August 23, 2011

Changes for Curriculum guides for all content areas have been revised by teacher committees. Guides are now fully aligned to the IA Core, and key concepts and skills have been identified. Benchmark assessments have been revised and realigned with new curriculum guides. Assessments are available as pre/post tests and will occur at the beginning and end of course units. Science Wiki Updated and live! DMPS Science Wiki

Curriculum Guide Components Iowa Core Statements: Standards from the Iowa Core Curriculum relating to the unit or content area. DMPS Graduate Ends Statements: Adopted in 2006, these statements outline skills a DMPS student should have upon graduation. These skills are to be infused into all K-12 curriculum. National Core Science Literacy Standards: Standards in the National Core for Literacy specific to reading and writing in science.

Curriculum Guide Components Each unit of study includes the following: Content Standard: The overall "big idea" of the unit. Content Objectives: A laundry list of topics to be addressed during the unit. Iowa Core Statements: Iowa Core standards relating to that unit.

Curriculum Guide Components Common Student Centered Learning Targets (I Can Statements): Specific skills and concepts that students should have by the end of the unit. These are directly linked to the benchmark questions. Common Assessments: Lists the date for the benchmark post test as well as the question number related to each "I Can" statement. Graduate Ends: Outlines the graduate ends statements related to the unit.

Have your students ever found a mistake on an exam you’ve created? It happens. And it will happen this year.

Common Benchmark Assessments Common Benchmark assessments were revised during the spring of Benchmark assessments will be given at the end of each unit of study. Benchmark assessments are also available as pretests to use to guide instruction, and in the Data Teams process. Benchmarks are available for download at: =Login =Login

Step 1 Log in to Data Director: You can find the link to Data Director on the DMPS web page under “Staff” on the left hand side of the page. The log in information should be your DMPS username and password. If you have trouble accessing the information, contact your School Improvement Leader (SIL) or Principal.

Step 2 Click on your teaching site: Make sure that you select the correct building/location in order to access the information and data.

Step 3 Click on the “EXAMS” tab Search for an exam by clicking on the correct subject area, academic year and grade level. When ready, click “SEARCH.”

Step 4 Click on the “PRETEST” or “ASSESSMENT” you want to view From this page you can access a great deal of information. Scroll down to find the following (just to name a few): printing bubble sheets, view/save the exam booklet, view your data, save the answer keys, etc.

Click on the assessment you want and scroll all the way down...

Here you can print the assessment and any supplementary materials needed.

Benchmark Testing Protocols Benchmark test should be given during the specified testing window. Test booklets should be printed, numbered and shared among teachers if possible. Students should take the pre-test without prior instruction by the teacher. Share the pretest data with the student as soon as possible.

Benchmark Testing Protocols Students should not have access to the test questions again until the end of the unit post test. The tests should not leave the classroom with a student. Post tests should be considered summative assessments.* Teacher created formative assessments should be used throughout the unit to monitor student learning and to guide instruction.

Benchmark Testing Protocols ELL and SPED Students: All students will take the benchmarks unless they are subject to alternate assessment per their IEP. Students should be accommodated according to their IEP as they would be for ITBS/ITED. Use your professional judgment on a case by case basis to determine necessary accommodations.

District Science PLCs This year we will have 4 Wednesdays set aside for District PLC collaboration. Each grade level/content area will meet with their colleagues from across the district to discuss lessons, labs, project implementations, and units. These meetings will be led by teachers, for teachers. *If you are interested in hosting one of the four meetings, please indicate the date you wish to host next to your name on the sign-in sheet. *October 5, January 11, February 8, April 11

Content Work Time.... 2:00-3:00pm Meet in course-alike groups: -6 th science-7 th science -8 th science-Conceptual Physics -Earth Science-Environmental Science -Chemistry-Physics A -Biology-Anatomy/Physiology -Other? *If you teach more than one course, you may choose which group you would like to join Goals! Discussion of new curriculum guides/units/pacing Support for new teachers (course specific) Questions for O’Donnell Lesson/Activity Sharing Collaboration and work time