Dear Parents/Guardians,

I hope this newsletter finds you staying warm and doing

your best to enjoy our winter season. It is this time of

year that I begin longing for spring.

You will see that a focus in this newsletter is the State

testing for this year. There have been several changes.

We are moving from the MEAP test to M-STEP and from

the ACT to SAT. I encourage you to take a few minutes

to read about these changes so that you are aware of

spring testing for your student. We continue to get weekly

updates from the State regarding M-STEP.

As a district, we have been working diligently to prepare

for this change in testing, specifically the test being admin-

istered online. While there have been many logistics to

figure out, our focus continues to be teaching students to

think critically, problem solve, communicate, and apply their

knowledge. These skills will prepare students for any test

they may take. Teaching skills, rather than teaching the

test, will better prepare our students for the world of to-

day and the future.

Please take a few moments to read our latest happenings

and updates in the Teaching and Learning Department.

Messa g e f r om H eid i . . .

F E B R U A R Y , 2 0 1 5

Teaching and Learning Newsletter

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2014 ~ 2015

ELL TESTING 2

2016 SAT 2

M-STEP UPDATE 3

FREE RESOURCES 4

PREPARING FOR

STANDARDIZED

MATH TESTS

5, 6,

7

ELA M-STEP GUIDE 8

STUDENT

ATTENDANCE 9

EARLY CHILDHOOD,

KINDERGARTEN,

DEVELOPMENTAL

KINDERGATEN

REGISTRATION INFO.

10

Heidi Mercer

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and

Learning

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ELL (English Language Learners) Testing

The testing window for our English Learners is

February 9 through March 27. The test is the

WIDA ACCESS test. Each of the ESL teachers have

been trained on giving the test and has had to

pass a quiz to be certified.

All students who are listed as LEP (Limited English

Proficient) whether they are actively receiving ser-

vices or not, are required to take the test. Which

means, parent refusals must test also. Just like

the MME or M-STEP, it is a mandatory state test

requiring 100% participation.

The test is also very important to us in making

AMAOs (Annual Measurable Achievement Objec-

tives).

There are 3 important AMAOs:

1. Students showing progress between last

year’s test and this year’s testing results.

2. Students becoming English proficient and exit-

ing from ESL services.

3. All ELLs in each of the buildings, making AYP

on their regular State standardized tests.

The test is paper/pencil this year again, howev-

er, next year it will be online.

The ESL teachers will be scheduling testing with-

in February 9 and March 27th to accommodate

building and teacher schedules. There are over

250 students the ESL teachers must assess

within that 7 week timeline. Because of the

WIDA ACCESS testing, regular student instruction

periods may be changed.

If you want information on your student’s partic-

ular schedule for testing, please contact your

ESL teacher, in your building.

On January 7, 2015, the Michigan Department of

Education announced that beginning in 2016 all high

school juniors will begin taking the SAT as the state-

administered and required free college entrance ex-

am instead of the ACT. The College Board won the

three-year bid from the state of Michigan. Nationally,

about the same number of students take the ACT

and SAT each year. The state of Michigan, as re-

quired by law, underwent a competitive bidding pro-

cess to choose Michigan’s college entrance exam.

The SAT bid was $15.4 million less over the three-

year contract than the next bidder and scored 10

percentage points higher by the Joint Evaluation

Committee (JEC). It is believed that the SAT is better

Starting in 2016 High School Juniors Will Take the SAT Instead of the ACT

aligned to Michigan’s new state standards and it is

important to test what is being taught. The SAT is a

globally-recognized test accepted by nearly every

college in the nation. It is anticipated that students

will do well on the SAT just as they have done well

on the ACT in the past.

Beginning in the spring of 2015, the College Board

will provide all schools and students with free test

prep materials and online practice tests to help

students prepare for the redesigned SAT in 2016.

The College Board will also provide extensive sup-

port and training for teachers, parents, and students

in understanding the test and analyzing the results.

Teaching and Learning

P a g e 3

The state of Michigan has switched the mandatory state testing from MEAP to M-STEP. This spring the M-STEP will be given to all students in grades 3 through 8 and grade 11. All students in grades 3 through 8 and grade 11 will take an ELA (reading, writing, language and listening) and math test. Grade 4 and 7 students will also take a sci-ence test. Grade 5 and 8 will take a social studies test in addition to math and ELA. Grade 11 will take a science and a social studies test in addi-tion to reading, writing, language and listening.

The M-STEP test will be comprised of an online

fixed form, a Classroom Activity, and a Perfor-

mance Task. The online component will consist of

multiple-choice, technology-enhanced (TE), and

short-answer constructed response items.

The Classroom Activity is a brief whole group les-

son that will build prior knowledge for the perfor-

mance task which will be completed individually.

If you would like more information regarding Mich-

igan’s state assessment, M-STEP, please click on

the following link:

http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-

22709_70117---,00.html

If you would like an early preview of sample ques-

tions from the M-STEP assessment please copy

and paste the following link in Google Chrome

(must be in Google Chrome or it will not open

successfully):

https://wbte.drcedirect.com/MI/portals/mi/ott1

On the homepage of the LOCS website

you will find a button accessing you to

additional information regarding M-STEP..

A big part of the new state testing – M-STEP – is technology/computer skills (not tablet or I-pad

skills).

Some of the technology/computer skills students will be required to perform are:

State Testing Update

TECHNOLOGY/COMPUTER SKILLS NEEDED FOR STATE TESTING

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FREE RESOURCES/WEBSITES AVAILABLE TO HELP

FAMILIES WITH TECHNOLOGY/COMPUTER SKILLS

MOUSE SKILLS

Birthday Candle Counting gives students the

opportunity to practice using the mouse while

they practice one-to-one counting. (Grades K-2)

http://www.abcya.com/kindergarten_counting.htm

Color, Draw & Paint gives students the oppor-

tunity to draw lines, circles and navigate but-

tons with their mouse. (Grades 1-4)

http://www.abcya.com/abcya_paint.htm

Mouse Practice Bubble Activity: Students can

practice multiple mouse skills, including scroll-

ing, using drop down menus, radio buttons, and

accessing links to build their navigation skills.

(Grades 3-5)

http://www.letsgolearn.com/bubble.html

NAVIGATION SKILLS

Word Machine allows students to practice their short

vowel sounds while learning how to look for 'Hot

Spots' when navigating websites. (Grades K-2)

http://more2.starfall.com/m/word-machines/short-a/load.htm?f&d=demo&n=main&y=1

In the Number Chart Game students will place num-

bers in the appropriate location on the number chart

while choosing between levels and finding hot spots.

(Grades 1-4)

http://www.abcya.com/one_hundred_number_chart_game.htm

Comic Strip: Students will learn to navigate a

webpage by reading instructions, clicking items,

dragging items, viewing videos, and entering text

into fields. (Grades 3-11)

Starfall 2D & 3D Shapes will allow students to

identify 2D & 3D shapes while they practice how

to 'drag and drop'. (Grades K-2)

http://more2.starfall.com/m/math/geometry-

content/load.htm?f&d=demo&n=enviro-

shapes&y=1

Practice spelling site words by dragging and

dropping letters to spell the word. (Grades 1-4)

http://www.abcya.com/

dolch_sight_word_spelling.htm

Clean-Up Your Grammar: Students will practice

following instructions by dragging and dropping

items thus reinforcing the skills of dragging and

dropping within a field. (Grades 3-11) http://

www.missmaggie.org/scholastic/

cleanup_eng_launcher.html

Keyboarding Zoo: Students will practice finding

the keys on the keyboard. (Grades K-4)

http://www.abcya.com/keyboarding_practice.htm

Keyboard Climber: Students will navigate the

website to begin and type keys that appear.

(Grades K-4)

http://www.tvokids.com/games/keyboardclimber

Practice keyboarding skills with Sky Chase.

(Grades 3-11)

http://www.arcademicskillbuilders.com/games/sky

-chase/sky-chase.html

KEYBOARDING SKILLS

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P a g e 5

This Spring, students in grades 3-8 and 11 will be taking an assessment that does not look or act like the ones in the

past. Students will take the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) on-line. This standardized test is no

longer just fill in the bubble, rather students will manipulate items on the screen, type in responses, complete a class

activity, and also a performance task on-line. The M-STEP covers the areas of reading and math. English language

arts and mathematics will be assessed in grades 3–8, science in grades 4 and 7, and social studies in grades 5 and 8. It

also includes the Michigan Merit Examination in 11th grade which consists of the ACT Plus Writing, WorkKeys, and M-STEP

summative in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.

The following information is some helpful tips to help our children be prepared for the new standardized tests:

1. Know how the test is set up: Knowing the format of the assessment, approximate amount of questions, and length of

time given helps test takers know in advance what to expect. The ACT (Grade 11) test has 60 math questions test tak-

ers are allowed 60 minutes to complete this portion of the exam. The math questions on the ACT are multiple choice.

The M-STEP (Grades 3-8 and 11) has a variety of questions types ranging from multiple choice, choose all that apply,

numerical response, short answer, and a multi-step performance task. Although there is no time limit on the M-STEP, a

suggested time of 1-1.5 hours is suggested depending on the section of the test.

2. View some sample problems: After you know the format of the assessment, take a look at some sample problems.

This will help students see how the assessment is asking students to think and use mathematical reasoning. It will also

help to get familiar with any on-line tools provided to assist during the test. For example, an on-line calculator that

looks different than the one used daily in class. Some questions may have you navigate lines or shapes on the screen.

Students in grades 3-8, and 11 will be previewing these samples in school prior to the assessment. The following links

will provide sample questions and access to on-line tools to follow up with more practice at home.

M-STEP – http://aware.22itrig.org/practice-problems.html (must use Google Chrome)

ACT - http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/math/math_01.html

3. Standardized Test Prep courses/materials: It is a good idea to complete a standardized test practice test several

weeks or months before students are scheduled to take the ACT or M-STEP. This will help students identify areas where

they may need to seek standardized test preparation assistance prior to sitting for the exam. If students need to brush

up on math before the test, seek the assistance of a math tutor, or take a standardized test prep course. Some cours-

es can be taken through the community education programs, on-line, or purchase of materials. Do your research and

check to make sure the course/materials are a good fit for your child. Here is a resource that provides a list of factors

to consider when choosing a prep course.

http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/college-admissions-playbook/2013/07/29/how-to-select-the-right-sat-act-prep-

course

4. Prepare the mind and body the day of the test.

Eat properly prior to the test. Avoid overeating just before the test. Eat a good breakfast and/or lunch before the test. Do not drink too much before the test: you do not want to have to use the restroom during the test. Avoid too much caffeinated beverages before the test; this may cause nervousness. If taking prescribed medications, be aware of their effects on your concentration and thinking. Adjust your intellectual

activity accordingly. Get a good night sleep before the test. Staying up late cramming is not productive and can reduce mental sharp-

ness. Do not study the day of the test. Relax and be confident. Additional studying will only cause more nervousness and

reduced confidence. Before the test, take a nice walk around the campus and think positive thoughts.

ACT test day check-list: http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/taking/

Preparing for Standardized Math Tests

P a g e 6

Teaching and Learning

5. During the test

Bring all necessary materials to the test:

At least 2 sharp pencils.

Good eraser.

Turn off cell phones during the exam.

Look over the test for length and difficulty of problems.

Determine the average time to devote to each problem.

Manage time during the test

Limit the time spent on each problem.

Know how much time is left until the end of the test.

Work on the easiest problems first.

Do a "data dump:"

If common formulas are not provided, write down all formulas and important ideas when you first get the

test, while your memory is fresh and so you can refer to them during the test.

Read all directions carefully. Follow the directions.

Check your work!

Are your answers accurate?

Did you complete the problem?

Did you answer all the questions?

Do not leave the test room early! Use the extra time to check your work again if you finish early.

Relax. If you feel anxious or frustrated during the test:

Stop working, put down your pencil, close your eyes.

Take slow, deep breaths.

Think positively and remove all negative thoughts.

Open your eyes and get back to work.

6. Common Test taking errors to avoid

Research has shown that there are six types of test-taking errors that are commonly made by students taking math

tests. You can improve your test scores by watching out for these errors before they occur.

Error Causes To Avoid the Error

Misread the directions.

Failure to read directions. Ignoring the directions. Not reading the directions carefully. Not understanding the directions.

Read all directions on the test care-fully.

Follow the directions after you have read them.

When doing homework and practice tests, note the directions (ie. "solve," "simplify," "evaluate," "factor," etc.) and know the procedures that these directions are asking you to do.

Careless errors.

Lack of focus on what you are doing. Becoming tired or distracted. Transfer wrong numbers on scrap

paper Disorganized

Don't rush through an answer. Look for sign errors. Look for arithmetic errors. Double check you have transferred

the correct numbers/problem on your work paper

Put the problem number next to the work on your scrap paper

Check all your work!

Concept errors.

Not understanding how to do a problem.

Not fully understanding the con-cepts and principles behind a prob-lem.

Lack of practice in working similar problems.

Failure to attend class, take notes or do homework regularly.

Learn all the material well before the test.

Study examples from the assess-ment, course notes and homework.

Take practice tests.

Application errors.

You know the concept, but cannot fully apply it to a problem.

Lack of practice in applying the concepts before the test.

Practice all types of application (word) problems before the test.

Memorize methods for specific ap-plications (for example, mixture problems).

Use your self-confidence and intui-tion to apply concepts in a new way.

Test-taking errors.

Bad test-taking habits. Inefficient use of time on a test. Not completing a problem to the last

step. Doubting yourself and changing

correct answers to incorrect an-swers.

Spending too much time on one problem.

Rushing through the test. Miscopying the question or steps in

your work. Leaving answers blank. Calculator errors. Leaving a test early.

If possible, review the test first; decide about how much time to devote to each question.

Complete the entire problem and answer the question being asked.

Proceed through the test in a me-thodical way, at a steady pace.

Check all your work for correctness in copying questions and steps.

Work all problems as much as you can.

Be careful how you input numbers and operations onto the screen.

Stay in the classroom/area until the end of the test; check your answers again if you have extra time.

Study errors.

Uncertainty on what concepts and skills the test will assess.

Not spending enough time studying, learning and practicing the material.

Not practicing checking your an-swers.

Know on what material you will be tested.

Do all available practice tests be-forehand.

P a g e 7

Helping Your Child Make The Shift to the English Language Arts M-STEP

M-STEP will test standards for what students should be able to read and write at each grade level. The new

standards are more challenging than previous standards and will better prepare students for success in college

and career in the 21st century. There are many things that families can do to support this shift at home. Use

this guide to begin to think about what you can do in your home to grow your child as a reader and writer.

Small investments can lead to big improvements in your child’s test scores.

Students Must: Families Can:

Read more non-fiction.

Discuss the details of non-fiction especially

around Science and Social Studies topics.

Supply more non-fiction books and magazines.

Read aloud non-fiction storybooks as well as fic-

tion.

Supply or subscribe to newsletters or magazines

with a world focus.

Watch/listen to/ read about current issues and

discuss these with your child.

Read and reread materials at their just right level.

Read many passages with speed and efficiency.

Provide texts children can and want to read

comfortably.

Create a schedule that supports your child read-

ing at home.

Read and reread articles, excerpts and poetry at

challenging levels.

Read challenging material with your child or

read it at the same time as your child; discussing

chapters or issues in the text.

Find evidence to support their arguments/claims. Encourage kids to use evidence and reasoning

when they argue or write to get their way.

Use professional and academic words in precise

and more varied ways.

Use a wide range of vocabulary with students.

Play word games like scrabble, words with

friends, hooked on words; focus on word mean-

ings.

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mschwartzmiller

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EARLY CHILDHOOD OPEN HOUSE

2015-2016 PROGRAM REGISTRATION

LOCATION: CERC Building

455 East Scripps Road

Lake Orion, Michigan 48360

DATE: Thursday, March 19, 2015

TIME: 5:30—8:00 PM

Children and parents can meet the teachers, visit classrooms and register for Early Childhood Programs.

AVAILABLE OPTIONS FOR YOUNG LEARNERS

KINDERGARTEN:

Children must be 5 y/o on or before September

1

Offered at all four LOCS neighborhood elementary

schools and three focus schools (lottery applica-

tion required)

Curriculum meets State of MI standards

Award winning early literacy intervention program

DEVELOPMENTAL KINDERGARTEN:

Option for children who turn 5 y/o between July 1

and December 1

Ideal for young learners who may need another

year of growth

Contingent on parental interest and availability as

classroom space is limited in some district buildings

Bus transportation not provided

SEE THE LOCS WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE PROGRAMS