Kelly - Hi Shawn! How are you?
Kelly - And Kathy - good to see you here again! Enjoying your summer?
Shawn - Hello! This is my first visit. thought I'd check in since my test is 10 days and counting!
kscally - Hi, Kelly! Actually, I'm going to teach at the Montessori Training Center and then teach summer school. I've been busy but have been reading my email.
Kelly - Shawn - have you filled in all the outlines, etc. ?
Kelly - Kathy - this is my first summer NOT working in 20 years! I'm LOVING it! I have SO much to do around here, though....it's almost like working!
Shawn - No, and I tried to get into the assessment files section and it said the files were empty?
kscally - I know what you mean. All the talk about the AC on the mail ring still sends my head spinning. I remember last year and the year before.
Shawn - Does anyone have any suggestions about how to get into the assessment files section of EC-GEN?
Kelly - Shawn - if you're having trouble accessing them on the onelist site, you can go to Nancy Brown's site at http://home.earthlink.net/~sinetag/NBPTS/ECGEN/
Lana - Yes, the files Kelly gave will get you in, very helpful!
Shawn - I'll try that- thanks!
Lana - Shawn, are you going on the 27th? That's when I'm set.
Carolyn - Hi. Everyone getting ready for the AC, hunh?
kscally - Kelly has the key to that question. I've read about your files and would love to go to them, Kelly. The directions were on the mail ring and I printed it out. But I printed so much out. Will you email me later at kscally@swbell.net?
Shawn - The 28th and I'm very anxious to get it over.
Kelly - Kathy - I'll get back to you! The files are GREAT! :)
Lana - I hear there's really a crush for time at the AC so we'd better have our "ducks in a row"!
Lana - Anyone know a website with good science activities?
Carolyn - It sounds to me like you don't have a lot of time to shuffle through notes so have them organized.
Kelly - Lana - have you tried the Iowa site that has the simulations? That should help you gauge your time....
Kelly - Lana, did you try Core Knowledge?
Carolyn - Lana, I don't know of a website, but the NSTA's journal, Science and Children is filled with wonderful ideas!
Lana - Yes, Kelly, tried to get into that site today, but I could not. I figured it was just busy. And I do have the core knowledge site, thanks!
Kelly - Hi Mauri - is it still raining in Minnesota? :) (It is here in St. Louis!)
Lana - We could sure use some of your rain in the SW.
Kelly - Lana - also the book Science Experiences for the Early Childhood Years - an Integrated Approach sounds GREAT. It's expensive....but maybe you could get it from an intra-library loan if you have that available - or a college library!
Lana - Ha, Kelly, you don't realize how far out I live from everything - including libraries. Ever hear of Ivins, Ut? ;)
Carolyn - Also the AIMS (Activities Integrating Math and Science) are an excellent resource.
Kelly - Lana - write to Dana - she's got the book! (carbag)
Lana - Good idea, Kelly, thanks!
Strick - NC will pay for the process.....i applied using the instructions on the back of the promissory note...mailed it thursday....today found another set of instructions on different sheet stuck in envelope...am stressing
Lana - Joy, you finished the AC, right? As I recall you were worried about not finishing something. I'll bet you did fine!
Kelly - Lana - do you have her address?
Strick - didn't know that i had to send it certified/registered to NC DPI......and i have tried to enter my info on state website and it won't take my info
Kelly - Strick - you can call them at 800 - 532 - 1813 and inquire about your application. If that number doesn't know, they'll know a number for you to call.
Strick - kelly--i have to send it to NC DPI before it gets to NBPTS
Carolyn - Strick - is that the application for NC or NB?
Joy in CA - That was another Joy...
Kelly - Strick - oops - I'm sorry. I was thinking you had mailed your app. to nbpts. I don't know anything about the NC app process!
Strick - carolyn---your application and a promissory note go to NC 1st then they forward all eligible candidates to NBPTS
Carolyn - Sorry, Strick...don't know about NC. Surely there is someone you can call at the Dept.
Shawn - Strick - you're wise for starting this early. You will have a headstart I didn't have!
Carolyn - Yes, it is the same here in AL, Strick.
Beth - Hi Strick, I'm from NC
Strick - i have to send the application to NC DPI and then go to their website and enter same info.....computer won't accept my info
Kelly - hi Beth....how are you?
Beth - Fine!
Strick - beth---wonderful.....are you doing NBC next yr or did you just finish?????
Shawn - has anyone already taken the AC test?
Beth - Just finished!!!!!!
Lanna - Whew! That's so frustrating! I got a blank screen and had to reenter... I love computers...
Beth - Yes, I have taken the ac
Carolyn - congrats, Beth!
Shawn - And how does that feel?
Kelly - If your screen goes blank, try hitting the "refresh" button on the left. Sometimes that brings it back! :)
Beth - Thought I woulf feel differently - hasn't hit me yet
Kelly - Beth, do you feel like you can enjoy your summer now? Congratulations on completing the process!
Pat - Hi everyone. I have a few questions about ac Math and science
Strick - beth---please help ease my mind.....i followed the instructions on promissory note....mailed it thurs...today found that blasted checklist...said that it was supposed to go w/ it...plus they wanted it registered or certified....promissory note didn't say that?????am i in trouble???
Lanna - Kelly, the refresh button on my compute list above the address?
mauri - A question about Ac for those that have completed it. I'm a slow typist, but reasonably comfortable with computers. Will I be able to type enough in 90 minutes or should I consider writing. About how many pages should I be able to do ???? help!
Beth - I think I can. Keeping thinking I should be working on something....
Kelly - Lanna - on this little screen of teachers.net there should be a little sort of blue box to your left....with words like refresh, reverse, schedule, archives, etc.
Strick - beth--what area
Beth - Strick, Just go ahead and send the rest of the info. Should be fine.
Beth - ec-gen
Lanna - Gotcha, Kelly, thanks!
Strick - beth---it was just the checklist......what about not sending it registered/certified????
Lanna - Pat, what are your questions?
Beth - I am also a slow typist. I found it much easier to type than write.
Kelly - Kathy - can you give any words of wisdom about typing versus handwriting?
Carolyn - Mauri, I think I would type it... Back when I took it, it had to be handwritten and my whole hand ached for weeks!!
Beth - Probably be okay to send regular mail
Strick - beth---and the NC DPI site will not accept my applicant info????? i guess i will just call monday????
Beth - Yes, call Monday. We did not register on the site.
Strick - beth--checklist said to enter info on site....it's a repeat of the application form......i just think i stressing a little much
Pat - Ac Math I'm preparing like this. I took each strand and talked about the abilities the students should have at the beginning of 1st. Then I talked about what I want to furthur develop, and finally how this will help in latter learning. My question is this. Let's say I'm doing the strand number operations and number sense.
Beth - I am sure everything will be fine, Strick. Good you are doing it this year - especially with a new govenor coming in.
kscally - I wrote by hand the first time. There was just not enough time to finish any answers. It was very frustrating. As a banker, I typed on the computer. I made a million mistakes, as I never took a typing course. It didn't seem to bother the assessors...I would type if you can type at all.
Strick - yep...heard rumor that state my not continue to fund the program
Carolyn - That would be a shame, Strick.
Kelly - You guys in NC are going to miss Gov. Hunt, aren't you? He's really pushed this process!
Strick - kelly--yep that and big pay increases????
Beth - He has been a lifesaver! Great educational gov.
Shawn - What was your question Pat?
mauri - Thanks ... so length isn't as important as what you say. I am usually concise from doing so much business writing in the past. So forget the typo & forge ahead. I think I'll type. Thanks again.
Strick - anybody doing/have done adolescent/YA science???
Carolyn - Right, mauri....and I do believe they have spell check on the computers, right?
Kelly - Strick - we're all EC-GEN....
Pat - I was cut off. My question is do I need to develop 2 learning activities in Math that address everything they should know about number sense and number operations
Lanna - Carolyn, no spell check at the AC
Strick - i'm sorry to intrude...just had a few basic NBC questions
martha - I see Pat is working on AC math. I have a question. What specific "strands" have you focused on? I have 8 strands from NCTM and our SCOS has 4 areas.? What do you recommend?
Carolyn - No, Pat. I believe you just pick 2 that address something they should know in number sense and operations.
Lanna - Pat, I'm not planning that extensive of a sequence of activities, just two activities, taught in a different way, to be done on different days. I talked to a NBCT who wrote hers that way. (I'd had the same question).
Kelly - Strick - no problem! I didn't mean it that way! :)
CA Joy - Pat, I agree with Carolyn
Carolyn - Really, Lanna? Well, I know it's not graded for spelling/grammar but I always feel better if I have done the check.
Kelly - I think there is no spell check at the AC....
Pat - Is the Math question going to address a specific skill within a strand like addition in number operations or are they going to ask how I will teach the whole strand
Strick - i guess if i read side board i would have known......just thrilled to see folks talking about NBC as i was stressing
Strick - i heard no spell check
Lanna - Martha, I used the strands listed in the standards book for math, p. 32 (number systems and number sense, geometry, measurement, statistics, probability and alegbra (patterns)
Strick - wb beth
Lanna - Pat, I'm going for a section of the strand - or else I'll go nuts preparing!
Pat - So I've prepared the number sense and operations strand and my 2 activies are about addition. Is this sufficient?
Beth - Strick, what school?Check out the wayne county group.
Lanna - Carolyn, me too - but I'm gonna let the spelling go this time!
kscally - Even if there were spell check at the AC, I wouldn't have had time to change the spelling. I'm sure that the assessors are looking for content.
Lanna - There's a little clock in the AC. I'm going to prepare and outline beforehand to guilde me on the time. Like ten minutes into the session I hope to be here... A friend said that might be helpful
martha - Thanks, Lanna what do you mean a section of strands?
Carolyn - You are right, kscally.
Lana - Well, bounced again, but it gives me a chance to change colors!
Pat - So what do you think. Prepare 2 activites for one skill in the strand or should I prepare addition, subtraction, ordering numbers etc.?
Lana - Martha, like under probability, I'm only going for a lesson on spinners, not going into graphing, statistics, etc.
Donna - I have another ? on math activities if this is a good time.
Lana - Pat, I really think we'll drive outselves crazy preparing so much; but you have to be the judge on that. It's getting on my nerves!
Carolyn - hello, Tammy, saginaw teacher!
martha - Lana, you're talking about activities? Or actual concepts?
Lana - I made the mistake of thinking the AC would be less stress than the portolios. Same stress, less time...
Pat - Lana, I agree. It's getting on my nerves too
Beth - I agree, Lana
Lana - Martha, I'm talking about activities.
martha - I'm having a very difficult time focusing on the specifics of AC preparation!! I'm wanting to just find specifics to focus on.
Dana in MS (carbag) - Carolyn, is that your family picture in the "It's US!" file - it is beautiful! I love it!
Donna - Would someone explain the two different math activities? Should these be for different learning styles or just involve something more indepth?
Pat - Martha, when you say concepts do you mean problem solving, reasoning, communication. etc.
Dana in MS (carbag) - Hi Lana! I agree about the stress of AC prep!
Carolyn - Yes, Dana....I like yours too.
martha - How much backgroundinfo do you use in the math question about previous knowledge?
Lana - Donna, I've used Marilyn Burns' books and prepared two activities that deal with the same concept and complement each other.
Kelly - You have to remember that nbpts isn't going to ask you to do something that you aren't normally prepared to do! This is about how you go about teaching........if you have some ideas for each strand, you should be okay! (just my opinion, of course!)
Lana - Also, I'm careful to have one activity be whole class and the next group or partner work.
Beth - Math actvities need to build on each other
Lana - Martha, background info: I'm briefly mentioning formal and informal assessments.
martha - I like that thought...whole class and group and indiv. building blocks. Isn't that what math is?
Dana in MS (carbag) - The only time we have had ALL of brood in the same spot to get a family picture was 6 1/2 yrs ago when Michael and I married and the kids have all grown so much they don't look like that now - so I had to go with individual pics!
Carolyn - I agree, Kelly. Martha, I would put down everything I could think of regarding what the children know or don't know about the topic when they enter my room. Misconceptions, etc.
Donna - Lana, I have her book too! Should I just explain step by step or give lots of explanation of WHY this is what I would do and give related examples?
Tammy/MS - Okay, I know all of you guys are stressed about AC but I just have one quick question.
Pat - Lana, I did 2 activities and basically showed how students went from concrete to more abstract thinking on the same skill What do you all think
Lana - Donna, I'm pretty much stating the activity as I plan to teach it. I'm going to fill in with phrases from the standards.
Carolyn - I like the scrapbook idea, Dana. That pic. was on a trip to the N. GA mountains last fall.
Dana in MS (carbag) - Tammy, shoot! What is your question?
Tammy/MS - Did you have a year long theme that you built everything around or separate themes that you did for each entry or subject?
Lana - Pat, yes, I think they're looking for ways we use different strategies in order to give the whole class the best chance to understand the concept.
Dana in MS (carbag) - I loved it Carolyn!
Carolyn - Tammy are you referring to the portfolio?
Dana in MS (carbag) - Seperate themes - they don't need to overlap
Tammy/MS - Portfolio, yes or just in general.
Pat - the big question for me is will I choose the skill within the strand or will the ac assign the skill. Or don't we know
Dana in MS (carbag) - If you are referring to the portfolio, Tammy. Your literacy samples can be taken throughout the year though.
Lana - Here's a little subject change. I was visiting today with a friend who is assessing portfolio #6 in Vegas. All of our little "babies" are there even as we speak! And my friend said, what else, IMPACT ON STUDENTS AND LEARNING!
Dana in MS (carbag) - Tammy, is that clear about the entries?
Tammy/MS - I am going mainly from tidbits I've heard from other candidates in my area where they were stressed about "the big picture" in Science. I was just wondering if it might be easier to tie it all together and reflect on the connections if you had a year long overall theme and then built everything necessary to tie into it.
Carolyn - Yes, Lana...I was on a standards setting committee and got the same emphasis.
martha - I have a question regarding the grade I teach...I have a 3rd with very young students and low achieving...they function more as 2nd grade...what should I focus on? Next year I will teach 2nd and loop to 3rd the next.
Pat - Lana, how many times did we here that when we were doing portfolios
Lana - Yes, it was like a mantra; and it is true!
Donna - Anyone know when our little "babies" are supposed to be finished? I can't believe someone is finally reading all of my work? :-)
Carolyn - Tammy, I think if you are doing a year-long theme you will have to break it down into smaller chunks anyway so I would do what feels right in my room.
Lana - My friend will be assessing for the next two weeks. Of course that's only one of six.
martha - I pray daily for my portfolio reader. Clear mind and sensitive understanding person!
Kelly - Donna - they'll be finished by the end of the summer - but then ETS has to go through all kinds of hoops with reliability and rechecking scores and all that stuff....we will hear in November.
Shawn - Why do we have to wait until November to find out?
Dana in MS (carbag) - Tammy, in order to not overlap too much, I think it would be better to have separate themes. What do you other folks think???
Pat - I heard they can spend 45 minutes on each entry. Seems so unbalanced when you think of the work we put into the portfolios
Lana - Pat, that's what I said to my friend and she agreed! However, it's pretty cut and dry what they are looking for. Often the portfolio #6 have ONE reader...
Kelly - But the people who have assessed say that they could find the evidence in that length of time. It's either there or it isn't! :)
Shawn - Tammy - I do lots of themes but it was much easier to keep them separate.
Pat - Kelly,That's probably true but............
Carolyn - I thought each section had to have 2 readers at the minimum, Lana
Lana - Carolyn, not entries five and six. There's a teeny weeny sentence saying that in the NB materials we received with the box.
Carolyn - That's good to know...I've been giving out some wrong info in some inservice I have been doing.
Pat - there is a teacher i work with scoring mc science and she said they were only scoring the 1st 20% of entries more than once and that the rest would have 1 scorer.
Lana - Dana, where'd you ever get "carbag"?!
Tammy/MS - Thanks guys, "I'll be back!"
Kay - Everything is going well- in the depths of studying for the AC:-)
Dana in MS (carbag) - Tammy, I read all through the archives last summer of the EC_GEN list and it helped me get a grip on some of the expectations, etc.
Lana - Oh, Great! Six people hold our lives in their hands! Hope they're the "warm fuzzy" types!
Kelly - nbpts has checked the reliability of the scorers and it is SO high that they are leaning toward going to one assessor for each entry. It's really a high reliability rate. But they have only gone to the one assessor for 5 and 6 so far.
mauri - Tammy, I had a broad theme ... environmental awareness & I was able to inchude lots of related themes, many of the ideas wer then student generated because the kids were so "into it". Do what works best, fest best to you, but be open to a "teachable" moment or theme : ) My 2 cents , actually most
Carolyn - I must go, all. Nice chatting and goodluck with all of this!
Kay - From everything that I have heard, those readers have gone through rigorous bias training before they even see an entry.
Pat - My husband is a CPA and his test was scored by three different people
Dana in MS (carbag) - Lana, my kid's dad gave us the name "Carr" when I remarried I became a 'Baggett". My coworkers couldn't get used the name change and jokingly called me "carbag" and it seemed appropriate since we have Carrs and Baggetts at our house!
Lana - I think there are so many candidates that they don't really have enough assessors. It's hard work, low pay but terrific lunches.
Donna - Bye everyone, its back to work on the prep......this time next week I hope to feel much better or atleast finished! Good Luck to everyone! We're almost there!
Lana - Very interesting, Dana. I like it!
Lana - Bye, Donna, good luck!
kscally - I have to go, too. Best of luck to all. Will read the rest of the chat on the archives.
Dana in MS (carbag) - Lana, do you have your outlines filled in yet?
Kelly - Bye Kathy - I'll write to you later!
Lana - Yes, except for the play one.
Dana in MS (carbag) - wow, I am impressed!
Lana - How about you?
mauri - Bye Everyone !! Have to go Kelly, Lori did get in touch with me : ) ... thanks all !!!!
Lana - You didn't ask me how well I had them filled out.... ;)
Lana - Bye, Mauri!
Dana in MS (carbag) - Reading a lot in a Marilyn Burns book and skeleton notes in the outlines - need to add more "meat!"
Kelly - Bye Mauri - hope you and Lori get together!
martha - I keep reading to not stress out to much over the AC, I'm creating files and reading. Hope this is enough..any more tips? before I have to get back to work?
Lana - Marilyn Burns is great, isnt she?
Pat - I was wondering how far in depth on science topic i should be. I was thinking if I focus mainly on the processes of science inquiry - how you teach science rather than what you teach I'll be oK. What do you all think.
Dana in MS (carbag) - YES! I stayed up reading until 4am Thursday night and late last night, too!
Lana - Pat, if I try to make notes for every science topic, I know I'll get too frustrated. I'm developing an outline and going to have general activities ready to go.
CA Joy - Dana, which book?
Kelly - Pat - I think you're right.
Lana - For science, I think we need to come up with something that will use the kids prior knowledge and get them actively involved. I've considered sending some to the moon if it's space science, but I doubt the AC is the place for such creativity!
Pat - Lana, that's what my plan is too. Hope we're on the right track
Dana in MS (carbag) - Pat, I imagine in science we need to go as in depth as we would in our classroom teaching - general notes for the AC on teaching inquiry, buzz words for the standards, a the rubric then adapt to the prompt ...
Kay - Pat, I am really focusing on the inquiry aspect of the science. In the math as well, I am focusing on the students' creating their own understanding of concepts and being able to communicate mathematically.
Lana - I think we're all on the same wave length and probably the right track! Now, if we can just get our thoughts together in 90 minutes.
Pat - Kay, I'm glad to here that. That's my plan too!
Dana in MS (carbag) - Lana, they could go to the moon and pack for the trip in dramatic play! LOL
Pat - A co-worker of mine in mc has been working for at least a month preparing notes on every possible science topic. I think it's a little overkill
Lana - Dana, we're incorporating social studies and reading! how multidiscliplinary!
Dana in MS (carbag) - Joy, the book by Marilyn Burns is ABOUT TEACHING MATHMATICS K-8 Resource
Dana in MS (carbag) - Smart Lana!
Lana - Pat, I think there is the threat of "overkill" and we need to avoid it. We can't spend the whole time looking through notes.
Dana in MS (carbag) - Joy - I am so sorry about your car - that must be unnerving to find!
Pat - Lana, I agree. I might miss "the forest for the trees"
Lana - Yes, I got so frustrated working for the math AC that it felt like the trees were falling on me. I had to tell myself "ENOUGH'!
Lana - Well, I'd better sign off for today. Good luck to everyone; we're almost home!
Dana in MS (carbag) - Joy, another great book is published by Marilyn Burn's publishing is GROWING MATHMATICAL IDEAS IN KINDERGARTEN . I have found HANDS -ON MATH K-1 by Creative Teaching Press full of wonderful activities, too
Kay - When are you guys taking your AC?
Kelly - Dana - This Joy is CA Joy, not the one who found her car ransacked....
Pat - Kay, I take ac on July 7th
Dana in MS (carbag) - Oh! I thought it was signed Joy in CA - so sorry!!
Joy in CA - No, actually it was my car.
Pat - Kay, I had too much work at school to prepare during the school year. I don't know how others took ac in may
Joy in CA - Dana, do you teach K?
Dana in MS (carbag) - Hi Sharon! Good to "see" you!
Dana in MS (carbag) - Yes, Joy I teach kindergarten! do you?
Kelly - oops - sorry Joy! I thought it was the other one! Did the police DO anything?
Kay - Neither do I!! And even though we are out of school, I have not had a free week yet, and won't until the week of my AC.
Sharon - It's good to be "seen". I've just returned from taking my 70 year old mother and 80 year old aunt to the mall. What a treat!!
Joy in CA - Dana, no 2nd grade
Kelly - Hi Melinda - how are you?
Kelly - And sinetag! Nice to see you!
Melinda - Cramming for Thursday!!!
Joy in CA - Pat, I'm on year round and had all May off so I took it May 31.
Pat - Kay, I have 2 children that are home from college for summer and that has left me with less time than when they were in college and i could work on portfolios
Melinda - Dana when do you take yours?
Dana in MS (carbag) - Melinda! Congratulations!!!
Joy in CA - Kelly, the police who came were really nice. It happened to another teacher on Wed and she didn't report it.
Dana in MS (carbag) - I take mine July 11 or it takes me one! LOL
Pat - Joy, that must explain this. I think I like the idea of year round. Do you
Melinda - I read Invitations last night; good prep work for Lit. AC
Dana in MS (carbag) - Oh Sharon! God bless you!
Dana in MS (carbag) - Nancy! I didn't see your were here! HI!
Melinda - Thanks!!! I'm excited! One month sooner than planned, but it will be great!
Dana in MS (carbag) - Joy, how was it?
Dana in MS (carbag) - Melinda, is this your first!
Melinda - Dana if there are any books you want to borrow, I can maill them to you next Thursday!!!
sinetag -
Pat - Melinda, is this your 1st child
Joy in CA - I love traveling off season - great deals - but it's hard packing up and unpacking every three months
Pat - Packing and unpacking - I hadn't thought of that
Melinda - No, I have a little boy that just turned four, so I guess it is time!! We were going to try last summer, but waited for NB!!!
Kelly - Melinda - see? we ARE a part of your family! :)
Dana in MS (carbag) - Thanks Melinda!
Joy in CA - Dana, math was fine with all the outlines, science topic was my hobby so I lucked out on that, and since I teach 2nd I thought assessment went okay - loved analyzing the report cards, but play I lost 10 minutes just going DUH HUH?
Melinda - Yes, but I doubt my sis, mom and dad would appreciate knowing I told you all first. They are at the beach! I told my husband last night, but will wait for a while for Grayson(my son)
Dana in MS (carbag) - LOL Joy!
Joy in CA - Dana, I felt I did well and if I had to take any over it would be play but now I'm not so sure about how I did!
Kelly - Hi jimmy - how are you? Can we help you?
Joy in CA - Dana, even though I did teach one year in K
Pat - Joy, I'm planing on reading Pathways to Play this evening. Did you read it and was it helpful?
sinetag - joy, where are you in California?
Melinda - Dana do you have the Pathways book?
Joy in CA - No. I couldn't get it in time. But I read everybody's notes on the list about it and I still plan on ordering it.
Dana in MS (carbag) - Yes Melinda it is great!
Melinda - Pat when are you taking yours?
Dana in MS (carbag) - I bet!
Sharon - Does anybody know who is scheduled last for the a.c.?
Pat - Melinda, July 7th
Joy in CA - Sinetag, I live in Yucca Valley, close to Joshua Tree National Park, and work in Cathedral City, a block away from Palm Springs
Melinda - I have it, was going to send it your way if you need it!!
Pat - Thanks, I have it too
Kelly - Sharon - I think Bev from St. Lou is taking it one of the last days.....
sinetag - i know where that is - i will be in palm springs in august
Melinda - I also read Early Literacy in the Classroom that was also very easy reading and gave some good thoughts on struggling readers.
Joy in CA - Sinetag, for what?
Pat - Melinda, do you know who the author is
Joy in CA - Our school is year round, so I'll be plugging away. You should come visit!
sinetag - UTLA (United Teachers Los Angeles) has its annual Leadership Conference in Palm Springs every summer
Kelly - Hi bubba - how are you?
bubba nc - I am getting ready for the ac!!!
sinetag - i wlil be there Friday PM to Sunday PM
Melinda - It is by Helen Depree and Sandra Iversen - Published by the Wright Group
Joy in CA - Who wrote Early Literacy?
bubba nc - Kelly: scared too death :)
Pat - Melinda, thanks i'll see if i can get the book
Joy in CA - We should get together!! It would be great to meet you - oh, master of Science!!
Kelly - bubba - have you read the files on onelist?
Kelly - Hi eagle2 - how are you?
sinetag - no Master of anything here, i'm afraid to say
eagle2 - FIne thank you
Melinda - Here's the chapters- A balanced Language Program, Organization and management, strategic Reading, Scaffolded Instruction, Reading Approaches, Responses to Texts, Monitoring and Evaluating Children's Reading, Writing, Oral Language, Factual Texts, Tech. and Lit., Drama as a Medium for Learning . . . and it is only 110 pages!!!
Pat - sinetag, do you think focus for ac science should be inquiry process rather than what we know on each topic or should it be both
bubba nc - Pat: a friend of mine just took the ac tests and found thw Worksampling Omnibus very helpful has preK-3 grade competencies
bubba nc - Kelly: onelist?
Kelly - bubba - tell us about Worksampling Omnibus - where do you get it...what is it...etc.
Pat - Bubba nc, I've heard about that recently. How can i get this? Is it a book?
Kelly - bubba - write to me at lkelly46@cs.com . I'll send you in the direction of some GREAT valuable resources for the AC! :)
bubba nc - Kelly: I am looking for mine right now...for the aurthors' names...It is an assessment tool for PreK-3...hold on let me look..:0)
bubba nc - oops..authors' hee hee
Pat - sinetag, yes my question is do you think we should focus on inquiry science processes or science content or both
sinetag - I think you definitely have to know the science content for that grade level if you are going to be able to analyze student work for understandings and misconceptions
sinetag - i think you need to understand the scientify inquiry process and how to design activities that utilize that
sinetag - So I guess the answer is.. Both
bubba nc - Shoot...all I could find was the teacher's manual...I must have left the omnibus at home...The omnibus is WONDERFUL...it helped me with writing my portfolio entries...Here are the authors...Dichtelmiller, Jablon, Dorfman, Marsden,
Pat - sinetag, I guess i'm wondering if I should plan activities for each content area or just jot down ideas that can be plugged into the science inquiry process
Melinda - Science is the one I put to the side; It is way too broad to speculate what topic might show up!!!
bubba nc - And Meisels...It is a program that you buy for your school...like a report card...It is not checking things off...it is writing summaries about your students....Our system got it from Kaplan....
Joy in CA - bubba, wow it sounds great!!
bubba nc - It is called Work Sampling...I hope y'all can get it...very helpful for all four tests...Personal and Social Development...Mathematical Thinking.....Language and Literacy ....Social Studies....Scientific thinking...The arts and PE are the areas in the omnibus...
Pat - does anyone know where we can get worksampling
Joy in CA - it is state-wide, school wide or district wide, bubba?
sinetag - Pat, I will tell you what I tell our candidates: prepare for each content strand in terms of knowing what the content is and what students of that development level should know abou it, brainstorm activities and resources, think of ways to assess students' progress, include technology - I know it is a lot of work but do you really want to be at the AC and be faced with a topic that leaves you blank? The topic I had at the AC for science was one which I had never taught and had I not prepared notes I would have simply passed out on the floor out of panic-induced narcolepsy
bubba nc - Pat: I think you can call the Kaplan company...they sell educational toys, etc...sorry dont know the number...everything is at school
Kelly - sinetag - LOL - now THAT would have been a sight to see!
thomas4 - Hey, I haven't been to the meeting in so long forgot what I was doing.
Joy in CA - Sinetag - LOL!!!!!!
Pat - sinetag, thanks, sounds like good advice!
bubba nc - Joy: it is county wide...for us...we really dont like the program....but the info they gave us is perfect for NB
sinetag - kelly - even worse: it was my first of the four assessments - the whole day would have been shot
bubba nc - Joy: the program is very NB ready...incorporates the standards...
Melinda - Kaplan # is 18003342014 or www.Kaplanco.com
Mary - Still preparing for science especailly at AC First time for all but I don;'t usually teach science so most worried there. Just keep taking notres on different topics with experiments and heading in right hand corner--what esle can I do??
bubba nc - Melinda is very resourceful...:0)
Melinda - I have a LIBRARY at my house; I should get lots back on my taxes this year with all the resources I have bought!!!
Joy in CA - Bubba, if it's so NB centered, what don't you like about it?
Kelly - Melinda - I was just telling our School Board that I have spent more on professional books in the past two years than they have spent in the last 20!.....and it's absolutely the truth! We do not have ONE "professional" book available. NOT ONE! Isn't that pitiful? They think having textbooks is a big deal!
Melinda - I'm looking at the Kaplan catalog, they have some books on growth and development, might be good for play!!
thomas4 - Joy and I lucked up and found help at the board office. Our curriculum director said there was plenty of money to be spent on books. Of course there has been a man in her position before her. We probably wouldn't have received the help with books.
bubba nc - Joy: We liked the program...but it was a lot of work typing up the summary reports...just about as bad as NB typing...not kidding either...then we would spend up to 100 hours writing and typing up the reports for each child and 80% of our parents didnt understand it because they could not read well...it was awful for the parents....Just a lot of work.....
thomas4 - Hey dana, just noticed your name
Dana in MS (carbag) - Hi Pattie!
Kelly - bubba - could it be used as a guide for teachers without using it as your formal reporting system?
Dana in MS (carbag) - I just clicked on "update"
thomas4 - how is mississippi?
Dana in MS (carbag) - Fine - nice soft rain really soaking in the dry, dry ground!
Kelly - By the way....everybody welcome bubba...our newest list member (I just signed her (him?) up)!
bubba nc - Kelly: most deffinitely...I used to teach K and was looping with them to First Grade...I piloted the First Grade Worksampling for my county...very good guide
Melinda - I can't find the Omnibus in this Catalog!! It is Fall 99 though!
Dana in MS (carbag) - It's our ESP Pattie!
bubba nc - I am female...long story...I went out to eat with my K teacher friends and oredered the combo seafood plate and got fried shrimp...broiled shrimp and shrimp panned in butter...so now they call me bubba...i have never lived that one down...
Dana in MS (carbag) - Cute nickname, tho' - I like it bubba!
Joy in CA - I thought I should use these months wisely in case I have to redo any NB!
bubba nc - Dana: I am in North Carolina...near the coast...we had a great support group in our county this year for NB...we had 39 people going through it...we met every other week at our central office...
bubba's back - Well...I need to go read...see y'all later.....If we make it or not...We are still wonderful teachers!!!!!!
Dana in MS (carbag) - \bubba. you will do it! We are all here for you!
Kelly - Bubba - check your email......:)
bubba's back - Kelly: I will..I just did..I got the egroup...did you send more..
Kelly - bubba - yes, one from me explaining how to use the group files!
Melinda - Well all I need to get back to the torture!!! I am scared about next Thurs., but will be glad when it is over!!!
bubba's back - Kelly: okay..are you going to be in here a while? just incase...
Joy in CA - Melinda, I know you'll do great!
Melinda - If any one needs resources after Thursday, just ask!!!!!!! My husband would love to pack it all up and send your way!!!
Kelly - bubba - I'm ALWAYS here - either here or available by email! Feel free!
Kelly - Good luck, Melinda! Keep those crackers handy for your mornings! :)
Dana in MS (carbag) - Melinda, we know you'll do it!
thomas4 - Joy, do you have any idea who would vandalize your car?
Joy in CA - None. The officer asked and my husband is going "SHE TEACHES SECOND GRADE!!" but the police officer said, still...
Dana in MS (carbag) - Joy, was it mostly glass breakage or did they get the bodywork too?
Joy in CA - I'm down to 15 kids at the moment and we're all really close and their parents are great, and most of them are bussed and don't live in the neighborhood.
Kelly - Joy - wow - 15 kids! What a dream!
Kelly - I had 24 this year!
Dana in MS (carbag) - Wow, Joy, that sounds great!
Joy in CA - No body work thank goodness. Just front, rear window - and all 4 tires - two that we had bought 2 weeks ago!
Dana in MS (carbag) - I had 23 - every one makes a difference in what a teacher can do!
Sharon - I only have 15 kids too. This next year will be my third year with 15.
Joy in CA - I counted and have had 8 leave for the year. For most of the year it was 18-20. But this 15 size is perfect...
Sharon - You're so right Dana. Every little body makes a difference.
Dana in MS (carbag) - That's bad enough, huh?! But, I am glad they didn't ruin the rest of the car, too. I wonder if something scared them away ...
Joy in CA - On Wednesday another teacher had her tires slashed, so I don't know what's going on.
Dana in MS (carbag) - Sharon, are all of the classes in Pontotoc that small?
Kelly - Joy - we went through that a couple of summers ago...during summer school. We knew what kids were doing it and DID catch them! ....mostly because of their lack of common sense!
Sharon - 3 first grade;2 second grade; 1 third grade...they try to add a new reduction class each year.
Kris - Okay, Guys, I go to the AC on Wed. Any last minute pointers. There has been so much GOOD STUFF from this group that I am competely overwhelmed.
Kelly - Kris - if you've read through all this stuff, then you'll be fine!
Kris - What is most important for me to take, know, etc?
Dana in MS (carbag) - I go July 11th - I will pray for you!
Dana in MS (carbag) - I would think the standards for each entry, rubric, outlines serafin posted ... anyone think of anything else?
Sharon - Kris, Write from your heart about your classroom. If you've been reading files on the onelist and teaching the standards it will come out at the a.c.
Dana in MS (carbag) - Thanks Kris - I will need it!
Kelly - I need to go. I'll catch up with everybody later! Good luck! :)
Dana in MS (carbag) - Good luck Kris! I better go. It is supper time in Mississippi!
