Notes from the September, 2012 curriculum night presentation. (Mr. Moss, Grade 4, Pine Grove School)

1.  No hand-outs this year.  Would you like to lead a
We’re going green! All Junior Achievement
information is on our program for our class? If
class website! you’re interested, email
 Please remember to sign me.
up for a parent/teacher  Please consider signing
conference time. The up to volunteer in the
schedule is on the round library (see Mrs.
table in the back of the McCabe).
room.

2. Jon Moss
jmoss@avon.k12.ct.us
www.edvantaged.com/room209

3. Thank you!

4.  Instructional Methods
 Whole Class instruction
 Guided Reading
 Readers’ Workshop
 CCLS – Cross Curricular Learning Stations
 Evaluations
 DRA - Developmental Reading Assessment
 DRP – Degrees of Reading Power
 CFAs – Common Formative Assessments
 Universal Assessments
 Informal Assessments
 Teacher-generated Assessments

5.  The common core standards include rigorous
content and application of knowledge through
higher-order skills so that all students are prepared
for the 21st century.
 Used in all CT public schools and in most states.
 APS has formed a Curriculum Council that
is tasked with developing a curriculum that
addresses the Common Core standards.

6.  Major focus area: Short Answer Responses
 Critical responses to text
 Analysis
 Forming and explaining connections to text
 Changes this year:
 Implementation of Common Core
 Less reliance on anthology
 Increased work with literature
 More non-fiction work
 Spelling
 New approach this year!
 15 pattern-based spelling words, 5 unannounced words
 Bonus words are states and capitals

7.  Writing instruction
 Our team’s major goal for the year
 Starting with narrative, will transition to expository
 Writing rubrics are available online (along with other
rubrics)
 Look for “writable moments” to help children to practice
skills.

8.  Everyday Mathematics, but with adjustments
 Continuing to use the spiraling content program
 “HomeLinks” are now called “StudyLinks”.
 Math Reference Books can be purchased or borrowed.
 MUST master multiplication facts.
 Math also uses CFAs and Universal Assessments to
supplement unit assessments.
 Singapore Math
 A strong emphasis on problem solving and model
drawing, with a focus on in-depth understanding of the
essential math skills

9.  Three units of study:
 Earth, Moon, and Sun
 Water Cycle and Food Chains
 Electrical Science
 Will probably be taught in two week units.
 Some marking periods may not have science taught.

10.  Daily Geography
 World Tour activities in math
 Grade Four Project (State research, perhaps)
 Mark Twain Mondays
 Integrated into reading, particularly with the new shift
toward non-fiction texts

11.  All supports are based
on assessment
data, teacher
observations, etc.
 Scientific Research-
Based Intervention
model
 Tier 1 is provided in
class.
 Tier 2 is provided
both in the classroom
and as a pull-out
model.
 Tier 3 is typically a
pull-out model.

12.  SMART Board
 Document Camera
 SMART Response Remotes
 Five computers
 Other exciting things to be announced!
 Class website
 Schedule
 Policies
 Curriculum information (on district website)
 Parent resources, rubrics
 What else do YOU want to have on our website?
 ONLINE ASSIGNMENTS

13.  Start each day with condensed morning meeting
 Marble jar for class achievements
 Chance tickets for individual successes
 Card chart to help track choices.
 Warnings are NOT problems, in my mind.
 LOGICAL consequences.

14.  An average night...
 30-45 minutes of nightly homework
 30 minutes of reading
 Math fact practice (if necessary)
 Nightly spelling practice
 Homework is intended to reinforce daily activities or
to set the stage for an upcoming lesson.
 Parents should set limits for homework.
 Late policy
 Help is acceptable
 Long-term projects can take many forms!

15.  Email is always preferred!
 Emergency paging is also possible
 emergency@edvantaged.com
 Standard texting limit – include phone
number, name, situation.
 Lots and lots and lots and lots of information on our
class website during the year.
 I will send notifications of updates, but I need your
email address.
 The website is always changing!

16. Any questions? Thanks for
coming!
REMEMBER: Sign up for a
parent conference!