Curriculum+from+Gheens

¥ **Immersion Institute** (Video) ¥ **Science** (Science Notebooks) ¥ **Mathematics** (Curriculum Maps) ¥ **Literacy** (Writing News, Week 4 English Language Arts [ELA] Flashbacks, Reading Diagnostic Assessment, Publishers’ Criteria) ¥ **Practical Living** (Upcoming Professional Development [PD]) ¥ **Social Studies** (African-American History Month, Presidents’ Day, HistoryMobile) ¥ **Library Media** (The Kentucky Virtual Library [KYVL] and Thinkfinity, Nooks) ¥ **Student Development Services** (Best Practice, PD Opportunities) ¥ **Title I** (PD Opportunity)
 * Elementary School Curriculum and Instruction Update **
 * February 17, 2012 **
 * When applicable, Web sites/e-mail addresses have been hyperlinked. **
 * Inside This Update: **

Gheens Academy for Curricular Excellence and Instructional Leadership continues to collaborate with national experts and the authors of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS)/Kentucky Core Academic Standards (KCAS) through the support of the GE Foundation. Sixteen Jefferson County school and district representatives attended the first //Achieve the Core//: Standards Immersion Institute hosted by Student Achievement Partners and funded by the GE Foundation. David Coleman, Susan Pimentel and Jason Zimba, key authors of the Common Core State Standards, shared resources and understandings for more effective implementation of the standards.
 * Immersion Institute **** : **
 * Please click [|here] for the first previewing of these understandings.

Science notebooks with intentional writing-to-learn strategies are imperative for maximum student learning. Inquiry science includes investigating, talking, writing, and reading about science. Quality instruction must include all components. Science notebooks can be purchased (using school budget funds) through the district; however, notebooks can be student generated as well. Below are several resources that may be helpful in the decision-making process: - The JCPS Science Notebook Packet includes an overview of notebook components–refer to the Inquiry Framework for Elementary Science ü JCPS Science Notebook - The FOSS Science Notebook Folio is an excellent resource for notebook development, organization, and feedback ü FOSS Science Notebook Folio - The black line masters for student recording sheets from the modules are available in each //Teacher’s Guide//, on the FOSS or Carolina Curriculum Web sites or on JCPS Online. - Two great Web sites about science notebooking are: ü [] ü []
 * Content Areas **
 * Analytical and Applied Sciences: **
 * ** Elementary Science **

Questions? Call Kim Goff or Lee Ann Nickerson at **485-3471**.

The elementary math curriculum maps have been updated to assist in future planning. The map can be accessed on the Gheens Website by [|clicking here]. Questions? Call Kim Goff or Michelle Herman at **485-3471**.
 * ** Elementary Mathematics **


 * Literacy: **
 * **Writing News****—**//The Real Narrative Writing Unit for Grades K-1// is now available on the Gheens Web site under Curriculum Maps and in the Elementary Literacy Closet under K-5 Writing Workshop Resources in the Instructional Resources folder.
 * ** Week 4 ELA Flashbacks **** — ** The Week 4 ELA Flashbacks for third, fourth, and fifth grades will be available in the Literacy Closet under Quick Links.
 * ** Reading Diagnostic Assessment **** — ** RDA #3 for third, fourth, and fifth grades will be available on Cascade. The testing window opens **February 20**.
 * ** Revised [|Publishers’ Criteria] for the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Literacy, Grades 3-12 ELA— **Developed by two of the lead authors of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), the [|Publishers’ Criteria] are designed to guide educators as they work to ensure alignment with the standards in ELA and literacy for history/social studies, science, and technical subjects.

The criteria articulated in the document concentrate on the most significant elements of the CCSS and lay out their implications for aligning materials with the standards. These guidelines are not meant to dictate classroom practice but rather to help ensure that teachers receive effective tools. By underscoring what matters most in the standards, the criteria illustrate what shifts must take place in the next generation of curricula, including paring away elements that distract or are at odds with the CCSS.

At the heart of these criteria are instructions for shifting the focus of literacy instruction to center on careful examination of the text itself. In aligned materials, work in reading and writing (as well as speaking and listening) must center on the text under consideration. The standards focus on students reading closely to draw evidence and knowledge from the text and require students to read texts of adequate range and complexity. The criteria, therefore, revolve around the texts that students read and the kinds of questions students should address as they write and speak about them.

The standards and these criteria sharpen the focus on the close connection between comprehension of text and acquisition of knowledge. While the link between comprehension and knowledge in reading science and history texts is clear, the same principle applies to all reading. Questions? Contact Lue Peabody at **485-3240** or Laura Pinkerton at **485-7223**.


 * Practical Living: **
 * Upcoming PD offerings for elementary teachers:

4:30–6:30 p.m. Gheens, Room 208 || Amy Medley at 4:30–5:30 p.m. Gheens, Flex Room B ||
 * 11-1241368 || [|Practical Living Consumerism Curriculum Map] –//click for more information// || **February 20, 2012**
 * Register by contacting
 * 629-7346**. || [|Walking Program and Toe Tokens Rewards]—//click for more information// || **February 27, 2012**

Questions? Call Margie Eckerle at **485-6298** or Donna Benton at **485-3295**.

- Teaching History: [] - National Council for the Social Studies: [] - **Elementary Lessons (PDF) f **rom //Social Studies and the Young Learner:// [|The Rosa Parks “Myth”: A Third-Grade Investigation] Presidents’ Day, celebrated each year on the third Monday in February, is a day when Americans honor the legacies of the U.S. presidents. The holiday was established in 1800, when Congress declared **February 22**–George Washington’s birthday–a federal holiday. Still legally known as Washington’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day has become a day to honor not only Washington but also Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth U.S. president who was born on **February 12**, and the lives and accomplishments of all U.S. presidents. Teachers can use the following links to find activities and lesson ideas to commemorate Presidents’ Day: - **Presidents****’ Day Theme—Lesson Plans, Thematic Units, Printables** [|www.atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/][|Presidents][|__][|Day][|/] This unit contains activities to go with a president or U.S. unit of study. - ** [|The Teacher’s Guide Presidents’ Day Theme Page] ** [|www.theteachersguide.com/][|presidentsday][|.htm] The Teacher’s Guide Presidents’Day Theme Page provides free lesson plans, thematic units, printouts, children’s songs, book activities, and interactive whiteboard resources. - ** [|Presidents’ Day Activities and Lesson Plans] ** [|www.seasonal.theteacherscorner.net/][|presidents][|-][|day][|/] Presidents’ Day Activities and Lesson Plans will provide you with resources to help your students learn about Abraham Lincoln and George Washington as well as the office of the president. - ** [|The Lesson Plans Page—Presidents’ Day Lesson Plans, Presidents] ** [|www.][|lessonplans][|page.com/][|presidentsday][|-htm] This resource provides lesson plans for studying Presidents’ Day, Presidents’ Day activities, teacher resources, themes, and unit ideas. Questions? Call David Armour at **485-3969** or Rick Daniel at **485-3054**. Remote access to KYVL requires a username and password, which are available from the school librarian for in-district use, and is not restricted. KYVL is purchased through a statewide consortium of libraries, including public and university. Access to Thinkfinity is sponsored by Verizon and is available at no cost. - KYVL: [] - Thinkfinity: [] Questions? Call Paul Lanata at **485-3090** or Pam Coomer at **485-7770**. Questions? Call Paul Lanata at **485-3090** or Linda Gray at **485-3382**.
 * Social Studies **** : **
 * **African-American History Month****—**The following links contain additional lesson plan ideas and activities to celebrate African-American History Month:
 * **Commemorating Presidents’ Day****—**The following information was retrieved from History (formerly The History Channel): [].
 * ** The Kentucky Historical Society’s ** HistoryMobile—A mobile museum, currently featuring the exhibit “Kentucky’s Abraham Lincoln,” is available free to schools this spring. The exhibit content focuses on Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, and primary and secondary sources; therefore, it is most appropriate for students in grades four, five, and eight.
 * If you are interested in bringing the HistoryMobile to your school, please contact Warren Greer at warren.greer@ky.gov or **(502)** **564-1792**, **Ext. 4478**. For more information about the HistoryMobile, visit [|www.history.ky.gov/historymobile].
 * Support Services **
 * Library Media Services: **
 * **The Kentucky Virtual Library (KYVL) and Thinkfinity****—**KYVL includes a wide variety of online curriculum support materials, such as Grolier Encyclopedia, Grolier Atlas, and Student Research Center. Thinkfinity provides thousands of teacher resources by aggregating lesson plans, student interactive activities, and video from respected education organizations. Each week since last fall, Library Media Services has highlighted different instructional tools from KYVL and Thinkfinity to enhance teacher pedagogical practices. Highlights are e-mailed to school librarians every Thursday for their review and distribution to grade-level and content area teachers for future lesson planning.
 * Five color Nooks are available for checkout from the Professional Library. Titles on the Nooks include //The Element// by Sir Ken Robinson, //The Child and the Curriculum// by John Dewey, //RTI in Middle and High Schools// by William Benders, //Read Aloud Magic: Intentional Teaching Through Reading Aloud// by Lisa Frase, and several other professional titles. Check availability in the online catalog at [].
 * Student Development Services: **
 * **Student Development Best Practice****—**End-of-Day/Class Check-In Meetings bring students together at the end of the day (or class period) to talk about how things are going—socially and academically—in their classroom community, to discuss their hopes and plans for the coming days, and to reflect on problem-solving efforts inside and outside the classroom. They allow each day to end on a positive note. These types of class meetings help increase student voice in the life of the classroom.

End-of-Day/Class Check-In Meetings: - Are brief (five to ten minutes). - Bring closure to the day/class. - Are a time for student reflection.

4:30–6:30 p.m. Gheens, Room 205/206 || 4:30–6:30 p.m. Gheens, Flex Room B || 4:30–6:30 p.m. Lincoln Elementary Fine Arts Building ||
 * **PD Opportunities****:**
 * 11-1241362 || The Power of Our Words || ** March 8 **
 * 11-1241353 || Strategies for Tier 2 and 3 Students: Solving Thorny Behavior Problems || ** March 12 **
 * 11-1241294 || Feeling Positive: Music for Social-Emotional Development, facilitated by David Kisor || ** March 15 **

Questions? Contact David Armour at **485-3969** or Glenna Hess at **485-3751**.


 * Title I: **
 * **PD Opportunity**

1 – 5 p.m. Gheens, Flex Room B ||
 * 11-1240940 || Title I FY13 Staffing and Budget Training || **Monday, February 20**

Questions? Contact Karen Moore at **485-6605**.
 * Sign up at pdCentral to attend.

** To access previous editions of the //Curriculum and Instruction Update//, [|click here]. **

** Elementary School Curriculum and Instruction Update ** ** February 10, 2012 ** ** When applicable, Web sites/e-mail addresses have been hyperlinked. ** ** Inside This Update: ** ¥ **Science** //(District-Developed Science Notebooks)// ¥ **Mathematics** //(Videos Focused on Fractions)// ¥ **Literacy** //(Kentucky Reading Project, Louisville Writing Project, Week 3 ELA Flashbacks, Standards Based Guided Practice #6,Kentucky Literacy Link, Kentucky Literacy Celebration Week,// //Dollar General Literacy Foundation Invites Applications for Youth Literacy Grants)// ¥ **Program Reviews** //(Important Information)// ¥ **Social Studies** //(Assessment Windows)// ¥ **Student Development Services** //(Second STEP K-5 Online Training, Best Practice, Upcoming Professional Development [PD])// ¥ **Title I** //(Supplemental Education Services)//

** Content Areas ** ** Analytical and Applied Sciences: ** - Science teacher leaders received training and materials to present the second part of the Lesson Planning PD. The window for presenting the PD is **February 6**** – ****February 17, 2012**. Teachers in kindergarten through grade four can receive stipend or credit for attending the PD. - The district-developed science notebooks will be available for schools to order for the 2012-13 school year. Ordering information will be sent to schools through the Pony on **Friday, February 10,** and will be addressed to the principal and the bookkeeper. There will be no district funding of science notebooks. Schools choosing to order them must submit a completed order form to Analytical and Applied Sciences via e-mail, fax or Pony. Questions? Call Kim Goff or Lee Ann Nickerson at **485-3471**.
 * ** Elementary Science **

The next set of teacher support videos that are focused on fractions have been posted on the Analytical and Applied Sciences Web page. The following videos can be accessed using the hyperlinks below: - [|**Division of a Fraction by a Whole Number Using Arrays**] - [|**Division of a Fraction by a Whole Number Using Clocks**] - [|**Division of a Whole Number by a Fraction Using a Number Line**] - [|**Division of a Whole Number by a Fraction Using Arrays**]
 * ** Elementary Mathematics **

Questions? Call Kim Goff or Michelle Herman at **485-3471**.

** Literacy: ** > > The Governor and First Lady have committed to making this an annual event held around the same week each year to highlight literacy and the impact it has on our education, economy, and culture. Literacy is vital to learning in all content areas. Students must be able to read and comprehend in order to understand and excel in all areas of learning (math, science, etc.). Mrs. Beshear will be making numerous visits across the state; visiting schools and education centers, participating in activities, and inviting communities and businesses to engage in the overall literacy achievement of our citizens, from birth to adulthood. As the month continues, additional information will be shared. > > We encourage everyone to participate. All Kentucky educational organizations, school districts, postsecondary institutions, business entities, communities, and families are being invited to join in this second annual event. The intent of the event is to celebrate achievements and focus on awareness relevant to literacy in the Commonwealth. Nearly half of Kentucky’s counties reported an activity last year. Our goal is to have 100 percent participation in 2012. It is important that all of Kentucky’s residents have opportunities to learn to read and write, and these local events demonstrate the importance of literacy. > > If you and/or your group engage in an activity you would like to share or invite others to participate in, you may submit them to a central Web site: [|www.kentuckyliteracy.org/celebrate2012] <[]>. Specifics about your event may be entered on the Event Submission Form under the //Share// tab. Submissions will be compiled to a list of all activities and posted to the Web site to announce any events others may attend. Your events and support can also be shared on the “Kentucky Literacy Celebration” Facebook page. The Facebook page will feature a photo campaign centered on this year’s theme, “Literacy is Welcome Here.” Anyone can participate in the photo campaign by submitting pictures of yourself or others in front of doors, welcoming literacy. The Web site has more details on this campaign. You may download the official logo from the Web site (//Partners// tab) to use in the promotion of your events. All activities are encouraged—from large organized events to personal reading time alone or with families and friends. > > The week chosen for this event coincides with other literacy-related activities that may help inspire participation. February is African-American Read-In Month (sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English) and March includes Read Across America activities (sponsored by the National Education Association). == · Dollar General Literacy Foundation Invites Applications for Youth Literacy Grants—The Dollar General Literacy Foundation 's Youth Literacy Grants program provides funding to schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations working to help students who are below grade level or experiencing difficulty reading. == Applicants must provide literacy programs for new readers, below-grade-level readers, or readers with learning disabilities.
 * **Reading News—**The [|**Kentucky Reading Project**] (KRP) is a PD initiative for Kentucky elementary teachers focused on research-based reading instruction. Click on the link (above) for more information. Applications are due by **February 24, 2012**.
 * **Writing News—**The [|**Louisville Writing Project**] (LWP) is a PD initiative for teachers with the goal to improve the writing skills of students through teacher preparation. Click on the link (above) for more information. Applications are due by **February 22, 2012**.
 * ** Week 3 English Language Arts (ELA) Flashbacks— ** The Week 3 ELA Flashbacks for third, fourth, and fifth grades are available in the Literacy Closet under //Quick Links//.
 * ** Standards-Based Guided Practice (SBGP)— ** SBGP #6 for third, fourth, and fifth grades are available on the Gheens Web site under //Curriculum Maps//.
 * ** Literacy News From the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE **** )— ** The February edition of the **__[|Kentucky Literacy Link]__** includes information on schoolwide literacy plans, effective practices for teachers of English Language Learners, Kentucky System of Interventions, and more. Click on the link (above) to access this resource.
 * The second annual **Kentucky Literacy Celebration** week will occur **March 5‑9, 2012.** An official proclamation from Governor Beshear’s office has been issued, announcing **March 5-9, 2012**, as Kentucky Literacy Celebration Week. Along with Gov. and Mrs. Beshear, a partnership of literacy agencies will again sponsor this exciting event in our state.

Grants will be provided for the following initiatives: implementing new or expanding existing literacy programs; purchasing new technology or equipment to support literacy initiatives; and purchasing books, materials, or software for literacy programs.

Applicants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and/or educational institutions (K-12 private and public schools, colleges, and universities) and/or public libraries. All applicants must be located in and provide direct services in a state in which Dollar General operates and be located within 20 miles of a Dollar General store. The maximum grant amount is $4,000. For complete program guidelines, store locator page, eligibility quiz, and the application form, visit the [|Dollar General Literacy Foundation Web site]. The deadline for application is **May 16, 2012**.

Questions? Contact Lue Peabody at **485-3240** or Laura Pinkerton at **485-7223**.

** Program Reviews ** All schools will submit final Program Reviews to the district by **May 4, 2012,** using Adaptive System of School Improvement Support Tools ( ASSIST). Access to supporting evidence must also be provided to district personnel via SkyDrive or hard copy. District staff will review school level ratings and then submit the reports to KDE by **June 1st** as a part of KDE’s baseline capture of data for all three program reviews for this academic school year.
 * **Program Reviews****—Important Information—**At this point of the year, all schools should have completed at least one round of the program review for each of the three areas (Arts and Humanities, Practical Living/Career Studies, and Writing) and be continuing the on-going process of identifying and storing evidence.

Note: Schools chosen to participate in the Program Review Content Validity Study should submit their reports electronically to Dr. Xin Ma by **February 28, 2012**. Be reminded that this is a snapshot of where schools are at this time in reviewing their programs and identifying evidence. Any scores generated for this study will remain confidential and will not be made public. All information for the reports is to be submitted electronically to Dr. Ma, **//not//** using ASSIST.

Questions? Call Margie Eckerle at **485-6298**. ** Social Studies **** : ** Questions? Call David Armour at **485-3969** or Rick Daniel at **485-3054**. ** Student Development Services: ** - **Reinforcing language** is descriptive, specific, reflective, and non-judgmental. It focuses on seeing our students and naming their strengths. It also emphasizes the description of the task over personal approval. - **Reminding language** should be used when students have simply forgotten what they need to do or how to do it. But remember, students can only be reminded of what they already know! - **Redirecting language** is giving clear commands when students have gone off track. It is about giving students clear, non-negotiable commands about what to do. Using these types of language will bring out the best in our students and will help teachers achieve goals in academic instruction, community building, discipline, and classroom management. For more information, check out the book **//The Power of Our Words,// Paula Denton, Ed.D.,** Northeast Foundation for Children**.** Session # 11-1241362 The Power of Our Words, March 8, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Location: Gheens, Room 205/206
 * Grade 5 Social Studies Proficiency #4 assessment window opens on **February 29, 2012**. Assessments are available through Classroom Assessment System and Community Access Dashboard for Education (CASCADE) now.
 * Grade 4 Social Studies Proficiency #4 assessment window opened on **February 3, 2012**.
 * Grade 3 Social Studies Proficiency #4 assessment window opens on **February 29, 2012**. Assessments are available through CASCADE now.
 * **[|**Second STEP K–5 Online Training**] **—Second Step has a new, interactive K–5 Second Step online training that motivates and prepares teachers and counselors to teach the program with fidelity. This in-depth, individual training can be done in multiple sittings and includes a program overview, information about the links between social and emotional learning and academics, curriculum exploration time, fun videos and games, and more. Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) has been given free access to the online training.
 * **Student Development Best Practice—**Teacher language is the most powerful teaching tool. Student Development has focused on the 3R’s of teacher language during PD sessions: Reinforcing, Reminding, and Redirecting language.
 * **Professional Development****Opportunities:**

Session # 11-1241353 Strategies for Tier 2 and 3 Students: Solving Thorny Behavior Problems, March 12, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Location: Gheens, Room Flex B

Session # 11-1241294 Feeling Positive: Music for Social-Emotional Development, facilitated by David Kisor, March 15, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Location: Lincoln Elementary Fine Arts Building

Questions? Contact David Armour at **485-3969** or Glenna Hess at **485-3751**. ** Support Services: ** ** Title I: ** SES is free tutoring for students who: - Attend an eligible school. - Are receiving free or reduced-price meals.
 * **Supplemental Education Services****(SES)—**Twenty-seven schools are eligible for SES. A complete list of schools can be found at: [].

On **February 8, 2012**, Family Resource/Youth Services Center (FRYSC) coordinators at eligible schools received the following: - List of students currently enrolled in SES - Blank application forms - Provider information forms

Parents may enroll child by completing the blank application form and returning to FRYSC coordinators.

Questions? Contact Maria Carrico at **485-7019**.

** Elementary School Curriculum and Instruction Update ** ** January 30, 2012 ** **// For ease of navigation, when applicable, websites/e-mail addresses below have been hyperlinked. //** **// Principals, please click on attached link for the: //** [|**//DuFours’ Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Application//**] //Deadline for Application: Friday, February 3, 2012//

// In response to requests, we are reposting the link to the // [|Elementary Assessment Calendar] //Questions? Call Kim Goff at 485-3471 or Lee Ann Nickerson at 485-3471.//
 * Content Areas: **
 * Analytical and Applied Sciences: **
 * Elementary Science **
 * The next **Elementary Science Teacher Leaders’** meeting will be February 1st from 4:30-7:30 p.m. in Flex B at Gheens. We will continue to work on Unit Planning.
 * Implementation professional developments for Kindergarten **Sunshine and Shadows** and fourth grade **Magnetism and Electricity** will be presented on Thursday, February 2nd at Gheens from 4:30-7:30 p.m. These sessions were developed to help teachers who are new to teaching or new to a specific grade level with teaching strategies and management tips.

ü write about their mistakes by walking through the steps they used to solve a problem explaining why their choice was wrong. ü monitor how long they spend on any given problem. Give students a set amount of time to work a problem. When time is up have them note how much of the problem they solved. Use this to discuss with students the need to be aware of their time. ü identify a variety of ways to tackle problems that may help them move their work along in a more timely fashion. The deadline for nominations is April 1, 2012. The nomination form should be completed early enough to ensure that the nominated teacher is given enough time to thoroughly prepare an application that reflects exemplary teaching prior to the application deadline. Applications are due by May 1, 2012. A short online nomination form can be accessed at [] .
 * Elementary Mathematics **
 * Grades 3-5: Several sets of flashbacks can be accessed on Gheens website or by clicking this link [] . In addition to using the flashbacks as a simple review, teachers should consider using the flashbacks to have students:
 * **Nominate outstanding elementary, grades K-6 mathematics and science teachers now for the 2012 awards: **<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px;">Please nominate a mathematics or science teacher for **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, **the Nation's highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.

//Questions? Call Kim Goff at 485-3471 or Michelle Herman at 485-3471.//

ü [|3rd Grade Flashback Week 1] ü [|4th Grade Flashback Week 1] ü [|5th Grade Flashback Week 1] Cohorts A & B - Thursday, February 2nd, 4:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. @ Gheens K/1 –Flex A, 2/3—Flex B, 4/5—G05-06 Reminder: please contact Julie Maxfield (or 485-7223) if you need to make a schedule change.
 * Literacy: **
 * ** Reading News: ** Week 1 ELA Flashbacks for 3rd, 4th and 5th grades are available on the Gheens website. Click on the following links to access:
 * ** Reading News **** : **The Kentucky Reading Project (KRP) is a professional development initiative for Kentucky elementary teachers focused on research-based reading instruction. It is sponsored by the Collaborative Center for Literacy Development (CCLD) and is a yearlong graduate-level reading course. Click [|here] for more information and the 2012-2013 application. Applications are due by February 24, 2012.
 * ** ELA Cohort News: ** Upcoming Elementary ELA Cohort PD:
 * ** Writing News: **The [|**KCAS Writing Class-At-A-Glance**]document is now available on the Gheens Website and in the Elementary Literacy Closet in the Writing Units folder (Analytical Resources). This document was compiled to allow teachers and school teams to take a global look at trends in students’ writing performance, both over time and when writing on-demand. It is based on the current Kentucky Writing Rubric.
 * [|KCAS Imagined Narrative Writing: Folktales for 4th Grade] is now available on the Gheens Website and in the Elementary Literacy Closet in the Writing Units folder (Instructional Resources).
 * The 2012-13 Louisville Writing Project Teacher Application is Due February 22, 2012. Please click [|here] to access the application.


 * __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Upcoming District Literacy Professional Development __**

Thursday, February 2nd, 4:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. @ Rutherford Elementary Register on pdCentral with this code - #11-1241177 <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">- KCTE Keynote Speaker, Dr. Sara Kajder <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">- Argument and Persuasion <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">- From Reading to Writing: Strategies to Makes Texts and Tasks Accessible to Middle School Students <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">- This is My Opinion and I’m Sticking to It. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">- Designing Mini-Lessons to Support the New Standards for Argument <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">- How Does Grammar Impact Argument? <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">- Argument in Action: Global Warming is a Hot Topic <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 13px;">- Analyzing Visual Arguments <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px;">Register by Feb. 7: $100; Register by Feb. 14: $125 //Questions? Contact Lue Peabody 485-3240 or Laura Pinkerton 485-7223.// //Session code: 11-1238554// ||
 * **Grade 5 Writing On-Demand //(This session is designed for 5th Grade teachers.)//**
 * **Grade 5 Writing On-Demand //(This session is designed for 5th Grade teachers.)//**
 * The Kentucky Council of Teachers of English/LA conference is in Lexington, Kentucky on Friday & Saturday, February 17 & 18, 2012. ( www.kcte.org ). Choice of sessions include:
 * Social Studies: **
 * **Second/Third Grade:**
 * **5th Sixth Weeks Social Studies Curriculum Maps PD for Second and Third Grade teachers**
 * February 8, 2012 || Gheens Academy Room 208 ||
 * 4:30pm – 7:30pm || 3.0 credit hours (stipend available) ||
 * This session will continue to dig deeper into curriculum maps and introduce strategies, instructional resources and related formative/summative assessments for the grading period. ||

//Questions? Call David Armour at 485-3969.//
 * **Fourth Grade:** The window for administering Social Studies Proficiency Assessment #4 will open on February 3rd.
 * **Fifth grade:** Mission US- Flight to Freedom, a multimedia project that immerses players in the life of a slave in Kentucky before the Civil War []

//Questions? Call Marti Kinney at 485-3563 or Alec Johnson at 485-6382.//
 * Support Services: **
 * English as a Second Language **
 * If enacted, the probable changes to the Inclusion of Special Populations regulation (703 KAR 5:070) will affect accommodations for LEP, as well as ECE. A modified-for-LEP version of the ECE-produced "No Readers" document and next steps can be viewed by clicking [|here].

The Gheens Institute for Innovation promotes innovative programs, projects, and activities within the Jefferson County Public Schools. The Gheens Institute for Innovation Creativity and Entrepreneurship Awards will recognize practices that exemplify creativity, innovation, and social and/or academic entrepreneurship both in and out of the classroom. The awards will be available in two categories:
 * Gheens Institute for Innovation: **
 * **Gheens Institute for Innovation Announces 2012 Creativity and Entrepreneurship Award Applications**

ü **Inspiration Award** - These awards will honor individuals who have designed and implemented an innovative program, practice or strategy within the past **five** years. ($1,000 per individual)

ü **Visionary Award** - These awards will honor teams of individuals who have collaborated to design and implement an innovative program, practice or strategy within the past **five** years. ($2,500 per team) Monetary awards must be used by the individual or team to sustain the program, practice or activity. Any individual and/or team of individuals currently employed by JCPS may apply (e.g.. central office administrators, principals, counselors, teachers, instructional assistants, classified support personnel, facility and transportation staff, food service staff, curriculum and instruction support staff, professional development staff, and/or a combination of the above). The application period is February 1, 2012 – April 1, 2012. A maximum of eight individual and/or team awards will be given annually. Awardees will be announced fall, 2012. **Apply online at** [|**https://apps.jefferson.kyschools.us/GheensInstituteAwards/**] //Questions? Call Sondra Ferren at 485-3961.//


 * Student Development Services: **
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px;">On Feb. 9th, there will be a repeat PD session on Proactive Strategies for Classroom Success. The session will be at Gheens, 4:30-6:30. Participants can register on PD central session # 11-1241345. **

PLEASE __DO NOT USE__ fax number 485-3987. //Questions? Call Karen Moore at 485-6605.//
 * Title I Services: **
 * Please use one of the following **fax numbers** to process payroll or any other Title I information:
 * 485-6264 or 485-3726 **


 * Elementary School Curriculum and Instruction Update **
 * December 14, 2011 **
 * // For ease of navigation, when applicable, websites/e-mail addresses below have been hyperlinked. //**
 * Content Areas: **
 * Analytical and Applied Sciences: **
 * Mathematics: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px;">Live Scoring: The Math Department has developed a series of Constructive Response Questions to give students guidance and practice in effectively solving these types of problems. In order for students to be successful, a progression of expectations and guidance should be given prior to total independence in solving problems. One suggestion for this includes progressive instructional steps to lead to student independence. The Live Scoring Protocol and resources can be accessed at the Gheens Website by accessing this link: [|Live Scoring]


 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px;">Elementary teachers requested support in teaching whole part relationships and applying them to operations using fractions – two rigorous key concepts in grades 2 – 5 in Kentucky Core Academic Math Standards. Because of the complexity of this topic, we have developed a two part professional development for grades 2/3 and grades 4/5. In December we offered Session 1 for grades 4/5. Approximately 170 teachers attended these sessions. Below is the schedule for the remainder of these sessions.

|| ** Grade **
 * ** 1/5/12 ** || ** 1/19/12 ** || ** 1/23/12 ** ||
 * 2/3 || Part I [|**11-1240844**] || Part I [|**11-1240845**] || Part I [|**11-1240847**] ||
 * 4/5 || Part II [|**11-1240841**] || Part II [|**11-1240842**] || Part II [|**11-1240782**] ||


 * Science: **
 * The 3rd grade science curriculum map has been updated to reflect the addition of informational reading and writing to learn strategies – similar to the additions added to 4th grade in October. The updated map can be accessed on the Gheens Website by [|**clicking here**].

//Questions? Call Kim Goff at 485-3471.//
 * An Informational Reading List of resources for the fourth grade Formative Assessment and Review Packets is now available online by [|**clicking here**] . This list provides details of the resources used in the review and the module enhancement lessons.

> Two constructed response questions (CRQs) have been added to the RDAs for grades 3-5 **__AND ARE OPTIONAL TO ADMINISTER__**. If your school chooses to administer the CRQs, the testing window will be open until Wednesday, January 4 to allow time for teachers to score the CRQs. Schools choosing to administer the assessment without the CRQs may want to use them after winter break as guided practice lessons.
 * Literacy: **
 * **__Reading Diagnostic Assessment (RDA) #2 Grades 3-5__**

If you choose to administer the assessment **without the CRQs**, print the student copy and the answer sheet for **RDA #2 MCQ only**.

Comments/Suggestions:
 * The informational passage has been moved to the beginning of the packet.
 * For Short Answer Questions: if students score a 1, bubble in a 2 on the scan sheet. If students score a 2, bubble in a 4 on the scan sheet.
 * __Reading Diagnostic Assessment (RDA) #2 Grades K-2__**

The suggested testing window for the **RDA #2 Grades K-2** is **December 12 – January 20.** Since the Kentucky Core Academic Standard (RF.K.1d) is “Recognize and name all upper- and lowercase letters of the alphabet”, the winter benchmark for **“on level”** status for **Letter Identification** will be **43-49 correct,** which is a stanine 5. The winter benchmark for **“on level”** status for **Hearing and Recording Sounds in Words** will be **12-18 correct,** which is a stanine 5. Reminder: When administering Hearing and Recording Sounds in Words, for standardization, **administer “Form B Sentence for Winter****.”** <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px;">An **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">updated **5th Grade On-Demand Guided Practice Unit will be available on the Gheens web page in January. It will include the two released sample prompts from KDE and other prompts to support instruction.
 * __<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px;">Writing News __**

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px;">Also, starting with the 4th grading period the writing units will be organized by K-1, 2-3, and 4-5 instead of K-2 and 3-5.

//<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px;">Questions? Contact Lue Peabody 485-3240 or Laura Pinkerton 485-7223. //

We are offering __optional__ training for your classroom teachers: - Each training is one hour, and every classroom teacher receives all equipment for implementation. - These trainings come highly recommended! They also support your local Wellness Policy (Goals for Physical Activity) and your Practical Living Program Review. - [|Practical Living Program Review Standards] and Demonstrators Supported: To schedule trainings contact Donna Benton, Practical Living Specialist. //Questions? Call Donna Benton at 485-3295.//
 * Practical Living: **
 * Ready for “Recess” **(Outdoor** Physical Activity**) and/or** Rainy Day “Recess” (**Indoor** Physical Activity**)**
 * “All students actively participate in three components of a comprehensive school-based physical activity program (e.g., classroom physical activity breaks, recess/activity breaks..,” Standard 1, Demonstrator 2
 * “All students participate daily in physical education and/or physical activity.” Standard 2, Demonstrator 2

Join other schools across the nation by pledging to read the Bill of Rights on December 15th. [|Bill of Rights Institute] [|Bill of Rights Day] Need a copy of the Bill of Rights, [|Click here] //Questions? Call David Armour at 485-3969.//
 * Social Studies: **
 * December 15th is celebrated as Bill of Rights Day. Kentucky celebrates the importance of the Bill of Rights in every classroom across the commonwealth. In 1988, the Kentucky General Assembly passed KRS 158.194, which states, “Each public elementary and secondary school classroom in the Commonwealth of Kentucky shall prominently display a copy of the Bill of Rights, embodying the individual liberties safeguarded by the Constitution of the United States.”
 * **Links to Bill of Rights lesson ideas and celebrations suggestions included in the [|5th grade social studies curriculum map]:**

//Questions? Call David Armour at 485-3969.//
 * Support Services: **
 * Student Development Services: **
 * Please check out two new additions to the Gheens Website. **RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION** **(RTI)**links have been created as well as resources for Character Education. Don’t forget the Care for Kids principles are the foundation for level one Response to Intervention Social/Emotional Behavior Development. Additional resources and lessons can also be found in the Second Steps materials that were provided to all elementary and middle schools. For more information regarding RTI, contact Rebecca Doyel at 485-3318. For information regarding Second Steps, contact Marcia Lemon at 485-6087.
 * Link to Student Development Resources – []
 * Link to RTI Resources - []
 * Link to Safe and Drug Free Schools – Bullying-Prevention Classroom Lessons and Videos - []


 * Elementary Schools Curriculum and Instruction Update **
 * November 8, 2011 **
 * // For ease of navigation, when applicable, websites below have been hyperlinked. //**

//Questions? Call Lue Peabody at 485-3240.//
 * Content Areas: **
 * Literacy: **
 * **Writing Support:** New On Demand Writing Units and many units to support students’ Writing Portfolios are posted on the following link: []


 * **Key Writing Standards:** These are identified as key standards because they are essential to and support the Key Reading Standards that are assessed on the Reading Diagnostic and Proficiency Assessments. They are critically important “Writing to Demonstrate Learning” Standards.
 * Grade 3 –** **W.3.8**: Recall information from experiences or gather information from print and digital sources; take brief notes on sources and sort evidence into provided categories.


 * W.3.10**: Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.


 * Grade 4 – W.4.8**: Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources.


 * W.4.9 [a, b]**: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.


 * W.4.10**: Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.


 * Grade 5 - W.5.8**: Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; summarize or paraphrase information in notes and finished work, and provide a list of sources.


 * W.5.9 [a, b]**: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
 * W.5.10**: Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

//Questions? Call Laura Pinkerton at 485-7223.//

//Session Code: 11-1238525// ||
 * Social Studies: **
 * **KCAS: Integrating Literacy and Social Studies (Primary K-3)**
 * (Repeat of summer session)**
 * November 14, 2011 || Gheens Academy Room 205/206 ||
 * 4:30pm – 7:30pm || 3.0 credit hours (District stipend available) ||
 * In this session, participants will examine ways to integrate Kentucky Core Academic Standards (KCAS) literacy standards into social studies instruction. Characteristics of Highly Effective Teaching and Learning (CHETL) will be embedded throughout the session. ||

//Session Code: 11-1238526// ||
 * **We the People (K-8)**
 * November 17, 2011 || Gheens Academy Room 208 ||
 * 4:30pm – 7:30pm || 3.0 credit hours (District stipend available) ||
 * Teachers will be introduced to the Center for Civic Education’s “We the People” program. The “We the People” program teaches the concepts of government and civics through the use of essential and guiding questions. The concepts taught are designed to prepare students to make arguments for and against constitutional issues and apply these issues to world events and political actions. ||

//Session code: 11-1238527// ||
 * **KCAS: Integrating Literacy and Social Studies (4th and 5th)**
 * (Repeat of summer session)**
 * November 21, 2011 || Gheens Academy Room 205/206 ||
 * 4:30pm – 7:30pm || 3.0 credit hours (District stipend available) ||
 * In this session, participants will examine ways to integrate the Kentucky Core Academic Standards (KCAS) literacy standards into social studies instruction. By using practical literacy strategies, participants will increase social studies content understanding while reinforcing literacy instruction. ||

//Session Code: 11-1238528//**(Target Grade Levels are 5th and 8th Grade)** ||
 * **Connecting the Five Themes of Geography with Historical Concepts**
 * December 1, 2011 || Gheens Academy Room 204 ||
 * 4:30pm – 7:30pm || 3.0 hours credit (District stipend available) ||
 * Teachers will learn strategies to help students gain a better understanding of the Five Themes of Geography while learning how each theme builds on the others, creating a unique geographic perspective. ||

//Session code: 11-1238533// ||
 * **4th Five Weeks Social Studies (K-1) Weeks 16-25**
 * December 5, 2011 || Gheens Academy Room G05/G06 ||
 * 4:30pm – 7:30pm || 3.0 credit hours (District stipend available) ||
 * This session will continue to dig deeper into curriculum maps and introduce strategies, instructional resources and related formative/summative assessments for the grading period. ||

//Session code: 11-1238549// ||
 * **4th Five Weeks Social Studies (2-5) Weeks 16-20**
 * December 8, 2011 || Gheens Academy Flex A ||
 * 4:30pm – 7:30pm || 3.0 credit hours (District stipend available) ||
 * This session will continue to dig deeper into curriculum maps and introduce strategies, instructional resources and related formative/summative assessments for the grading period. ||

//Questions? Call David Armour at 485-3969.//

¥ **Science** (Upcoming Professional Development [PD]) ¥ **Mathematics** (K–5 Principal Notes in Red for Weeks 25–30, Upcoming PD) ¥ **Literacy** (ELA Curriculum Unit Maps for Weeks 25–30, Publishers’ Criteria, Reading Diagnostic Assessment, Week 5 ELA Flashbacks, Writing News) ¥ **Program Reviews** (Helpful Information Link) ¥ **Social Studies** (Common State Standards Update, Upcoming PD Sessions, Primary Sources and Elementary Students) ¥ **English as a Second Language** (Instructional Strategies for English Learners [ELs]) ¥ **Library Media Services** (Textbooks) ¥ **Student Development Services** (Best Practice)
 * Elementary School Curriculum and Instruction Update **
 * February 24, 2012 **
 * When applicable, Web sites/e-mail addresses have been hyperlinked. **
 * Inside This Update: **


 * // The links above this line are placeholders; if you click on them, they will simply take you further down into this document ONLY. All links below this line are regular links; they will take you to external resources. If your Web browser is open and you click on one of the links below this line and nothing appears to happen, look for the new page in the menu bar at the bottom of your screen. (Remember to hold the Control Key while you left-click on the links.) //**

The Second-Grade Pebbles, Sand, and Silt module has been revised to include specific instructional strategies that have a focus on literacy integration. These new instructional strategies can be accessed via a live link on the Second-Grade Science Curriculum Map on the Gheens Web site [|Pebbles, Sand, and Silt Addend].
 * Content Areas **
 * Analytical and Applied Sciences: **
 * ** Elementary Science **
 * **Upcoming Elementary School Science PD** ||
 * **Fifth-Grade Weather and Water Part II** ||
 * **2/29/12** || Gheens, 4:30–7:30 p.m. (credit or stipend)  ||  [|11-1241073]  ||

Questions? Call Kim Goff or Lee Ann Nickerson at **485-3471**.

Attached are the K–5 Principal Notes in Red for Weeks 25-30 ([|Grade K], [|Grade 1], [|Grade 2], [|Grade 3], [|Grade 4], [|Grade 5]). If you have questions after reviewing the Principal Notes, please contact your resource teacher, Michelle Herman, or Kim Goff. Gheens, (2–3), 4:30–6:30 p.m. (credit or stipend) Gheens, (4–5), 4:30–6:30 p.m. (credit or stipend) ||  [|11-1241686] [|11-1241689] [|11-1241691] ||
 * ** Elementary Mathematics **
 * **Upcoming PD**
 * **Upcoming Elementary School KCAS Mathematics PD** ||
 * **KCAS Math Standards Problem Solving** ||
 * **3/1/12** ||  Gheens, (K–1), 4:30–6:30 p.m. (credit or stipend)

Questions? Call Kim Goff or Michelle Herman at **485-3471**.


 * Literacy: **
 * **ELA Curriculum Unit Maps for Weeks 25–30—**The English and Language Arts (ELA) Curriculum Unit Maps for kindergarten through fifth grades will be available on the Gheens Web site under //Curriculum Maps// and in the Elementary Literacy Closet.


 * ** Publishers’ Criteria for the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Literacy, **__[|Grades K–2 ELA]__// — //Developed by two of the lead authors of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), the Publishers’ Criteria are designed to guide educators. The criteria articulated in the document concentrate on the most significant elements of the CCSS and lay out their implications for aligning materials with the standards. These guidelines are not meant to dictate classroom practice but rather to help ensure that teachers receive effective tools.

At the heart of these criteria are instructions for shifting the focus of literacy instruction to center on careful examination of the text itself. In aligned materials, work in reading and writing (as well as speaking and listening) must center on the text under consideration. The standards focus on students reading closely to draw evidence and knowledge from the text and require students to read texts of adequate range and complexity. The criteria, therefore, revolve around the texts that students read and the kinds of questions students should address as they write and speak about them. The standards and these criteria sharpen the focus on the close connection between comprehension of text and acquisition of knowledge.


 * **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Reading Diagnostic Assessment— **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">RDA #3 for third, fourth, and fifth grades are available on Classroom Assessment System & Community Access Dashboard for Education (CASCADE). The testing window opened **February 20**. **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">PLEASE NOTE **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">—The following information is included in the //Before You Print// section of RDA #3 teacher directions page: The Constructed Response Questions (SAQs/ERQs) are optional for the diag <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">nostic assessment. **Prior to printing, select (from the drop-down box) Grade 3, 4, or 5 RDA #3 if you will be assessing with the Extended Response Questions. Select Grade 3 RDA #3 MCQ ONLY if you will only be assessing with the Multiple Choice Questions. The scan sheets are different for each assessment choice**.


 * ** Week 5 ELA Flashbacks— ** The Week 5 ELA Flashbacks for third, fourth, and fifth grades will be available in the Literacy Closet under //Quick Links//.


 * **Writing News—** The Gra des 4-5 Informative/Explanatory Writing Unit II for Weeks 25–30will be available on the Gheens Web site under //Curriculum Maps// and in the Elementary Literacy Closet under //K–5 Writing Workshop Resources// in the Instructional Resources folder.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Questions? Contact Lue Peabody at **485-3240** or Laura Pinkerton at **485-7223**.

- Program Reviews—One Page Overview - Suggested Procedure for Midyear Review of Evidence for the Program Reviews - KDE Program Review Guide for Practical Living/Career Studies—JCPS Elementary (Edited Version) - Program Review—Arts Rubric: Evidence Examples Chart - Program Review—Practical Living/Career Studies: Evidence Examples Chart - Program Review—Writing: Evidence Examples Chart - Arts and Humanities Evidence Index - Practical Living/Career Studies Evidence Index - Writing Evidence Index - Arts and Humanities Program Review At-a-Glance - Practical Living/Career Studies Program Review At-a-Glance - Writing Program Review At-a-Glance
 * Program Reviews: **
 * [|link]takes you to a folder that has copies of various documents that have been shared throughout the school year. It will also house new documents as they are developed. You are invited to check out this resource for assistance with your Program Review process. New this week are the following:

Questions? Call Margie Eckerle at **485-6298**.

- SocialStudiesCommonState StandardsUpdate ü Twenty-onestateeducationagenciesarecollaboratingwith 15professionalorganizations in thesocialstudiesto developaset ofstandards. Thegroups havea sharedframeworkfocusedon bothdisciplinaryandinterdisciplinarywaysofthinkingaboutcivics, economics,geography,andhistory. Theultimategoalisto produceasetof fewer, higher,clearerstandardsthatprepare all studentsforcollege,career,and citizenship. Asstates continue theirconversations, wewillshare anyadditional informationand updates.
 * Social Studies **** : **
 * **Information from the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) Social Studies Update**

Gheens Academy 4:30–7:30 p.m. || 4:30–7:30 p.m. ||
 * **Upcoming PD Sessions**
 * **Upcoming Elementary School Social Studies PD** ||
 * [|11-1238567]  ||   [|Mission US: Flight to Freedom]   ||  **2/29/12**
 * [|**11**][|-**1241582**]  ||   [|Mission US: Flight to Freedom]   ||  **3/1/12**Atherton Library

· <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Primary Sources and Elementary Students
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Excerpt from “ <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Using Primary Sources with K–5 Students” by Gail Petri <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">As elementary teachers know from experience, younger students are characteristically active, curious, and concrete learners. They are in various stages of developing their language and reasoning skills, teamwork, and fine motor abilities. Students in grades K–5 need to be able to connect history about people, places, or events to their own experiences. Primary sources offer unique opportunities for personalizing the past. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Teaching younger students with primary sources requires careful planning. Begin by identifying the learning goal or essential question of the activity. Depending on the topic, there are many primary sources available online. It is critical, however, to select primary sources that are accessible and appropriate for the students’ grade level. Elementary teacher Sara Suiter, [|Library of Congress 2010 Teacher-in-Residence], recommends selecting primary sources with some or all of these characteristics: <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Select one or more primary sources. Consider how to structure a primary source-based activity that will engage students, prompt them to think critically, and help them construct new knowledge. Students should feel that they are in charge of the historical investigation and responsible for their own theories and conclusions. The following chart illustrates examples of types of primary sources and strategies for designing grade-level-appropriate activities. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">The following Web links contain several primary source images, documents, and graphic organizers. - <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">A lesson with primary sources to support the effect of the cotton <span style="color: black; font-family: 'calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;"> gin on slavery in the South:
 * A date of creation or publication is easily identifiable
 * The original format is evident (such as a page from a book, poster, or newspaper article)
 * The author’s name is on the document
 * Handwriting or typography is legible and decodable
 * The content of the primary source can be easily placed in a time period familiar to the students
 * The facsimile of the primary source is clear and has a high resolution
 * **Grade Level** || **Primary Sources** || **Strategies** ||
 * K || Introduce artifacts, photographs, posters, oral history recordings, song recordings, and other primary sources without text. || Connect primary sources to self:
 * Make observations and basic comparisons.
 * Categorize several sources. ||
 * 1–2 || Introduce diary entries, drawings, simple maps, and other primary sources with limited text, such as tickets, receipts, menus, and catalogs. || Expand primary source connections to family:
 * Observe/analyze/compare primary sources.
 * Diagram similarities and differences.
 * Distinguish fact from fiction. ||
 * 3–4 || Introduce newspapers, broadsides, documents, letters, charts, and other primary sources with larger amounts of text, and include primary sources with multiple viewpoints. || Expand primary source connections to community and local region:
 * Invite students to discern point of view and bias.
 * Conduct more in-depth analysis. ||
 * 5–6 || Introduce more complex historical documents (e.g., the //Declaration of Independence//) and different types of maps. Include primary sources in multiple formats on the same topic. || Expand primary source connections to nation:
 * Compare drafts with final versions.
 * Compare multiple points of view and bias.
 * Synthesize learning and construct new knowledge. ||
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">[] **

- <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">U.S. National Park Service—This is a picture of a cotton gin and a photo-analysis sheet to go with it. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">@http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/21boott/21getting.htm

- National Archives—This site contains a collection of graphic organizers for analyzing primary sources. []

Questions? Call David Armour at **485-3969** or Rick Daniel at **485-3054**.
 * Support Services **
 * English as a Second Language **** : **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Some English learners (ELs) know very little English but have a rich content background from their primary language. Other ELs may have acquired intermediate or advanced English skills but still have gaps in their content knowledge. In order for ELs to become successful students overall, they need to learn both English and grade-level content. The content instruction section of the [|Colorín Colorado] Web site suggests ways in which to provide ELs with additional support in such content areas as math, science, social studies, and language arts.

Questions? Call Marti Kinny at **485-3563** or Alec Johnson at **485-6382**.

As schools develop their textbook plan for next year, faculty may want to visit the official state textbook repository for adopted materials at the Gheens Professional Library. Resources selected for purchase not on the state adopted list require a completed Off-List Notification Form. Off-List Notification Forms and information is available from the following site: []. A form with guidelines for the purchase of supplemental instructional materials with textbook funds is found at the link below. As you will note in the first column, row 10 (“Wireless Reading Devices”), the use of textbook funds for these devices “is given contingent upon usage of the devices as instructional resources and text readers and assuming that the devices are **not** purchased for use as ‘computers’ as defined in the regulation.” (704 KAR 3:455) [] Questions? Call Paul Lanata at **485-3090**
 * Library Media Services: **
 * ** Textbooks ** —According to KRS 156.400 (3), the chief state school officer may delay the purchase of textbooks due to insufficient funds. Due to the inadequate amount allocated for textbooks in the current state budget, the textbook cycle will be delayed until sufficient funds are in place to continue the process. However, each school will receive a district allocation for textbooks and supplemental instructional materials.

- Respecting the student and his or her goal of being a significant community member - Proactively working with students to create, teach, and practice classroom rules - Use encouraging and empowering language to support students’ successes - Reactively use logical consequences to help students fix mistakes and regain self-control - Value mutual problem solving as a tool to teach ethical thinking and respectful community membership
 * Student Development Services: **
 * **Student Development Best Practice**—Our goal is for students to learn to think for themselves and act in caring, respectful, and responsible ways. Teachers and other staff members share power and control with students by building on their capabilities, teaching them necessary skills, and giving them new responsibilities when they are ready to handle them. Establishing and maintaining the power and control consists of the following:

Check out the resource //Solving Thorny Behavior Problems// by Caltha Crowe, or attend the PD session on **March 12, 2012**. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Gheens, Room 205/06 || 4:30-6:30 p.m. Gheens, Flex Room B || 4:30-6:30 p.m. Lincoln Elementary Fine Arts Building ||
 * 11-1241363 || The Power of Our Words || **March 8**
 * 11-1241353 || Strategies for Tier 2 and 3 Students: Solving Thorny Behavior Problems || **March 12**
 * 11-1241294 || Feeling Positive: Music for Social-Emotional Development, Facilitated by David Kisor || **March 15**

Questions? Contact David Armour at **485-3969** or Glenna Hess at **485-3751.**

** To access previous editions of the //Curriculum and Instruction Update//, [|click here]. **