'Tis the Season

       Merry Christmas! What a wonderful, wonderful time of the year! On the 23^rd, we went to a wedding! It was so beautiful. Cathy, Phil’s sister, walked down a winding, dark wood staircase with her dad and met the groom in front of a large fireplace decorated with white candles, Christmas boughs and a star. All the guests stood around the bride and groom. It was so romantic for Phil and me that I could not help tearing up just a little bit. It was elegant and cozy, relaxed and lovely.

       The next day at noon, we all met for brunch at a restaurant overlooking Lake Geneva on a sparkling sunny day. Then, we came home and enjoyed a relaxing Christmas Eve around our own tall Christmas tree and cozy fire on Cascade Mountain. Now, we are on our way to Whitecap Ski Resort, listening to Christmas carols and watching the snow get deeper throughout the North Woods. Tonight we will meet our friends, Kyle and Jill, for dinner, and then we’ll watch the Packers as we build our traditional gingerbread house. In the morning, it’s time for skiing.

       This year I seem to be enjoying Christmas more and more even though I am doing less and less. Perhaps, it is precisely because we did so little that we are enjoying it so much. The wedding, the reception, the brunch and the vacation were all planned by others. We never even got around to putting up stockings or ornaments on the tree. I just put bows on all the presents for family and friends. The girls each received a new blow dryer wrapped in blankets under the tree. Cathy’s wedding gift was bought, wrapped and shipped from my laptop computer. My students received stamped paper bags containing a calculator, ornament and candy. The closest we came to watching a Christmas movie was laughing at the holiday episode of our favorite TV show, The Middle, on DVD. Phil and I are sure that the writers of that show have installed a hidden camera in our house just to get new material.

Update On Math Goals

Okay, we finished Unit 4. Next week we will finish Unit 5. I think we have found a very productive way of differentiating math instruction. I think there may be better ways with different classes, but this year, at this time, I feel very good about what we are doing.


Each day begins with some “interactive whiteboard” work. Sometimes it’s review and sometimes it’s new, but it always lets me discover where students' misconceptions are popping up. Next, I try to use manipulatives or a computer image, a movie or something fun to teach the lesson.

Then, students do some “practice” problems. Sometimes, I just walk around and check, sometimes they work with partners, sometimes they check their own work, sometimes I check it. The immediate feedback is important. Otherwise, kids sometimes just write any old answer.

Next, is the differentiation. Students have always had differentiated basic facts test. Some kids are working on multiplying 5’s and one is already through division of 9’s. Students also have group work, work based on MAP RIT score, enrichment packets, games on the ipad and our website, and opportunities to work with me and other adults individually or in small groups.

Finally, our after school “Algebra” Club is a lot different than last year. Only three students are truly working on “algebra,” nine or ten are working on pre-algebra packets and four or five are working in grade four study link workbooks. I have learned that my fourth graders this year really cannot teach themselves like my sixth graders could last year. The only one who can really do that is the only third grader who is in our club. However, everyone is working and learning.

Reading Based on Interest

During the months of October and November, I read a lot of books related to the 1960's. Years ago, I bought the book Parting the Waters by Taylor Branch. Back then, I don't know if I ever read the whole book, but this time when I read it cover to cover, I was truly astounded by how amazing Martin Luther King, Jr. was as a leader and religious person. Then, I started rereading some books on the Vietnam War, and I downloaded Pillars of Fire by Taylor Branch and Conversations With Jacqueline Kennedy. The last book was unique because it contained audio, video and written transcripts. However, I was very disappointed by Jackie Kennedy's broad stereotyping of so many groups of people.

After a short diversion for a book club with Phil (we read an awful book with a great title, When Elves Attack), I am back to reading a historical fiction book related to my 1960's theme, 11/22/63. Wow! It's been a long time since I read a book by Stephen King, but that man can really write an interesting story. So far, so good.

One of the great things about the iPad is that you can download free samples of books. I have probably downloaded 10 or 12 samples. Sometimes I buy the book, and sometimes I don't, but it sure makes choosing new books to read a fun experience.

Math Goals

Goal: Within each week's math lessons, I would like to differentiate instruction into at least three levels.

Activities

1. Use class website to differentiate instructional assessment materials based on MAP scores.

2. Utilize Part 3 of Everyday Math Lessons.

3. Provide additional after school enrichment and in class small group remediation.

Assessment

1. MAP Data

2. Computer quiz results

3. Unit Tests

4. Reflections (after each unit)

5. Student self-assessments

Halloween

    Tonight I finished hanging tombstones from the ceiling of my classroom. Each students wrote a description of a haunted house on one side, and the other side of the tombstone contains a silly, rhyming epitaph. They are pretty funny! All the kids (including my own two daughters) are talking about their Halloween costumes and trick-or-treating. We have been reading spooky stories in class, and now we're finally starting mysteries. The Fall Festival is a wild and exciting event at school, and I'm getting excited about a trip to Chicago after Teachers' Convention for a little adult Halloween fun!

Hey, Mateys!

I am so happy that we were able to have a fantastic Pirate Day last week. It was so much fun to integrate a celebration into our language arts, social studies and read aloud lessons. The students were SOOOO into it! The costumes and food were amazing, and one of my students made handmade treasure maps for each class member and a treasure box filled with pirate-related trinkets and toys. Another student brought in a huge wooden "treasure" chest filled with pirate items including some things signed by that famous fictional pirate Jack Sparrow (aka Johnny Depp). Oh! How I have missed students who take a theme and run with it to create something new and wonderful!

My standards-based research from last year has improved my lessons and assessment in math classes. I haven't done too much with my green, yellow and red light lesson ideas, but I have differentiated a lot within lessons. We completed the first math unit, and I am happy to report that my students love math and were very successful. The students focused on mindset, attendance and practice.

Right now, I feel excited like I did two years ago with my 3rd/4th grade class. Part of it is just going back to basics: I've tried for so long to be a team player, spend less time at school and up those test scores that I have strayed from what (I think) made me a good teacher. This year, I am really putting my time into making exciting lessons and activities, helping every student find success and fun in the classroom, and remembering that in the end I need to have my final self-assessment outweigh the feedback I get from my peers and bosses.

Reading, Working and Going Slow

I am reading a lot of books, slowly organizing my teaching world and trying to remember to go slow! Tomorrow we might even find some time to play Silent Ball in class which is an awesome game for both teachers and students. Last week I felt much more upbeat about teaching. As a result I was inspired to put in some extra hours throwing away things I will (probably) never use, and filing away all the rest.

Making a Difference

Yesterday, I received an email from one of my former students who I taught during the 1987-1988 school year. I could remember him exactly as he was in 8th grade, and now he has sons of his own, one of whom is in middle school!

We as teachers do not always realize the impact we have on our students. This year, for the second time, I was beginning to wonder if all the extra time and money I spend trying to make a difference was worth it. Along with some kind words I have recently received from former parents and students, the email made me feel better than I have in a long time.

My Pocrastination Meeting Has Been Postponed...

For the last eighty minutes.... I have just "wasted all of my time".....

My classroom is a complete disaster, and Open House is three days away! So, why am I not working on  it???? Instead, I am writing on this blog... after I checked out the latest high school football rankings for Portage and a bunch of other schools... after I read the Portage Daily Register...after I wrote some emails... after I basically did anything but the things I should be doing.

Maybe what I really want to know is how come every time I spend precious minutes and sweat (a lot of, I mean way too much of, actually dripping-into-my-eyes-type sweat) cleaning, my classroom just looks messier and messier? This is ridiculous! I cleaned out 26 boxes from our basement at home and brought 18 boxes to school. Now I have unpacked all the boxes of books and nothing looks better (whaa, whaa, boo hoo, do you feel sorry for me, too?). 

Actually, I'm just ranting. It will get done, but I have a feeling it will be done about 3 minutes, 35 seconds before Open House.

P.S. I scored the first BINGO at 8:19 yesterday during our opening inservice. By the end of the morning the only word keeping me from blacking out my entire card was "flexibility." I was the "big" winner so Phil and everyone else (you know who you are) need to pay up!

New School Year!

Today is the first day of "real" school. No more just doin' a little of this and a little of that whenever...or never. This summer was awesome! It was just what I needed to recharge my optimism and enthusiasm for learning and teaching. Tomorrow we'll start planning fourth grade stuff, and hopefully I'll get an opportunity to actually introduce myself to the new teacher I will (be trying to) mentor this year.

I went back and forth about mentoring this year, but in the end, I think I could help someone else get adjusted to Portage. I still remember all the things no one told me when I started here, and all the things I didn't know when I started at a different school last year. Most teachers graduating from college know just as much or more about new teaching methods as I do, and they sure know a lot more about technology than I do! But adjusting to Portage is the one thing I could help someone learn.

Sooooo, I'm going to try and keep a list of the things "no one told me, but I should have known."

1. Get your substitutes set for all the days you will miss for grade level classes BEFORE the start of the year.*

2. Good parking places that aren't off limits.

3. Pick out one or two personal days on the first inservice day. Bring a calendar and addresses to the first inservice.*

4.  Look at other people's websites to get good links (Everyday Math, Smartboard Sites, CoolMath, etc.).

5.  Sign out the computer lab way, way, way ahead of time.

6.  Sign up early for MAP Testing the first time. Sign up late for the next two times.

7.  Watch the questions your students are getting on the MAP test. Adjust curriculum accordingly.

8.  The first 10 questions of the MAP test are much more important than the next 40 questions.

9.  Try to get (or switch with me or other teachers) an early date for lounge, fitness Friday, etc.

10. The importance of volunteers*

11. A good safety patrol fundraiser, community service, points, and the importance of staying eligble

12. The shirts, face painting, posters, Spirit Week, and parade for Homecoming

13. The sixth graders helping out at Halloween

14. School supplies such as glue, paper, colored/subject folders, and dry erase markers*

15. Donations for end-of-the-year field trip and picnic

16. Tips for writing reflections on lesson plans*

17. Snacks, milk, lunch, Book It Pizzas, testing food, soda, refrigerators

18. Xerox printing and paper: Things you should know

19. County fair projects and money

20. Differences at Rusch compared to other Portage Schools

• curriculum
• grading
• parent club
• funds
• technology
• after school
• lunch
• recess

21. Band practice and choir practice times*

22. Schedule and Agenda Lists*

23. Student of the Week Ideas

*First items

A French Education

Samantha finally returned from France on Monday! She had such a wonderful time. First, she stayed in the southern city of Toulouse at Gabrielle and Josephine's house. The city is old and filled with pinkish-orange brick buildings. Then, they went to Brittany and stayed at the family's vacation home on the ocean. After touring four French castles, the girls finally arrived in Paris. They stayed in an apartment owned by the girls' grandma and got to spend an evening in their grandpa's old underground Paris winery filled with bottles and casks dating back to 1933! Of course, Sam also had a chance to visit the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc deTriomphe and many other famous sites.

I am so proud of Samantha. She handled every part of the trip beautifully, and I admire the way she enthusiastically embraced French food and culture. (She has convinced us to plan our dinners for 7 pm so we can eat a family meal together with meat, fruits and vegetables, french bread, cheese and dessert). Next summer, if Sam goes back, they plan to spend most of their time in Spain (Josephine and Sam both speak Spanish well), and we will take Josephine to more places in the United States (maybe New England, the West Coast or Florida).

Wow!

This week I am attending five technology classes. It's terribly exciting to see new apps or find the perfect resource for teaching a class. There is so much out there that a person could spend every waking moment working on a computer, phone, iPad, or Smartboard!

The only hassle is getting everything to work and transfer the information when you need it. There are still too many glitches with our district technology program, and access is still sometimes a problem. But.... when it works, it REALLY works. I have enjoyed every single class so far.

In the afternoons, I have BEGUN the task of organizing my new room. It's slow going, but every day I have a goal (organize posters, organize books and games, arrange desks, and on and on). I figure if it's important, it will eventually get done.

My Favorite 100 Movies (That I Could Watch Again)

Okay, I could not make a list of the 100 BEST movies because I know movies are considered great for reasons other than a happy ending or suprising twists and turns. "Critical acclaim" seems almost synonomous with "really depressing". Finally, in some movies (Gone With the Wind for instance) the racism or sexism is just too distracting for me to include it as a favorite.
So here it is, in no particular order. Someday, I'll make a list of all the movies I recommend, but after much hard work and agonizing (really just an hour and a half of loafing around) here is the list of "My 100 Favorite Movies".

1. Casablanca

2. The Godfather/Godfather II

3. The Departed

4. Michael Clayton

5. Blood Diamond

6. Inception

7. It’s a Wonderful Life

8. Kate and Leopold

9. The Sting

10. Avatar

11. The Wizard of Oz

12. The Shawshank Redemption

13. The African Queen

14. North By Northwest

15. Say Anything

16. The Maltese Falcon

17. Some Like It Hot

18. The Philadelphia Story

19. It’s Complicated

20. Shrek

21. An Ideal Husband

22. A Streetcar Named Desire

23. Rear Window

24. Jaws

25. The Silence of the Lambs

26. Tootsie

27. Ben-Hur

28. Fargo

29. A Night at the Opera

30. Pride and Prejudice (All four versions including Bride and Prejudice)

31. The Usual Suspects

32. The Sixth Sense

33. All the President’s Men

34. Swing Time

35. Singin’ In the Rain

36. The Sound of Music

37. Meet Me In St. Louis

38. Enchanted

39. Monster-In-Law

40. The Notebook

41. Overboard

42. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

43. The Big Sleep

44. Witness

45. National Velvet

46. The Lion In Winter

47. Mulan

48. Aladdin

49. Sense and Sensibility

50. Groundhog Day

51. To Have and Have Not

52. Notorious

53. To Catch a Thief

54. Roxanne

55. Spy Game

56. Holiday

57. Heaven Can Wait

58. You Can’t Take It With You

59. The Pride of the Yankees

60. The Adventures of Robin Hood

61. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

62. Hotel Rwanda

63. The Talented Mr. Ripley

64. Jane Austen Book Club

65. The Hunt for Red October

66. When We Were Kings

67. The Young Lions

68. A Christmas Story

69. Clueless

70. The Right Stuff

71. Atlantic City

72. When Harry Met Sally

73. Moonstruck

74. The Verdict

75. Halloween

76. Grease

77. Fiddler On the Roof

78. Mary Poppins

79. The Bridge on the River Kwai

80. Rebecca

81. Miracle on 34th Street

82. The Parent Trap (both versions)

83. Gaslight

84. Anastasia

85. Sunset Boulevard

86. Top Hat

87. Ray

88. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

89. The Thin Man (whole series)

90. Ball of Fire

91. A Christmas In Connecticut

92. Boys Town

93. Meet the Parents

94. Remember the Titians

95. Hairspray (the musical)

96. One True Thing

97. Fresh

98. Suspicion

99. Regarding Henry

100. ?????????

Canoeing Through Life

Yesterday was a beautiful day on the Wisconsin River. We saw eagles, blue herons, cranes, and turtles seemingly enjoying the day as much as we did. Canoe is the best way to travel the Wisconsin because the water is so shallow in sections, you can paddle to move along or just go with the current, and one or two people can paddle simultaneously . The water is a nice temp for swimming or wading, the many sandbars are great for picnics and I love the light breeze on a sunny day.

For every day that Sam is gone, we are planning outdoor activities (today it's climbing at Devil's Lake after Phil read a cool write up about the area in Climbing Magazine) and an indoor movie festival (Phil' s idea of a great time for Sasha). While looking for movies to rent, I came across a number of interesting lists. On some internet sites people pick their top romantic, scary or best movie, but I enjoy reading longer lists. You can learn a lot about a person by scanning their favorite 50 or even their favorite 100 movies. If they tell you (a little) about why they love it, so much the better. I think it might be interesting to try. So my assignment today is to spend an hour or so writing down my favorites (in no particular order). Wish me luck!

Sleeping In Our Own Beds

After a wonderful week in St. Charles (near Chicago) and the pig roast in Coloma, we are finally home again! Well, at least some of us are home. Sam's in France. Of course, all of us (even Sasha) miss her, but this is a great experience for her, and she is going to have an amazing time with Gabrielle and Josephine.

In Chicago, we went to see "The Bean" at Millenium Park. It's pretty cool for a sculpture. I think I get the whole idea of being a part of the sculpture, both individually and with others from different viewpoints. Of course, we also went to an Italian restaurant in the Gold Coast area for some deep dish pizza, brushetta and calamari. Then, it was onto Navy Pier and the Shanghai Circus. Finally, we took a water taxi back to Union Square to pick up the train!

I'm so glad I don't have a long commute to work. Geneva and St. Charles are lovely, very wealthy towns, but an hour and a half on the train in the morning and evening seems like an awful trade off for a nice car and pretty shops. Just driving around the western "burbs" drove Phil crazy. There were the long (for us) waits at stoplights and the inevitable rush hour traffic during the afternoons and early evenings. I guess that's why so many people from Chicago are willing to drive 3 hours to Wisconsin for a little weekend relaxation.

Ronnie and Gilles were the best hosts. We are really lucky to have them as friends and part-time neighbors. In fact, we are pretty blessed all the way around.

An Absolutely Lovely Day

It was a gorgeous day on the lakefront. I had forgotten how beautiful the boats could move across the waves on a sunny day. Phil wants to live on a sailboat and travel along the world's coasts. I could do that as long as we have a snug, little cabin, and we don't go on some sort of around the world endurance test.

We also went to Discovery World. The highlights were the overhead fish aquarium, the flight simulator and the bed of nails. The girls went to the Design It lab while Phil and I toured the other parts of the museum. At least four people liked the shirt I bought for Phil that says, "Teach Me How to Bargain."

Around two o'clock we strolled over to Harbor House for a luxurious lunch. (It's hard to believe the restaurant is in the same building that used to contain the dark Pieces of Eight restaurant). Phil and I had oysters for an appetizer, but we couldn't get any of the girls to try one!

Next, we each rented a Segway and went all over the lakefront, art museum and war memorial. It is different than I thought it would be. You go forward, backward and stop using pressure from the toes and heels of your feet. Some people (me included) got a little crazy fooling around, but no one got hurt, so it's okay, right?????

On the way back to Portage, we stopped at Texas Roadhouse BBQ. YeeeHa! Everyone was "tuckered out" by the time we got home, and for once we all went to bed before midnight.

In Praise of Eating Slowly

We have had a number of late and leisurely dinners with our French visitors. Of course, we do not get much done. Unless lovely meals and conversations are the goal! Tomorrow, we'll visit Milwaukee, and then we will spend a week in Chicago until Sam leaves for France.

Today, was the last day of summer school. It was a wonderful experience, but I came home ready for a rest. Getting up early and staying up late having fun is wearing me out (in a nice way). While the kids went to Cave of the Mounds and out for sushi, I stayed home. It was good to nap a little, read a little and watch The African Queen. I rented it for Gabrielle who is trying to watch the 100 top movies on a list from one of her teachers in France who teaches cinema. While she was here, she watched Singing in the Rain and Meet Me in St. Louis (both on the list). Along with Sasha and me, she likes classic old movies. Phil (who rarely likes movies made over ten years ago) wants to see Friends With Benefits. Sounds like a date!

Viva La France

We are having so much fun with our French visitors, I feel like I am on a wonderful vacation every day! Today, we went to Madison's farmers' market and Maxwell Street Days. Then, we went to Sasha's violin recital and all the violinists including Sasha were incredibily talented. Afterwards it was on to The Melting Pot for a wonderful four-course fondue meal. Gabrielle said anyone who dropped something had to do a dance on the table and say, "Life is Good." Both Ronnie and I had to "do the dance." Then, everyone had to give a speech. It was hilarious and fun.

Yesterday, we went on the Jet Boats in the Dells and got soaked! Most of the group also went to Wizard's Quest. After Papa Murphy's pizzas and a relaxing dinner, Sam, Gabrielle and Josephine played games and watched movies while Sasha went to a slumber party with her friends from school.

On Thursday we went to Devil's Lake for a cookout, swimming, sailing and kayaking. The weather was perfect, and the park wasn't too busy. Later, we raced over to Rachel's fast-pitch softball game because Gabrielle actually plays softball in France! Afterwards, everybody celebrated a last inning victory with frozen custard at Culvers. Once again, "Life was good."

Soccer

USA! USA! USA! We watched the most unbelievable soccer game between the USA and Brazil! This year we continued our World Cup watching "tradition" of driving down to a Madison sports' restaurant to watch the games. We have converted a lot of sports fans to soccer, and today there were about a hundred people cheering when the USA finally won!

The first time we drove down this year, we had to ask them to put the game on one of the screens. Today, they actually had more than half of the screens turned to the game and even had sound throughout the place! There were two girl basketball teams and their families who stayed for the whole game and the overtime and the final shootout.

The USA plays France on Wednesday at 11:00. The girls from France will actually be here, and we can't believe we have to teach summer school until 12:00. Since Phil is teaching soccer, we all thought maybe the kids in his class could watch the game. Now I just have to figure out a way to work in the math!

iPad Presentations

     Last week on Friday, we went out to dinner at Chula Vista for all-you-can-eat crab and a full buffet! It was so good. The crab with butter tasted like lobster, so tender and sweet. With Ronnie and Gilles we planned activities for the French girls when they arrive on the 13th. We've got a list of about twenty activities from sailing on Lake Michigan and visiting the water parks to making earrings and scarves. S'mores, brats, chili, pizza and fondue are some of the different "American" foods we thought the girls might enjoy.

    I spent a few hours each day this week unpacking boxes and setting up my classroom.Yesterday I worked with someone from the Apple store, and it all seemed pretty easy so I got started working on two presentations right away. It's fun, but I'm way too proud of them!. Maybe I can do something for each unit, and then post it online. Tonight I'll finish up my lesson plans for next week, and then go back to lazying around this weekend.

Education Update

     It is fun to read any book I want just with a click of the iPad. Last night I finished a biography of the Duchess of Devonshire, and it brought back memories of the romances I read when I was very young. All the people from the Prince of Wales (Prinny) to William Pitt, the Dukes, Earls, and Lady this or that were the same. Yet, the truth was both better and worse. Women like the Duchess did more than think of romance and the next ball. But, unlike the fiction, they did not find true love in marriage, and there is no denying that their lives as women were terribly circumscribed.

     I fear the movie, The Duchess, based on the book would end up more of an R-rated Barbara Cartland novel than an actual biography. But, that's because there is more of an audience for romance novels than biographies! Phil says I'm probably the only person to even have a favorite biographer (David McCullough), but at least a few of his biographies have been made into mini-series (even if it is just on HBO and PBS)!

    In other "education" news, I read the new fourth grade social studies text and started to set up my new classroom. Today, I'll do a little more unpacking, at 1:00 we leave for Madison to watch the USA vs. Sweden's World Cup game. Then, it's on to Sasha's softball game in Sauk. Yesterday, when we lazed around Madison and enjoyed a relaxing evening at home is the only type of day I like better than this one.

    
    

Fourth of July

Oh my gosh! The fireworks at Rhythm and Booms are so incredible, they almost ruin you for anything else. Even without the fireworks, sitting around Warner Park was a wonderful, lazy, fun experience. We played soccer and frisbee. Then we laid around, played cards, and read books.

Probably the best entertainment during the daytime hours was watching people walk right past a quarter lying in the middle of the road and a dollar on the curb. What? What is so great about that you ask? Hundreds of people, many of them actually looking at the ground, just walked past and even stepped right on the money without noticing it! It took about twenty minutes for a woman to pick up the quarter, but fifty minutes for someone to pick up the dollar. One guy sat right next to the bill. Another actually kicked it with his foot. By the time the winning gentleman picked up the bill, we immediately stated screaming and laughing. When we told him he was the big winner, he tried to return the money to us. However, there was no way we would take back the best entertainment $1.25 could buy!

Book Blog - Book List and Junk

Guns, Germs and Steel covers the history of five continents from about 100,000 years ago until the present day. Whew! I'm just about finished with the book, and it is very well-written. The biggest idea of the book is that Eurasia, in particular, Europe became dominant because of food production, the number of animals and plants available for domestication, geography and climate. The author makes very good arguments based on archeological evidence and both large and small-scale examples.

The second big idea I liked in Guns, Germs and Steel is that history could be more of a science. Although it is considered a social science, it could benefit from a better methodology. Right now, I am reading the last "epilogue" section discussing the similarities between countries becoming dominant and large companies.

The other book I read yesterday was the 146 page, Sh**t  My Dad Says. A New York Times' bestseller, I thought it would be filled with all the sorts of things my dad or your dad typically says. However, the title should have tipped me off; my dad did not swear every single time he imparted his own version of wisdom. While I laughed out loud a few times, it was hard to get past the blue streams of ranting.

School Is Fun?

Yaaaay! We finished our first, fun-filled week of summer school, and it was really nice. I enjoyed the kids, the activities, and using iPad movies, games and video clips. Now, it is one more week, and then a week off! 

Even while I'm "teaching" we had time to go to Sasha's baseball (yes, dear, I know it's fast-pitch softball!) games. It is so much fun watching her get better and better. She not only had some awesome line-drive hits this week, she is able to wait for the good pitches. While the team was warming up for the River Valley game, Phil and I went to the Rock n' Roll Drive-In. It was fun to eat at a non-chain diner with some atmosphere and good food. A detour on the way to Spring Green was actually a bonus. It gave us an opportunity to see some beautiful parts of Wisconsin I don't ever remember seeing before.

Our Treasures Group of friends met at Krista's for lunch. We said good-bye to Donna who quit teaching (which is very sad because she is an awesome teacher). She is moving to Chicago to take a non-teaching job for real pay.

Friday night we used my gift card to go see Bad Teacher. It was really funny, but very baaaad and definitely rated R so the girls won't be seeing it anytime soon. What is up with movies? First, every little kid movie is PG, then PG-13 is aimed at tween kids, and all the really good movies for teens are moving up to "R". Phil thinks they should come up with different versions for the DVD's. All these funny movies could so easily be funny without the "R" and "PG-13" stuff.

Wine-tasting and Granite City with friends was a lot of fun, too. This week, I even had time to finish reading The Greater Journey by David McCullough, cook some new recipes and continue taking afternoon naps!

Book Club Meets On the Thrift Store Circuit

Would you want to walk the Appalacian Trail (AT) or climb Mount Everest? Why? After reading books such as A Walk In the Woods or In Thin Air, my answer is no. The AT is over two THOUSAND miles of hills and mountains, woods and more woods. It is just too long if the only achievement is being able to say, "I walked the whole thing.." However, even the AT adventure is more appealing than Everest. People really do die for no reason on Everest. What do you see - a snow storm? It is $40,000 or more just to make an attempt. If I have that kind of money lying around, I would get a much bigger sense of accomplishment by using it to help others or seeing the whole world or a little of both.

This is the kind of thing Phil and I talked about as we visited the Sauk and Baraboo Thrift Shops and Delany's Surplus Store on Hwy. 12. First, we picked up my big wicker chair and a ton of beanie babies for my classroom, then he bought a machete and a saw, I bought surplus food, and we both picked out a few books.

All in all, it was a good afternoon after a good start of summer school.

Weekend

Slowly, slowly, things are getting done on my two lists - THE "to do" list (which I hate) and The "this would be fun" list (which, of course, I love)!

Summer school starts tomorrow. I'm ready with a bunch of new stuff from videos to crafty projects.

Yesterday, we went boating on Lake Arrowhead. The weather was awesome. The kids had a blast tubing. It was a relaxing, fun day. I'm downloading all kinds of songs onto the IPad. I am also trying to finish my book, but I was sidetracked by a bunch of trashy magazines. We went to Let's Eat for Father's Day. Everyone loved the food, and all of us had leftovers (except, Phil).  The Eggs Benedict Oscar was awesome: cheesy sauce, ham, eggs, crab meat, asparagus, English muffin. I might have to "get me some of that" again.

Summer Work, Summer Fun

Okay, so I bought the coolest little projector for my IPad or my laptop. I have downloaded LOTS of items (mostly free) for teaching and even a few for learning Spanish. Now I will be able to show videos and presentations whenever or wherever I want to show them! The guy at the Apple Store figured it all out. I got the cords, the speakers, everything I need! (Someday, Phil might even talk to me again).

I am on page 154 of A Walk In the Woods, but Phil is on 204 and tells me to get going....

We had brats and watermelon on the deck for lunch. Then I took a nap. Ya gotta love summer.

The Best Laid Plans.....

Well, I went to the library, and all my first choices for a book club were not there! Luckily, the book I did find, A Walk In the Woods, has already turned out to be a good choice. The author's description of his walk along the Appalachian Trail made Phil and me laugh already in the first few pages. It reminds me of The Wilder Life and the book about cooking all of Julia Child's recipes. It may even be funnier! We shall see...

Today, we (the whole family), finished packing up my old classroom. Tomorrow, Robin will sign my paperwork for my completed college classs, and she is giving me some Wisconsin decals from her office! Woo Hoo! Finally, I am getting some of tasks checked off from my dreaded "To Do" list!

Going to the Library

Phil says I should pick the book we read. His only requirement is "Don't pick one that is too long." Thanks. If I was a mean wife I would pick the biography of the Duchess of Devonshire from my list. However, I am not that kind of person (today, at least), so I am off to the library to get Guns, Germs, and Steel and The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat.

I'll also download the books onto my IPad. I have been using it a lot to download books, music, instructional videos and even games. It's pretty cool. However, our laptop and the IPad are getting way too much use around our house. Who is the most addicted? Probably, me (Surprise!). When I think about how much time I have wasted reading Wikipedia entries and conquering Angry Birds, I am (almost) embarrased enough to stop using both devices.

Smart Goals and Vision Statement Updated

Vision Statement

I want to be part of a just learning community that creates successful lifelong learners.

Smart Goals
My first SMART goal is to differentiate math instruction in order to help at least 80% of students reach or exceed their MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) math goals during the 2010-2011 school year.

In order to differentiate instruction so all students acheive progress, I plan to create an algebra learning community after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, help at least three students complete an online pre-algebra course by the end of the 2010-2011 school year and set up a reteaching time on Fridays during the school day to help all students make progress.

My second SMART goal is to help all students increase their positive attitudes towards math instruction by utilizing cooperative groups and internet programs in my mathematics class.

My third SMART goal is ensuring that none of my seven eligible students are excluded from attending College for Kids or participating in online instruction because of economic circumstances by obtaining funds from the Rusch School Cares Funds and making weekend computer time available

My fourth SMART goal is to create and implement a standards based math curriuculum and assessment program by the end of the 2nd quarter of the 2011-2012 school year.

In order to accomplish this goal will conduct a review of the literature regarding standards based instruction, cooperative groups and differentiation in mathematics. I will also volunteer to work on a district committee for mathematics standard-based report cards, set up my online gradebook to reflect standards based grading and use daily quick assessments to determine progress.

Teacher Leadership

Baselines and Ideas


My colleagues are my peers, so I am usually a supportive group member more than a leader. When I was a cooperating teacher or a mentor teacher, I tried to provide a good example and support for new teachers. Also, I love to discuss ideas and create materials so whenever someone asks to use something, I will gladly share. Otherwise, when I have been in a school-wide leadership position, it is usually been because no one else would do the job. For instance, I was the head union representative for a large middle school, chairperson for my department and house (group) leader for the teachers I worked with.
I like to try new things, so I am always willing to pilot a new curriculum or teaching method.

There is a place to post curriculum ideas on our district email. That is something I would be interested in developing.

Smart Goals

I will ask other teachers to post ideas in our district email, and I will post one idea on a bimonthly basis.

I am volunteering to work on the district committee for mathematics standard-based report cards. The district goal is to implement the new report card during the 2011-2012 school year.

I joined the school reading night committee that will plan and implement a reading night in January 2011.

Technology in Education

Baseline and Ideas


I usually let others lead the way with technology. When the glitches are eliminated, I am willing to use technology on a regular basis. However, I believe technology is a tool for learning, teaching and living. Sometimes, if I am not careful, it becomes an end in itself. For instance, we used to teach students how to write computer code. I have also taken classes in html and java script. Now, I purchase access to teacherweb.com, and I do not have to do any code writing to update my site on a daily basis. I want technology to be simple and helpful.
How can I get my students access to computers more often this year?

What technology could improve the way I teach?

Smart Goal
By the fall of 2011, I will have implemented use of the following technology in my classroom: LCD Projector, Flip Camera, Student Blogs and Wikis, IPod and Website and students will have experience using these tools for projects.

Democracy, Diversity and Social Justice in Education

Baseline and Ideas


I grew up in a diverse mostly middle class community near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Since that time, I have lived in many different types of communities. As an educator, I agree with Michael Apple and others that schools in the United States sort students based on social class. If we are are truly going to make schooling just and democratic, we need to level the playing field for all students. Funding for schools and the quality of schools need to be (at least) equalized. My own efforts during my career have been to help all students be successful rather than have a bell-shaped curve of achievement. When students have not had access to assistance, materials or technology, I have tried to provide access.
How far should a teacher go to fight for justice? Paolo Freire and others, particularly in Latin America, argue that education should teach students to fight for justice.

Smart Goal

I want to make sure that none of the students' in my sixth grade class are excluded from the Safety Patrol Trip to South Dakota or College for Kids because of economic circumstances. I will obtain funds from the Rusch School Cares Fund for students who cannot raise the necessary funds.

In addition, I will petition the Rusch Parent Club in January 2011 (and August 2011 if necessary) to provide morning milk to students who are in the free or reduced hot lunch program at our school.

Finally, I will volunteer at the River Haven Homeless Shelter located a block away from our school at least 20 times during the next year.

Curriculum Development and Assessment

Baselines and Ideas


This is my strongest area as a teacher. I have one master's degree in curriculum supervision and one master's degree in curriculum and instruction. During my career, I have been involved in writing curriculum, standards, benchmarks and common assessments. I have also helped to develop strategic plans, mission statements and goals. Finally, another colleague and I designed new report cards for the third and fourth grade students in our district. For a while, it become the template for other grades, too. Unfortunately, we have noticed a trend that after local teachers develop materials, they are replaced by commercially purchased materials. For instance, we spent two years writing math and reading curriculum and benchmarks. Then, the district administrators mandated that we use and follow all the material presented in our math and reading textbooks.
How can we remain professionals who decide what are the best methods for teaching our particular students?

Smart Goal

By the end of the first quarter of the fall 2011 school year, I will have completed and implemented standards based grading and reporting of grades for the entire 6th grade mathematics curriculum.

Best Practice Pedagogy

Baselines and Ideas


Best Practice Pedagogy is a never-ending area of knowledge to pursue. Our teaching methods are constantly evolving as our society changes. In addition, new research is always being conducted and published. Every year when I review best practices, I find things I have been neglecting or forgetting as a teacher. Staying current with educational literature through journals and classes is the main way I try to stay current
What are the best practices for teachers of middle school aged children?

What goals could I set for myself to improve my current practice?

Smart Goal

By January 2011, I want to see my students' positive attitudes increase towards the subject of mathematics as result of implementing the best practice of cooperative work.

Educational Research - Baseline

Baseline and Ideas


When I am taking classes, I enjoy reading and conducting educational research. At other times, I subscribe to educational journals and read back issues like other (normal) people read popular magazines. For many years, I chose to complete action research studies in place of formal evaluations. Past studies have included reading differentiation, multiple intelligences, asking questions, and science instruction. In addition, I completed a narrative inquiry graduate class and learned how to write a narrative research study.
What type of research would be best for pursuing my questions as a teacher?

How have research methods changed since I last conducted research?

What is a good journal for math instruction?

Smart Goals

I will conduct a review of the literature on creating standards based curriculum and grading in mathematics Specifically, I would like to read Marzano's and Wormeli's books and conduct action research to find the best methods for implementing standards based curriculum and grading to increase student achievement of MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) Goals in mathematics. I would like to finish reading the two books and an article on using cooperative math groups to achieve standards by January, 2011. Then, I would like to find at least three more articles to support my research and meet with a teacher in Beaver Dam who has conducted similar research in social studies by June 2011. Finally, I would like to read at least 3 more articles after I conduct my final research project during the Fall of 2011 and compare my results with others conducting similar research.

Learning in Community - Baseline

Baseline and Ideas


I like reading the comments and posts from colleagues in our DL2 Community, but it is helpful to have another person, Mary, in the same building, too. Many of my closest friends (and my husband) are educators. Almost all my team-teaching experiences have been positive, and I enjoy sharing common planning time with my colleagues (but dislike meetings). Our grade level teachers meet four or five days a year, and that helps keep us connected. Over the years, I have also tried to develop both social and work related groups. For instance, a group of teachers in my current district meet socially the last Tuesday of the month at a local restaurant. We call it our "Treasures" Meeting based on the meetings we used to have when we were piloting the Treasures' reading book series. I have also organized education book discussion groups and staff get togethers and student get togethers in my home.
How can we improve the communication in our DL2 Community?

What are other ways we can increase communication with others?

Smart Goal

My goal is to implement math cooperative groups in my class and create an algebra learning community on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school with the result that I will have ten students complete a pre-algebra self-study course and at least three students complete an online pre-algebra course by the end of the 2010-2011 school year.

Reading List

For the South Dakota trip, I bought The Killing of Crazy Horse to read on my IPad because it was related to our travel destination, and because it won The National Book Award. (I have never been disappointed by a book on that list). Even though I didn't finish more than a 100 pages before my daughter, Sasha, and I returned, I did eventually finish the book, and it was worth reading.

After skimming through Mindset and The Penderwicks, I am now reading The Greater Journey mainly because it's a new book by David McCullough and because it has to do with France. When my daughter, Sam, leaves for France in July, I'll be picturing the country described in the book's pages, the memories I have from my own travels in Paris and all the new adventures Sam might have!

Today, I spent some time putting together my own Summer Reading List. Nooooo, I won't read them all, but Phil and I decided to have another Book Club this summer. We usually like the same books so I combed a number of blogs and reviews, and I'll let him pick the actual books we read.

Book List
.Guns, Germs and Steel
.The Master and the Margarita
.HMS Ulysses
.The Power of Babel: A Natural History of Language
.The History of Danish Dreams
.Norwegian Wood
.Cloud Atlas
.Wiseguy
.Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era
.Klondike:The Last Great Gold Rush, 1896-1899
.A Gentle Madness: Bibliophiles, Bibliomanes, and the Eternal Passion for Books
.A Walk in the Woods
.The Song of the Dodo
.Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television
.Georgiana: The Duchess of Devonshire
.The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat
.Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science Faith and Love
.Surely, You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!
.Harriet Lane: America's First Lady
.Brother to a Dragonfly
.I Married Adventure

Yearly Goal at Rusch Completed

Goal: Differentiate math instruction to extend the development assessment approach to 6^th grade. Create remediation lessons and finish with quick assessments. Provide some algebra enrichment and readiness skills to the higher end (230+).


Steps for Achieving Goal:

• I set up my grade book based on standards achievement during the 3rd and 4th quarters of the school year. Students also completed self-assessments and self-tracked achievement of standards during units 7 and 8. 
• I created remediation lessons for students who had difficulty on the quick assessments. Lessons were taught by a parent volunteer, peer tutors or me.
• Algebra enrichment and readiness skill sessions were held every Tuesday and Thursday after school from 3:05-3:50 until 4/22/11.
• YouTube lessons and computer games were added to my class website.
• I completed two action research studies to study the effects of differentiation in mathematics and wrote a literature review.

Narrative Statement for Next Year's Research

Research Study - How can I differentiate content, lessons and standards-based assessment in mathematics classes so all students make academic growth?

1.  I will be researching the effects of differentiation in mathematics classes. The purpose of this study is to meet the needs of all 4th grade mathematics students in my school. I will begin collecting data from the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year until the second MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) test is completed in early February 2012.

• My plan is to create binders for each math unit using three levels of content and instruction for each lesson.
• Standards-based assessment charts will be used to help students monitor their achievement of each standard.
• Opportunities for reteaching and retesting will be available for all math standards.
• ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) online computer instruction will be provided for students who achieve at the 95th-99th percentile on the MAP test.
• After the first MAP test, Enrichment Math Parties will be held on Tuesday and/or Thursday nights after school. These parties will be open to all students who accept an invitation to complete packets of individualized instruction.
• Online instruction in the form of YouTube lessons will be made available on my class website.
• Class practice tests, problems and explanations will also be available online and in hard copy form.
• Everyday Math Games, games related to RIT (Rasch Unit) scores, and other online instructional games will be available on my class website.
• Questionnaires will be given to students at the beginning, middle and end of data collection period.
• I will add a weekly reflection regarding math instruction onto my lesson plans.

2.  Data from classroom testing, MAP testing, student questionnaires and teacher reflections will be used to form results. My students are 9-and-10-year-old fourth graders. There are currently three students with learning disabilities out of 46 students. Most students are Caucasian.

3.  My parent/guardians will not receive a written notification of informed consent since I will not complete the research for publication.

PDP - Progress on SMART GOALS

     My first SMART goal is to differentiate math instruction in order to help at least 80% of students reach or exceed their MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) math goals during the 2010-2011 school year. In order to differentiate instruction so all students acheive progress, I plan to create an algebra learning community after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, help at least three students complete an online pre-algebra course by the end of the 2010-2011 school year and set up a reteaching time on Fridays during the school day to help all students make progress.


Progress as of 4/29
>Students will take their last math MAP Test during the second week of May.

>The last algebra party of the year was held on April 21st. It was an very successful program. Students worked hard to get into the "program", and there were eventually sixth grade students who attended sessions twice a week.

>Three students worked on an online pre-algebra course, but none of them have finished, yet.

>For over three months, a parent volunteered supervised math games, while I worked on reteaching concepts with small groups on Fridays. However, my parent volunteer now works almost every day as a substitute teacher in our school. I still try to reteach important concepts on a daily or weekly basis using a modified Keystone Method.




My second SMART goal is to help all students increase their positive attitudes towards math instruction by utilizing cooperative groups and internet programs in my mathematics class.


Progress as of 4/29
>Students' positive attitudes towards math instruction did increase through the use of cooperative groups and internet games (see 1st mini-action research study results).



College for Kids or participating in online instruction because of economic circumstances by obtaining funds from the Rusch School Cares Funds and making weekend computer time available.My third SMART goal is ensuring that none of my seven eligible students are excluded from attending.

Progress as of 4/29
>Rusch School Cares Funds were used to help two of my seven students attend College for Kids.

> In addition, while his mom and sister were both taking online classes, one of my students came to school on four Sunday mornings.


My fourth SMART goal is to create and implement a standards based math curriuculum and assessment program by the end of the 2nd quarter of the 2011-2012 school year. In order to accomplish this goal, I will conduct a review of the literature regarding standards based instruction, cooperative groups and differentiation in mathematics. I will also volunteer to work on a district committee for mathematics standard-based report cards, set up my online gradebook to reflect standards based grading and use daily quick assessments to determine progress.


Progress as of 4/29
>I have used a standards based math curriculum and assessment program during the 3rd and 4th quarters of the 2011-2012 school year.

>My (hopefully) final draft of a literature review is completed.

>I did volunteer for a district committee, but I will probably not work on the 6th grade committee because I will be switching to 4th grade next year.

>During the 3rd quarter I did set up my online gradebook to reflect standards based grading.

>I have used daily and weekly quick assessments to determine progress.

Technology

     There have been a number of good articles and discussions relating to trying new technology such as Dan Gordon's "Return to Sender".  In summarizing that article, Janet wrote,
           "It said that the US is not turning out students ready for the workforce. Primarily, we should be
     producing students who can use technology to demonstrate 21st century skills, and secondary, 
     our students need to know core subject content. Besides the 3 R’s, students need the 4 C’s
     (critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity) plus problem solving and
     innovation."

     Many of us have been trying new technology such as flip cameras that we used to film our classrooms earlier in the year. Another type of innovation that that promotes some of goals are book blogs. I used my teacherweb.com site to add a book blog and WWII page and Mary found a book blogging site http://kidblog/. These sites have helped kids talk about and think about books using technology.

Curriculum & Instruction

Abby " read the book review "Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work" by Matthew B. Crawford, which was reviewed by Joseph A. Henderson in the March 2011 edition of Educational Leadership."

We agree that we need to reintroduce opportunities for students to work with their hands. There is too much emphasis on paper and pencil or computerized multiple choice tests in schools. Hands-on projects could not only get kids "hooked" on coming to school, but also allow their intelligence to shine through.

Social Justice & Diversity

Social Justice & Diversity 
     We read about different anti-namecalling and anti-bullying techniques, and we thought Janet had a great idea. At Osceola Intermediate School the art classes made huge posters for the cafeteria with hands, chains, symbols and words of kindness, respect, tolerance, etc.

      This is one idea we decided to implement at our school in the cafeteria. Students have already enjoyed making posters for other events, and the reinforcement for anti-bullying behaviors at the end of the year could make a difference.

Second Mini-Action Research Project

My action research was to use the Keystone Math Method modified for my sixth graders. For my research,  I read an article in The Chronicle of Higher Learning (2009) entitled "Demonstrating the Power of Group Math." The Illinois Professor of the Year and winner of other awards, M. Vali Siadat uses a technique he terms the Keystone Method. Students work in cooperative groups and then take a quick assessment after each lesson. Students “view the classroom as a learning community,” and “the group work also gets students deeply engaged in the subject matter.”  I planned to start every class with a "test" to check understanding of the previous day's target or objective. Then, I introduced and taught a new objective. While the students were working independently, students who had difficulty on the "test" learned the concept in a new way from me, a YouTube video or a student tutor.

When students finished their work early, they could work on the ALEKS program, complete algebra party packets, play the game 24, play games related to their MAP RIT score or read. I also read an article “Gen Y: Who They are and How They Learn" (Black, 2010) describing key characteristics of students born between the years 1981 and 2001. Students in this group are savvy with technology and enjoy working together.

First, I implemented my plan for our Unit 7 Math Unit: Probability and Integers. During the unit I gave the students a "test" at the beginning of lessons on nine days. On three days, another adult corrected the pages, and I was able to follow up the same day with the few students who had difficulty. On one day, I could tell that so many students were having problems completing the assessment that I immediately retaught the lesson to all the students. On the other five days, students corrected their pages in class and asked questions if they had difficulties.

Student tutors, small groups and YouTube videos were used after we took reviews of previous material or when students had difficulty during independent work time. After the mini-tests, it was often too difficult to teach a new concept, give students time to work independently on the new concept AND catch up with students who had problems on the mini-test. Therefore, I implemented the use of small groups, student tutors and the YouTube videos after the first unit review.

A funny story occurred when five of my students were suppose to be watching ALL the YouTube videos on my teacherweb.com site. Unknown to the students, the second-to-last title was just a webpage instructing them to tell me a secret password. When the students returned from the computer lab, they assured me that they had watched all the videos, but only one of them could tell me the secret password. From then on, I had students watching the videos on the four laptops in class, and they never knew if there was a secret password on one of the videos, so they were always looking for one.

The student unit assessment results did not change much from the unit assessment I gave during my first action research project. There were still six students who scored below 80%. In addition, I wanted to use the Self-Assessment Page with Unit Standards in a more productive way. The Everyday Math Series has a page at the beginning of each unit test for students to self-assess themselves. I used the page to set up my standards-based gradebook, and students completed the page as they took the test. However, I wanted to have students use the page as a self-tracking device during the unit. For these two reasons, I decided to do another "quick" round of action research for Unit 8.

Post-Script - - Testing by standards allowed me to easily retest just the sections that students needed. I will continue to do this type of testing in the future. Students have more opportunities to master material. I think higher MAP scores as well as higher grades on report cards are a result.

Energy Bus

We decided to move our Energy Bus from the classroom and into the teachers' lounge. Janet inspired us to finish the year with a new poster added each week and some treats to keep the gas tank filled!

Some of the posters we put up include:

1. Too Blessed to be Stressed.

2. Positive Passengers Wanted.

3. No Energy Vampires Allowed.

4. 10 Rules for the Ride of Your Life.

5. The Goal in Life is to Live Young, Have Fun and Arrive at Your Final Destination as Late as Possible with a Smile on Your Face.

Smart Goals and Vision Statement Revised

Vision Statement

I want to be part of a just learning community that creates successful lifelong learners.


Smart Goals

     My first SMART goal is to differentiate math instruction in order to help at least 80% of students reach or exceed their MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) math goals during the 2010-2011 school year.
     In order to differentiate instruction so all students acheive progress, I plan to create an algebra learning community after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, help at least three students complete an online pre-algebra course by the end of the 2010-2011 school year and set up a reteaching time on Fridays during the school day to help all students make progress.

     My second SMART goal is to help all students increase their positive attitudes towards math instruction by utilizing cooperative groups and internet programs in my mathematics class.

     My third SMART goal is ensuring that none of my seven eligible students are excluded from attending College for Kids or participating in online instruction because of economic circumstances by obtaining funds from the Rusch School Cares Funds and making weekend computer time available.

     My fourth SMART goal is to create and implement a standards based math curriuculum and assessment program by the end of the 2nd quarter of the 2011-2012 school year.
     In order to accomplish this goal will conduct a review of the literature regarding standards based instruction, cooperative groups and differentiation in mathematics. I will also volunteer to work on a district committee for mathematics standard-based report cards, set up my online gradebook to reflect standards based grading and use daily quick assessments to determine progress.