Hilliard City Schools provides professional development for teachers on Ohio's new learning standards. Trainings will be held in January for 4th and 5th grade teachers. The district also offers graduate math courses for elementary teachers in collaboration with Ohio State University Newark. Registration information is being prepared for distribution to middle and high schools in January and February for the 2014-2015 school year. The district conducted a parent survey about math education and aims to improve communication with parents regarding teaching philosophies and resources to support learning at home.

1. Hilliard City Schools
The Curriculum Connection
A Monthly Bulletin from the Offices of Curriculum and Instruction
December, 2013
As we round out the first semester of the school year, I hope we will all use a few of the precious moments we are given to reflect on our progress and plan for the future. When where I sit, I see that this school year has been a year of transition for the organization. The spring and summer months were spent interviewing and filling many administrative vacancies in Hilliard City School. In the late summer and fall, time was invested in getting to know our new co-workers and acclimated to new roles and responsibilities. Now that we enter winter, I see that the organization continues to transition. The system strives to evolve and stretch our collective selves to be better on behalf of students. The truth is it takes time to build relationships that are strong enough to trust with open conversation. I am encouraged by the high caliber of individuals with whom I am blessed to work. I hope you will continue to take a chance with each other and learn to trust. At the end of the day, I witness the adults of Hilliard City Schools demonstrating talent, ambition, and commitment to work together for the benefit of young people. Thank you for the leadership that you provide. Your daily decisions make a positive difference in the lives of others. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones! Kim
Common Core Professional Development (Fourth and Fifth Grade Teachers)
Fourth and Fifth Grade Teachers will receive professional development this school year for Ohio’s New Learning Standards. Dates and locations for the trainings are as follows:
Fourth Grade Teachers:
January 21: Darby Creek, Hoffman Trails, Ridgewood, and Washington (C.O. large conference room - upstairs)
January 22: Scioto Darby, J.W. Reason, Brown, Alton Darby, and Avery (C.O. large conference room - upstairs)
January 23: Norwich, Horizon, Britton, Hilliard Crossing, and Beacon (Washington Elementary, Room #68)
Fifth Grade Teachers:
January 28: Darby Creek, Hoffman Trails, Ridgewood, and Washington (C.O. large conference room - upstairs)
January 29: Scioto Darby, J.W. Reason, Brown, Alton Darby, and Avery (C.O. large conference room - upstairs)
January 30: Norwich, Horizon, Britton, Hilliard Crossing, and Beacon (C.O. large conference room - upstairs)
Coming Soon!
An exciting opportunity is under development for elementary teachers! We will be offering two graduate math courses for elementary teachers here in Hilliard, in collaboration with Ohio State University Newark. Dr. Diana Erchick and Cheryl Gehres will facilitate the coursework. The first course is a Math Pedagogy course, to be offered during Summer Academy. The second is an Action Research course that will begin with the 2014-15 school year. Both of these courses contribute toward meeting the criteria for the Math Specialist Endorsement offered by the Ohio Department of Education. Whether a teacher is interested in that credential or not, these are two fabulous courses that build teacher content knowledge about mathematics, strengthen teacher knowledge about how students make sense of mathematics, and connect to each teacher’s own classroom practice in a meaningful and personal way.
This is an excellent opportunity to build capacity within our elementary buildings! As dates are confirmed through OSU Newark, we will keep you updated.

2. DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Hilliard Administrative Study Teams (HAST)
Just a reminder that the first HAST window closed on Friday, November 29th. If you haven’t done so already, please submit all sign-in sheets, meeting notes, and the group reflection to Tim Hart at Central Office as soon as possible.
Please also submit your plan for the second HAST window (December 1 – February 28) right away. If you need Kathy Waples to order books for you, submit even earlier.
Leadership Academy 2013-2014
Our next Leadership Academy session has been rescheduled for Monday, December 16th, from 2:30p until 4:00p in the CO Large Conference Room. We will be focusing on The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller. Please bring your copy with you.
District Grading & Assessment Task Force
The Grading & Assessment Task Force will spend two full days with Ken O’Connor next Thursday and Friday, December 12th and 13th, at Central Office. As these discussions continue and are shared with your staff members, please encourage them to offer feedback to your building representatives.
Ohio Resident Educator Program
We are entering the stress-filled months for our newer teachers. Any extra encouragement you can offer these educators is much appreciated. If you have concerns about any of your Resident Educators, please let Tim Hart know right away so that you can engage in some collaborative problem-solving.
Ohio Master Teachers
Congratulations to our latest group of Ohio Master Teachers:
FIRST-TIME OHIO MASTER TEACHERS:
Angie Davoll – Bradley, Memorial, and Station
Shawn Malone – ILC, Davidson, Weaver, and Tharp
MASTER TEACHER RENEWALS:
Jay Cauley – Weaver
Amy St. Pierre – Britton
Jean Shackle -- Memorial
Online Professional Leave Form
Please note that just below the “Sub Needed” section, you are now seeing (in red) “Supervisor Only – Check this box if sub shared between two positions:  ”. This is the only way that the sub cost can be adjusted.
CHANGE in Professional Learning Calendar
The icon for opening the professional learning calendar has changed. It can be found in Google Apps for Education in the upper- right corner next to your log-in name. It looks similar to a telephone keypad (three rows of three) through The Insider. Make sure you are viewing the Professional Learning Calendar (under “My Calendars” <-- vertical menu to the left). This calendar has been shared with you.
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The Curriculum Connection

3. Page 3
Innovation and Extended Learning
If you have not done so and would like to set up a visit for your staff, PAC, administrative team, or other group to the Innovative Learning Center, contact Brent Wise or Angel Shepherd to get a time on the calendar.
Attention High Schools: If you have a service learning initiative that involves students providing tutoring assistance after school to their peers, the Innovative Learning Center can provide the space. Contact Brent Wise if you have a staff member interested in more details.
Information on NEXT Program will be coming in January for 4th, 5th and 6th graders.
Course of Study Revision
January 22 and 23, 2014, 8:30-3:30 pm Grades K-5 Science
January 16, 2014, 8:00-3:00 pm Grades K-12 Visual Arts
February 5, 2014, 8:00-3:00 pm Grades K-12 Visual Arts
January 28 and 29, 2014, 7:45-2:45 pm Grades 6-8 Science
January 7 and 8, 2014, 7:45-2:45 pm Chemistry & Honors Chemistry
January 9 and 10, 2014, 7:45-2:45 pm Science Electives
The Curriculum Connection
Academic Content Standards Extended
The Ohio Academic Content Standards - Extended (OACS-E) also are commonly known as “the extended standards”. These standards help to ensure that students with significant cognitive disabilities are provided with multiple ways to learn and demonstrate knowledge. At the same time, the extended standards are designed to maintain the rigor and high expectations of the Common Core and Ohio Academic Content Standards.
The Offices for Curriculum, Assessment and Exceptional Children have worked collaboratively since July, 2011 in the creation of extensions to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Math as well as the revised Academic Content Standards for Science and Social Studies. A committee comprised of special educators, parents, administrators and other stakeholders in Ohio came together in the writing of these extensions to be used for students participating in the Alternate Assessment.
Third Grade OAA Update
Our Third Grade Students have taken the Fall OAA and results have come back. Our district had 64% pass this fall compared to 66.7% last year. This translates to 312 students who have not yet reached the 392 benchmark (which is what is needed in order for students to not be retained). Of these 312 students, we have 14 students who will not be held accountable for retention because they have not been in the country for more than 3 years. An additional 64 students are IEP students. These students will be held accountable for the consequences of retention unless the IEP team decides to exempt them. It is important to keep in the mind that this is an end of the year 3rd grade assessment, and students have another chance in April to improve their score. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Education has stated they will provide a list of alternative assessments by the end of February.

4. Page 4
High School Registration
 Registration materials will be distributed to all HS/MS buildings on Tuesday, January 21st
 January 22nd – February 10th: Incoming 9th Grade online scheduling home access window
Jan. 22 – 24: Memorial Middle School students in Computer Lab
Jan. 27 – 29: Weaver Middle School Students in Computer Lab
Jan. 30 – Feb. 3: Heritage Middle School Students in Computer Lab
Incoming 9th grade parent meetings at Bradley, Darby, and Davidson to share EXPLORE results, learning pathways, dual
enrollment/PSEO/AP and high school course selection process
Bradley: Wednesday, January 29th
Darby: Monday, January 27th
Davidson: Monday, January 27th
 January 30th & February 17th – February 20th: Compass testing for all students interested in College Jumpstart Network. Testing will be held in the ILC computer lab from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.
 Wednesday, February 5th at 7:00 p.m. at Darby High School: 10th Grade parent meeting (PLAN/OCIS/AP Courses/Dual Enrollment Options/Innovative Learning Center/Capstone)
 February 10th – February 24th: Incoming 10th; 11th; & 12th Grade online scheduling home access window
Middle School Registration
 Registration materials will be distributed to all MS/6th Grade buildings on Monday, February 24th
 Tuesday, February 25th: Counselors from all three Middle Schools will be at Station to meet with current sixth grade students and explain the registration process for seventh grade.
 Wednesday, February 26th: Counselors from all three Middle Schools will be at Tharp to meet with current sixth grade students and explain the registration process for seventh grade.
 Wednesday, February 26th 7:00 p.m.: Incoming 7th Grade parent meetings held at each MS
 March 5th – March 11th: Incoming 7th Grade scheduling window
 Incoming 8th Grade parent meetings
Heritage: Wednesday, March 5th
Memorial: Wednesday, March 5th
Weaver: Thursday, March 6th
 March 12th – March 18th: Incoming 8th Grade scheduling window
6th Grade Registration
 Registration materials will be distributed to 6th Grade buildings on Tuesday, February 18th
 Wednesday, February 19th at 7:00 p.m.: Incoming 6th Grade parent meetings held at each 6th Grade School
 Registration materials are due back to student’s home school by Monday, March 3rd
The Curriculum Connection

5. Page 5
Summary of HCSD Math Parent Survey from November, 2013
A total of 1184 responses were received for this survey. Respondents could choose between one of four choices (strongly agree, agree, disagree, and strongly disagree) to share their agreement with nine statements. Respondents agreed most frequently with the statements, “Mathematics today is taught differently than in my time. I want to help; however, I don’t want to confuse my child either” and “I need information about the math concepts/skills my child needs to learn each year” with 86% of parents selecting either “strongly agree” or “agree” for these statements. The next statement respondents agreed with most frequently was, “I need information (such as a study guide) to help my child prepare for math tests” with 82% of parents selecting either “strongly agree” or “agree” for this statement. Respondents agreed least frequently with the statement, “I need ideas to help me point out to my child how math is used in everyday life” with 37% of parents selecting either “strongly agree” or “agree” for this statement. See Table 1 for more information.
The Curriculum Connection
Item 1: Mathematics today is taught differently than in my time. I want to help; however, I don’t want to confuse my child either.
Item 2: My child is able to complete homework with little or no support at home.
Item 3: I would like my child to have math homework that requires them to talk with me about things learned in class.
Item 4: I need information about the math concepts/skills my child needs to learn each year.
Item 5: I need more information about place value strategies for computation because these ideas are new to me.
Item 6: I need information (such as a study guide) to help my child prepare for math tests.
Item 7: I would like an informational evening meeting at school concerning mathematical learning at my child’s grade level.
Item 8: I need guidance on how to talk with my child about different ways to solve math problems.
Item 9: I need ideas to help me point out to my child how math is used in everyday life.

6. Page 6
Table 1: Responses for HCSD Parent Math Survey – November, 2013
In addition to their responses on the Likert scale, respondents were able to leave comments in response to the question, “What else would you like to share with us?” Of the 1184 respondents, 327 respondents (27.6%) chose to leave comments. Themes common to the responses were:
 An appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the survey. Some parents requested for the opportunity in additional content areas.
 Confusion about how math is being taught – especially since there is no “textbook” or resource for parents to follow. Overwhelmingly, parents expressed a desire to help their child with math but they were uncertain of what to do.
 Concern that memorization of basic number facts does not receive emphasis.
The results of this survey support an urgent need for more communication with parents in regards to HCSD’s philosophy about teaching math. For example, mathematics education currently emphasizes both process and product. Helping parents to understand the Mathematical Practices from Common Core is one avenue where this might be accomplished. We are in the process of developing a website that parents can use for resources and ideas about math education and how to support their child’s math education.
The Curriculum Connection
Secondary Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities
The purposes of IDEA include ensuring that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment and independent living [34 CFR 300.1(a)] [20 U.S.C. 1400(d)(1)(A)]. In order to support this focus on preparing students with disabilities for further education, employment and independent living, Congress added secondary transition services requirements as a component of IDEA.
In the federal regulations, secondary transition is described as: "designed to be within a results oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child's movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation; is based on the individual child's needs, taking into account the child's strengths, preferences, and interests; and includes instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and if appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation."
Ohio is exceeding the requirements of the Federal Regulations through the enactment of Ohio Senate Bill 316 which now requires comprehensive transition planning and provision of transition services beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child is fourteen years of age.
The information below describes the required transition activities for school-age students with disabilities that are intended to facilitate their move from special education services to community life.
(i) Appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, and, if assessment data supports the need, independent living skills; and
(ii) Appropriate measurable post-secondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessments related to employment in a competitive environment in which workers are integrated regardless of disabilities; and
(iii) The transition services including courses of study needed to assist the child in reaching those goals.

7. Page 7
The Curriculum Connection
eSchoolPlus Progress Report Processing for 2nd Nine Weeks, 2013-14
The purpose of this document is to summarize the schedule and identify key tasks associated with submitting grades and processing Report Cards. The following table highlights upcoming key tasks and timeframes. Note: to break-down the tasks, we have outlined the processes in two phases:
 Phase 1: Preparation for Opening of Grade Submission
 Phase 2: Report Card Grade Submission Week
Phase 1 Tasks – Preparation for Opening Grade Submission
Date(s)
Action Items/Tasks to Perform
Thurs. Dec. 12
Final preparation steps for Opening of Grade Card Submissions:
1. Core team:
*RC Config in each building set to current MP and semester, MP cut-off dates set according to
current calendar
*Check Report Cards Setup to be sure accurate for every building
2. Building Secretaries -
*Confirm master schedule correct
*Run Scheduling Synchronization (Mark Reporting Center > Calculations > Scheduling Synchronization) to copy schedules to report cards-creates report card record.
Check log in My Reports for errors.
*Run Class Attendance to Report Cards (Mark Reporting Center > Calculations > Class Attendance to RC) Run at this time to allow teachers to see in TAC/RC - not 6th grade buildings
Fri. Dec. 13
1. Teachers - Verify Class Lists for Report Cards in TAC
2. Building Secretaries - May re-run above processes to update TAC end of each day if any changes were made
Mon. Dec. 16
1. Teachers - Verify Class Lists for Report Cards in TAC
Complete verifying and report any problems to the office by noon.
2. Building Secretaries - In the afternoon, but before 4:30 p.m.
*Re-run Scheduling Synchronization – can be run again to update schedule changes.
*Re-run Class Attendance to Report Cards
AFTER ALL STEPS ABOVE COMPLETED, MAY TURN ON TAC
Core Team: Change Bldg Config in TAC to allow teachers to view attend, not update

8. Page 7
The Curriculum Connection
eSchoolPlus Progress Report Processing for 2nd Nine Weeks, 2013-14, continued
Phase 2 Tasks - Grade Submission Week
Date
Action Items/Tasks to Perform
Tue. Dec. 17
1. TAC activated 7:00 a.m. – Teachers may enter grades through TAC/Web Gradebook
2. Buildings submit Free Text message for Report Card to Sylvia Stansell (this message will appear on printed report cards only.)
3. Building Secretaries – Any changes necessary now should be made through Student
Center > Mark Reporting > Report Card Summary. This can add a course to student’s record, change an incorrect grade, override credits, etc. Changes made here will not appear on teachers’ lists in TAC.
Wed/Thur. Dec. 18 / 19
Teachers continue to enter grades through TAC /Web Gradebook
End of 9 weeks
Fri. Dec. 20
Teachers continue to enter grades through TAC/Web Gradebook
Mon/Tues. Jan. 6 / Jan. 7
Teachers continue to enter grades through TAC/Web Gradebook
Wed. Jan. 8
1. TAC closed at 3:00 p.m.
YOU MAY NOTIFY YOUR STAFF DIFFERENTLY IF YOU NEED TIME TO PROCESS REPORT CARDS
2. Building Secretaries –
*Confirm all grades are in by running a missing submission report (Mark Reporting Center > Reports > Report Cards > Missing Submission.)
*Run Class Attendance to RC (Mark Reporting Center > Calculations > Class Attendance to RC)
* Run Honor Roll Calculation (Mark Reporting Center > Calculations > Honor Roll Calculation.)
*Run GPA calculation for all active students (Mark Reporting Center > Calculations > GPA calculation.) Check Log for errors and verify honor roll listing (Mark Reporting Center > Reports > Report Cards > Honor Roll Report) before printing report cards. PLEASE NOTE: This report takes about an hour to run. Give yourself time to run this. It must finish before you start the next calculation.
*Run Rank Calculation (Mark Reporting Center > Calculations > Rank Calculation) – not 6th grade.
* Run Assign Course Credit (Mark Reporting Center > Calculations > Assign Course Credit) – not 6th grade.
* Run Day Totals Calculation (Attendance Center > Calculations >Day Totals Calculation) for Pre,MR,MRT views for entire year – HS only. (This calc must finish before running Interval Totals Calc)
* Run Interval Totals Calculation (Attendance Center > Calculations > Interval Calculation.)
*Run Print Report Cards for all students (check box for Home Access Center Upload) and review several for accuracy of GPA, honor roll message, free text, attendance, etc. (This is necessary to create the pdf file that allows parents to print report cards from HAC.)
*Run Print Report Cards and review several for accuracy of GPA, honor roll message, free text, etc.
*Print Report Cards for those requesting a hard-copy when ready.
After grade changes, etc.
*Run Generate MR Data Warehouse (Mark Reporting Center >Calculations>Generate MR Data Warehouse). This will generate the report card view in Home Access.
*Run Generate Transcript Data Warehouse (Mark Reporting Center>Calculations>Generate Transcript Data Warehouse). This will regenerate the transcript view in Home Access - not 6th grade.
Fri. Jan. 10
Report Cards will be available for parents in Home Access Center at 5:00 p.m.
Wed. Jan. 22
TAC will be reopened for the first and second marking periods at 2:30 p.m. (for middle schools and high schools) Any grade changes that have been reported to the office can be processed using the Load Unposted Averages calculation (see prior instructions.) TAC will be closed again at 4:00 p.m.