The Final Stretch

We are on spring break this week. When we go back, we have 19 instructional days until our state testing. Eek!

Normally, I don't stress too much about state testing. It is what is, and my kids usually do just fine.

However, this year I'm anxious. Really anxious. We implemented Common Core State Standards this year in ELA and Math. Our state test covers our old state standards. (Makes a lot of sense, I know.)

One of my teammates and I gave short practice tests this week to give us some data for whole- and small-group instruction the next few weeks. It wasn't pretty. I'm afraid we spent so much time on CCSS that we missed some of the little, random state standards that are tested. I know they'll be prepared for fifth grade common core, but now our test scores could suffer. :( I hate caring about test scores, but our school rating (and level of state involvement in running the school) depends on the percentage of students passing. That goal is 80% this year. (Our evaluation scores are affected by students' scores, too. Ugh.)

Last year? 100% of my kiddos passed. This year, CCSS turned my teaching upside down (mostly in a good way)...and the predictors don't look good. Not only is my class the polar opposite of last year's class (chatty, unmotivated, highly distractible,...), but I didn't teach everything that will be on the test. This was directed by my district and supported by my principal.

I have just 19 days to fill in as many gaps as possible. I am nervous beyond belief. My teammate and I are working on a plan...I just hope it works!

Fractions Series: Fourth Grade Studio

If you teach fractions (especially with a Common Core approach) and haven't been following along with Meg over at Fourth Grade Studio: Learning, Thinking, Creating, you need to get there. Now. Here's a link to the first post in her fractions unit. Click here! Really, you need to!  You won't be sorry. 

While you're at it, visit her Teachers Pay Teachers store. In my opinion, her products are well-written and really make kids think. I love using her products, because they are so in line with my way of thinking - especially about math. I'm following her store, because I can't wait until she publishes her fractions unit. It's just that good.

Trying Again

" 'Tis a lesson you should heed:

Try, try, try again.

If at first you don't succeed,

Try, try, try again." 

 - William Edward Hickson

So... I tried blogging last summer. I didn't do so well. Time got away from me. I went out of town and went straight back to school after my trip. 

My feet haven't touched the ground since.

We've been working through our first year of Common Core implementation in English Language Arts and Math. Right now, the Common Core and I have a love-hate relationship. I love the freedom, I love the depth, I love the focus on thinking. I don't love how it feels like my first year of teaching in so many ways - and many of our resources don't work anymore! Teachers Pay Teachers and my debit card have a very healthy relationship right now. :/ I also dislike that my kids will be tested on the old Arizona state standards this year and next year...so they have to learn a LOT more, in greater depth. There simply aren't enough hours in the day to do it all, so some things aren't getting the time they need or deserve.

On top of all that, our new school principal is very passionate about cooperative learning. This isn't a bad thing. However, his expectation is that we have at least one element of cooperative learning (Kagan style) in every. single. lesson. This means that every lesson I teach needs a twist. Old practice pages need revisions. I've made countless task cards for Quiz-Quiz-Trade, Fan-n-Pick, and Inside-Outside Circle. (Sometimes I mix it up by having them play Scoot with a partner and have them Rally Coach or Sage-n-Scribe.)

Needless to say, I am spending a lot more time on school work this year than I have in recent years.

Fortunately, I am excited about the changes. Unfortunately, I have caught several colds this year, and I've learned that my eyes don't look great with black circles under them. We celebrated the 100th day of school....over four weeks ago. Our third quarter ends in two weeks. State testing is in two months. The school year ends in mid-May. Where did time go?!?

In the midst of this crazy year, I have continued to read many wonderful teachers' blogs and I'm inspired by your creative ideas!

So here I am, trying again. I hope to join the ranks of bloggers who post on a regular basis. My goal, to start, is to post once a week. We'll see how that goes. :)

I leave you with a picture of this year's group of angels, posing with books we received through Donors Choose.