Our report cards changed this year, even though we are not officially adopting the common core standards at our grade level for another year and we have not had training on the new standards yet. Consequently, my grade level partner and I are struggling with a few items on the report cards so I am hoping someone who is already using common core could help us out. What do these items on our report cards mean and how do you assess them? RLA: I can describe the connection between a series of events, ideas or concepts or steps in procedures in informational text. [WHAT?] M: I can add and subtract within 1000 and relate the strategy to a written method. I'm also curious as to how you assess the following: RLA: I can demonstrate understanding of figurative language. RLA: I can use collective nouns, irregular plural nouns, adjectives, and adverbs. [Does this mean in speaking, writing, or both?] RLA: I can describe how words and phrases provide rhythm and meaning in a story or poem. Any help would be appreciated! TIA
For the math standard, they want to see students moving beyond using manipulatives and pictures but actually use numbers when solving the problem, so basically they are regrouping on paper. For figurative language, I think you can ask students to use figurative language in their writing, explain what a figurative language phrase means in their reading, write what figurative language phrases mean or pair figurative language phrases with meanings. For the use of nouns, adjectives and adverbs, the standards specifically say when writing and speaking. So you would need to assess both.
I agree with Mopar, but would add that the CCSS have a much greater emphasis on non-fiction texts, so I would begin incorporating more of those asap. Also, I am already having my first graders write in math - we do word problems almost daily, and in addition to actually solving the problems (step by step), we write an explanation of how we found our answer. That is how I interpret that math standard, at least.
What we've heard so far is we'll need to add MORE nonfiction, have them locate answers IN the text, move away from basals and toward units and an integrated curriculum, provide many opportunities for community problem solving and group conversations, teach and assess presenting rather than just sharing, and encourage students to take more of a lead in seeking out answers and asking questions. Thanks for your input!! That makes sense about the Math. I guess I didn't understand because that is what we are already doing! Shew! They understand how to explain how they got an answer pretty well- guess I need to have them start putting their explanations in writing
Also with CCS, along with opportunities with community problem solving is being able to prove ideas and "respectfully disagree"...at least this is what I am learning in my CCS Leadership meetings!
Wait wait wait........so you're a teacher............who knows how to teach? :mellow: :huh: Lies! CAN'T BE!
