Using Google Docs to Record Assessments

Thanks to Sarah Knight, we now have Google docs to help with recording assessments.  Click on each link to see an example of what the form looks like.  If you're interested in using the form, simply email Sarah at sarahknight@nixaschools.net and she will get you a copy of the forms for your classroom!  The forms below are just for viewing. :-)

Writing Inventory Record Form
Letter ID Score Sheet
DRA Recording Form

Children's Storybooks Online

Research shows that when students have greater access to books and other materials, they read better.  Building an impressive classroom library takes time and resources.  While working on your classroom library, take advantage of resources found online that are FREE!

Check out Children's Storybooks Online for illustrated children's stories for kids of all ages!

If you have a favorite online resource for children's stories, share it with us by commenting on this post.  Feel free to share with other teachers your favorite ways to gather books for your classroom libraries as well.

Priceless Classroom Rewards That Don't Cost a Penny!

Check out this Promethean Planet post listing ideas for classroom rewards that don't cost a penny! 
Priceless Classroom Rewards That Don't Cost a Penny! 

Feel free to share your own amazing ideas for classroom rewards by commenting on this post

A quick search of Teachers Pay Teachers  for "free classroom rewards" resulted in 795 already-created goodies!  No sense in reinventing the wheel, friends!  Click HERE to browse the TPT freebies.

Marzano's Strategies for Instruction that Works

Here's a nice review of Marzano's work.  Check out the percentage gains for each strategy! 
Marzano's Strategies for Instruction that Works

Explaining Common Core to Parents

Reading Specialist Jen Jones (Hello Literacy blog) from North Carolina posted this parent handout that does a great job explaining key ideas of Common Core and ways that parents can help their students learn at home.

Key Ideas for Parents About the Common Core a Hand Out

K-6 District Assessment Schedule

Below you will find the K-6 District Assessment Schedule.

Please note that first through sixth grade social studies benchmarks have been removed from the schedule. It is expected that social studies content be embedded into reading and writing time.

You will also notice 5th grade science benchmarks have been replaced by Science Acuity.

We know how busy Nixa teachers are and we hope these changes will give you more instructional time.

LNW - District Assessment Schedule K-6 August 2013.docx

Back to School NIXEREST

Forget Pinterest...Nixa teachers have got this! Check out all the amazing literacy areas from around the district.

Back to School Kick-off 2013

Heard it Through the Grapevine:  ELA Common Core

Common Core ELA for Kick-Off 2013

Don't Be Square - Math Common Core

CCSS Math

Math Story Problem Types

Choose 3 Ways - click on "Supporting Materials" to download "Choose 3 Ways" worksheet

Convince Me

Modeling Math