this science entry. It's not a good day. I don't want to bore you anymore but I'm stlill not clear. Should I teach some more science or what
Debbie Mc. - No Pat, contact me e-mail. You have enough. We'll get through it.
melody - ncee.org has excellent stuff on reading and writing by New Standards. There's a big, long Sample you can download. I just received the book yesterday---took about two weeks!
Debbie Mc. - At this website, teachers.net there is a four blocks ring and maybe a reading recover ring. Search this site. It has some great results.
dana (carbag) - Debbie, I just appreciate your input I DON'T WANT TO WONDER IN NOV.!!!
Sonny - Hi, I missed the 4:00 chat. Any science entry people here? n If so I have one question.
melody - I'm going to use the ncee book to study for the AC literacy exercise: Using Assessment Information
Debbie Mc. - Dana, Remember to get the "Big Guns" to read for you.
Debbie Mc. - Do you mean the Early Childhood Science Entry?
Sonny - Yes
Debbie Mc. - What do you need to know? We all teach science.
MinnesotaMan - I love teaching so much!
dana (carbag) - I plan to get everyone I can, Debbie!
Sonny - I'm teaching a unit .."Alive"..Big Idea..Structure and Form...Kids do NOT listen well or communicate well..kindergarten...Dev. those skills is one of my goals...
Debbie Mc. - Good idea, Dana.
Debbie Mc. - Listening and communicating go well with the community entry too. Have you already finished that one?
dana (carbag) - I am fixing it a bit more and mail her out - then start on literacy!
Debbie Mc. - Alive as in?
melody - I believe thinking processes for Kgn. science are: observing, comparing, and communicating
Debbie Mc. - Good Melody! Off the top of your head too.
Sonny - ...We had a great opportunity after a heavy rain...worms were all over the side walk..never before had that happened. We did get some video, spontaneous, weird angles, but pretty exciting. Then we talked about structure, why thye came onto the sidewalk, researched, predicted, questioned, etc. But I feel guilty because alot of the worms died.
melody - I used Kgn. standards for my Pre-K class last year. Did well on science. Just kept battering those three skills.
dana (carbag) - Cross your fingers, toes, and say a prayer for me
Debbie Mc. - Why do you feel guilty? It wasn't your fault.
Debbie Mc. - They will be crossed and we'll be praying.
dana (carbag) - Melody are you certified or banking?
Sonny - they did alot of observing, comparing etc. but some of the kids were not nice to worms.
Debbie Mc. - Bless your heart Pat. I go through this at night with the onelist.com chat.
Debbie Mc. - Can you address this in your written commentary?
melody - I am banking--need 20 more points. In fact, just a 2.75 on entry #3 would have done it for me! Wish I could learn my portfolio score before taking AC again, cuz it wouldn't be necessary. But no can do.
Sonny - I think I may be able to get enough video, if not we did move on to seeds, planting, and observing, etc
Sonny - are talking to me, I believe so.
Debbie Mc. - So how are you connecting the two?
dana (carbag) - Melody, are you too busy to read my science when i get it done?
Debbie Mc. - I apologize Sonny for not addressing my comments. Yes I am speaking to you.
Debbie Mc. - Pat are you ready to scream?
melody - Yes, Dana, I could if you email my direct number, not thru one.list. It is melodyspicer@earthlink.net
dana (carbag) - Thanks Debbie, meody!
Pat - Debbie thanks for all your help. I'm going to leavr now before I get knocked off again or loose my mind! I need to leave all this alone for the rest of the night
dana (carbag) - I wouldn't dare through the list! you would be swamped with requests!
Debbie Mc. - If no one has a question, I think I'm gone too. Yes Pat. Leave it alone and rest. Let me know when you need me.
melody - Kgn. teacher--would your worms video give you enough to write about?
Sonny - I bombed science last year. I am a banker.. I need 1/2 point, raw score. Living things have atructure which serves a purpose. Birds wings are for flying, worms are segmented and enabled to crawl without legs and arms, (we did body moves, made worms with cherrios) Plants have stems to hold them up, our spines to hold us , etc.
Melinda - I have a question about science video and "black out" If I did dtwo segments , can there be black in the middle?
Sonny - I think so
Debbie Mc. - Sonny, are you doing structures that help us move or structures that support us or are they the same thing?
melody - Sonny, is your class the Kgn class?
Sonny - I assumed they were the same
Debbie Mc. - Yes Melinda, but make sure that it doesn't take a lot of time out of your video.
melody - One way Kgn.s communicate is thru drawing. Have them draw a picture.
Sonny - or at least related. I'm not making a distinction. We are Kdg.
Melinda - My video is 18 minutes is that long enough?
Debbie Mc. - For kindergarten, I think there may be a difference.
Debbie Mc. - Yes Melinda, if you can show your teaching in 18 minutes that's fine. There is a 20 minute LIMIT.
Sonny - Oh, really...I bombed science tell more
melody - Dana, you said something so funny one time about feeding your husband!
Melinda - I can show more, but it is more procedures setting it up not "engaged learning"
Debbie Mc. - Sonny, you're probably right. If you're not discussing the two as differences they should be fine. It's not what you teach but make sure that the content is developmentally appropriate. And I think you used a teachable moment.
Sonny - I mostly want them to see things can make sense, and learn to Listen to each other. They and the community constantly talk over each other
Debbie Mc. - Melinda, I think you're fine with the 18 engaged minutes.
melody - Sonny--Can you get your hands on a FOSS science kit or a Scholastic Science teachers manual?
melody - Dana, wasn't it "the burnt offering?" Ha, ha.
Sonny - It really was a teachable moment.
Sonny - g the big green bag for Scholastic, but the worms came as an aside on a rainy day
melody - Sonny, my pre-ks were watching pillbugs for 20 minutes. There was plenty of talking over each other, standing up out of their chairs, interruptions, etc. That's life!
Sonny - Actually the first part of the day they cried, lights out, dark, thunder, warnings, etc. The worms were a bonus.
Debbie Mc. - Melody is right Sonny. That's part of everyday teaching. They don't want perfection. They want reflection.
Melinda - I am having my child's B'day party on the 15th. He wants a space party. We have rented a space bounce for the weekend. I've decided to have a "box off" party after the kids blast off!!! You are all invited!!!!
Sonny - They really understand all the unpleasantries...:-)
Debbie Mc. - That's great Melinda. Good luck with both. Plan for a whole day to pack.
Sonny - Some of my kids are not nice...we work on it but....1/4 of my kids have a parent in jail or just got out
Sonny - e that...would it help?
Debbie Mc. - Well, I must go cook potatoes. You guys contact me if you need to. I'll be glad to answer any questions that I'm capable of answering.
melody - Sonny--the FOSS or Scholastic guides would give you tons of "language" to use, lots of thoughts you could subsitute the worms for. Their goldfish observation was a good one, probably not too much different than watching your worms.
Melinda - I'm off to write.... some more as well!!! See you all soon!
Debbie Mc. - Sonny, Assessors are teachers too. Maybe in your contextual information for this entry, you can include this info and address it in your entry about their behavior, I mean.
melody - Bye, Debbie. More later.
Sonny - Thanks, that helps. I really want to finish this time.
Debbie Mc. - Remember to include in the contextual info, things that will help the assessors understand why you teach the way you do and what you do?
melody - I swear by those science kits! Believe me, I'm no Einstein, and certainly could not have passed that entry without all their help!
Sonny - t to score really high. I reealized during this that I have never had a class on teaching science. I know about developmentally appropriate practice, but science is new, I was cutesy before.
Debbie Mc. - I agree with Melody. We don't have to know everything, just where to find it.
Debbie Mc. - That's the university's fault. They weren't developmentally appropriate.
melody - Sonny - I'm ashamed to admit how LITTLE science I do throughout the year with my class!
Debbie Mc. - I complain because our curriculum guide is too specific.
Debbie Mc. - We teach lots of science and social studies too.
Debbie Mc. - No more questions?
Sonny - In the worms video I'm very pleased with the spontaneous way things worked out and the way some of the children interacted.
melody - I feel so badly for my class because I really don't spend the time lesson planning and dev. curric. like I enjoy doing because I'm always busy with this crazy thing!
Sonny - I'm not pleased with my responses.
Sonny - ld and when he is in the room I am alwasy distracted
Debbie Mc. - Sonny, I think you'll be fine. Write it up good--clear,concise, and convincing. Reflect on that problem with your responses.
Sonny - ugh I looked like a knot on a log...trying to watch him...he leaves when the door is open.
Debbie Mc. - Next year, you'll have plenty of time.
Sonny - My autistic student is what I'm talking about
Debbie Mc. - I've had two or three students with autism. Do you have help with him?
melody - Sonny - your video and/or class responses don't have to be so great. YOUR responses in your Written Commentary can address all that.
Sonny - He goes to spec. ed. part of the day
Debbie Mc. - But do you have an assistant for him?
Sonny - When he is with me it's just the 20 of us plus him
Sonny - No adult help
Debbie Mc. - When we have meetings to plan the IEPs for these children, we consider that and usually have help at least part of the time. How do his parents feel about this? Get them invovled and if they won't get invovled public advocacy can help you.
melody - Can you get a parent volunteer to be involved with half your class while you take a smaller group to do your science observations, etc.?
Sonny - Mom has been instrumental in getting him help
Sonny - I work in a strange place
Debbie Mc. - Our district used to balk at this but the child's best intersts must be taken into consideration. You cannot give this child the attention that he needs to be successful at school.
Sonny - All my parents work, I did get a dad to video the seed comparisons activity
Sonny - ntil mom really got involved he was in with us all day
Debbie Mc. - I really have to go now. crow@muhlon.com if you need me. One of you leave a message about being finished with this room when you both sign off.
melody - It is so easy to be distracted from our goals when there is a disruption like this child!
melody - So my only real concern this time around is Entry #3, and two AC exercises I will redo.
melody - Sonny, what other entries have you completed?
melody - Den - are you going for the ESL certificate or the Early Childhood?
melody - Lynne, so you are not Early Childhood?
Sonny - I'm only retaking the Science. I need 1/2 point (raw) to certify. (6 scaled score) I bombed science last year.
melody - Sonny, don't need to practice Spanish! I need to pass this crazy portfolio!
Sonny - How many entries are you submitting...2?
melody - No, I'm only redoing one: Entry #3 on Community.
Sonny - What grade, Melody/
melody - Sonny - I teach Pre-K in a public school
melody - Sonny, so what are you working on now?
Sonny - need to work on my science entry.
melody - Sonny - so science is your only one?
Sonny - Yes, Melody
melody - Sonny - so will you use the worms video or not?
Sonny - I haven't decided. I'm a perfectionist. it's the best for spontaneous student initiated learning.
Sonny - I am continuing to tape lessons
melody - Well, guys, I've been sitting here "chatting" for three hours now and I feel like I should get up, stretch my muscles, clear my head, and then try to write some more!
Sonny - I want to knock the top off the scale, I only have to score a 2 or 2.25 to pass, that's not enough though. I WILL accept whatever5 I get.
melody - I try to check emails on the One.list everyday or two, so maybe I'll be in touch again!
Sonny - Bye all
