Research has shown that some teaching strategies are more beneficial than
others as it pertains to the effect on student learning. The strategy
shown to have the most positive impact on student learning is "Tracking
Student Progress." Students rarely have the chance to observe their
progress toward a specific learning goal over a period of time. By
tracking their progress, students observe their improving scores, and can
interact with the teacher about the reasons for their progress.
We recognize that teaching is as much an art as it is a science.
Evey student is unique, so we can't know how each will respond to the lessons,
interventions, programs, or our strategies, either now or in the future.
However, Marzano's Learning Sciences Institute studies the effects of nearly
every teaching strategy, and has identified this as having the biggest impact
on student learning. Here's a sample/template chart for tracking student
progress taken from Marzano materials:
Notice that this score sheet is for the students to use themselves. On
the graph, the y axis is a 0-4 student scale. The x axis is
for the dates the progress toward the learning goal is monitored. A
student scale would also accompany this chart. The student scale
indicates the level of competency achieved. The chart and scale can then
be kept together in a student folder throughout the year along with several
other scales and charts for other identified learning goals.
Betsie Valley 2nd Grade Teacher Asa Kelly Leads Benzie Central Boys Cross Country to State Championship
We are through the first two months of school, and behind us is the long assessment tunnel. We've come out on the other side, and though we learned a tremendous amount about our students and their academic strengths and needs, we are happy to begin teaching now.
In September, we assessed all students in the areas of language arts and mathematics. Benzie Schools uses a product called AIMSwebto assess reading fluency, comprehension, math computation, and math concepts. The idea is basic: quickly and universally screen students; provide supports and interventions for students below benchmark; monitor individual student progress throughout the year.
In addition, in the first week of October, all Benzie Central Schools began the Best Practice of using a computer-based diagnostic assessment tool. NWEA MAP tests are computer-adaptive, meaning the assessment constantly interfaces with the students' responses. Students are challenged on this assessment to answer questions at their specific level for a variety of different concepts.
MAP tests help prepare our students for taking computer-based assessments, which is in the very near future in Michigan, but
more importantly, it allows the school staff to target instruction to the specific areas that our students show
they need. It also allows us to regularly provide some very
critical academic feedback to students and parents by using the
program's many reports.
Following the large amount of work that went into providing students the AIMSweb and NWEA MAP tests listed above, we were immersed into a two-week testing window in mid-October for the State of Michigan's required assessment, MEAP tests. Students were assessed in Math (3rd, 4th, 5th), Reading (3rd, 4th, 5th), Writing (4th), and Science (5th). The data that comes out of this assessment is not made immediately available by the State. Results are useful at the local level in the spring, as we begin work on our School Improvement Plan.
Of course, there are even more assessments: formal quarterly math assessments in Math... daily formative assessments gauging levels of competency and mastery... and the list goes on...
However, the three major district-wide assessments are AIMSweb screeners, NWEA MAP tests, and MEAP tests. These each take a lot of time to either prepare or to administer, or both. Often it feels like we don't teach our regular lessons until much too late in the fall.
But we also understand that there is value in these assessments, and that each one serves a different instructional purpose. For example, four AIMSweb tests can provide educators with reliable data immediately useful for identifying students needing targeted assistance. And upon completion of one 40-60 minute MAP test, a teacher has the potential to provide a student with an individualized instructional "road map." MEAP is a common assessment on the state level. It provides our school and district with the opportunity to look at entire systems (academic programs within our curriculum), and make large-scale systems decisions. In the end, we recognize assessments as being necessary in order to make our school, our instructional time, and our programs most effective.
Last week at Betsie Valley Elementary 5th graders were led at Camp Hayo-went-ha by Mr. Wassa, Mrs. Kessler, Mr. Cox, Miss Kitty, and Mrs. Smith. It was an amazing time of teamwork and relationship building for this group, and it undoubtedly provided life-long memories for everyone.
Teachers, students, and parents came together on Friday night for the Fall Carnival. It was a fun night for all, and in the process, the community came together and raised some money for the Hathaway family.
The Scholastic Book Fair was at Betsie Valley last week. Kids had the opportunity to visit the Book Fair twice, and many left with very fun and interesting books (and posters and trinkets).
With the beginning of this new school year, there have come a number of changes at Betsie Valley Elementary. Change is an extremely normal part of life. Naturally, things
do not remain the same over time. Metal rusts, flowers bloom, people age, seasons come and go...
Even though everything is in a
constant state of change, people tend to want what is familiar. We don't tend to seek out opportunities to change our routines. So when change does come, it
disrupts our equilibrium. Whether it’s the sudden loss of a loved one or road construction on
our morning drive, the
world we once knew is gone, and it’s difficult adjusting to whatever comes next.
Change is difficult because our surroundings are replaced by unfamiliarity,
and we become stressed, anxious, or even fearful. A healthy response to change is to have a host of emotions. We can be angry or sad. We can be excited or nervous. We can be surprised, frustrated, or disappointed.
Whatever changes you are experiencing right now, hang in there. Whatever you're feeling is normal, and though you may not have control over all the factors, do what you can to stabilize and reorient yourself to your new normal.
Thanks to Sam's Club in Traverse City, Betsie Valley Elementary teachers received a total of $1000 to offset out-of-pocket classroom expenses in September!
This summer, the playground at Betsie Valley Elementary got a makeover. Thanks to the very generous work completed by Scott Gray at Gray's Excavating, we were able to create a new dirt track, re-seed, and move and level a new playing field for soccer, football, and other field games.
It has been an exciting process. In addition, a new tire swing and small new climbing structure will be added to the playground early this fall. The students have always had plenty of space on the playground. Through the leadership of our teachers and para-pro staff, we will specifically teach the behavior expectations for the playground in the first two weeks of school. We will incorporate the use of a CHAMPS curriculum on the playground, similar to the way we use CHAMPS throughout the inside of the building. For example, here is the poster outlining the expectations for our students' behavior while in the entryway to the school building:
As we take students through the building and onto the playground, we use the common language found within the CHAMPS curriculum. Our tour of the building includes the following areas:
1) Arrival
2) Cafeteria
3) Assemblies
4) Hallway
5) Bathroom
6) Playground Play Structure
7) Playground Cement Pad
8) Ball Courts and Fields
9) Four Square Rules
The first days of every school year are always so exciting as students get to know their new friends and their teachers. This year will be no different in that sense. We are thrilled to see their smiling faces once again and look forward to a fantastic year!
The "My Wish" program provides Kyle, a six-year-old Arizona Diamondbacks fan with his dream of being a real baseball player. Kyle has spinal muscular atrophy.
Kids love to play. And it's so good for them. Whether playing a game of Four Square on the
playground or a pick-up game of soccer, kids seem to always be totally
and completely engaged. And there are countless benefits to the act of
playing.
When kids explore the world around them
through trial and error, they learn so much about themselves. At
school, at the park, indoor and outdoor recesses...there is multitude of
opportunities for kids to get practice at real-life problem solving and
to improve their self-confidence, as well as to develop of social
skills such as cooperation and sharing. No doubt, all kids could use
more of this kind of physical and cooperative play incorporated into
their days.
Last year, a significant
and very generous donation was made to the early learners at Betsie Valley
Elementary. As a team, we could think of no better way to use a portion
of that donation than to make improvements to the playground and to add a couple pieces of play equipment for the
kids.
It is my hope and the hope of all of us here at Betsie Valley that the kids get out and play this summer. Go to the park, play on the swings, run around the yard, play tag, hide-n-seek...whatever the game, it really doesn't matter as long as they are interacting with other kids while moving around outside.
Have a great summer. See you in September!
David Milarch visited Betsie Valley Elementary. Each student left school with a tree.
The Musical Drama for Kindergartners, First, and Second Graders.
I listen to music every time I go out for a run. To be honest, I'm not exactly sure of all the effects it has on me during that time. Does it distract me from the pain or focus me on each step? Does it motivate me to work harder, or does it relax me? It's hard to say, but I think it does all of those, at different times, during each and every one of my runs. Depending on the song, and depending on what I need at that moment, I find what I'm looking for in the music.
It is so important for schools to teach the basics of appreciating, reading, playing, and creating music. These things happen mostly in Music classes, and there are huge benefits to these classes. Students learn new musical skills such as
playing an instrument or learning the words and tune to a new song. To learn an instrument or a song, and to become competent at it, requires practice, thus
developing discipline. Singing together with classmates requires each student to work together, developing teamwork and trust. The benefits of music can not be ignored in the rest of the student's day, either. Music affects the brain in many positive ways,
including recalling memories and increasing productivity.
There are endless opportunities every day for music to be incorporated. As a
teacher, I've played instrumental or classical music during work times, and the effect is usually increased focus. I often sing to my own children at home before bedtime to calm and settle them after an active day. Many times, I've used short, catchy music clips while teaching complex lessons in order to anchor each concept to a different sound. I play music for my kids in the minivan on long trips because, for some reason, time passes quickly when listening to, and engaging in music.
Sometimes it's just nice to play some music at random times to create an atmosphere of family within the classroom. Music can brighten an otherwise dark day for a child. It can bring a student out of her shell. It can inspire a student to generate new ideas. It can get a student out of his seat for a much needed stretch and dance. Overall, when students are exposed to music, it engages their minds and can speak to the very core of their beings.
Last Week at Betsie Valley
Two more students won globes in the raffle at the Community Meeting Monday morning.
The 3rd-5th graders held their final rehearsal for their music program on Wednesday. The assembly was on Thursday.
We received a very exciting delivery on Friday: five new picnic tables! These tables were purchased as a part of a very generous donation to Betsie Valley Elementary from Gertie Bell.
Many four and five year old boys and girls met and got to know Ms. Dodge on Friday during "Meet the Teacher" day.
Thursday night, Mrs. Reed led the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders through their music program for parents. It was a fantastic lesson in the human skeletal system, set to music. After singing and moving and effectively teaching those concepts to each other and their parents, these lessons will stay with these students for years to come.
I asked kids all week what they appreciate most about their teachers. This bulletin board captures a small portion of what they had to say:
Next Week at Betsie Valley Monday: Girl Scouts 4:30; BCCS Board Meeting 7:00 Tuesday: Girls on the Run 4:00-5:30; PTS Meeting 4:30 Wednesday: Farm-to-School lessons by Kirsten Gerbatsch Thursday: David Milarch Assembly 1:45; Girls on the Run 4:00-5:30; Chess Club 4:00; K-2 Music Performance 7:00 Friday: Kindergarten and 1st Grade Field Trip to Moomer's; 3rd Grade Field Trip to Thompsonville Library.
Videos To Watch
Take a few minutes and watch this. Then watch it again!
Josh Warren is a friend of mine from my days of working at SpringHill Summer Camp. Josh's father was an elementary school principal and ran in the Fifth Third Riverbank Run every year to raise money for his school. Josh lost his father last September to a massive heart attack while out walking. Josh is not much of a runner himself, but he wanted to see his father's legacy continue. Please watch his amazing story.
David Letterman's "Top Ten Reasons I Decided To Become A Teacher"
It's Teacher Appreciation Week. And who was the brilliant individual that decided to put this important week in the month of May? Perfect timing!
Teachers are at the center of the school experience. Teachers
are the beginning and the end of all good learning. It's the relationships that kids have with the adults in the school
building that makes the biggest difference for most kids' schooling
experience. It's impossible to replace the human connection between a teacher and a student. Ask anyone and they'll tell you which teacher impacted them the most when they were in school.
My favorite grade in school was fourth grade. My teacher, Mr. Scogg, was everything you want your teacher to be: fair, consistent, friendly, knowledgeable, persistent.
Often times, teachers play an even bigger role in the life of a child. Teachers help kids get a sense of their own significance. They play the role of encourager, disciplinarian, doctor, peacemaker, and friend, to every kid, all day, every day. It's truly amazing what teachers do.
The students at Betsie Valley Elementary are in very caring and capable hands. We are not at a shortage of quality teachers. As a matter of fact, all our teachers are amazing. In every classroom, every day, each teacher is excellent in his/her own way. Each contributes to the overall positive culture and success of our school. Each should be proud of the work they do. And I can only hope that each feels appreciated.
Last Week At Betsie Valley
On Monday, 1st graders enjoyed the Reptile Show by Norm Wright...
In May, Mr. Wassa's class is participating in "Science Challenges." In Friday's Challenge, students transported a softball across the basketball court and into the basket, returning the ball back to its starting position, all without touching it with their hands. They did great!
On Wednesday and Thursday, the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders rehearsed for their music program. 3rd-5th grades will perform on 5/9 at 7pm.
Kirsten Gerbatsch was at Betsie Valley on Friday, giving students the opportunity to try fresh kale, which was a huge hit. Kids love trying new things, and kale was certainly something many kids had never tried before.
Next Week At Betsie Valley May 6-10 is Teacher Appreciation Week!
Monday: Community Meeting 9:30; Girl Scouts 4:30
Tuesday: Girls on the Run 4:00
Wednesday: Fire Drill 3:30
Thursday: Preschool Playgroup 9:30; Music Assembly 11:00; Girls on the Run 4:00; Chess Club 4:00; 3rd,4th,5th Music Program 7:00
Friday: Meet the Teacher Day (Preschool --> Kindergarten)
For me, a few of the highlights of this year so far have come from the Honor Roll Assemblies. There haven't been that many - we've only held three. There's really not a whole lot to them - they each only last about 20 minutes or so. But there are about 60 kids that walk out of those assemblies feeling pretty special, as well they should. (By the way, we had more students on the Honor Roll in the third quarter than we've had all year.)
These kids work hard for an entire marking period and they earn all A's and B's on their report card. They put in all kinds of hard work for nine weeks. They've earned at least a brief moment of recognition. Celebrating them by calling their names and having them come up front to receive a certificate and small material reward is literally, just about the least we can do for them.
There are several more kids that have significant achievements in other areas which have not produced any major public recognition. Sometimes, the only recognition they get comes in the form of a simple compliment or a "congratulations" from the teacher. Other times, it comes as a note at the top of a great piece of writing or a math test. Even that kind of small, simple gesture will boost the confidence of a young learner beyond our imagination. Students really thrive on that kind of recognition from their teachers and other adults in the building.
It's always a pleasure watching kids' faces as they accomplish their goals, with or without the recognition.So we will continue to provide as many opportunities for our kids to learn, and looks for even more opportunities to recognize our students' accomplishments.
Last Week at Betsie Valley
The Buy-One-Get-One-Free Scholastic Book Fair was a success for many: kids got great deals on books and the school was able to purchase new books for the library.
Kindergarten Round-Up brought twenty-one 4 and 5 year olds in to school to meet with Ms. Dodge, Mrs. Sauer, and Ms. Austin. Welcome to Betsie Valley, Class of 2026!
Thursday was one of the best nights of the year at Betsie Valley as we hosted an Ice Cream Social as well as our Title I Night. It was capped off by a wonderful Talent Show.
Kindergarteners and 1st graders spent the day on Friday at the Butterfly Museum.
Next Week at Betsie Valley
Monday:
5th Graders begin piloting the Smarter Balanced Assessment in English/Language Arts.
1st Graders from all four elementary schools will enjoy (or not!) a Reptile Show on Monday morning. Norm Wright, the snake man, will do a show at 9:45 for Betsie Valley and Crystal Lake, and another at 10:45 for Platte River and Lake Ann.
Girl Scouts 4:00
Tuesday:
Girls on the Run 4:00
Wednesday:
Music Program Rehearsals 11:00 Thursday:
Music Program Rehearsals 11:00
Girls on the Run 4:00
Chess Club 4:00
Friday:
Kirsten Gerbatsch will be at Betsie Valley Elementary to do lessons and tastings Saturday:
Betsie Valley District Library Groundbreaking Ceremony 1:00
Videos to Watch
10 Technology Tips You Should Know and Use (TED Talk)
Enjoy the Weather!
Betsie Valley Talent Show 2013
3rd-5th Graders 1st time on the Honor Roll this school year!
All A's for all three marking periods!
The building project happening at the Betsie Valley District Library in Thompsonville
