1. Tayac Academy MSA Parent Night Third Grade January 11, 2007 WELCOME!

2. Characteristics of Below grade level students Reading Identify information ONLY stated in text Draw general inferences Identify basic characteristics of stories/ genres Difficulty stating a theme of the text Difficulty stating main ideas Trouble supporting ideas or inferences Trouble with using graphic aids to understand text Have generally poor speaking/ reading vocabulary Math Difficulty with writing simple equations Difficulty with analyzing properties of solid figures Trouble interpreting pictographs Issues with counting money and mixed currency Only comprehend a portion of the problem they are trying to solve. Weak with basic facts

3. Characteristics of On Grade Level Students Reading Difficulty with using/ locating text evidence to explain an idea or inference about a text Can identify a stated main idea or implied main idea Can support simple inferences or ideas about a text with appropriate text evidence Are able to use graphic aids to help construct meaning of text Trouble with synthesizing information to make conclusions and complex inferences Unable to analyze a text or uncover its complexities Math Can write simple equations Can analyze properties of solid figures Able to interpret pictographs Determine values of mixed currency Trouble with slides, flips, and turns Can communicate a partially developed understanding of problem solving

4. Characteristics of Above Grade Level Students Reading Able to discriminate between details/ information and the ideas they express Synthesize information and details and arrive at conclusions Able to make complex inferences Capable of using text evidence effectively to explain conclusions and inferences Math Able to analyze properties of solid and plane shapes Analyze slides, flips, turns Describe probabilities of single events Communicate a comprehensive understanding of problem solving using a strategy Proficient with basic facts

5. How Can I Help At Home with Reading? Subscribe to a magazine on their reading & interest level. Be a reader – let your children see YOU reading. Family reading time Use resources such as dictionaries, thesaurus, etc Go to the library- Does your child have their own library card? Ask questions to your child about what they are reading Have your child read out loud to you Have you child read directions or recipes to you www.timeforkids.com www.pbskids.org

6. How can I help at Home with Math? Use real objects or draw pictures to solve multi-step problems (money, ruler, measuring cups…) Review basic math facts daily- addition, subtraction, multiplication, division Use real-life situations to reinforce math skills (grocery store, counting allowance, baking, cooking, filling tank with gas, sewing, growth charts for measuring, involve your child in a daily schedule by reading a clock, using elapsed time to see when their favorite TV show comes on…) Flash cards- work on one set of facts a week (addition facts with 1s…) www.aaamath.com www.aplusmath.com www.funbrain.com www.visualfractions.com

7. Questions to Ask your child when Reading Informational Text (non-fiction) What is the main idea? Details? Why did the author write this article? Before reading: Look at the text features (pictures, captions, headings…) What do you think this article will be about? During Reading: What did you just read? Tell me in your own words. Literary Text (fiction) What can you tell me about the character? Why do you think so? Why did the author write this story? How did the character(s) change throughout the story? What did you get a sense of after reading that part? (theme)

8. Why are Benchmark Scores Important? Reliable indicator of how well your child will do on MSA Reinforce state standards that every child is required to learn. Target areas of strengths and weaknesses so teachers can help their students overcome challenges to learning and enhance/ enrich student strengths

9. How does the MSA Test Correlate to the SRI Test? Scholastic Reading Inventory Measured by using a lexile score Measures your child’s current INDEPENDENT reading level. MSA Measures your child’s current ability in math and reading Given state-wide Set to performance level standards

10. My child’s Benchmark Scores Teachers will share your child’s scores with you tonight. Students will have homework using the Theme Skills book for extra reinforcement Sign up at the end of the meeting tonight to meet with your child’s teacher at a later time.

11. Thank you for Attending!!