Domain 7 - Communication
Domain 4 - Rights and Responsibilities
WOW! First day at a new school. This is going to be great! My teacher is so open to anything that I want to do. I am going to take over spelling, grammar, and reading starting next week! Woohoo! I’m excited! My brain is already swarming with ideas!
A few quick questions while I’m thinking about them:
1. For my TWS (which I plan to start with this right away!), can I do it on reading skills AND grammar skills that are both tied into my literacy unit? Also, do I have to wait to plan my lessons based off of my pre-assessments, meaning, should I try to have a pre-assessment by Friday and then plan the unit over the weekend. I know this would be best, but if it wouldn’t work out, would it be ok to plan it all at the same time? Thinking out it, it wouldn’t, so I just better plan to have that by Friday. J I love that I answer my own questions.
2. Are students’ IEP goals supposed to be the same as their regular grade-level standards because some of my students’ are…what’s the point? Although, the goal stated only 90% accuracy…would that be the difference? 90% as compared to 100%?
3. Also, on the IEP’s…if there are accommodations/modifications for state assessments are those to be used within the classroom as well. Because on this new ISTAR program, it states that these acomm/mods are to be used on a regular basis. Well, state testing is not on a regular basis, so…?!? I’m just not sure what that means.
I was starting to “worry” (if you can call it that) about not being able to use many hands-on things in here because of all the worksheets and direct instruction that was being conducted. I was thinking along these lines more for grades…if I did a lot of hands-on things, not as many worksheets would get done, etc. But, I talked with my teacher and the got the approximate number of grades she takes each week for certain subjects. She also shared that she does activities throughout the week, and we have a 30 minute time period in the afternoons in case we didn’t get to something in the morning (if not, it’s study hall time or help time, etc).
She does have a discipline problem but not because of the students. She is not consistent and firm (not a bad thing; it just doesn’t work for this class). I have a feeling we will get them whipped into shape quite quickly! They just need some structure. I think I will have some opportunities to create individual behavior plans for some of my students or at least, I would like to try.
It interested me that when she was teaching or reading out of the book, looking at problems in the book, etc., the students were doing MANY different things. I’m taking anecdotal records and also time samplings of each of them. I am also trying to get in an IRI on each of them this week so that, along with another E/la assessment, I can place them in groups for balanced literacy. Yes…I am going to try that too! I also ran by my teacher an idea for the beginning of the day instead of morning work, and she said she’s been wanting to try that but hasn’t yet (especially with this group), so she said GO FOR IT!
I know I might be planning and dreaming too much right now, but I feel this is going to be a great environment in which to try it!
Would next Friday work to come and observe me? Morning time, between 8 and 10? That will be our morning work, spelling, grammar, and reading timeJ! Just let me know!
Oh, and my teacher is so informative; she answer so many questions today, and she is just so supportive and open. It's going to be great!
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Olivia,
ReplyDeleteI think my head is spinning now:)! I'll try to answer your questions...just ask again if I skip one!
As for modifications...it should specify if it is for their work in the classroom. If you are unsure don't hesitate to ask the special education teacher. This would be a great way to develop collaboration skills.
As for goals/objs. every school does them differently. Either they are at grade level and the goal is to maintain with a 90% accuracy. Otherwise the goal may be working toward grade level even though they are below grade currently.
I would do the pre-assessment prior to planning however...if you plan first then just make changes to your plans and demonstrate how you effectively adapt lessons to meet students needs using data.
Be careful not to get too overwhemed. Take things a step at a time prioritizing what needs to be done first, etc.. You have so many wonderful ideas...but I know you'd rather do them well as opposed to implementing everything at a mediocre level.
Let's plan on next Friday. It is fall break at IWU but I don't think we're going anywhere. If my plans change I'll let you know as soon as I know. Let's shoot for around 9am if that'll work.
I'm praying for you.
Prof. Forshey