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judy3ca - Hi Nan!!!!
naneb - Hi Judy!!
naneb - I read Missing May today, I have laughed and cried! I want to get a class set
judy3ca - Nan, before the others come, I want to say thanks again. I'm so enjoying mosaic teachers
naneb - it is a great group
judy3ca - I don't think I've read it--it's Rylant, right?
naneb - You have to read it, Rylant is right
naneb - it is full of questions and inference
judy3ca - I think I have it at school. I'll put it on the list.
naneb - I learned how to copy a cassette today, so easy
naneb - you are in the group aren't you?
judy3ca - The problem is that I'm not very dedicated about reading longer kids' books. Right now I'm dragging through one a child gave me as a present.
judy3ca - What group? Tapes? Yup.
naneb - I have a question for you, when you do your reading do you only doa read aloud for your anchor lessons or do you read aloud every day?
judy3ca - I read aloud every day--sometimes several times.
naneb - I do not have enough books to read everyday
judy3ca - I always do a read aloud for our reading minilesson.
judy3ca - Does your school have a library?
naneb - last year I read from one book, like Maniac Magee and used it to model the strategies
naneb - I am at a middle school and so there are not really any suitable books in the library
judy3ca - That's a great idea for older kids---and a WONDERFUL book, one of my favorites!
naneb - I have bought 40 books so far this summer
judy3ca - I think it's Marcia who goes to the public library and gets 30 or so books at a time.
naneb - I guess more like 50, I still have some to come
naneb - I did that last year too, I guess I will just hit the library
judy3ca - You should see how many I have--it's a little nuts.
naneb - I bought a bunch of nonfiction at Walmart
naneb - go to buy.com they have free shipping
judy3ca - What kind of nf did you get?
Rudy - Hi judy!
judy3ca - Rudy, are you having a good vacation? Doing any reading?
naneb - they are Dorling Kindersley Readers
naneb - I will have almost all boys this year
Rudy - I turned in my last paper today and am fully finished on my Masters. They let me walk through graduation ceremonies, but I still had to finish with the summer class. I'm done!!!
judy3ca - Nan, I love those books! I have tons of them! Well, I have tons of DK Eyewitness Readers. Is that what you're talking about? I have quite a few sets for reading groups plus individual copies for kids.
naneb - Congratulations!!
judy3ca - Congratulations, Rudy!!!!!!
Rudy - Thanks!!!
naneb - these aren'' eyewitness books, just DK readers on baseball players, snakes, sharks etc
judy3ca - Well, they're great books, too, right?
Rudy - I was wondering if I wanted to take a course on Heinnman.com. Anyone ever done that?
naneb - I am going to order sets too, plus I have the reading a-z books to use for nonfiction
judy3ca - Rudy, our Lit Coach was wondering about those courses, too. I'd love to know more.
Rudy - Taberski's On Solid Ground is listed.
naneb - I think my boys will love them, great pictures and lots of facts
judy3ca - Rudy, listed as what?
Rudy - I was wondering if I would be mad at me if I started one.
judy3ca - Nan, my kids like them, probably more popular with the boys.
Rudy - The class is listed as a 120 day independent study.
Rudy - What is a lit coach?
judy3ca - Our Lit Coach (Literacy Coach) helps teachers with reading & writing;
Mae - Hi everyone! I can't stay long tonight - what's the discussion of the moment?
naneb - Hi Mae
Rudy - Do the teachers willingly work with the coach?
judy3ca - Does anyone else have a Lit Coach?
judy3ca - Rudy, sure, as far as I know.
Mae - We don't have any type of lit coach...wish I was one!
Rudy - Good!
Rudy - I think you've been a pretty dcent lit coach around here, Mae!
Mae - naneb - do you post as Nan, or do we have two diff. people?
judy3ca - Oh, Mae, I'd never want to work with adults! Our lit coach is so tactful but I think she takes some guff. Would you really want to do that?
Rudy - You've offered many intersting ideas!
Mae - Thank you, Rudy.
naneb - same person, two names
Rudy - I got to teach an Ohio SIRI reading course to 30 teachers last summer. I had a great experience.
naneb - I am naneb on the mail ring and nan on the board
judy3ca -Gott try this, sorry.
Mae - Actually - I do want to work w/adults - eventually. But you are right - I would have to toughen my hide.
naneb - Hi Sharon, I copied a song from a cassette so I am ready to go
judy3ca - ((((Sharon))))
Rudy - Hi Sharon!
Sharon - hideeho!
Mae - Ok Nan - glad I've got that straight.
naneb -
Mae - hi Sharon
Sharon - copied a song? boogie book?
Sharon - hi mae, rudy, judy, and nan
naneb - so that I can make the CDs of books
Rudy - I had all the teachers doing KWLs and WEBS and other graphic organizers with their studies. Also I kept a dialogue journal with everyone. the journal was really the key, i think. The techers had a place to state their views or just gripe. Worked well.!
Sharon - oooooooh...... gotcha Nan... boy, we're lucky to have you to organize this stuff!
Nan - Okay! I am back! I think this is better
teach/erin - I'm in the midst of working on 6 papers for my Master's program. I can barely see straight
Rudy - What are you talking about? Songs?
Mae - ouch erin
teach/erin - Sent my hubby and son to the Colorado River for a few days so I could work
brad - people are still cracking fireworks around here
Nan - there is a group of us working on a book project
teach/erin - Exactly, Mae.
Mae - yeah, here too Brad
Rudy - Erin, I turned in my last Masters paper today. I am FREE!!!
teach/erin - But if I get them done soon, I'm free for the rest of the summer!!!!!!
Sharon - i was working on master copies of a MOOSE book..... never used one before, but required to do some type of daily notebook communication thing this year, so I thought I'd give it a try
brad - nan, I want the CD
teach/erin - Yeah, Rudy
brad - sharon, I was thinking of doing that MOOSE next year. Are you buying and making them yourself?
Nan - what is MOOSE?
teach/erin - Sharon, are you using the categories I've seen listed or your own. I'm thinking of using them next year
Mae - I was thinking about the MOOSE book - I don't know if I have the energy to organize it right now.
Rudy - I was wondering, too.
Sharon - i'm going to make one and price what it costs, brad... then charge the parents... I'd be happy to share the master copies i made if it will help you... just let me know
brad - We have "notebooks" the school buys, but I like the MOOSE, cause it has pockets for "stuff"
Sharon - i made my own categories, erin
brad - will do Sharon: I doubt I'll be reimbursed if I charge too much though
Mae - I would have to modify the MOOSE. Nan -it's an organization notebook w/pockets, etc. that you put together for your kids
Sharon - nan, moose stands for management of organizational skills everyday
Nan - are these like planners? our kids all have agenda planners, they write the objectives for each class assignments, grades etc
brad - Our notebooks are just spirals they record homework in
teach/erin - I'd love to see copies when you're done.
brad - that's what we have now, nan, agenda books, but MOOSE have pockets for homework and communication
Mae - There is a website somewhere w/pictures and stuff
Sharon - maybe i can email them to nan and she can figure out how to post them? nan's a comp genius
brad - I have the website, hold on and I'll post
Nan - our kids have zipper binders and everything goes in them, all grades are the same
Nan - not exactly but I can probably manage that!!
Sharon - i found the neatest moose graphic..... a moose wearing shades carrying a briefcase and little moose tracks bar graphic
Mae - You know, this group has really grown, and the Pro Rdng. board goes so fast it's hard to keep up!
Rudy - What professional book is everyone reading?
Nan - I teach at a middle school and almost every teacher has notebook checks and require certain things to be in them at all times
Kathy/IA - Yes, it does - Mae ... I sometimes feel I don't get to the board soon enough to stay caught up! But the info is wonderful!
Mae - Mot, STW, RWM, WW, etc...................
Alta Rose - I'm reading both MOT and RWM.
Nan - I just reread RWM for about the third time
judy3ca - Rudy, I just finished "Awakening the Heart" by Georgia Heard. It was wonderful and I'm going to use several suggestions from the book.
Rudy - I am planning on rereading MOT.
Sadie T - I'm reading MOT and STW, also some other stuff that no one else is reading... so I can annoy them with off-topic questions
teach/erin - Judy, what is that about?
Sharon - hi diane!
diane - hi everybody
Nan - Well, guess what! The sped teachers are meeting on Tuesday to fix our schedule like we wanted at the beginning
Kathy/IA - I keep thinking I'm going to get to Models of Teaching (Bruce Joyce) ... but I never do! When I do ... Jan will be proud!
Mae - Question for everyone: what do you think of teaching all reading and writing within text structures?
teach/erin - Re-reading The Art of Teaching Reading, MOT, RWM
Sharon - yay for you Nan! and good luck!
judy3ca - Erin, the subtitle is "Exploring Poetry in Elementary and Middle School."
judy3ca - Kathy, have you priced Joyce's book?
teach/erin - Sounds great Judy
Nan - I am planning on using lots of poetry to teach the strategies
Kathy/IA - We do a lot with text structures - when we do the Picture Word Inductive Model. (especially non-fiction text structures)
Rudy - I brought home Interactive Writing by Pinnell and Fountas. Skimmed it the first time. Will really read it this time.
Alta Rose - Mae,I'm not sure what you mean by text structures.
Nan - we need to start a folder for poetry on the website
judy3ca - And I just started "Writing through Childhood." Brad, aren't you the one who recommended this book?
diane - great idea, nan
Sharon - nan, have you checked the "until I saw the sea" file i uplifted with ocean/beach poetry? would be great
Kathy/IA - I have Joyce's book. We received them on a state wide reading team I'm on. Yes, it is is expensive! It is sitting on my shelf ... at least I brought it home from my office!
Rudy - Anybody know Forget? My curriculum teacher in middle school was reading his stuff.
brad - Actually, I recommended a different Harwayne book, and I'm waiting on that one right now from the library, Judy
judy3ca - Kathy, LOL, that's step one!
Mae - I'm thinking of selecting 4-6 text structures (nonfiction, narrative) that would best fit my curricula and grade level, and then let that be the foundation for everything else. Does that make sense?
Kathy/IA - Yep!
Sadie T - Sharon, where is that ocean/beach poetry file? sounds interesting...
brad - I read Harwayne's "Going Public" and "Lifetime Guarantees"
Sharon - on the mosaicteachers website, sadie
judy3ca - Brad, which one? I mean what's the other Harwayne book you're waiting for?
Mae - I have Inductive Thinking by Joyce and Calhoun
Nan - thanks sharon,
brad - the one you have is the one I'm waiting for, Judy
Sadie T - Thanks Sharon, I'll check it out
Rudy - How do you get to the Mosaic web site?
judy3ca - Oh, duh, sorry Brad....now I get it.
Sadie T - Judy, DON'T GIVE BRAD ANYTHING (sorry for shouting, but that was important)
Nan - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mosaicteachers/
Kathy/IA - There are many text structures - compare/contrast, sequencing, etc... we use them when we do composing think-alouds with the kids - explaining exactly what we are thinking as we compose a paragraph.
brad - if anyone knows how to post a link to this chatroom, please tell me and I'll link the MOOSE notebook site with lots of pix
Mae - I'm sorry - it's Teaching Inductively. I'm tired. Brad - put that one on your list - but FINISH WHAT YOU'VE GOT FIRST!!!
brad - sadie, hush, I'm holding Kim's MOT hostage till I get that Pressley book
Nan - Sharon, I have them now, actually I think I had them before the computer crash
Kathy/IA - Nan, that is a great list! I'm on it ... thought I've just been basically lurking. Love the conversations!!!!
judy3ca - Nan, don't you just type the addy in the box?
Rudy - Thanks, Nan.
Alta Rose - Mae, how long would those text structures be used as the foundation? One month, the whole year, etc?
Mae - Kathy - would you use text structures as your foundation. Study reading and writing w/in the structure?
Nan - judy, I copy and paste
brad - http://www.madison.k12.al.us/rivelementary/kindergarten/solley/moosebookpage.html
Mae - Alta Rose - I don't know - I'm still thinking it through...
Kathy/IA - Text structures are very important - especially in things like non fiction. A students SS or Science text book may be written by several authors and with in each part there may be different text structures. Kids need to know how to read each structure. THere are graphic organizer that go with each text structure.
judy3ca - Thanks, Brad, I'll look at the site later.
Sadie T - Mae, I plan to use text structures a lot next year
brad - I was the guy on 101 they had to foam and drag out; holding Kim's MOT hostage
Mae - In WW, she sites 32 different text structures!
Sadie T - Brad, I *thought* that was you!
brad - That foam did nothing for my hair!
Kathy/IA - You would want to help the kids recognize the various structures - because we read each kind differently.
diane - thanks, brad. i've been wondering about these
Sharon - did they ever find out what the deal with him was, brad?
Sadie T - Mae, I was just going to ask about that... how many text structures and where I could find a list...
Kathy/IA - I need to get WW. It sounds like something very useful.
brad - Mae and Kathy, Jan has some kind of "warning" she wanted to tell us about these text structures, so. . .
Kathy/IA - You can probably type in "text structures" in a search engine like Google and get an example of them
brad - I never heard anything else Sharon
Nan - Mae, then would you need to have sets of books or stories that would have each type of text structure?
Mae - Jan linked me to a site w/good info. on nonfiction structures. It should still be on the board.
Alta Rose - brb--Got to put son to bed.
Kathy/IA - I probably have some sites book marked. Or I have info at my office, but won't be there for a while.
brad - page 285, STW, text structures, cue words
Mae - According to Wood in WW, you can find many different genres across one text structure. I feel like I need a year just to study!
Sadie T - People don't seem to agree exactly on what the text structures are... if you are focusing on them exclusively couldn't that cause problems? Like their next teacher gives them a whole different set the next year...
Kathy/IA - Yes, that would be a good resource, Brad.
Nan - it sounds like it would take a lot of organizing to get started
Kathy/IA - You goal is that the kids recognize them and know what to do as a reader.
brad - The text structures in WW are so different though
judy3ca - brb
teach/erin - Found this one with some graphic organizers http://cps.uwsp.edu/Courses/EDUC310/TextStruct/expository.asp
Sadie T - I think the text structures should be taught but I'm not sure about focusing everything on them.
Mae - There are lots of text structures, but there are also many common, used often structures. There are some bend and stretch structures where more than one and something new is created within the text. It's the common - basic ones that I think we should teach. You bend and stretch when you get older and good at it.
Nan - I think I will stick with teaching the strategies
Mae - My thinking is teach strategies, skills and writing w/in a structure until the structure is well known, and then move on to another structure. I'm just brainstorming here.
brad - learned something on text structures and graphic organizers--that you should CREATE the organizer as you read and speak, instead of having one pre-made to "fill-in"
Rudy - I had a content area reading course with a big thick text and I studied about text structures. Next I found Graphic Organizers by Bromley. It is a Scholastic book. It had about evrything I had learned in that thick text trimmed down to good explainations and examples. l love anything with Brom;ey's name on it.
Kathy/IA - When we use the Picture Word Inductive Model, it doesn't take anytime to get started with text structures. We are just showing kids how we go about writing a paragraph using a specific text structure. There are many books out that go through various think aloud strategies - helping to make our thinking (metacognition) public.
Nan - teach/erin are you a part of the yahoo group?
Sharon - the more i learn about teaching, the more incompetent i feel!
judy3ca - Me, too, Nan!
Sadie T - Brad, I think that's really true. You can't always make a text fit a fill-in graphic organizer. I create practice ones that go with a text... then they move on to their own.
Alta Rose - Me too, Sharon!
judy3ca - Brad, I heartily agree with that--making the organizer!
brad - makes it more authentic and less of a "workbook page"
Mae - Sharon - you are not incompetent BECAUSE you are learning.
teach/erin - Nan, yes, but I rarely post because I can't keep up with everyone else. I feel woefully inadequate.
Kathy/IA - Yes, Brad - it is very important to watch what organizers you use. I've seen teachers just copy off something in a book, make kids fill it out - but they struggle because the structures don't match.
Sadie T - Sharon, that's your "constructive dissatisfaction." It's a good thing.
Nan - exactly, if an organizer has three spaces they only look for three, but if you add lines as you go it can be as big as necessary
Sharon - lawdy erin.... if they let ME post.... believe me ANYONE can post
Kathy/IA - Text structures really are important when looking at content area reading
brad - sometimes you have to be careful because in primary, the lesson ocasionally becomes about "the organizer" and not "the strategy" or "the learning"
judy3ca - Sharon, that's just what I was thinking! Some of these people are so confident and knowledgable and make me feel so lacking!
Sharon - i like that sadie!
Kathy/IA - Exactly, Brad!
teach/erin - Judy, that's how I feel
brad - LOL, too much liqeur, thought I saw a frog on the desk
Mae - Kathy - that is GOOD. Now tell me, what are we to do. Tx. will begin using graphic organizers w/in the test questions for reading.
Sadie T - I haven't been able to keep up with the posts the last couple days... I got totally lost trying to following one of the threads.
Nan - JUDY!!!! You are the Expert!!
Kathy/IA - Tell me more, Mae ...
judy3ca - Not me, Nan. I've got so much to learn. But I'm feeling very good about what we're doing!
brad - Nan, I agree, that's why if we do a subject web, I write the word and then draw the circle around it and connect it back to the center circle. Kids hate squeezing the word into the pre-made circle, and so do I
diane - i agree, nan!
Sharon - judy... one of your anecdotes became my goal for next year... i want someone to come in my classroom and ask, "What do they need you for?" THAT would be the ultimate!
teach/erin - Any good sites for standards based learning and assessmet? I've found a bunch for my paper, but didn't know if you had any.
Mae - ALL of YOU are experts! I think that we all learn from each other, and being able to bounce this stuff off of each other is incredible.
Sadie T - Judy you are NOT lacking!
Nan - Sharon, me too!!
Kathy/IA - I feel this group is just one community of learners! Just like we'd like our classrooms to be.
judy3ca - Oh, Sharon, that touches me! I love the way you always see right to the heart of what I'm trying to do. THANKS!
Kathy/IA - We can all grow from these conversations -
brad - Do all of you find the engagement increases?
judy3ca - Of course I am, Sadie. I've got miles to go.
Nan - brad, do you mean students?
Mae - What do you mean Brad?
brad - both
brad - both students and teachers
Rudy - The best way to do graphic oranizers is withbig sheets of paper, no lines, and arker or colored pencils. The Gos become works of art and wonderful thinking exercises.
judy3ca - Brad, are you asking if engagement increases with do-it-yourself graphics? Absolutely? I don't even like individual ones much anymore. We do tons on the chart and my bunch last year love writing on the chart.
Nan - I know that last year doing reading like this changed my class from kids who hated reading to kids who couldn't get enough
judy3ca - Rudy, GMTA.
Sharon - what really impressed me student wise in my dabbles with comprehension strategy instruction last year wasn't just engagement... it was the confidence the students showed in expressing their ideas about the literature
Kathy/IA - That's wonderful, Nan!
brad - i meant, "Do you all think student engagement in class increases."
judy3ca - Brad, with what?
teach/erin - In her book Art of Teaching Reading, Calkins shares some of the graphic organizers her students created while reading. They were amazing, the connections they made and how they showed it
Nan - Sharon!!me too! even my lowest student could express her opinion and back it up from the text
brad - i noticed not many responded to my post on assessment. Do you all have issues with this aspect also? Or advice?
Sadie T - Yes Brad, engagement increases. I had 3 sets of students get married last year....
Nan - kathy, these are LD kids so turned off to reading
judy3ca - Sadie, ROFLOL!!!
brad - With strategy instruction, Judy, do you find engagement with the lesson increases? LOL
Sharon - and your students need confidence, Nan... they may have felt for a long time that they were lacking
brad - lol, sadie, now you're seeing frogs too
Mae - I've got to sign off...you guys come up w/something amazing and post it! Good night!
teach/erin - Bye Mae
Nan - brad, I hate having to take time to make sure that I teach all of those individual skills that are on that test, I have to document that I taught them
Alta Rose - When I went to university, I took a children's lit. course. We had to do graphic organizers on stories we read, and it was amazing how doing them enhanced my own comprehension of the stories. I couldn't believe it.
Kathy/IA - That is great - Nan - quality teaching really does make a difference for all students!!! You proved it!
judy3ca - Brad, thanks, sorry to be slow. YES, I do think engagement is terrific with strategy instruction.
Rudy - Judy, I do not know what that means.
brad - bye mae?
judy3ca - Night, Mae!
Sadie T - Brad, what was your post on assessment that we ignored? I don't remember it.
Sadie T - Mae, you're leaving already?
Alta Rose - Good night, Mae.
teach/erin - Sadie, or were you ignoring it?
judy3ca - Rudy, Great Minds Think Alike--we posted the same thing at the same time.
Nan - Thanks, Kathy! they were a really rough bunch of kids
Sharon - brad, my biggest worry is grades... what exactly do you base reading grades on in reading?
Nan - Sharon, I think they thought they were stupid and all of a sudden they found out that they could think
Rudy - Bye Mae.
Alta Rose - Brad, I can't answer that with respect to MOT strategies as I'm just reading the books now. But I sure noticed the engagement with the 4Blocks Guided Reading activities.
teach/erin - Sharon, I've been thinking the same thing as I plan for next year
brad - First, I HAVE to give number grades (UGH) Next, my assessment has to be weekly (ugh ugh) I'm looking for assessments that are authentic, and important information for both my students and my instruction. The two just don't mix
Rudy - LoL.
Sadie T - I guess I was Erin..
Sharon - nan, THAT'S empowerment!
Nan - I think I will have them again this year
Sadie T - Okay Brad... I have to ask. WHY can't they be authentic and provide important information at the same time?
Sharon - erin, i don't have the answers... but I'd better come up with some kind of game plan soon!
judy3ca - Brad and Sharon, have you given any thought to oral assessments?
Kathy/IA - Wow ... just think where you can take them this year! Cool!
teach/erin - At least you know what you are getting into Nam
Nan - judy, what do you usefor grades?
brad - No, Sadie, I mean being authentic and provide important information don't go with GIVING NUMBER GRADES
Sharon - for grades, Judy?
teach/erin - I'm there with you Sharon
Nan - I am in a way looking forward to it, but boy I hope they grew up over the summer
Sadie T - Okay Brad. Thanks. I thought those frogs were really getting to you...
judy3ca - I use running records and the tests that come with the reader we share.
judy3ca - Yes, Sharon.
Kathy/IA - They probably got taller ... if that's growing up!
Sharon - erin... perhaps we should post that question on the mosaicteachers ring for more ideas, too
Nan - brad, I used graphic organizers, story maps, character maps, running records,
Sharon - but, Judy... how do you use running records to assign # grades?
brad - I was going to come up with some type of rubric for engagement (loving that word tonight) in SSR. Maybe a rubric for strategy use like the ones Judy's school posted. And probably keep the little comp quizzes I made up last year. I designed them to look like state test, so. . .
teach/erin - Couldn't all these great minds devise some type of rubric?
Sharon - the reading tests with the series I have only are given once each 9 weeks
Nan - I had a generic book test with questions about the strategies that I could use with any book
judy3ca - Oh, Sharon, I don't have to give any grades except for the assessment reports. I don't give grades on rrs, I just use them to inform my instruction, but eventually their level is reflected on the assessment report. Does that make sense? I'm not good at grading!
Sharon - please post any rubric you make on the mosaic teachers site, brad....... ok?
brad - I coorelate my rubric with percentages. 4--95, 3--85, 2--75, 1--65, This also gives room for those who may be between a 2 and 3 to get an 80 or something
Kathy/IA - Running records will provide good diagnostic data. I always got a lot of information for my reading journals (I had a workshop approach going in my 5th grade classroom). Keeping accurate records is important. I understand the "grade" thing - I doubt schools will ever totally go away from them, but a teachers needs to be diagnostic for each child.
brad - nan, i'd love that generic test, can you post or send?
Sadie T - Nan, what kind of generic questions? To go with the MOT/STW strategies?
Nan - Sharon, I will go to rubistar and see what they have
Rudy - Brad, I could make up number grades for any assignment. For example, if the kids are reading self selected texts have them write ten questions for the author or ten things they were wondering about as they read. Require complete senteces with a thoughtful response attitude. right there you have an assignment worth 15 points that is authentic and helps kids learn to read, write, and critically reason.
Nan - it is at school but I will see if I can find it next week
teach/erin - In the back of MOT there are some rubrics for interviews
brad - judy, i've probably asked this, how often do you do rr's
Sadie T - Brad, that's a great way to do the rubrics w/numbers. I've always done 4--90, etc. I like 4--95, 3--85 much better. I'll do that!!
teach/erin - They address all the strategies
Nan - like Who are the main characters? What are their main character traits? How do you know this?
Sharon - my grades have to be easily understood by parents too.... these will be VERY involved.... and used to worksheets for grades
brad - sadie, that just works with our percentage scale 4 is an A 3--B 2--C 1--D
Kathy/IA - I have a generic test I used for my literature circle books ... I'll try to find it.
brad - sharon? I'm lost what do you mean very involved?
judy3ca - Brad, oh, man, this is long. We do "formal" running records in fall and spring for our multiple measures. Then I do informal ones whenever I feel they're called for.
Kathy/IA - It may be on another computer.
brad - rudy, I'm interested in what you said, How would you give pts. for this assignment? Pass/fail. I can't do that. has to be numbes
Sadie T - Right, Brad, percentages are the same for me. With your rubric correlation you can do /- grades (2 and a half = B-) right? With mine it didn't work. That's why I like yours.
brad - That's what I mean, Judy, how often are they called for? Depends on reader?? More oftten for strugglers?
brad - yes, Sadie
Sharon - the parents at my new school... these are parents used to 'running the school'.
brad - you're at new school this year, Sharon?
Nan - when I did literature circles each group had required activities and they had to do a project to show their comprehension of the story
Sadie T - Cool, Sharon, if the parents run the school you won't have as much work to do. LOL
judy3ca - Brad, yes, more often for strugglers. Maybe only 2 additional rrs for grade level and up, but more for those who struggle and I need to help with skills.
brad - if you communicate with them upfront, Sharon, will they understand rubrics and such?
judy3ca - Sadie, you're a stitch!
Sharon - new science magnet elementary school just opening brad.... in fact, was interviewed by the local paper today about it
Nan - plus I graded their group participation and each member graded themselves and everyone in their group, I combined all of this into a grade for the week
brad - ah, you like science?
Alta Rose - science magnet?
Kathy/IA - I started with project, but moved to not spending so much time with the book projects. Kids need to be reading everyday - I found when I had projects going, there would be days they came to my reading class - but they weren't really reading. (I was departmentalized).
Sharon - they'll understand until their child isn't straight A's, Brad..... then they want worksheets!
Rudy - If I asked for thinking type questions the students would understand the points for the thinking and the points for the grammar work. If I used literature circle papers, I'd assign points, a point or two to a question or required response kind of my own worksheet system.
Nan - these were not ginat projects, once they did jigsaw puzzles of characters and traits, once powerpoint presentations, drama etc
Sharon - that's why i was after soil samples, brad
brad - that's bad, Sharon. I think I was lucky with my parents this year. I gave out some poor grades to former "straight A" students but luckily, didn't have any flak
Nan - ginat=giant
brad - Lol, sharon, it's a dirty job. . . . (ba-dum bum)
Kathy/IA -
judy3ca - I didn't get any flack either (on report cards). I did have one very nice note of amazement from a parent.
Rudy - Sounds good, Nan.
Nan - judy, your school doesn't give letter grades?
brad - judy, i told a LOT of my parents at fall conference that quite a few kids "hit the wall" in third grade. Do you find this to be true?
judy3ca - Nan, nope, we're also 4, 3, 2, 1.
Rudy - All the sudden I'm really sleepy. Night guys.
Alta Rose - That seems to happen in Gr. 3, doesn't it Brad? Kids can do really well in 1 and 2, but by Gr. 3 sometimes they fall back a bit.
Nan - I used written response for grades at least once a week
brad - night, Rudy, thanx for your idea
Kathy/IA - I'm going to have to cut this short tonight ... it was nice chatting with all of you! Keep up the great conversations an learning!!! It is so cool to witness teachers having these types of conversations ... especially on a FRIDAY night!
Sharon - brad, i've always heard 1st and 3rd are the toughest elementary years
judy3ca - Brad, no, I don't really agree with that, if by that you mean they reach a maximum attainment level.
Alta Rose - We don't have letter grades either--E, VG, G , SS, or AC.
Sadie T - Bye Kathy!
Alta Rose - Take Care, Kathy.
Nan - since I am middle school we give numbers and letters
judy3ca - Sharon, whew, you need to meet our 4th grade teachers.
Sadie T - Alta Rose, what are SS and AC? (figured out the others)
Sharon - lol, judy! our elementary only goes k-3
brad - judy, I mean that what Alta said, kids who did "well" in previous grades don't always do so hot in 3rd. It's almost like a filter
judy3ca - so so
Alta Rose - Success with Support & Area of Concern.
Nan - grades were my biggest headache because I wanted them to be meaningful
judy3ca - Brad, I'm not sure, I've never really thought about this. I never look at their old report cards, so it's never really been an issue. I'll think about it.
Nan - just different letters, Alta rose
brad - I'm with you Nan, my district lady, being new last year, asked me what the hardest thing was and I said, "Grades." She was shocked, being new, I didn't say "management."
Nan - when I taught Life skills i didn't give grades so this is lots harder
judy3ca - I hate grades, and I'm terrible at them. But I'm pretty good at comments, LOL.
Alta Rose - I've had my eyes opened with my own daughter, too Brad. She was always a strong student, learned to read easily, etc. etc. and had top grades in primary years. Now she's going into Gr. 7, and she still does well, but she has to work at it to maintain grades in the 80's. It makes me wonder what happens to the little ones who STRUGGLE in primary grades!
brad - me too judy, give me a narrative to write anyday
Sharon - comments would be FAR more meaningful than grades, judy
Nan - They come to me
brad - it does make me wonder about strugglers, alta rose
Sadie T - Yes, Sharon, I absolutely agree. That's why grades are harder!
brad - i would love to change our style of reporting
Nan - Me!!Mee The come to Me!! Over half of my class were identified with an LD in 4th or 5th grade
judy3ca - Well, at least math grades are easy, LOL.
Sadie T - Also, some parents see the grades as more meaningful than the comments.
brad - are you settled with what you're doing now, Nan, or are you still uncomfortable with their authenticity
Nan - I am not teaching Math next year!!! Yeah!!!
Sharon - it's the 'give me the bottom line' attitude, sadie!
judy3ca - I don't think a lot of parents understand the report cards, or take time to really read them. i do think they read the comments. I always try to say something positive and explain a reachable goal.
Alta Rose - They understand the grades better, as that's what they're used to. Sometimes, no matter how clear we think we are being, comments are hard for parents to understand.
brad - I would love to do something like set goals or "two stars and a wish" That to me is authentic
Nan - Brad, what I do and teach changes evey year so I am always doing something different
Sheltie - I would rather have identified LD kids than low kids. At least you dont have to justify yourself to administrators with the identified ones
Nan - my kids have to take the tests and show progress just like everyone else so it is not much different
Nan - brad, I have a poem for you about frogs I will send you the link
Sheltie - My kids have report grades, goals, narratives, self-reflections, portfolios, and traveling portfolios that follow them thru 8th grade
judy3ca - Sharon, do you think the parents are "overinvolved" at your new school?
Sheltie - Has anyone read Fountas & Pinnell for grades 3-6?
Nan - http://www.poetry4kids.com/myfrog.html
Sharon - yay, sheltie! *Mumbling under breath- I wish i had gotten my masters in reading instead*
Sadie T - Sheltie, what do you think about the traveling portfolios?
judy3ca - I have, Sheltie. It's a great resource.
Sheltie - so stupid. we never look at them
Alta Rose - When we went to our daughter's PT interview in the fall, all we saw were percentage marks! I came away thinking, gee, I wish my evaluation on my students could be that easy! Just plug in marks on the computer, out come the percentage marks and the parents are happy! LOL.
Sheltie - its a big joke
Sharon - i hate to say overinvolved, judy... let's just say not always PRODUCTIVELY involved
brad - LOL, nan
Nan - that whole site has some great poems
Sheltie - percentages are easier, but they are more substantial, wher ewith my grades...its much more vague so you dont have to defend yourself as much
brad - has anyone heard from kim or jan?
Nan - I would give everything to have involved parents most don't show for IEP meetings
Sheltie - ANyone read any good trash novels lately?
Sharon - vague and defense of vague is what i'm worried about, sheltie
brad - say again sheltie?
Sheltie - Jan as in the girl who just had a baby?
Sadie T - Jan just had a baby????LOL
Sadie T - I think it's a different Jan.
judy3ca - Nan, I taught for 10 years in Los Angeles at an inner city school and I loved it. But there was zero parent participation. They eventually PAID the parents to come to meetings.
Sheltie - Does anyone in hear do any weightlifting or strrength trainig?
Nan - bet she was surprised!!!
Sheltie - oops my spelling is off tonight
brad - LOL, it'll be the most instructionally sound baby ever!!
Sheltie - WHAT JUDY??? PAYING THE PARENTS THAT IS RIDIC!
Nan - that's not the only thing!!
Sharon - yes...... you should try to pick up our amazon.com orders sometime, sheltie
judy3ca - Brad, ROFLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sadie T - Brad, it would be the most instructionally sound baby! You're right!
brad - lol Sharon
Sadie T - We're gonna have to congradulate Jan if she shows up tonight....
judy3ca - Sharon, more guffaws, you guys are funny!
Alta Rose - Are you serious, Judy? Paid them?
Nan - thoeretically speaking that is!!!
Sheltie - Well, if i lift weights M-Th,is that bad?
judy3ca - Yup, really. They paid them.
brad - I didn't know that about you Judy, that's interesting, (AND BRAVE)
judy3ca - Brad, I was young and fearless.
Sadie T - Judy, I can't believe they paid them.
Nan - I wish they would pay me!! Oh, wait, they do!!
Sharon - what ever floats yer boat, sheltie
judy3ca - Nan, LOL.
brad - whatever gets the bushes trimmed. . .
Alta Rose - Yes, Nan, but is it enough?
Nan - never enoug, this is Mississippi almost the lowest salary in the nation
Sadie T - So, Judy, what's the going rate for parents at meetings?
Sharon - dangerous thought about paying for parent involvement, judy..... some of ours would take that as a sign to make MORE and MORE babies
brad - poor nan, look at the bright side, maybe the guy at mcdonald's will let you stay at his house
judy3ca - Sadie, this was years ago, back in the Dark Ages. I'm sure they have a much better plan these days. Also, this was a district that changed it's mind constantly (as if it had a mind).
Nan - actually, there are many reasons parents don't come, most of them have to do with their own bad school experiences
Sharon - what's beginning pay in MS now, Nan?
brad - sharon, you ain't'a kiddin'
judy3ca - Sharon, oh, that's a scary thought!
Sadie T - Brad, I'm seeing frogs again.
Nan - brad, that is too funny!! my husband used to run a fast food restaurant so, in a sense he does!!! LOL
Sharon - at my old school, we had to feed them to get them to come to school
brad - LOL, in my district I have 3 criteria for going to meetings, sharon
Sharon - i remember one family came one night and packed a take home grocery bag of fingersandwiches when they thought no one was looking...... a whole tray of sandwiches wiped out in one swipe!
brad - 1. It has to be worth my time
brad - 2. I'm getting paid for going
brad - 3. I'm being fed
Sadie T - Brad's criteria for meetings: food, money, frogs.
Nan - 27,251 base salary from state my district it is 29,802
Sadie T - Well, I got two out of three, and I was joking!!
brad - At least one, but preferably all 3 before I'll go to a district meeting
Alta Rose - Hey, we don't even give our parents coffee or doughnuts!
judy3ca - Brad, are you serious???? I wish I could decline meetings by saying they're not worth my time! I detest meetings.
brad - Depends on what type of meeting, Judy, obviously I can't skip staff meetings or they'd be the first to go
Nan - actually almost all of my parents came or at least discussed IEP over the phone due to work conflicts
Nan - I skip meetings all of the time, I didn't go to duty all year, just said I was working on a computer
brad - We get paid for attending many meetings so I don't really skip much
Sadie T - Nan, if the parents really don't care enough to come, isn't it hard to get them into your classes in the first place?
brad - nan, good strategy
judy3ca - Brad, when you're an administrator, would you please remember that. And remember, too, that most info can be sent email. We don't all have to congregate to be told something unimportant. We can read and delete.
Nan - Sadie, parents must come to sign for placement, after that they do not have to come but must be invited
Sharon - lol, nan....... i'll NEVER forget my very first parent conference 12 years ago.... the barefoot mom in short shorts and a t-shirt (no bra) flopped herself in the chair and said, "Well..... what's the little @#$%done now?" I SWEAR I'll never forget it!
brad - Thank you Sista' Judy, preachin' to the choir
Nan - brad, I learned that if you never go they think you are not suppose to be there
Alta Rose - OMG, Sharon, what a first-interview experience!
judy3ca - Sharon, ROFLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nan - LOL@Sharon do I ever have stories like that
Sadie T - Judy, we get a lot of e-mails like that. I like it. Sometimes they'll announce on the PA system that all teachers should check their e-mail!
judy3ca - Sorry, Brad.
brad - LOL, I actually had a colleague come up to me once and say, "Why weren't you at the meeting?" I had never been informed!!
judy3ca - Sadie, you're lucky!
Nan - I had a parent come in with about 8 kids all with different last names, She looked at me and said I guess you can tell I like to F_____
Sharon - i found out later that both her and her husband were m.r.... the kid was the genius in the family
Sadie T - You mean you didn't know about the meeting, Brad, or just that no one had informed you that it would include food?
judy3ca - Our principal stands in the front of the room and says, "Let's see, who's not here?"
Nan - we have to sign in at faculty meetings
Sadie T - "Raise your hand if you're not here."
judy3ca - Nan, I'm shocked!!!!! And laughing uproariously.
brad - The staff meetings at my school basically go like this, "You're not doing enough. Our kids aren't performing. The state may come in. Remember to turn in this or that paperwork." So basically, stuff that could all be said on a bulletin
Alta Rose - Oh my! I don't have any interview stories like you guys have!
Sharon - the dad wrote me a note that said basically "give my kid back his ice cream money or I'll punt kick your ass outta this school' (I didn't even havehis lunch money)
brad - Crack me up nan
Nan - wait, we have to sign in everyday and if you are after 7:40 signing the book they take it and you must write an explanation for your personnel file, so stupid!!
brad - the union kept our principal from doing that nan
Sharon - whoa nan!
Alta Rose - Really, Nan? What time does class start?
Nan - ROFLMAO!!!!!!
brad - shame on you sharon, I would've given you money for the ice cream
Nan - 8:05 class starts
Sharon - pfffft, brad
Nan - so, tell me what would you have said to that parent? I was speechless!!!
Alta Rose - Does your district require that you be there that early, nan?
Nan - yes, Alta Rose, I am usually there by 7:15
Sharon - but my favorite note from a parent: "Whut bes rong wit my son is it the waye you teech are whut
Sadie T - LOL Sharon
Nan - ROFLMAO!!! talk about no background knowledge!!!!
judy3ca - These are incredible stories, Sharon!!!!!
brad - sharon, get that one a copy of MOT!
Sharon - and all true, judy!
brad - You should've handed it back and said, "I have no schema for this"
Nan - Sharon, we should write a book!! Nothing like teaching in the south!!
Sadie T - I had a student bring me a note with just a signature (no message) and ask me to write the note so she she could turn it in the office (illiterate parent)
judy3ca - I believe you--who could possible make them up?
Nan - That is so sad!!
Sharon - sad, isn't it sadie?
Sadie T - I didn't write it, but felt really bad!
judy3ca - Sadie, that's sad!
Nan - I have helped parents fill out medicare, social security papers etc,
judy3ca - Good for you, Nan.
Alta Rose - I sent home a little progress report on each of my kids in January this year (Gr. 1) which was in between regular report cards. The next day I got a note--"her reading is good."
Sadie T - Nan, me too, they bring in stuff they get in the mail asking "what's this?"
brad - what a hoot, brb
Nan - have any of you use any of the responsive classroom?
Sadie T - Nan, what is that?
judy3ca - Gosh, I cried three times during parent conferences last year.
Nan - It is a book about building community
Sharon - ooo...... one more story..... i swear you gotta hear this one..... a guy came in and told me that his son was conceived with the frozen sperm of albert einstein and would probably be ahead of the rest of my class....... swear! it's true!
Alta Rose - I keep being thrown off.
Nan - Sharon, I swear we teach the same kids!!
brad - http://www.responsiveclassroom.org/
Nan - they must move to MS after first grade
brad - sharon, that was MY DAD!! Small World!!
Sadie T -
judy3ca - Okay, here's one. I was explaining to the dad that the kid had seen the speech teacher and might receive individual help the following year. The dad was aghast, "What speech problem?" "Well, perhaps you've noticed he pronounces his name Hawwy instead of Harry?" Dad slams his hand on table and exclaims, "@#$%, I knew I should have named him Bob!"
brad - well, was he smarter, sharon?
Sharon - lmao, Judy! was he serious?????
brad - we should make up a routine and play clubs. LOL
Nan - judy,!! tooo funnnnny!!!
Sharon - brad, what do YOU think??
Alta Rose - Lol, Judy!
Sadie T - A friend taught a kindergarten with a "speech problem" and when the parent came in, the parent had the same speech problem. Turned out the kid had no speech problem at all, he was just talking the way he'd learned from the parent!
brad - dumber than a box o'rocks, eh?
judy3ca - Sharon, I have no clue. I was about 24 and clueless and it was the only time I ever saw him. Like Nan, I was speechless.
brad - i can believe that, sadie
Nan - we say they are a waste of a desk!! Brad!!
Sharon - that would be generous, brad.... the 'ol gene pool just needed a little chlorine, i think
brad - LOL nan
judy3ca - Sadie, oh yeah, that one. I had a very smart kid who modeled a lot of his body language on his older sister who was severely handicapped.
Sharon - are you saying what i'm thinking you're saying, Judy??
Nan - that is sad too!!!
Alta Rose - I was speechless this year, too, only don't have a funny story to go with it. After a whole year of the child receiving AC (Area of Concern) in reading on his report card, ANDgetting extra help in the Early Literacy program AND signing IPP's from me and the Early Lit teacher, when I talked to the dad about next year, he said, "I thought he was doing fine!'
Sadie T - Alta Rose, sometimes parents just don't get it!
judy3ca - Sharon, probably not, just some very strange movements.
Sharon - then there was dusty.... he came in one day with all his front teeth knocked out and two black eyes..... said his cousin was holding him out the window by his feet and dropped him
judy3ca - Yikes, Sharon, this is too much!
Alta Rose - I couldn't believe it. I kept asking myself what I could have done to make it more clear.
Sadie T - Out the window?!
Nan - I had a friend who put his little brother in the dryer and turned it on
brad - LOL< sharon you should write a sitcom
judy3ca - No kidding, Sharon!
Nan - probably get sued if we wrote this in a book
judy3ca - Okay, friends, I need to leave now. Good night!
Sharon - and mandy... we were making bath salts for our mothers day present...... she sad oh my mom needs this after working all night on that pole..... i asked..... is she a firefighter..... she said, no... she works at the pussy cat bar and they won't put up stages,they dance around poles *blush*
brad - nan, are you getting Sharon's stories on CD
Sadie T - Nan, look at that, you scared Sharon off!
brad - omg, Sharon, no way!!
Nan - bye Judy get me your tape
Alta Rose - Night Judy!
brad - In our school, "my dad's in California" seems to be a euphemism for "in prison"
Sharon - every story is true, brad..... but the saddest is a little boy who shared about how his mom had a box thing in their house and if you put money in and pulled the handle, pictures of fruit would come up
Sadie T - Doesn't mean the same thing here in California, Brad.
Nan - hey, those box things pay my husbands salary!!
Nan - He is a pit boss at a casino!!
Alta Rose - I feel so sheltered....
Sharon - that same little boy (before authorities could act from that story) spent the night with a "friend" of his mom because the friend promised to buy her a tv and vcr if she would let him
Nan - Alta Rose, where do you teach?
brad - oh, sharon, no
Sharon - yes, he was molested
Alta Rose - Or maybe it's just naieve. S(sp?)
Nan - OMG
Nan - that is awful
Sharon - those are the stories that keep me up at night
Alta Rose - I teach in a small town in Alberta, Canada.
Alta Rose - That's so sad.
Nan - I have some of those too!
Sadie T - How awful
Sharon - there has to be a special place in@#$%for some of these people that hurt children
brad - that's ill
Nan - I am going my sons wants to get online
Alta Rose - I misread your post--I thought you meant the mom spent the night, not the boy. That's so sick.
Nan - Talk to y'all later!
Sharon - Do you all have the "prayer for children"? It is beautiful
Alta Rose - No, I don't think so, Sharon.
brad - I received some things about teachers I should post. I like how we can post files at mosaicteachers, and wish we could do same on our board here
Sharon - i'll get it and post, alta rose... you would love it
Alta Rose - Thanks.
Sharon - you don't want to put it there, brad?
brad - well some people who come here don't go there and vice versa. I'd like to put them in both if I could
Sharon - brad, are you reading for the book project?
kathyb1stia - Hi, all... I just got home from shopping. I even went to Border's and got more books! OOPS!
Alta Rose - I wonder where Kim was tonight.
brad - i have no recording equipment
Sharon - not even a cassette recorder?
brad - havent' heard from Kim since early this week, maybe she went somewhere for fourth
brad - zero, but I want your all's cd
Sadie T - And Jan's gone tonight too... I guess she's taking care of her new BABY
kathyb1stia - Kim has been HIKING! But, don't know where she is tonight. Perhaps to bed early, as I think she is going on another big HIKE early tomorrow morning!
brad - lol sadie
brad - who was that goodapple, anyway, and sheltie too. Alta, did you know Sheltie
Alta Rose - No, never heard of him before!
Sharon - well i enjoyed the talk.....but i really need to do at least one more stats research paper before i turn in...... goodnight, all
Alta Rose - Kathy, what does the "stia" mean in your name?
brad - Sheltie seemed to know a little though
Alta Rose - Good night, Sharon. Take Care!
brad - are you serious sharon?
Sadie T - Yeeeeeeech, Sharon, what a way to spend the rest of a Friday night!
Sharon - brad, let me know if you want or can use these MOOSE master copies to adapt
brad - I will sharon, did you get the site I posted?
kathyb1stia - The 1st stands for first grade in IA (Iowa)
Sharon - yes, brad.... going to florida next week and must double up on work to get it all done
Sharon - yes, brad...... i'll go there..... thanks
Alta Rose - Oh, I see, Kathy.
brad - ooh, so you won't be around, have a good time
Sharon - sleep sweet you guys
Sadie T - Good luck Sharon (very very very thankful it's not me ~ statisticaly challenged)
Alta Rose - brb
kathyb1stia - I am too, Sadie... statistically challenged!
brad - i should probably go too
kathyb1stia - Well, I am glad I got here before everyone was gone!
Sadie T - Bye, Brad. Don't step on any frogs on your way out.
brad - i'm glad you did too kath
brad - i wanna do a little reading and devise some new questions for jan to answer in the morning. LOL
kathyb1stia - Way to go, Brad!
Sadie T - You'll just get the beginning and the end Brad...
Sadie T - Not the meaning of the universe part.
Sadie T - She's keeping that a secret.
brad - I just know she's hiding Jimmy Hoffa in the middle of those posts
Sadie T - LOL
kathyb1stia - Sadie, what state do you teach in?
Sadie T - Usually I teach in a state of confusion.
kathyb1stia - Was Glenda here tonight?
Sadie T - In Califorina.
Sadie T - Haven't seen Glenda but I wasn't here at the beginning.
kathyb1stia - I see in her emails that Tennesse has settled their state budget, so the universities can re-open!
Sadie T - The universities were closed??
Alta Rose - I didn't see Glenda, either. Well, ladies, I think I am going to call it a night as well. Take Care!
kathyb1stia - They raised the sales tax.
Sadie T - Bye, Alta Rose.
kathyb1stia - Yes, the legislature had a LONG session on Sat-Sun-Mon-Tues-Wed, and I guess finally settled on Friday! You couldn't renew driver's license, etc.
Sadie T - Wow.
kathyb1stia - The universities had to close to save money, but now they should be able to reopen on Monday! What a mess!
Sadie T - I'm surprised the universities would close.
kathyb1stia - This has been one very long week!
Sadie T - That is in Tennessee and you are in Iowa, right? Not your state?
kathyb1stia - Sadie, are you at a year around school?
Sadie T - No, I'm off until mid-August.
Sadie T - What about you?
kathyb1stia - Right in Tennesse. Iowa had/has problems, but two special sessions and they finally settled with cutting ALL budgets by 2.2%.
kathyb1stia - Yes, I go back on Aug 16th.
kathyb1stia - I start teaching my grad courses this Monday for the next two weeks. It is for teachers wanting to renew.
Sadie T - What do they have to do in Iowa to renew? Is it certain course they have to take?
kathyb1stia - Every 5 years you must take 8 graduate hours or teach 2 years and only 6 graduate hours.
Sadie T - We have to do 150 hours every 5 years, but can get the hours from lots of things.
kathyb1stia - Courses must benefit your current teaching assignment or be working towards another degree.
Sadie T - Hours meaning... hours. (not "graduate hours")
kathyb1stia - Certain courses are only required if you are working towards a Masters or a PHD. Otherwise, you can take courses to benefit your current assignment.
Sadie T - For us, a lot of our workshops count. But it's easier to do it with courses, otherwise you're just adding up 2 hours here and an hour there...
kathyb1stia - My district doesn't allow "hours", but my brother says his district does. He teaches in Iowa, too.
Sadie T - That's interesting that you don't have to do as much if you're teaching. For us there's no difference.
kathyb1stia - Sadie the 8 hours are of GRADUATE hours... graduate courses.
Sadie T - Have you taught this graduate course before?
kathyb1stia - Oh, yes. I have been teaching graduate courses like this for the past 15 years.
kathyb1stia - I design them myself or with a team mate. I have a Masters plus 90 hours, so I am the primary instructor. My team mate doesn't have a Masters, but she is very well versed in reading. Some of my courses are in Math.
kathyb1stia - I usually teach the course twice, then design a new one.
Sadie T - That's great! Sounds interesting.
kathyb1stia - I really love it, as there isn't much offered around here that I haven't already taken.
kathyb1stia - Well, Sadie, I am going to call it a night.
Sadie T - Kathy, it's getting late (okay, not as late here as it is for you, but still...) I've got to get some stuff done before bed so I'd better get going soon.
Sadie T - Good timing, we posted that at the same time.
kathyb1stia - Thanks for continuing the conversation until after I got back home! LOL!!!
Sadie T - Yeah, we were waiting for you...
kathyb1stia - Bye, Sadie.
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