1. Writing Comments 101 Top Tips for Success

2. Teamwork: Work Smarter not Harder

4. Things I Didn’t Learn From Testing… Adapted from My Hullabaloo A blog by Matt Gomez Kindergarten teacher in Dallas, TX

5. Names are changed to protect the tested… Emily scored high average on all her tests. She is a great student in every way. However the test didn't say anything about her artwork. She is an amazing artist. When using new mediums and exploring new art forms she is very creative. During play/free time she often chooses painting and I love watching her create things.

6. Julia scored below average on the test. The test didn't mention how fearful she is of failure. At the beginning of the year she would choose to do nothing rather than take a risk. She needed to trust me and the class before any learning would take place. Fearful parts of her day such as journal writing, answering questions in large group, and reading in small group are now not so scary.

7. Abraham bombed the test. He clicked through it like crazy. Finishing a job is more important to him than the quality of the job. That is fairly common in Kindergarten and having observed him in the class I know he has a great foundation of skills. What the test didn't show is his heart. From day one he has been supportive, sensitive and loving to his classmate with special needs. He goes out of his way to play with him and ALWAYS stands by him in line to help. His heart will take him farther than any skill I could ever teach.

8. What are some things you didn't learn from testing?

9. Ever wonder what teachers have written about some famous people on their report cards?report cards?

10. Comment Writing Resources Link to District Resources can be found on the Staff-Only Resources section of the UDSD website.Staff-Only Resources Here’s a new one to get you started.