Weedsport Elementary School's Wee Warrior's Cafe was the place to be last month. Our parents, guardians and their children in grades three, four and five were invited on Feb. 8 to take part in an evening that would better familiarize them to The New York State Math Assessment Tests that have now come and gone. After this particular portion of the math program was completed, the crowd was entertained by our school's third grade tone chime group.
Mrs. Katherine Tiegel, our AIS (Academic Instructional Support) math specialist, presented a well-detailed presentation regarding the assessments to nearly 100 visitors. Evidenced by this wonderfully organized presentation, Mrs. Tiegel, a 21-year veteran to teaching, put a great deal of time, love and effort into formulating this presentation.
The assessment information night went “above and beyond” by providing sample questions, opening up dialogue and addressing questions.
Tiegel's presentation began by providing the audience members with general information. Since The Math Assessments are new to grades three, five, six and seven this year, much information needed to be shared.
Our audience members learned the following from the general information portion of the presentation: The NCLB (No Child Left Behind) initiative was passed in 2001. All schools that receive federal funding are required to assess students in grades three through eight in math and reading. The data retrieved as a result of the test taking will be utilized to make sure that schools and their children are making yearly progress toward meeting state goals. Parents, guardians and educators alike will be able to utilize the information that will be provided after the scoring takes place. Students' academic programs could require an adjustment or revision to their current program depending on their performance.
Kathy then went on to identify the Learning Standards and Core Curriculum that is adhered to. She explained the Content Strands tested that include, number sense and operations, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability and measurement. The Process Strands include problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, representation as well as connections.
The test designed for grades three, four and five were also covered. Grades three and five are tested over a two day period as they each have two sessions. Grade four has three sessions in place that are tested over a three day period. Each grade level has a multiple choice section, a short response section and an extended response portion. Tiegel clearly identified each grade level's sessions, question types and time allotment.
Perhaps the most popular portion of this presentation occurred when Tiegel showed actual sample test questions for each grade level that she retrieved from The State Education Department's Web site. For part one, multiple choice questions were shown for each grade level and for part two, short and extended response questions were revealed. For the part two questions, parents, guardians and children were able to utilize the papers and pencils provided for them at each table. After think and work time was given, Tiegel then showed and explained each answer to the audience.
After a brief question and answer session, Tiegel provided helpful tips for the adults regarding what can be done at home to help their child/children succeed on the exam. Such elements included keeping the lines of communication open with the teacher and school, promoting a positive attitude toward the tests and morning of the test preparation tips.
Finally, test result turnaround time was discussed. Tiegel defended the State Education Department's overwhelming task of having to analyze the new tests. She did however say that the test instrument research only occurs during the first year that a test is given and that in each successive year beyond this, the turnaround time will be substantially reduced.
On a bit of a lighter note, if you will forgive the pun, the evening drew to a close only after the third grade tone chime group took to the stage for about 30 minutes. Under the direction of Mrs. Jennifer Lamb, our music teacher who is new to our district this year, 15 of our third graders, who were selected after auditions, took place earlier this year, entertained the crowd. The students have rehearsed for 40 minutes each week since they joined the group.
A tone chime's sound is similar to that of a hand bell; however, its construction is significantly different. Resembling a tuning fork, these instruments are “student friendly” in the fact that they are much lighter and more durable for children to use.
The songs that delighted the audience members were “The First Noel,” “America the Beautiful,” “Deck the Halls,” “Jingle Bells” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” Although the holidays have come and gone, there is nothing more delightful to hear than a few holiday songs being rung off of the wrists of our proud third grade musicians.
The evening was not only informative, it was enjoyable as parents, guardians, students and teachers worked toward one common goal - promoting the positive growth and development of today's little ones that will turn into tomorrow's thinkers, problem solvers and possibly even musicians.
A special thanks goes out to our principal, Mr. Hunter, our superintendent, Mr. Shaun O'Connor, Mrs. Tiegel, Mrs. Lamb, our faculty and staff members and last but not least, our parents, guardians and students.
Lynn Cheche Baker is a third grade teacher at Weedsport Elementary School and is also the owner of the Successful Steps Tutoring Service
The assessment information night went “above and beyond” by providing sample questions, opening up dialogue and addressing questions.
Tiegel's presentation began by providing the audience members with general information. Since The Math Assessments are new to grades three, five, six and seven this year, much information needed to be shared.
Our audience members learned the following from the general information portion of the presentation: The NCLB (No Child Left Behind) initiative was passed in 2001. All schools that receive federal funding are required to assess students in grades three through eight in math and reading. The data retrieved as a result of the test taking will be utilized to make sure that schools and their children are making yearly progress toward meeting state goals. Parents, guardians and educators alike will be able to utilize the information that will be provided after the scoring takes place. Students' academic programs could require an adjustment or revision to their current program depending on their performance.
Kathy then went on to identify the Learning Standards and Core Curriculum that is adhered to. She explained the Content Strands tested that include, number sense and operations, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability and measurement. The Process Strands include problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, representation as well as connections.
The test designed for grades three, four and five were also covered. Grades three and five are tested over a two day period as they each have two sessions. Grade four has three sessions in place that are tested over a three day period. Each grade level has a multiple choice section, a short response section and an extended response portion. Tiegel clearly identified each grade level's sessions, question types and time allotment.
Perhaps the most popular portion of this presentation occurred when Tiegel showed actual sample test questions for each grade level that she retrieved from The State Education Department's Web site. For part one, multiple choice questions were shown for each grade level and for part two, short and extended response questions were revealed. For the part two questions, parents, guardians and children were able to utilize the papers and pencils provided for them at each table. After think and work time was given, Tiegel then showed and explained each answer to the audience.
After a brief question and answer session, Tiegel provided helpful tips for the adults regarding what can be done at home to help their child/children succeed on the exam. Such elements included keeping the lines of communication open with the teacher and school, promoting a positive attitude toward the tests and morning of the test preparation tips.
Finally, test result turnaround time was discussed. Tiegel defended the State Education Department's overwhelming task of having to analyze the new tests. She did however say that the test instrument research only occurs during the first year that a test is given and that in each successive year beyond this, the turnaround time will be substantially reduced.
On a bit of a lighter note, if you will forgive the pun, the evening drew to a close only after the third grade tone chime group took to the stage for about 30 minutes. Under the direction of Mrs. Jennifer Lamb, our music teacher who is new to our district this year, 15 of our third graders, who were selected after auditions, took place earlier this year, entertained the crowd. The students have rehearsed for 40 minutes each week since they joined the group.
A tone chime's sound is similar to that of a hand bell; however, its construction is significantly different. Resembling a tuning fork, these instruments are “student friendly” in the fact that they are much lighter and more durable for children to use.
The songs that delighted the audience members were “The First Noel,” “America the Beautiful,” “Deck the Halls,” “Jingle Bells” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” Although the holidays have come and gone, there is nothing more delightful to hear than a few holiday songs being rung off of the wrists of our proud third grade musicians.
The evening was not only informative, it was enjoyable as parents, guardians, students and teachers worked toward one common goal - promoting the positive growth and development of today's little ones that will turn into tomorrow's thinkers, problem solvers and possibly even musicians.
A special thanks goes out to our principal, Mr. Hunter, our superintendent, Mr. Shaun O'Connor, Mrs. Tiegel, Mrs. Lamb, our faculty and staff members and last but not least, our parents, guardians and students.
Lynn Cheche Baker is a third grade teacher at Weedsport Elementary School and is also the owner of the Successful Steps Tutoring Service
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