And Marina!

5th Grade Projects

As you know, our fifth grade groups have been working on projects where they create their own super heroes. As their work rolls in, I'll share them through this blog. Without further ado, her's our first entry WOLVEN-GIRL!

Fourth Grade Reading

Here are some snaps of our reading group using Junior Great Books materials.

Forth Grade Astronomers from UNCA

I’ve had the good fortune to work with Dr. Luba Nichols and her astronomy students from UNCA. These students volunteer to come into schools and present astronomy lessons. Erin, Lauren, and Ashley came to Claxton today and led fun and informative lessons about the seasons and phases of the moons with our fourth grade AIG group. The kids were highly engaged and had a great time with our visitors!

I’d like to thank Dr. Nichols, Lauren, Ashley, and Erin as well as our fourth grade teachers for making this visit happen! I’m also excited to relate that they’ll be back later in the year. If that’s not enough, Dr. Nichols is working on a viewing night for Claxton families to check out the heavens! We look forward to working futher with our friends from UNCA!

Fourth Grade Work

As the dust settles, here's a blurb or two about the specific work in fourth grade AIG groups:

Advanced Subject Grouping M (math group)

We’re working on SuperStar math, differentiated word problems from the state. We’ll begin on grade level and adjust - hopefully up. We’ll consider other resources, activities, and games; but for the moment we’ll treat it as kind of a math club – with seminar discussions about the work. I’ve got “Hands On Equations” – an introduction to algebra -  in the chute for later this fall.

Advanced Subject Grouping R (reading group)

We began work with Junior Great Books introductory material. The focus is on ‘shared inquiry’ – seminar/paideia types of discussion focused on a text. We’ll mix it up with some share days and other projects.

Comprehensive study group (students qualify on aptitude)

This one’s a little more esoteric. We’re beginning by looking at ‘thinking’ skills sheets from a source called Thinkathon. Students will have packets to keep in AIG folders.  I’ve got some ideas for later work.

Testing Information from NC

The following was sent to me from the state Board of Education in regard to EOG testing from 2012-2013:

The State Board of Education yesterday approved additional time to make a decision regarding setting new achievement levels on the state’s new end-of-grade and end-of-course tests given for the first time in 2012-13. This means that student reports will not be available before November. The precise distribution date will be communicated with you as soon as possible. 

More AIG Information

Thanks to those of you who were able to attend my informational meeting at Claxton's Curriculum Night! If you were unable to do so, I'm happy to chat with you at a convenient moment.

The Asheville City Schools AIG plan is revised on a three-year cycle and then approved by the Board of Education and the Department of Public Instruction. A new plan for qualifying and serving students is rolling out this year.

Changes in our plan highlight our attempts to more closely match how students qualify to how they are served. To this end, our AIG Services Committee has met to write new plans for all fourth grade students. These plans have been completed and were mailed today. Any student who qualified for services last year still does, these services are just slightly different.

Students qualify with multiple criteria including nationally-normed assessments in achievement (reading and math) as well as aptitude. Fourth grade students will continue to meet with me weekly, they will just meet in groups determined by these qualifying areas.

Fifth grade students will continue with a once-weekly enrichment study group - as they have in the past two years. Newly qualified students will also participate in this service. All student AIG plans will be rewritten at the end of fifth grade to prepare them for middle school services.

I look forward to further discussions about the AIG program and how we serve students! Please contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Have a great weekend.

Curriculum Night

Hola! I'll be presenting new information about the AIG plan at Claxton's Curriculum Night, tomorrow. I know there's a rotation system to allow folks time with various teachers, so I'm planning on presenting at 6:00 and 6:30. Come chat, if you're able.

I'm happy to talk with you later, if the evening's too busy. Thanks!