Welcome to

1. The Achieve Learning Program Welcome to Mrs. Clare Smith Grade 8 claresmith@wpcsd.k12.ny.us

2. Overview • ALP is a support class designed to strengthen students’ reading and writing skills.  • Students work in small groups and read independently every day of the cycle.

3. Achieve Learning Program : Two Classes in One! On one day, for example, your child might meet with me for small-group instruction… just five to eight students per group, depending on the class size.  We work on reading comprehension, writing, and grammar – pretty much anything ELA-related.   In addition,  I try to provide some science and social studies support.  Reading in the content areas can be tough because text books tend to be written at a higher level than many students’ instructional reading levels. On the other days, your child works independently on the TeenBiz3000 website. Your child will be reading independently and completing activities based on their IRB when classwork is completed.

4. ALP Power Reading: The TeenBiz Component All the TeenBiz articles are nonfiction, usually based on an Associated Press article.  And here’s the really cool part:  the article your child receives is tailored to his/her reading level! The student sitting next to your child receives the same article geared toward his or her level.  While your child works on TeenBiz, I am working with the other group of students. 

5. ALP Cycle Expectations All students must complete the following each A-F cycle: 3 TB Multiple Choice activities 1TB Thought Question 1 Independent Reading Response (RetoL) *each student is expected to read 200 pages and/or 1Independent Reading Books each quarter

6. What you should be looking for in order to gauge your child’s TB progress: • TeenBiz provides data on each student’s performance pertaining to multiple choice activities, Writing Center multiple choice activities, and written responses, aka Thought Questions. • For the multiple choice, I analyze two things: • the number of activities completed that cycle (THREE.) • The average score for those activities (We’re looking for an average above 75%.) • For the Thought Questions: • Students are required to complete ONE TQ each cycle • TQ responses should 1) begin with the TAG, 2)restate the question, 3) address all parts of the task, and 4) provide solid text-based support. • TQs are scored on a five-point rubric. • If the student submits more than one, I grade them both/all. The better/best grade counts.

7. More About TeenBiz3000 • When you have time, ask your child to show you around his/her TeenBiz3000 account.  • Students have access to the program from anywhere they have access to the internet.  Students are encouraged to work on TB at home. • If your child takes you to his/her “My Lessons”, you’ll be able to see the activities she/he has completed so far in both multiple-choice and writing. • Please, peruse the TeenBiz3000 website for further information, and don’t hesitate to contact me about your child’s progress in ALP.

8. Parental Access On your Internet browser, go to www.teenbiz3000.com. 1. Enter your child's username and password (see below). 2. Click Settings at the top of the screen. Then, click Create Parent Login. 3. Enter your security code (see below) and answer a couple of questions. 4. The system will display your Home Edition username and password. Record this login information somewhere safe. You will need it to access TeenBiz in the future. 5. Log in and get started! Your child’s user name: clare.smith Your child’s password: pickle Your security code: S123456789