Kelly - Hello
Bookworm - Hello, Kelly. I have enjoyed reading the posted notes from the EC group. They have been helpful.
Kelly - Great! Are you new to the list?
Kelly - I don't recognize "Bookworm"! :)
Bookworm - I have been getting my notes ready for the AC. I am looking over the literacy question now.
Bookworm - Yes I am new. I have been an observer more that a participant!
Kelly - Are you copying down what standards apply to each exercise and taking them in with you, too? Hey- no harm done in lurking! That's what we're there for!
Bookworm - I assessed last year so I have 2 copies of the standards and plan to take one in with me, but I am copying down buzz words that apply to the entry from the standards.
Kelly - Good. And do you have notes ready for all the math strands, science topics, etc?
Bookworm - Yes on both counts. I have activities for each strand and I am compiling activities for the science stuff. I am from NC.
Kelly - Bookworm....from NC, huh? Do you have lots of help?
Bookworm - I enjoy it. We have a supportive system, but those accountability standards are no fun this time of year.
Bookworm - We have lots of support groups in our county and in neighboring counties from our teachers' organization.
Kelly - Bookworm - don't you have a lot of support through (I'm not sure I'll get these initials right!) Ncae?
Nancy in NC - Where in NC, Bookworm?
Kelly - Nancy - Are you getting ready for the AC?
Bookworm - Yes. We get info and have meetings for support. I teach in Forsyth County.
Nancy in NC - Yes - working on math now. Had a hard time getting motivated
Bookworm - I am finding the math difficult because it could go in so many directions. What about the literacy from the book? Do you find the child's records hard to decipher for literacy?
Nancy in NC - Evidently - many counties offer sign-on bonuses
Kelly - Bookworm - I think it helps to have a list to look for and remember to talk about....like oral language,w ritten, etc....like you did for your child in entry 2........
Bookworm - We have stipends for low performing schools, but no blanket bonuses.
Kelly - Nancy - are you writing out activities for all the math strands? Did you look at the NCTM website? It really has a great list to go by.......with suggestions for activities, etc.
Bookworm - Kelly, that is what I am doing and writing down the child's interest to draw on for literacy development. But can we talk about math if we bring in integration with writing?
Nancy in NC - Yes I did, Kelly. I am also using our math adoption
kk - I just learned about this source. I'm overwhelmed! There are more people in the EC_GEN site than I have had access to in the whole process. It's good to know there are other "bankers" out there! tha I'm going to take the Assessment and play exercises.
Bookworm - You know, we are really expected to be diverse in these AC questions because they cover such an age range, don't you think?
Nancy in NC - Kelly, I feel like I am preparing for math and science in the same manner - lots of activities to go with strands. Am I right?
Kelly - kk - good for you! I'm a banker - a SECOND time banker, for that matter! But I've never taken the AC again since my original visit....
Kelly - Nancy - yes. Be sure to include a variety of teaching strategies.....for different kinds of learners, etc.
Bookworm - Nancy, that is what I am doing too. Do you think you are doing the same kinds of things that you did for your portfolio?
Nancy in NC - Yes, Bookworm - just in less time
Kelly - Bookworm - I think you DO prepare that way. In your portfolio entries you wanted to show that you used different methods to reach the learners in your class.....you want to do the same here.
Kelly - But 90 minutes is plenty to get down your basic ideas.......and include assessments, etc......you really will be fine if you've prepared at all and are the least bit organized.
Bookworm - Good, I feel like I am just writing an entry for the portfolio again. That is how I am preparing. We have to have evidence by supporting what we are doing, right?
Kelly - kk - are you on our ring?
Kelly - Bookworm - not sure what you mean....evidence of????
Bookworm - I mean telling what activities we do to reach the goals that we have set. Nothing other than written evidence in our response to the question.
Kelly - Yes...your written evidence is all you will have!
kk - I don't know...MyRosie in MN told me about the website, but I don't know about the ring...I did get a message from you about today's chat. Does that mean I'm in the ring?out the website
Bookworm - I know. I just use the scoring criteria to get the framework for the response. It uses the wording evidence just like the entries for portfolio.
Kelly - kk - email me at lkelly46@cs.com and I'll check it out. I'm the moderator of the listserve and I can see if you're on it or not! I'm going to MEET Lori a week from Monday! My daughter is in college near the twin cities, and I'm hoping to spend Monday morning in Lori's class while I'm up there visiting Jamie!
Kelly - Bookworm - good. Use the scoring criteria.....that is a great way to do it.
Kelly - Debbie - when do you go to the AC?
nyteacher - I just visited the National Board site and saw that this meeting was going on. I'm interested in applying but am concerned about the amount of involvement, what is expected, etc. So I thought I'd drop in and see what kind of information I could get.
Debbie FL - 5/26 and I am taking Math and Literacy. What about you?
nyteacher - Am I better off if I enlisted some of my colleagues in my school to apply so that we have a support group, or is this something that I can undertake on my own?
Debbie FL - Nyteacher there is alot of involvement it is everything they told you it would be and sometimes more.
Kelly - Debbie - I'm not retaking the AC ....so I'm just waiting for November (again!).....
Debbie FL - The long and winding wait!
Kelly - nyteacher - it will take LOTS of your time....but it is the best professional development you could ever hope to have! It is all about you and what you do in your teaching practice.
Kelly - Debbie - no kidding! ....this is my third time waiting!
Debbie FL - Having a group is very good. What area are you taking Nyteacher
nyteacher - I have my MST and at one point was considering an Administrative doctoral program, but that's really not where I want to head. I really want to stay in contact with the classroom teaching environment.
Debbie FL - Kelly any Math or Lit advise for me
Kelly - nyteacher - if you're really considering going through the process - and you're in the EC-GEN area....you'd be welcome on our listserve. We have many people who are going to be candidates during the next school year who have already signed on and are beginning to work on stuff for their entries!
nyteacher - I was looking at the EC or Middle group. I currently teach 2nd grade (for the last two years) and prior to that was teaching 4th grade for 7 years. I'm not sure which of the two I need to apply for. Any ideas?
Debbie FL - And Kelly is our founder and we just couldn't do it without the listserve!
Kelly - EC-GEN goes through age 8 - so you'd be fine with that. BUt you could do either.....
nyteacher - I just signed up for the one list EC-GEN and plan on looking through the archives of past digests to get a better feel for the whole process
nyteacher - I saw that during the actual assessment one views Kindergarten students, I'm not sure if I'd feel comfortable with that. I'm more of a 2nd/4th grade person.
Cindy - Hi everyone. Just sent my application in. When can I expect my "box"?
Kelly - nyteacher - did you sign on to" EC_GEN" or to "EC-GEN-NBC"? There are two rings. One is not very active. (I know, I'm on both!)...most of us are on EC_GEN
kk - I can't remember where I found the practice exercises last year..."Martin" for literacy...I don't remember if there were practice exercises for play or not...where should I look for practice items for play and using assessment?
Debbie FL - Did you send it to Texas or through your school board?
Kelly - Cindy - congratulations! I'm not sure - do they send them before the end of June or so? If you call 800 - 532 - 1813 they should be able to tell you.
nyteacher - I signed up for EC-GEN, the one that is open to the public.
Kelly - kk - are they in the Assessment Center guide?
Debbie FL - Cindy what area are you seeking?
Kelly - kk - my AC booklet is buried somewhere - but I THINK they're in there. I'm sure if you can't find them that someone on the ring could scan them and send them to you. (Dana from MS would do that!)...
Cindy - I sent it through the state dept. of education. I am looking forward to the process, and I am nervous!!
Cindy - Debbie FL- Early Childhood Generalist
Kelly - Cindy - are you on our listserve?
Debbie FL - Kelly yes the Martin story is in the assessment guide.
nyteacher - Other than the onelist group and this chat, is there anyplace else on the web that I can go to find out more about what the process involves?
Cindy - Kelly, I signed up on the chatboard, is that what you mean?
Debbie FL - I hope you are using the onelist for ecgen. You will find the information invaluable.
Kelly - nyteacher - teachers.net has an EC-GEN chatboard. It also offers a new EC-GEN email ring. Both are hoping to build up with the new candidates. If you look around teachers.net you'll find them.
Cindy - Debbie FL- Please tell me about the onelist !
Kelly - Cindy-email me at lkelly46@cs.com and I can take care of you!
kk - I have my AC oientation booklet...no practice items there. I've misplaced a whole bunch of last year's materials...
nyteacher - Cindy, if you do sign up for onelist, make sure that you check that you want the DIGEST format, otherwise your mailbox will be CLUTTERED!
Kelly - Cindy - we are a group of almost 400 people connected to EC-GEN. Some are already certified, some are bankers, some are this year's candidates, and some are gearing up for next year. It's a GREAT place to be if your involved in EC-GEN! :) (Yes, I'm biased!)
Kelly - kk - can you ask on the ring? I'm sure someone out there will have them and can scan them and email them to you!
Debbie FL - It's a great thing, and it is so cool to talk to teachers all over the country!
Cindy - Where do I sign up for the onelist, or should I email you Kelly?
Kelly - Cindy - email me! I'm the moderator....and can sign you up if you'd like for me to!
Cindy - Thank you, thank you, thank you Kelly-I will!
nyteacher - I printed out a bunch of info from the NBPTS site. The deadline for applying is sometime in November (I think). Is there anything that I can do now to begin collecting things that I need? Is there anything I need to consider about my next year's class that will help to prepare me for all of this?
Kelly - nyteacher - YES - there is a lot of stuff you can be doing right now. First of all, begin collecting evidence of everything you've done professionally in the past 4 years....that and next year will all be used in one of your documented accomplishments entries.
nyteacher - The info indicated that I had to have my part into them by April (???). Will I be able to accomplish all of this between September and April? Do I send things in piecemeal or all at once?
Kelly - nyteacher - if you email me at lkelly46@cs.com I will send you back a sort of outline of what you will have to do. It's too long to put here in this format! :)
Cris - I was wondering about the play question from the assessment center?
nyteacher - Evidence of what I've done over the past 4 years??!!! What kinds of things? I normally give my kids all of their work...I chuck my plan books at the end of the year... Thanks Kelly I will email you.
Cris - I've been trying to study piaget and vygotsky, is that on the right track?
Debbie FL - Professional Development the extra things you have done to enhance student achievement and become a better teacher.
Kelly - nyteacher - no, Imeant things like workshops attended - or presented - committees you've served on - things you've lead - curriculum writing, etc. That kind of stuff. You don't need student work except for the kids you have next year.
nyteacher - Would I be better off planning this year and applying for the 2001-2002 year?
Kelly - Cris - yes - I think so. nbpts is very constructivist.....
Kelly - ny teacher - no - if you're getting started now you'll have plenty of time.
Kelly - Cris - do you have the play outline from serafin?
Debbie FL - Kelly is there an outline for Literacy?
nyteacher - Professional development I can do...I have lots of that...Courses I've taken over the internet, workshops attended, committees I'm part of professionally, in-service workshops which I have taught, etc.
Cris - Actually, yes I ran a copy, deleted it then I think I lost it, could you resend it to me, I'm on the onelist.?
nyteacher - I am very much interested in the use of technology, particularly the internet in teaching. Will this fit in anywhere for NBPTS?
Cris - Serafin has been very helpful on the onelist!
Kelly - Debbie - I have some stuff for literacy. Send me your email!
Debbie FL - djeml@aol.com
Kelly - anyone who wants something from me (outlines, saved info about each exercise for the AC, etc.) please email me at lkelly46@cs.com. I'd be happy to send you everything I have!
Kelly - Cris - yes - she's one of our "already certifieds". They are all SO supportive!...and have valuable information to share!
Kelly - Debbie - got it! I'll send literacy. Did you say you're taking math, too?
Cris - Debbie, are you a banker? I am too, which assessment excercises are you redoing?
Kelly - Lots of bankers in here today! (I'm one too!)
kk - Keely, you are an angel to put this group together..It has been a LONELY year working on the process...Everyone else in my last year's group was successful, and I missed out somehow on being in this year's group. I'm glad I found this resource now, anywa
Debbie FL - Yes and I have the outines and I have already prepared several areas the one I am sort of stuck on is problem solving. Cris yes I am a banker. I am redoing math and literacy.
Kelly - kk - hang with us and you'll be surrounded with support! :)
nyteacher - I need to go...have a 50th anniversary to go to in 1/2 hour and I need to inform my husband that he may be seeing even less of me than usual...hee hee hee. He's VERY supportive in anything I undertake
Cris - I really appreciate all the support, too. This has been a very difficult year as other bankers can probably relate. I'm retaking the math and play excercises.
Kelly - Cindy - sometimes we get booted out of here....and we never know why! Sometimes if you just click on that refresh button on the left of your screen it lets you back in!
Kelly - nyteacher - you'll need his support! Have a great time....and we'll be looking to hear from you!
Debbie FL - Cris I did really well last year using Serafin's outline in the play area.
Cris - Debbie, for problem solving, I just used the outline that serafin provided on the onelist. Do you have that?
Kelly - Cris - have you visited the NCTM site? It has great info for the math assessment
Cindy - Last week, I asked about books I could be reading. Some of you recommended Constructing Curriculum, which is currently out of print. Any other ones I could use?
Debbie FL - Cris yes I do but when I was filling one out for problem solving I just was brain dead on what to put on there for notes.
Cris - Yes, actually, I have copies of each of the individual strands and have put info. into the outline form.
Cindy - I took comprehensive exams for my Masters. I will graduate in June! YEAH! I saved many things about Piaget, Vygosky, Brian Cambourne, Howard Gardner, and things about play. I am assuming these things will be helpful for the AC??
Kelly - Cindy - Constructing Curriculum has a new edition....can't think of it's name...but go to www.teachingstrategies.com (I think it's .com) and you'll find the new one. It's a GREAT help for the portfolios...and probably for the AC, too
Cris - Debbie, some of the things that I wrote my kids came in with ( I teach first grade) were ; asking questions, comparing amounts; making every day decisions; number patterns; and counting number of objects.
Kelly - Cindy - also....yes, those people's theories will be helpful. Be ready to defend play to parents, etc. Also to know what you'd do in certain situations....like would you just let the kids play on?...or would you intervene....if you'd intervene, what would you do to guide them?...and why?
Kelly - Debbie - I'll send you that stuff.....happy mom's day!
Kelly - Cindy - congrats on your Master's, too!
Cris - I have more if you want to see it, not sure how correct it is, but I'd be happy to share. Happy mother's day to you, too!
Kelly - Cindy and Cris - do you have WEndy's paper on play? I think it's pretty good, too!
Cris - Cindy, congrats on your master's! Were you doing both your master's and NBC at the same time?
Cris - No, I'd love to have it!
Kelly - Cris - what's your email? I'll send it....
Cris - morganc@home.wdm.k12.ia.us
Cindy - No, I don't have Wendy's paper. I decided to finish my masters, and will go for NBC this fall!
Debbie Mc. - Hi! Thought I'd check in before I headed out for Mother/Daughter Banquet.
Kelly - Cindy - give me your email and I'll send it to you, too
Kelly - Debbie - good to see you!
Debbie Mc. - How's everybody doing with the AC preparation? Kelly, I feel like it's been ages.
Cris - Smart girl! I've talked to a friend of mine who already had her masters and then sought NBC and thought NBC was much more rigorous! I don't currently have my masters so I have nothing to compare to.
Cindy - CinlvsPooh@aol.com THANKS!
kk - Thank you, Kelly! I'll be back, and I'm emailing you, too....and have a GREAT time in MN!!
Debbie Mc. - My masters was a piece of cake for me compared to NBC.
Kelly - Cris - this is much more looking at what you do in your classroom - much different
Debbie Mc. - Kelly, are you off to MN?
Kelly - kk - I will...are you in Minnesota, too?
Cindy - Cris, I heard the same thing! I think someone said on here one time, going for NBC is like doing a Master's in four months!
Cris - good comparison!
Debbie Mc. - Your masters in more looking at other people's theories and how they relate to your classroom.
Kelly - Debbie - yes - I'm going up next Saturday through Tuesday to visit my daughter Jamie in college....she's not coming home for the summer, so I'm going up now. We don't do too well when we're apart too long!
Debbie Mc. - I'm glad you're getting to see her. You need that time together. How are she and her love making it?
Cris - Cindy- When are you scheduled to do the AC?
Kelly - Debbie - they're fine! That's why she's staying up there for the summer - to be with him! Now they're looking at grad schools for after she graduates next year. (He graduated last year.)
Debbie Mc. - I hope that I didn't offend anyone on the ring when I agreed with the post on the NBPTS website. I just don't think that it's right.
Kelly - which post did you agree with Debbie?
Debbie Mc. - Sorry, the one about revealing prompts.
Debbie Mc. - I have good news. Kentucky has just passed a bill for another raise for NBCTs. They are also going to pay mentors, reimburse some of the certification fee when/if you pass and give professional days! I'm really glad. Kelly, Missouri should be next.
Kelly - Debbie - I know. We aren't supposed to do that...we agree to not reveal them! I don't know what that person was thinking! Of course, I'd never want to go on what I heard. I could get the same prompt.......or maybe I wouldn't! I wouldn't count anything out!
Debbie Mc. - My pay raise will be 5300 dollars a year now. That's 53,000 over the life of the certificate.
Debbie Mc. - Sorry for rambling guys! I'm trying to get it all in before I have to go and I've done nothing but interrupt your discussion! I apologize.
Kelly - Debbie - maybe someday Missouri will get on the bandwagon....but I wouldn't count on it! If we can elect another democratic gov. he'll at least try! He's talking about it in his campaign! But he'll have a republican house and senate to deal with ....and they never want to go along with anyting like that! :(
Cris - Debbie- WOW, that's terrific! It's great to know you have state that is so supportive of what you are trying to accomplish professionally!
Kelly - Debbie - THAT'S GREAT! Good for you! I bet your tickled! Does this mean you won't come and teach in our school? :)
Cris - Cindy-welcome back; when are you taking your AC test?
Debbie Mc. - Cris, it's taken them long enough! Of course not, Kelly. I'm just working here for the money! Now I'll be rich.
Nancy in NC - Hi - had computer problems. Maybe it's fixed now
melinda - Hi all! Alabama's raise for NB is 5,000 as well with an additional 5,000 grant the first year you receive it for your classroom!
Kelly - Nancy - you're back! Good! And hi Melinda - I'm sorry, but you came in while I was in the middle of a thought, and my tiny brain can't seem to do two things at once!
Cindy - Just got bumped off again!!! I will be taking the AC test in July of 2001 !
Nancy in NC - How many activities should I prepare for each math strand?
Kelly - Hey there Mary Lou! I love your emails about your writing program! Thanks!
Kelly - Melinda - that's terrific! My state (Missouri) is SO backwards!
Cris - So far, I've just been preparing two activities for each math strand.
Mary Lou - Hi Kelly! Glad the writing e-mails are helpful. More to follow as soon as I get my typing fingers ready again!
Debbie Mc. - Well, guys. I've got to go. I miss chatting with you all but next Saturday is open for me! Good luck studying for the AC! Kelly, I'll talk to you when I get a chance. Bye and have a great week!
Cindy - Anybody else here beginning the process in the fall?
Debbie Mc. - Nancy, If you contact me, I'll be glad to answer any questions. crow@muhlon.com
Nancy in NC - Is everyone using the outline from serafin
Nancy in NC - Thanks Debbie!!!!
Mary Lou - Hi Cindy, I am starting in the fall!
melinda - Her outline is MOST helpful!!!
Cindy - Great Mary Lou! I'm sure we will be talking!!:)
Kelly - Hi Teacher's husband and Mason.....can we help you?
Mary Lou - Cindy, what grade do you teach?
melinda - Hi Mason and Teacher's Husband
Cindy - Mary Lou, kindergarten! How about you ?
Mary Lou - Oh, wow, kindergarten too! How many years? I'm working on 18. What state are ;you in? I'm in Maine.
melinda - Kelly you are not doing the AC exercises are you?
Kelly - Melinda - no, I'm not redoing the AC....will do that next year if I have to....
melinda - Cindy and Mason I teack K as well, but am a candidate now.
Nancy in NC - I find myself focusing more on my state standards than national. Anybody else doing this?
melinda - Kelly I bet not!!!!
Cindy - Mary Lou, I have been teaching for 10 years, 6 at Head Start, and 4 in kindergarten! I am in Ohio!
Kelly - May Lou and Cindy - you two will become BEST of friends in the next 12 months! :)
Mary Lou - Kelly, You're not going to do anything next year but bask in your certificationhood!
Cindy - I have another teacher who is going for it, but in special ed. It is wonderful to know someone in kindergarten!
Kelly - Mary Lou - well, whatever "state" I'm in I'll still be hanging around here! :)
Mary Lou - Cindy, Has anyone else in your school system done National Board?
hello chaps - kelly... tell me more
Cindy - Melinda, are you getting ready for your AC?
melinda - Oh yes! June 22!
Mary Lou - I can use all the help I can get. I'm the first one in my distict to go for this. My only mentoring will come from the EC onelist!
Cindy - Mary Lou, yes, we currently have about 10 in my system, 4 in EC-GEN.
Cindy - Best of luck to you Melinda! :)
melinda - Kelly my district is rewriting our science curriculum I was thrilled the whole k - 12 curriculum will be inquiry based and hopes to look at international standards since our nation is still low compared to other first world countries. I'll keep you informed for your "list"
Cindy - I am proud of you Mary Lou for going for it ! I feel lucky, because I will get some support. Still, I feel pressured!
melinda - Thanks Cindy!
Kelly - melinda - thanks! We need all the help we can get! That's what makes it so good!
Cris - Kelly-are you working on your NBC right now or are you already certified?!
Kelly - Cris - I'm a banking candidate.
Cris - Bless your heart! I appreciate all your help that I've been able to get over the onelist. I'm more of a browser!
Kelly - Cindy - that way you'll get on the right one! :)
Cris - Kelly- are you retaking any of the AC, too?
ML - Hey, that's the first time I've been kicked off!
Kelly - Cris - no, I've never gone back to the AC - I'll go there next year if I don't make it this time!
Cris - The AC was one of the hardest things that I have had to do in a long time. I went out of there feeling so exhausted with only the worry of my stuff getting lost in cyberspace somewhere!
Cindy - Did you receive my email then? :)
melinda - Cris when did you take the AC exercises?
Cris - I'm a banker, I took them last June.
Kelly - Cindy - any friend of Pooh's is a friend of mine! :)
Cindy - Gotta go! Happy Mother's Day and see you next week!
Kelly - Cindy - I'll send you some stuff tonight! Have a great week!
Cris - One of the things that was so nerve racking for me, was once you sat down to the computer the time started and you were on the clock for the entire 4 /90 minute segments. One right after the other, by the time I got to my last prompt, my fingers were so sore and my nerves were about shot! I had prepared very well but was a little nervous about play and that ended up being my worst one!
Cris - melinda- is this the first time you'll be taking the AC test?
jk - Hey chaps, you still here? hi
melinda - I am trying to work on science. For the activities I am trying to decide if it is better to think of a broad idea and then branch from it. For example if it was a picture of a frog, maybe set up a pond in your classroom and go from their with your activities. What do you all think (that are going through this)?
Cris - Actually, for the science, what I understood was that you were to analyze some sample's of children's work. It's kinda hard to study, but just know all the different science topics related to 1st grade.
melinda - Yes Cris, this will be my first time to take AC ex.
Kelly - Cris - if you think about what misconceptions a child might have, you'll recognize them easily. THen just tell about what you would do to guide them out of that misconception....
melinda - I am beginning to wonder myself tlg, I thought candidates for NB
Cris - melinda- when I prepared for the science one, I went back and reviewed as well as typed up the Standards that went with this prompt (standard I, III, IV, and V) then I reviewed our Science topics which were Health(dental); Pebbles, Sand and Silt,; Butterflies
Cris - sinetag-are you preparing for the AC?
melinda - Hi sinetag, nice to see a known name!!!
sinetag - No, thank goodness - I'm all done.
Kelly - sinetag is already certified. She's a fabulous mentor!....especially science - ask away with your questions! You've got a guru right here!
Cris - Congratulations! Are you already certified! or just done for this year's certification?
melinda - Should we start with the big idea like in our portfolio for the science AC ex.?
sinetag - I'm certified MC/GEN
sinetag - I believe your science exercise is quite similar to the MC/GEN Science exercise
Cris - Kelly- thanks again for all your support, I'm going to get moving here, been studying at school all day and miss my little kids! Happy mother's day and I'll be in touch! Thanks for sending me that paper, I'm anxious to take a look at it!
sinetag - you have 3 samples of students responding to a prompt that asks them what they already know about a given topic in science - they write and draw what they know
sinetag - you then analyze what they know and don't know, misconceptions, etc., as individuals and as a group representative of your class as a whole
melinda - Aren't you to plan unit inquiry activities from that info given?
Kelly - Cris - I'll send it to you. Happy Mother's Day to you!
sinetag - then you plan instruction to further what they know and address their misconceptions
sinetag - including a culminating activity
sinetag - at least that's the way the MCGEN exercise is set up - and we have a sample in our scoring guide so I'm not telling you anything that's isn't already in the public domain
melinda - Sinetag I asked earlier is it better to mention something broad like if it was drawings of frogs say you would set up a pond in your class for the children to investigate and then hit on the individual needs from there or list small experiences?
sinetag - do you want to hear the actual MC/GEN science questions?
sinetag - hat would help
sinetag - maybe that would help
melinda - Yes, that would be very helpful.
sinetag - In the sample we have for MC/GEN, this is what it says:
sinetag - You are teaching a 4th grade class of 9- to 10- year olds who are of mixed ability. You are begtinning a unit about the solar system and how planetary motion affects life on earth. To determine what the students know about lunar eclipses and what you will have to teach them, you gave them an assignment.
sinetag - Below are three student responses that are representative of the students in the class. Review the text and drawings for the set of student responses completed by Tina, Thomas, and Pat. Next, respond to the questions below.
sinetag - Questions
sinetag - Examine the three student responses and address each of the following questions:
hello chaps - sinetag...stop showing off...
jk - Kelly answered you. And explained it
sinetag - 1. What do the students understand about a lunar e lipse? What additional information do the students need to have a fuller, deeper and clearer understanding of a lunar eclipse? Discuss what the students, as a group, appear to understand and what information they all need, as well as, particular insights and needs of individual students. Refer to the work samples to support your analysis.
sinetag - Am I showing off?
melinda - go on sinetag
sinetag - 2. What is one activity, based on these students' current understandings and their expressed interests, you would use to help the students in the class gain a fuller, deeper and clearer understanding of a lunar eclipse? What is the rationale for using this activity with these particular students? In describing the activity, be specific about what the teacher and the students would actually be doing and the resources and materials that would be used.
jk - Definitely, I am very interested. I have learned so much this afternoon
sinetag - 3. Suppose the goals for the unit about the solar system and how planetary motion affects life on earth include the following: a/ have students engage in scientific inquiry processes, b/ have students collect and interpret data, c/ use a variety of curriculum resources, and d/ connect science, technology and society.
melinda - Sinetag I can't write fast enough, is there a way to print or you send this to me through my Email?
sinetag - culminating project or multi-day instructional experience for the unit would you plan for the students? How would the project accomplish the goals stated above for this particular class? In describing the project or multi-day experience, describe in detail what the teacher and the students would be doing and what resources and materials would be used.
sinetag - THE END
sinetag - I think there is an archive of each chat that you can download and keep.
melinda - Thanks I highlighted and hit print, but I don't know what all it got!
Kelly - Sinetag - as usual, you have given us a GREAT transcript! Many, many thanks for all of your info for us!
sinetag - Now remember, this is the MC/GEN exercise (per our sample). There is no guarantee that the EC/GEN exercise is similar. I have asked EC/GENs and some say it's the same and others say it's quite different... so there's your caveat.
Kelly - sinetag - I know it sounds too simple of an explanation....but I think the two are very similar except that MC/GEN goes in to much more subject detail that we would.
melinda - Kelly How do you put websites so others can go to the site from that point
sinetag - that could be
Kelly - but the process of identifying the misconception and then building from there is similar....
sinetag - I would appreciate a favor from all of you if I might ask it..
Kelly - sinetag - SHOOT girl! We owe you!
melinda - Sinetag, I got it! yea! thanks that will be very helpful to plug first grade materials into!
Kelly - Melinda - I have no idea how to make those thingys blue! :) I'm computer illiterate!
melinda - But they are always blue in your Emails on the list?
sinetag - The web page for The Support Network (for which I work) is up - guess who designed it - guess who's not tremendously creative - it is still a work in progress - if you could visit it when you have a moment and give me feedback I would appreciate it.
sinetag - The URL is: http://www.thesupportnetwork.net
Kelly - melinda - they are??? :) I have no idea how that happens! I just type in web addresses!
Kelly - nancy - what can we do for you if we go there?
sinetag - if you type http:// in front of the URL it should show up as a blue, clickable link
melinda - An Ah Ha! moment for Kelly and me!
sinetag - just let me know what you think of the design and what is included in terms of links, resources, etc.
Kelly - Melinda - See why I love to hang around these people! I learn something new all the time! :)
Kelly - sinetag - no problem! I'll go there this evening! (can you tell how exciting MY life is???) :)
sinetag - about as exciting as mine
Kelly - Nancy - is that the lausd site for nb support?
Kelly - I think we ALL need to take a vacation!
Kathleen - sinetag, who funds the Support Network for LA?
melinda - Sinetag I added the site to my favorites; I'll be glad to check it out!
sinetag - The Support Network is a collaborative of the Los Angeles Unified School District, United Teachers Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Educational Partnership
sinetag - The district funds our operating budget (about 300,000 this year) and provides our director, the union provides all of our meeting venues as well as our office space and support, LAEP (a non-profit) provides our co-director (a half-time position) and pays for celebrations and food (very important).
sinetag - No, I will be at a festival next saturday
Kathleen - sinetag, that's pretty nice support!
sinetag - yes, we're fortunate
Kelly - Nancy - food is ALWAYS important for teachers! :)
sinetag - it's the first norm of every group i'm in
Kathleen - LOL, you people had me thinking I was losing it, Kelly keeps addressing Nancy and I can't find a Nancy listed here! :-)
sinetag - Nancy - that's me
Kathleen - melinda, yes, it's nice to be able to rid us of disruptive people :-)
Kelly - Oops - Nancy is sinetag! It's part of her email! .....I just get so used to people's email addresses that I recognize them!
Kelly - sorry sinetag - did I blow your cover! :0
sinetag - sinetag comes from SineTAG Solutions which was a business I used to hae
Kathleen - When will the next influx of ec gens appear?
sinetag - they'll start popping up in the late summer
Kathleen - sinetag, could this Meeting Room be helpful to your group?
Kathleen - sinetag, feel free to e-mail me to discuss how we can help support the http://www.thesupportnetwork.net/ effort with our resources here
sinetag - possibly... we are looking at setting up our own list serves - chat rooms have not really be considered yet but could be - I will bring it up at the next CDC meeting
sinetag - will do
Kathleen - e-mail: kathleen@teachers.net
melinda - I appreciate all the support as usual!!! I have bought my mom a GREAT present, but haven't shopped for mom-in-law! Thought hubby would take on the responsibility , but maybe not and we are all eating together tomorrow. Could be embarassing?! Sinetag, what is your Email address and I let you know what I think about the site!!!
sinetag - don't know if you all are aware of it, but the MC/GEN list has a web page with the photos of many of its members
cricket - Kelly-I have my master's in special ed. I am still paying for that!!
Kelly - we were thinking of that....I think we can do it on onelist! I just don't know how to do it!
sinetag - it's at: http://home.earthlink.net/~sinetag/NBPTS/MCGEN/RoguesGallery/
Kelly - cricket - national boards is an entirely different kind of thing. INstead of looking at other people's theories, etc. about your practice....with this, you're looking at YOUR practice!
sinetag - they sent me their pictures and i did it
cricket - Kelly-I know people who are doing that. I am not convinced to go there.
Kelly - sinetag - you're fantastic! :) Maybe I'll figure out how to do that!
melinda - Bye all! Have a great week! Kelly enjoy your Sat. off. We'll expect to here from you soon!!!
sinetag - if you check it out and see my picture, i'm warning you it's at LEAST 6 years old
Kelly - melinda - don't worry ! I'll still be around....just taking a few days off to go visit my daughter!
cricket - see ya later!!
Kelly - sinetag - those are the pictures I claim to be real! :)
Kelly - Although I've already seen your picture, Nancy - I believe it was with Bill........
Kelly - Are things going well in lausd?
sinetag - very funny
Kelly - as I recall, those pictures WERE very funny! :)
Kelly - Thanks again for all your help, Nancy.....I really do appreciate it!
Kelly - Have a great week.....talk to you soon. I'll check out your support network thing tonight and let you know what I think!
