Welcome

1. Welcome Parent InformationNight 2015-2016

2. About Mrs. Trudell • Originally from Sharon, PA. • Graduated John Carroll University 2000 • Masters from Ashland in Curriculum and Instruction (Literacy) 2007 • 1999: Student taught at Bryden with Mrs. Dottore • 2000: 1 year at Bryden in 3rd • 15th year at Hilltop ( 9 in 4th, 5 as Reading Specialist) • Literacy Specialist Endorsement (JCU) and National Writing Project Consultant from KSU • Ohio Council Teachers of English/Language Arts Executive Board, ODE Network leaders board, PARCC assessment review committee, Teacher’s College at Columbia University • Married in 2005 • 2 children (Emma 8 and Jackson almost 6)

3. Comprehensive Literacy Framework • Students have a 80 minute Literacy block. • Daily framework is flexible allowing for variations in content, groupings, direct instruction, small group and independent activities. • Students participate in read-alouds with mini-lessons followed by independent practice, conferences or small group guided reading groups. • Goal: develop independent readers who question text, think critically, and make informed decisions as they seek meaning from the texts read. FOSTER A LOVE of literacy and awareness of who they are as readers and writers. • Allows for close observation of process and progress toward Common Core State Standards • Meets the needs of ALL learners as we meet students at instructional levels and move them forward in their ability

4. Comprehensive Literacy Framework 1st month of school: Set culture, assess students and learn about students as readers and writers. Establish Reading and Writing Workshop HOMEWORK: DAILY READING CARD– 100-120 minutes a week. Same book at home and at school FLUENCY/COMPREHENSION- repeated or paired reading due Monday (also Progress Book assignments) Spelling- 1st month– tests every other week and after assessments (Winter Break) students will be in spelling groups focusing on patterns of words. Blogs, projects, responses, graphic organizers, author’s chair, Grammar practice, and vocabulary practice

5. 25 Books Standard • http://www.beachwoodschools.org/25BookStandard.aspx

6. Comprehensive Literacy Framework WRITING WORKSHOP: Units of Study by Lucy Calkins- focus on Narrative, Argumentative and Informational text Goal: Students will develop writing strategies and skills, learn about writer’s craft, and use writing as a tool for learning and communication. They will write for sustained periods, explore different genres and formats and write for a variety of purposes and audiences. Instruction will include mini-lesson, shared writing, guided and independent practice utilizing the 6+1 traits of writing (IDEAS, ORGANIZATION, VOICE, WORD CHOICE, SENTENCE FLUENCY, CONVENTIONS) and individual conferences.

7. Comprehensive Literacy Framework LANGUAGE and WORD STUDY: Goal: Students will explore the intricacies of language across multiple genres including literature, informational texts, and poetry. They will investigate the meaning and structure of words and the conventions and forms of written language. WEEKLY Word study according to patterns as identified on the Developmental Spelling Assessment.

8. Language Arts cont. • Spelling - Counts on tests and final copy of any writing assignment - Integrated into writing rather than a separate subject - Application into everyday writing - Based on DSA (Developmental Spelling) • Handwriting is reviewed but not explicitly taught in fourth grade • Grammar integrated through reading and writing workshop – (grammarworkshop.com) • Vocabulary Workshop through SADLIER CONNECT and will be accessed online • (http://www.sadlierconnect.com/@hilltopelementary)

9. Comprehensive Literacy Framework • ASSESSMENTS: • AIMSWEB (fluency and MAZE comprehension tests) • Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) • Developmental Spelling Assessment (DSA) • STAR reading assessment from ACCELERATED Reader (done in library as an added measure) • Short Cycle assessments (1X quarter) • Pre and Post Writing Assessments for each strand in Common Core Writing Standards (Narrative, Persuasive, Informational) • Interest Surveys • Formative Assessments (Entrance and Exit slips)

10. GRADES • A+ 98-100 • A 94-97 • A- 90-93 • B+ 87-89 • B 83-86 • B- 80-82 • C+ 77-79 • C 73-76 • C- 70-72 • D+ 67-69 • D 63-66 • D- 60-62 • F Below 60

11. HOMEWORK • Homework is like the Three Bears • Some say there is too little • Some say there is too much • Some say it is just right “If homework serves a good purpose and parents reinforce completion of tasks, students benefit by higher grades, better habits, and more positive attitudes towards school and learning.”- U.S. Dept. of ED

12. State Mandated Testing • AIR (American Institute of Research) in ELA will be in April • Practice tests and Blueprints released in Sept./Oct. • Specific dates from these windows will be shared as As soon as District Determines.

13. Other Information • Book Club -- Each month fiction/non-fiction emphasis --checks made out to SCHOLASTIC http://www.beachwoodschools.org/AleshaTrudell.aspx BUCKEYE CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD http://www.bcbookaward.info/

14. WE’RE OFF TO A GREAT YEAR! Please be sure to visit our Unified Arts Staff