« License Plate Pride | Main | Drought Stricken Area »
August 09, 2004
STAR Testing and Globes
Today we STAR tested in my classroom. It was the first chance I have had to get all seven computers up and running on the network. So much has been going on, I had neglected that task. I like being able to test in our classroom because we did not have to sign up to go and use a computer lab and hope all of the machines were hitting the network. We were able to cycle back and forth on the machines while continuing with our regular lessons. STAR evaluates each individual student and helps to set an individual goal for that child. My biggest complaint with AR when it began in Wayne County was that random numbers were chosen for whole classes. Different children read at different levels but we were setting a generic number for all of them at will. STAR eliminates that issue for me. AR is a very important part to student success at NMS. In my Language Arts classes, we devote twenty minutes a day to DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) and I ask the parents to help with twenty minutes of focused reading each night. Thusly, the AR grade is twenty percent of the student’s nine-week average in Language Arts. Parent Reports will be coming home in the next day or so, so keep an eye out for them.
In Social Studies we are knee deep in longitude and latitude. I realized by some glazed expressions today that compass directions were an enigma to many of the students so we stepped back a little and went over several of the basics. An interesting website that really helps with longitude and latitude is available here. This is the same site we utilized in class today.
A little late tonight, but I am beginning to wonder how many parents are reading these logs. If you are, please leave a comment below. Thanks!
Posted by hlperson at August 9, 2004 07:00 PM
Comments
Hey, I added links for Star and AR. I know that when I first started volunteering with you at the school I had no idea what those software packages did.
Posted by: Alvin P. Phillips at August 10, 2004 09:56 AM
Many thanks for the Parent Report which summarized the results of my girl's STAR Reading test. It looked like a comprehensive evaluation and is helpful towards setting goals here at home.
Posted by: Jon Hunter at August 13, 2004 05:17 AM
Mr Person,
Just a quick note to let you know I am reading your web site. I think this is a great idea and I know this takes alot of your valuable time, but I do greatly appreciate your time and effort. This site keeps me, as a parent very informed with my daughters education.
Thanks
Bren
Posted by: Brenda Barfield at August 15, 2004 04:49 PM