tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79406704599315224822024-03-12T16:17:14.725-07:00Koontzkoontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065203342808316654noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940670459931522482.post-12694085516650297722011-12-10T13:02:00.000-08:002011-12-10T13:02:32.865-08:00ipad Blog-QRI<a href="http://vig-fp.prenhall.com/bigcovers/0205443273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://vig-fp.prenhall.com/bigcovers/0205443273.jpg" width="155" /></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Every year teachers are to perform 2 QRI's<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_261141305"> (</a><a href="http://www.lite.iwarp.com/qrihome.htm">Qualitative Reading Inventory)</a> on students; once in the fall and another in the spring. A QRI provides diagnostic information on how students identify and decode words as well as text comprehension. The QRI was designed to provide a variety of different opportunities to observe a student's reading behavior. There are 3 components</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> to completing a QRI; </span><a href="http://www.lite.iwarp.com/qriwdlst.htm" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">word list</a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.lite.iwarp.com/qriprior.htm" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">assessment of prior knowledge</a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">, and comprehension of </span><a href="http://www.lite.iwarp.com/qripassg.htm" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">reading passages</a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. In order to successfully assess a students reading each component must be performed. This week I completed 5 QRI's and the results thus far has been amazing. Every one of the students that I tested have improved in recalling words, fluency and comprehension of text. I would like to </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">presume that the usage of K12 Reading Practice Lite had some impact on improving my students reading. The repetition of allowing students to read short stories daily improved their fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Thus far my students have increased their reading by 1 - 3 levels. One of my lowest students who began as a Pre-Primer (kindergarten level) is now reading on a 2nd grade level. Even though he is still reading below grade level he has made much growth. </span></span>koontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065203342808316654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940670459931522482.post-25207197943809481532011-11-19T13:45:00.000-08:002011-11-19T13:45:03.296-08:00iPad Blog-Week 7<a href="http://tanyaa.synthasite.com/resources/mathh.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://tanyaa.synthasite.com/resources/mathh.gif" width="320" /></a>This week my students were able to integrate reading with math. They used the skills that was learned in math this week on median, mode and range to find their reading average. My students were very impressed with using their numbers to locate each average. Some of them saw where they have made great leaps and jumps and others saw where they need to make improvement. Every student made goals to where they would want to be and as a class we have decided to look at averages over the next few weeks. I am still excited about their engagement and excitement with reading or trying different things to help improve their reading. The whole goal of this activity was to help my students understand <a href="http://www.centerii.org/handbook/Resources/7_C_Using_Student_Data.pdf">data </a>and how it can be used to set goals, show a trend in reading achievement.koontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065203342808316654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940670459931522482.post-14456402155798726912011-11-11T21:54:00.000-08:002011-11-11T21:54:28.864-08:00iPad Blog-Week 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ineedareadingtutorinchicagoland.com/images/Blooming_Readers_Chicago_Tutors.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ineedareadingtutorinchicagoland.com/images/Blooming_Readers_Chicago_Tutors.gif" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ineedareadingtutorinchicagoland.com/images/Blooming_Readers_Chicago_Tutors.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Another week has passed and my students are still working hard. I am enthused that they are still engaged and making improvements in their reading. After seeing the results of their reading <a href="http://www.ehow.com/info_10064570_activities-improve-reading-eog-scores.html">benchmarks</a> I conclude that the app that I am using to help improve their reading fluency has produced positive results. Many of my below level readers have made progress in their reading. Even though they are not reading on grade level, gradually improvement are being made. Reading fluency is not the only thing increasing but self-esteem and self-confidence as well. As students make progress in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlOLzQJRTOQ">reading</a>, they gain <a href="http://www.syllablesreadingcenter.com/academic-services/">self-confidence</a> and begin to experience the joy of learning. This improved self-esteem often carries over to improved academics and behavior. They are no longer ashamed to read aloud in class, their participation has sparked and when reading tries to decode words by themselves or asks for help. My goal is to continue to utilize the app to uplift and help my students reach success. I do predict that my students will continue to grow both academically and personally.koontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065203342808316654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940670459931522482.post-19235916984139756482011-11-06T08:11:00.000-08:002011-11-06T08:11:31.773-08:00iPad Blog-Week 5I am so impressed with the improvement my students are making in their <a href="http://www.auburn.edu/%7Emurraba/fluency.html">fluency</a> with reading. To be honest I was a little skeptical in the beginning because I did not know if this application would really be successful but<br />
as I researched ways to help student reading and comprehension I learned that <a href="http://meadowscenter.org/vgc/downloads/primary/guides/Fluency_Presentation.PDF">“Fluency provides a bridge between word recognition and comprehension.”</a> so I continued with the study to see if it would really improve their reading skills. As time progresses so have some of my students fluency. I now have 5 students who have skipped 2 reading levels on the application that is presently being used. The amount of words that are read with no miscues or errors is amazing. When comparing the amount of words read by my students to the required expectations, my students are making great progress due to the fact that I have (4) K-1 grade readers, (12) 2nd grade readers and (4) 3rd grade readers. "Typical” first graders read 60 wpm.<br />
“Typical” second graders read 70 wpm.<br />
“Typical” third graders read 80 wpm.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeRgKZYAHoebG67gEjphqCTzw5tspQneCaGsFjk7UFWSRupPDSri6OQy1QY4-pOnQXIh3XWznZdY-j5-XEA9bmqgEoXhd8lCNSgf7zQmUPRyJXj8WpUbI_SPUkExQC8L3aQh4y2_UwgKQ/s1600/reading+fluency+chart.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeRgKZYAHoebG67gEjphqCTzw5tspQneCaGsFjk7UFWSRupPDSri6OQy1QY4-pOnQXIh3XWznZdY-j5-XEA9bmqgEoXhd8lCNSgf7zQmUPRyJXj8WpUbI_SPUkExQC8L3aQh4y2_UwgKQ/s1600/reading+fluency+chart.JPG" /></a></div>koontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065203342808316654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940670459931522482.post-54926128948583753712011-10-24T17:08:00.000-07:002011-10-24T17:16:35.276-07:00Quiz, Survey, Benchmark Schedule and Strategies using Voiki and QuiaI have created an <a href="http://www.quia.com/quiz/3294127.html?AP_rand=189976505">Inference Quiz</a> and a <a href="http://www.quia.com/sv/547483.html">Math Survey</a> using both Voki and Quia. I used the Voki to create a personalized speaking avatar that will read the questions on the quiz along with a personal voice recording of myself to remind both students and parents about the upcoming 1st Quarter Benchmark. Using Quia and Voiki is a great way to motivate and improve my students' reading and listening skills in an engaging and innovative way. The Voki recordings will allow students and parents to listen to recording as many times as they like.<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzMTk1MDA5OTk5ODMmcHQ9MTMxOTUwMTA4NTM1MyZwPTk3NTA3MiZkPTAwMCUyMC*lMjBWb2tpJTIwV2lkZ2V*Jmc9/MSZvPWU3YjMyYzNlYjI1YzQ2NTdhZmYxNjJmZjdhM2Y1ZTlhJm9mPTA=.gif" /><object height="267" width="200" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,28,0" id="widget_name"><param name="movie" value="http://vhss-d.oddcast.com/vhss_editors/voki_player.swf?doc=http://vhss-d.oddcast.com/php/vhss_editors/getvoki/chsm=c264f442f886a41727cdea8b2b1b88c1%26sc=4646584" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="width" value="200" /><param name="height" value="267" /><param name="allowNetworking" value="all"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed height="267" width="200" src="http://vhss-d.oddcast.com/vhss_editors/voki_player.swf?doc=http%3A%2F%2Fvhss-d.oddcast.com%2Fphp%2Fvhss_editors%2Fgetvoki%2Fchsm=c264f442f886a41727cdea8b2b1b88c1%26sc=4646584" quality="high" allowScriptAccess="always" allowNetworking="all" wmode="transparent" allowFullScreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="widget_name"></object><br />
<a href="http://www.quia.com/sv/547483.html"></a><br />
<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzMTk1MDExMTQxMjEmcHQ9MTMxOTUwMTExOTI4NSZwPTk3NTA3MiZkPTAwMCUyMC*lMjBWb2tpJTIwV2lkZ2V*Jmc9/MSZvPWU3YjMyYzNlYjI1YzQ2NTdhZmYxNjJmZjdhM2Y1ZTlhJm9mPTA=.gif" /><object height="267" width="200" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,28,0" id="widget_name"><param name="movie" value="http://vhss-d.oddcast.com/vhss_editors/voki_player.swf?doc=http://vhss-d.oddcast.com/php/vhss_editors/getvoki/chsm=b99a4f4040cb8ce31f947140f94777de%26sc=4646636" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="width" value="200" /><param name="height" value="267" /><param name="allowNetworking" value="all"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed height="267" width="200" src="http://vhss-d.oddcast.com/vhss_editors/voki_player.swf?doc=http%3A%2F%2Fvhss-d.oddcast.com%2Fphp%2Fvhss_editors%2Fgetvoki%2Fchsm=b99a4f4040cb8ce31f947140f94777de%26sc=4646636" quality="high" allowScriptAccess="always" allowNetworking="all" wmode="transparent" allowFullScreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="widget_name"></object><a href="http://www.quia.com/quiz/3294127.html?AP_rand=189976505"></a><br />
<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.11NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzMTk1MDEyMDQ2MzMmcHQ9MTMxOTUwMTIwODY*OSZwPTk3NTA3MiZkPTAwMCUyMC*lMjBWb2tpJTIwV2lkZ2V*Jmc9/MSZvZj*w.gif" /><object height="267" width="200" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,28,0" id="widget_name"><param name="movie" value="http://vhss-d.oddcast.com/vhss_editors/voki_player.swf?doc=http://vhss-d.oddcast.com/php/vhss_editors/getvoki/chsm=c06e2447e4d805f99a00c9bbff7c1162%26sc=4586393" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="width" value="200" /><param name="height" value="267" /><param name="allowNetworking" value="all"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed height="267" width="200" src="http://vhss-d.oddcast.com/vhss_editors/voki_player.swf?doc=http%3A%2F%2Fvhss-d.oddcast.com%2Fphp%2Fvhss_editors%2Fgetvoki%2Fchsm=c06e2447e4d805f99a00c9bbff7c1162%26sc=4586393" quality="high" allowScriptAccess="always" allowNetworking="all" wmode="transparent" allowFullScreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="widget_name"></object>koontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065203342808316654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940670459931522482.post-84806703189416738632011-10-21T16:12:00.000-07:002011-10-29T14:57:12.411-07:00iPad Blog-Week4This week was quite interesting due to my students having to take the Math Benchmark, finding time in time in the schedule to work with my students and bringing the iPad back into the classroom after being stolen. Thankfully it was returned in solid condition. As soon as my students noticed that the iPad was back in my possession the questions were set in motion. I tried to disregard some of the comments by just exclaiming that we were very fortunate to have it back but I will be very reluctant and careful about leaving the classroom unlocked. At first my students were a little nervous about using the iPad but after a few moments it was like the weeks before. I think that we all were able to let out guards down just a little in order to have fun using it once again. As the week progressed my uneasiness slacked off a bit. My students were just as eager as day one to read with me. I can see how much some of them have improved over the small course of time. In math class we discussed line graphs so I am now going to integrate that in with using the iPad so that my students can log their own progress to see how their reading fluency has changed over time.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://serc.carleton.edu/images/quantskills/methods/quantlit/lilgraph.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="302" src="http://serc.carleton.edu/images/quantskills/methods/quantlit/lilgraph.gif" /></a></div>koontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065203342808316654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940670459931522482.post-75175218114550730122011-10-16T17:02:00.000-07:002011-10-16T17:33:17.911-07:00Benchmark Schedule and Test Taking StrategiesI used the Voki as a recording to help remind both students and parents about the upcoming 1st Quarter Benchmark. I also used it as a tool to review math and reading test-taking strategies. The Voki recording will allow students and parents to listen to recording as many times as they like.<br />
<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzMTg4MTE*OTc4MDImcHQ9MTMxODgxMTUxNjYwMSZwPTk3NTA3MiZkPTAwMCUyMC*lMjBWb2tpJTIwV2lkZ2V*Jmc9/MSZvPTNmODQxNjU4NmUxOTQzMzc4ZDBlMjg4ZWUwMDU2OTU2Jm9mPTA=.gif" /><object height="267" width="200" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,28,0" id="widget_name"><param name="movie" value="http://vhss-d.oddcast.com/vhss_editors/voki_player.swf?doc=http://vhss-d.oddcast.com/php/vhss_editors/getvoki/chsm=c06e2447e4d805f99a00c9bbff7c1162%26sc=4586393" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="width" value="200" /><param name="height" value="267" /><param name="allowNetworking" value="all"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed height="267" width="200" src="http://vhss-d.oddcast.com/vhss_editors/voki_player.swf?doc=http%3A%2F%2Fvhss-d.oddcast.com%2Fphp%2Fvhss_editors%2Fgetvoki%2Fchsm=c06e2447e4d805f99a00c9bbff7c1162%26sc=4586393" quality="high" allowScriptAccess="always" allowNetworking="all" wmode="transparent" allowFullScreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="widget_name"></object>koontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065203342808316654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940670459931522482.post-46420067055808363752011-10-16T16:43:00.000-07:002011-10-16T16:43:00.561-07:00Math SurveyI have created a Math Survey using Quia. This survey will be used to determine which students' and/or skills will need to be be taught through small group instruction or remediation. This survey will also allow me to pair students that has mastered a skill with a student that has yet mastered the skill. Many students become embarrassed if they do not understand classwork, this survey will take the embarrassment away the because the information is only between the students and the teacher.koontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065203342808316654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940670459931522482.post-30995076433282195792011-10-16T16:05:00.000-07:002011-10-16T16:23:04.473-07:00Inference QuizI have created an Inference Quiz using both Voki and Quia. I used the Voki to create a personalized speaking avatar that will read the questions on the quiz that was made using Quiz. This is a great way to motivate and improve my students' reading and listening skills in an engaging and innovative way.koontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065203342808316654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940670459931522482.post-29625584727330211652011-10-16T12:03:00.000-07:002011-10-16T12:03:30.698-07:00iPad Blog-Week 3Unfortunately I was not able to use the iPad with my students this week due to theft however next week I will be able to start back up again. The incident was very stressful on me and my students were very disappointed maybe their spirits will brighten once they see that it was returned.koontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065203342808316654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940670459931522482.post-70445670255396357302011-10-07T18:37:00.000-07:002011-10-07T20:07:11.777-07:00iPad Blog-Week2<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzMTgwNDMxNzIxODEmcHQ9MTMxODA*MzE5MjE*MyZwPTk3NTA3MiZkPTAwMCUyMC*lMjBWb2tpJTIwV2lkZ2V*Jmc9/MSZvPTU3NjU5MDdlZjY5YzRkN2M5Y2M1NWFiZTdlMDc*MzliJm9mPTA=.gif" /><object height="267" width="200" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,28,0" id="widget_name"><param name="movie" value="http://vhss-d.oddcast.com/vhss_editors/voki_player.swf?doc=http://vhss-d.oddcast.com/php/vhss_editors/getvoki/chsm=ac2ec7d81f7da69585392b23d242d9aa%26sc=4497891" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="width" value="200" /><param name="height" value="267" /><param name="allowNetworking" value="all"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed height="267" width="200" src="http://vhss-d.oddcast.com/vhss_editors/voki_player.swf?doc=http%3A%2F%2Fvhss-d.oddcast.com%2Fphp%2Fvhss_editors%2Fgetvoki%2Fchsm=ac2ec7d81f7da69585392b23d242d9aa%26sc=4497891" quality="high" allowScriptAccess="always" allowNetworking="all" wmode="transparent" allowFullScreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="widget_name"></object>Another week has past by and my students are still amazed with the opportunity of working with the iPad. Their excitement about reading makes me excited. I actually thought that their interest would have declined but instead I was proven wrong. I am noticing that majority of them are yearning to make improvement in reading. Some of my students able to move forward and onto another story or level due to reading improvement. I am so enthused with how much they are participating and actively engaged in learning.koontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065203342808316654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940670459931522482.post-89272237654894782182011-09-30T18:09:00.000-07:002011-09-30T18:09:23.137-07:00iPad Blog-Week 1<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.pcboe.net/les/lmc/images/Apps/k12%20Timed%20Reading.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pcboe.net/les/lmc/images/Apps/k12%20Timed%20Reading.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In the beginning I chose a Math application that allowed students to improve their multiplication skills however the application gave them answers as they were trying to solve the problems. After much thought, I chose to work with the K12 Timed Reading Practice Lite application with my students. I selected this program for the reason that all of my students reading levels are below grade level. I decided to utilize the application as a <a href="http://www.readinga-z.com/guided/runrecord.html">Reading Running Record</a>. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A running record is a way to assess a student's reading progress by systematically evaluating a student's oral reading and identifying error patterns. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I am hoping that this tool will help increase my students’ fluency in reading. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As soon as I explained that we would be using the iPad, my students became ecstatic. The smiles on their faces lit up the classroom. Every day I allow students to read a story on </span>the iPad that is on <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">their reading level. As they are reading I am listening and </span>monitoring how they are reading. I am recording the amount of miscues that occur. If students are able to read over 100 wmp with a small amount of errors they may move to another level. If students read less than 100 wpm or have more than 7 errors then they will read a different story on the same level. I really enjoy using this application because it records how many words are<a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=k12+timed+reading+practice+lite&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1280&bih=620&tbm=isch&tbnid=rwkMKYg9xWHvfM:&imgrefurl=http://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/k12-timed-reading-practice/id384484818%3Fmt%3D8&docid=azmeKI6KIe1bdM&itg=1&w=320&h=480&ei=H2SGTvyKIIi4tgf87-VN&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=696&vpy=113&dur=1&hovh=275&hovw=183&tx=124&ty=178&page=1&tbnh=142&tbnw=95&start=0&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0"> read per minute</a> and contains several <span id="goog_343046821"></span><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/k12-timed-reading-practice/id384484818?mt=8">books<span id="goog_343046822"></span></a><span id="goog_343046817"></span><span id="goog_343046818"></span> for each level. Each day my students wait patiently for their turn to read. As they read I watch them press the button to continue and once it’s over they ask if there is time to read another story. To them reading has now become fun. </div>koontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065203342808316654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940670459931522482.post-76350429979772693322011-09-25T13:53:00.000-07:002011-09-25T13:53:10.434-07:00iPad Usage in the Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQGUziZTZ1yFZtFKZcA6dIs1yf9u0ZEiDqV0aNkn2kj-GR2QD_r" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQGUziZTZ1yFZtFKZcA6dIs1yf9u0ZEiDqV0aNkn2kj-GR2QD_r" width="200" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At first, personally I was very skeptical about using the iPad with my students and inside of my classroom for many reasons; such as what if it gets broken, how can it be done, and how <a href="http://www.apple.com/education/profiles/escondido/">beneficial</a> will it be but most of all I was scared to try something foreign and new. My outlook on the usage of the iPad started to change once I saw my students’ facial expressions and their eagerness to working with this new technology tool. After doing much research, I have found that there are many <a href="http://itcboisestate.wordpress.com/2010/04/23/ipad-2/">ways</a> to use the iPad within the classroom such as: l</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">oading the iPad with eBooks and then select and assign reading groups, </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">improve student reading fluency and comprehension, improve mathematical skills through repetition, allow students to take quizzes, practice and tutorial of mathematical skills, and have students to listen to read-aloud<span> </span>books to help with decoding and phonics. Using the iPad within the classroom is very beneficial, it gives students an opportunity to play through learning, helps personalize instruction, address a variety of learning styles, and creates an engaging learning environment. Getting started is not that hard to do. The steps are easy as 1-2-3: 1) download iTunes onto the iPad, 2) create an account </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">3) download apps that are beneficial to your students. Now the hard part is on you, you now must implement and follow through with the usage of the iPad. If you dedicate a few minutes a day, sit back and watch your students become engaged in learning.</span>koontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065203342808316654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940670459931522482.post-5950458211355926692011-09-12T14:38:00.000-07:002011-09-12T14:38:48.316-07:00EVASS: Is It Benefiting Our Schools?<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.sas.com/govedu/edu/k12/evaas/index.html"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">EVAAS </span></span></a></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(Education Value-Added Assessment System) is a software program designed for NC school districts for grades K-12. EVAAS provides school districts with diagnostic reports indicating the effectiveness of a school. It allows users to look at data produces reports to predict student success, achievement growth or reveal patterns in subgroup performance.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.raleighpublicrecord.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/evaas_english.jpg"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype></span></a><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.raleighpublicrecord.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/evaas_english.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176px" nba="true" src="http://www.raleighpublicrecord.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/evaas_english.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lately there has been some controversy surrounding the usage of EVAAS. Some pros for using the EVAAS program is that it follows students through all NC schools. It offers a collection of student progress and data for up to five years from all subjects. Formulated data is used to help predict each student's future academic achievement and allow schools to identify and customize a plan for students who are at risk for under achievement. By identifying which students are at risk, teachers and administrators can be proactive by ensuring that every student has the chance to succeed. On the other hand many critics have reported that EVAAS:</span></span></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Does not take into account a student’s background</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Has been used as a punishment</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Has not been sufficiently assessed in peer-reviewed scholarly journals</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Is confusing for many teachers</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Encourages teaching to the test</span></span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another reason that EVAAS has gotten negative feedback is that principals say that it is not a fair assessment tool for either principals or teachers. If student scores are bad, principals can be dismissed, demoted or reassigned. If a student earns exactly the score that EVAAS predicts, then the student achieved no growth that year. Scores below or above the predicted score determines whether the student achieved positive or negative growth. EVAAS also calculates the predicted score for all students assigned to an individual teacher. If that teacher’s students score exactly the predicted average, then EVAAS considers the teacher to have had no effect on the students</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">EVAAS compares all teachers in North Carolina to every other teacher in the state. To this disadvantage, some teachers will always be at or below average depending on the nature of the students’ socioeconomic status and academic achievement. Using EVAAS data alone separately from observations, artifacts and other effective tools is inequitable. Despite the criticism, the use of EVAAS is being used throughout schools and districts.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>koontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065203342808316654noreply@blogger.com0