PLAAFP & GOALS PD at Region 11

Tina Kelsey found two workshops at Region 11

PLAAFP class at Region 11, It is on 09/27/16 from 9-12, 

Goals and objectives one on 11/02/16 from 9-4.

Tina Kelsey

Resource Teacher

O. H. Stowe Elementary

817-547-2427

STAR SCREENER ACCOMODATIONS from Lysette

This was sent in an email to Principals on 9/23 

Ongoing progress monitoring is the key to determining whether current intervention efforts are effective and where corrective action is needed.  Please remember that per RtI district guidelines, progress monitoring of tiered students should occur every 4 weeks with STAR Reading and STAR Early Literacy as it is done for Math.   

In addition, there have been questions about the use of oral accommodations on STAR.  We understand that the BOY screener has already been administered, but please adhere to the following going forward:   

    

1. Students with IEP/504 plans which call for additional time can use the built in extended time option for reading and math.

2. Students with IEP/504 plans which call for oral administration can use the built in audio feature for math only. 

3.  Because this is a normed referenced test and we want to maintain the validity of the results, the recommendation from Renaissance is to not read the test items to students.  However, if the universal screener is specifically addressed in a student’s IEP/504 plan to be read aloud to the student, then the plan should be followed as outlined.

Please share these procedures with the appropriate members of your staff.

Thank you for all the work you do!

Lysette Reeves, M.Ed.

RTI, Dyslexia & 504 Specialist

DRA

.   DRA assessments for Tier 3 students.  BOY and EOY only. 

Most Resource teachers said they would do BOY and EOY so they can use at ARDs when discussing progress.  Star Math data will be used at ARDs.  

SNAP TYPE AP for IPAD

I found this app Snap Type after reading an article so thought I would share.  

Students or the teacher can take pictures of their worksheets in class and use the iPad keyboard to type in answers.

It is an easy to use app. Here is how to use it:

1) Use the on-screen shutter button to take a picture.
2) Tap where you want to add text.
3) Start typing using the iPad keyboard.
4) Tap and drag to move the text boxes.
5) Resize the image by pinching using two fingers.
6) Resize the text using the slider at the top of the screen.
7) Save your work by pressing the iPad home button and power button at the same time (this saves as screen capture to your iPad’s camera roll).
8) Start over by flipping the iPad face-down for 2 seconds.

Monica Alsaker

Special Education Teacher

David E. Smith Elementary

Birdville ISD

817-547-1600

BOOK SUGGESTION FOR 1st YEAR SPED TEACHER

I was wondering if anyone had any book or article recommendations that will help me when I push in to a class or when I pull the kids out? This is my first year teaching Special Ed.

Thanks,

Denise Chandler 

SEATING OPTIONS

At the PLC on 9/21 several people brought up ideas on how they use flexible seating options and tips and tricks on how to secure a ball chair. Please feel free to post thoughts/tips about flexible seating.

I-STATION TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS

Do students take I-station tests with their class or in the resource room setting?

What types of accommodations do you give a student reading 2-3 reading levels below grade level? 

How often do your students take the I-station test?

How do you keep students self-esteem up when they are frustrated taking this test?

Questions for Administration...but feel free to comment on ideas.

How often should this be given and is it a true indicator of what they can do? 

Can they be calibrated in the system to still take it but at the reading level they are reading at? For example a 5th grade reading at a 2nd grade level. 

If we needed "proof" that they are reading at a particular level - what would be the standard measurement should we use?

NOTES FROM HAN:
Most are reporting Istation is optional this year.  However, if we assess with Istation can the above accommodations be done.  Arthurs to send question to Teaching and Learning.

SIPPS

.     Are we using SIPPS?  When must you use SIPPS?

S    SIPPS are with dyslexic students especially because they are dropped from dyslexia support when they qualify for Special Education.  Many kits are needed at all levels including PLUS.  A handful of teachers say they still need training.

STAR 360 TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS

What type of accommodations do you make on these tests for Math and Reading?

What kind of accomodations do you give for Early Literacy? 

Early Literacy tests are for 1st and 2nd graders, do you use these with your 3-5 students?

When giving the OA version of the test - how do you make sure they get the entire Math test read to them, since the system does not read all the questions?

Questions for Administration... feel free to comment and add feedback.

Is it acceptable to read the stories to the student to at least get a solid listening comprehension level, when we already know the student is at a 1^st grade level working at Beginning SIPPS? Can these be given at student’s level too?

NOTES FROM HAN
No accommodations for Star 360 except OA for math.  Resource teachers would like in writing what accommodations can or can't be done.  

BENCHMARK TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS

CBA’s and Six week Tests (school created)

Both of these tests have different uses

Are you giving accommodations on these tests? 

Do you use the same grade level test? 

Do you use a lower grade level test depending on the student's ability level?

If so, how are you accommodating them? If not, how/where do the students take these tests? 

What kind of preparation do you do with the students before the test, if any?

Do you scan these results into AWARE?  

NOTE FROM HAN
Resource teachers report doing what accommodations you would do on the STAAR test.  Suggestion- initial students should have the first CBA without accommodations so you can justify accommodations are needed to be successful for CBAs and STAAR assessments.