Welcome to CKMS Curriculum Night!

1. Welcome toCKMSCurriculum Night! Jan Formisano 1st & 2nd Period Language Arts

2. Introductions… A bit about me: • Older than dirt • Teaching – 17 years - LOVE it! • TOSA – 6 years –coordinating intervention programs, teaching teachers, trainings • Married 38 years to the same man… am I insane or what? • 2 daughters – both age 35 – no – not twins! • 2 grandkids – light of my life

3. My Family

4. And you are? • Your name • Your student’s name

5. Language!Piloted last year and now adopted throughout the District in grades 6 – 12 in Special Education.

6. Why the need for such a scripted, structured curriculum in the middle and high schools? • “One in every four young students are struggling to read and comprehend grade level textbooks and subject matter materials as they enter middle and high school.” (NAEP) • Our kids have gaps… gaps that won’t be filled unless they get DIRECT INSTRUCTION in the areas they struggle in.

7. 6 Steps in this comprehensive curriculum Step 1: Phonemic Awareness & Phonics Step 2: Word Recognition and Spelling Step 3: Vocabulary & Morphology Step 4: Grammar and Usage Step 5: Listening and Reading Comprehension Step 6: Speaking & Writing 6 units in each book: 10 lessons in each unit

8. 6 levels AB, CD, EF • 1st period – mix of 7th & 8th graders who are all at Level D • 2nd period – mix of 6th & 7th graders who are all at Level A • All of our students in these two classes are either one or two years behind their peers in reading or writing or both.

9. Level A • Beginning entry point for those students who typically 2+ grade levels behind. • Move through each book, building skills each year until they get to benchmark • Gaps vary – might be phonemic awareness, comprehension, word attack, spelling, writing

10. Level D • Entry point into program was at Level C for this class - they will continue to progress through levels until they reach benchmark in reading and writing or until they can succeed in general education classroom • Gaps vary by students – some have gaps in phonemic awareness, word attack, spelling, vocabulary, reading comprehension, or writing • Fluency and deep comprehension is our goal!

11. Curriculum specifically designed for struggling readers and writers • Spirals …repeats concepts but stepped up to next level • Based on brain research and helps “rewire the brain” (non-surgical!!) • Hands on & participatory • Levels of text – Instructional, Independent, Challenge – blend of fiction and nonfiction • Critical Thinking questions and strategies for comprehension • Writing using 6 Traits and Step Up To Writing

12. Adaptations for specific needs • I-Books available for students – stories can be read to them • Pacing depends on needs of students • Spiraling curriculum allows for deeper concept internalization • Co-Writer available on netbooks • Netbooks for writing

13. Grading • 30% = classroom participation and daily work • 50% = assessments during the unit, end of unit, end of book • 20% = homework – either VocabJourney or reading at home

14. Mrs. Maralack is your child’s Case Manager • She will do IEPs with my input and I will be at IEP meetings. • I am happy to meet with you with any questions regarding language arts. • My contact number is 831-8424 at District Office or email me at formisanoj@svsd410.org • Sharepoint site http://sharepoint.snoqualmie.k12.wa.us/ckms/formisanoj/default.aspx

15. Questions for me? • Thanks so much for coming tonight. • I look forward to our partnership!