We have just received notification that the state officials will be visiting Arno to observe testing protocols during M-STEP.  Will they visit Lindemann while they are in town??

Please be sure, if you are administering any part of the M-STEP, that you are closely following the guidelines for testing protocol.  Please visit this link for the Assessment Integrity Guide: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Assessment_Integrity_Guide_291950_7.pdf

You may have also heard that the House budget subcommittee voted to discontinue MSTEP.  This will be for next year, and we are not sure how things will “shake out.”  Check out the Spotlight for more information: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Spotlight_3-24-16_518030_7.pdf

Please also follow this link for a letter from State Superintendent, Brian Whiston:

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M-STEP

Friendly Reminders:

That said, are things that are certainly very critical to success:

•  The test admin booklet, which contains the script, will need to be followed word for word, as the state expects.
• Teacher proximity in motion is expected to be happening at all points during the test, please do not check papers, email, etc.
• Be sure that your test administrator checklists have been read
• Be sure students know their responsibilities, and what to do when they are done
• Be sure the classroom set up is such that it discourages wandering eyes
• All content relating to testing must be taken down or well covered before the test starts.
• Know your plan on what to do with kids who are taking a long time beyond most kids (They should Pause- exit test) and come to me to finish if you are in an ending session
• All students need to have a book that they may refer to when they finish
• Be sure all students who leave their computer for the bathroom, drink, etc, MUST put their screen into PAUSE mode for test security reasons (remember it times out in 20 minutes)
• Be sure to report all issues quickly to the office
• Do NOT take a screen shot to send to John or anyone else if you are having an issue- it is considered secure material on the screen.

All student “tickets” need to returned daily at the conclusion of testing

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M-STEP Mathematics

New and Improved Equation Builder:   The Equation Builder used last year in the Spring 2015 online administration of the M-STEP mathematics test has been replaced with a new and improved Keypad Input, also referred to as the Equation Keypad.

• The Keypad Input allows for the entry of numbers, expressions, equations, etc., but does not perform any actual computations. Students can also enter numbers using their keyboard, but alpha characters cannot be entered.

• The Keypad Input buttons will vary according to required components of an item. Any necessary variable(s) will be included on the Keypad.

• Computations are to be performed using the online calculator associated with items that are calculator-permitted.

• Some items will have both the Keypad Input and a calculator. Other items will have either the Keypad Input or the calculator. Some items will have neither. (Continued on next page)

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LINDEMANN ELEMENTARY

M-STEP ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE

 

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Q3 ASSESSMENT – How Did It Go?

By now, your grade level should have completed the Q3 Math Assessment.  Your grade level will have time on Friday, April 22 for scoring the assessment, as we have in the past (I will provide time in the gym for our students).  Our 3rd Data Day will be on Monday, May 2nd.  Subs have already been secured.  I look forward to hearing what you learn from this assessment when we get together again!

• 8:40 – 9:30 Gym. / Prep: 9:30 – 10:20 – 3rd Grade
• 9:35 – 10:25 Gym / Prep: 10:25 – 11:15 – 4th Grade
• 10:30 – 11:20 Gym / Prep: 11:20 – 12:10 – 5th Grade
• 12:00 – 12:50 Gym / Prep: 12:50 – 1:40 – K
• 12:55 – 1;45 Gym / Prep: 1:45 – 2:35 – 1st Grade
• 1:50 – 2:40 Gym / Prep: 2:40 – 3:30 – 2nd Grade

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Retention

Now that we are heading towards the end of the year, the issue of possible retention for some students has surfaced.  As many of you may have heard, research indicates that retention is not a viable strategy. Meeting to put in place a structured intervention plan for the following school year, in the next grade level, aligns more with our MTSS plans and helping students succeed, not to mention the social-emotional benefits of remains with your classmates.  That said, I will certainly sit with all of you and review your thoughts on students that may be on the bubble, but there will need to be enough data evidence and lack of progress to show that retention would be of benefit, beyond an intense intervention plan.   Please see me as we go through the next few months to review any students you strongly feel should be retained.

Some research:

http://educationbythenumbers.org/content/new-research-failing-students_2034/

http://intranet.niacc.edu/pres_copy(1)/ILC/The_Retention_Debate.pdf

http://www.ascd.org/ASCD/pdf/journals/ed_lead/el_199005_shepard.pdf

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If you are a currently working at a district school you may qualify for student loan forgiveness programs. The Teacher Forgiveness program was introduced and designed to help teachers, while allowing them to continue their careers as educators. Participation in the program will reduce your principal, and after ten years, any balance that remains is completely forgiven.

We will help you through the application process, determine your eligibility and prepare all necessary documents. Even if you aren’t a teacher you may still qualify for some form of forgiveness, all it takes is a phone call to find out.

(855) 231-0032
9:00am – 8:00pm EST Weekdays
9:00am – 1:00pm EST Saturday

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The report card window will be open in MISTAR until midnight on April 12.  Please plan accordingly so your report cards will be complete and accurate by this time.  The window will not be opened after this time.  Report cards should be printed and prepared so they can be sent home with students on Friday, April 15.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

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LOGGING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HOURS

One year-end requirement is to log your District-Provided Professional Development (DPPD) hours.  This PD can be logged at both the MOECS site for certificate renewal and the RESA site for logging PD for those who do not need to renew certificates.  Remember that you can also log your SCECH hours and College Credits on the MOECS site.

Now that our district PD is done for the year, you can log this info at any time!  I have created a new page at the top of the blog for items that are on the Year-End To-Do list.  Feel free to begin completing these items at any time.  The PD log directions will be located here.  Year End Checklist

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EDUCATOR OPEN HOUSE

Hello educators,
We at The Henry Ford are inviting you and your colleagues to this year’s Spring Educator Open House on Saturday, April 16, 2016! This year Educators receive FREE admission for you and one additional guest to Henry Ford Museum & Giant Screen Theater. If you attend one of our “Must-See Viewing Sessions” in the theater you will receive free admission to Greenfield Village and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour as well.
“Must-See Viewing Sessions”
*   The Henry Ford staff will speak about the newly re-designed Giant Screen Theater, its features, our Teacher’s Choice program, and how to tie it all together on a field trip. Then sit back and enjoy Deepsea Challenge 3D at9:00AM and/or National Parks 3D at 10:00AM
*   Sensory Friendly Screenings! Come experience a Sensory Friendly Screening of one of our newest films, Watermelon Magic at 11:05 AM. With a Sensory Friendly Screening the lights are turned up and the sound is turned down to create a more comfortable, enjoyable experience for people with autism and other sensory issues/special needs creating an environment of flexibility and acceptance for anyone unable to sit down for the entire film. Sensory Friendly Screenings will now be an option that can be applied to Teacher’s Choice selections.
Sessions will begin at least 10 minutes before the showtimes.
Other long-standing favorite resources and new programs from The Henry Ford will be highlighted at a “fair” of “Learn More Stations” in Henry Ford Museum.
Please visit our webpage to learn more about Educator Open House and to register: https://www.thehenryford.org/current-events/calendar/educator-open-house/
Please feel free to share this invitation with any of your colleagues who may be interested in attending.

Thank you,
Frederick Rubin
Gain Perspective. Get Inspired. Make History.
Frederick Spencer Rubin
Education Coordinator
P: 313.982.6100 ext 2508
E: frederickr@thehenryford.org<mailto:frederickr@thehenryford.org>
www.thehenryford.org<http://www.thehenryford.org>