Garland Teachers, Welcome to the first issue of the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment newsletter for this school year. We hope your 2015-16 school year is off to a positive and productive start! Garland ISD teachers are doing amazing things in their classrooms every day to help students learn, grow and ensure that all are college and career ready. We are here to help and support you in these endeavors. In fact, the new curriculum is designed to do just that-provide support to classroom teachers. All standards, including the TEKS, ELPS, College and Career Readiness (CCRS) and Technology Applications standards, are there, along with student-centered activities, lesson frames, links, instructional adaptations, assessments and more. The feedback we are receiving from teachers has been positive and helpful! We appreciate all the responses you provide by using the curriculum feedback form and by contacting us via email. Please continue to reach out; we are here for you. Check out all the additional support provided by district departments and coordinators included in the fall newsletter. There is training and guidance to be had from multiple content areas and various departments. Take a look to see what you’d like to attend. You spend lots of time helping kids learn; be sure to take some time for your own professional growth.

Thanks for all you do for our students and families!

http://bit.ly/GISDCurriculumFeedback

Research, Assessment & Accountability

Performance Indicators forUnit & Semester Assessments

Performance Indicators forSTAAR/EOC

Schoolnet Data

Finding STAAR/EOC

You can access assessment data onyour landing page.2015-16 Unit Assessments along with2014-15 MAP & ISIP are all available.

You can also access upcomingtest dates for unit assessentsassigned to your courses on yourlanding page.

Extra TIPS!STAAR and EOC data for 2014-15 is loaded underUnit/Semester Assessment Reports.

Follow the link below for Schoolnet Data Click Sheetslocated on the RAAD intranet site.

SN Data Link

Follow us onTwitter!

@GISD_RAAD

Use the link above or the QR code below from anyGISD Computer or GISD WiFi network.

Right now RAAD really loves the Item Analysis Report in Schoolnet!

Available for STAAR & LocalAssessments!

Analyze individual questionsand standards!

Discover instructional strengthsand weaknesses by class!

Easily export to Excel for HeatMaps!

Use the link above to accessthe Item Analysis click sheet!

RAAD ALERT!

Professional LearningOpportunities

Science

STEAMposiumChallenges

October 8, 2015October 19, 2015October 29, 2015November 3, 2015

Engineering in yourClassroom

October 22, 2015

Building Discovery Education

BoardsNovember 2, 2015

A Maker CreatorExperience

January 25,2016

STEAM Workshop

Embedded Vocabulary Techniques

October 6, 2015October 28, 2015

February 8, 2016February 10, 2016

Literacy-Infused Science

February 8, 2016February 10, 2016

PreK-12

3rd-8th

PreK-8

K-12

PreK-12

PreK-12

1st-5th

Register in Sched

Register in SchedHalf Day Sub Require (Campus Responsibility)

http://sched.co/4958

http://sched.co/494m

Register in Sched

Half Day Sub Required(Campus Responsibility)

Location and training times documented in Sched #gisdSTEAM

http://sched.co/49YK

Register in Sched

http://gisdprofessionallearning2015.sched.org/?s=Inquiry+Institute+#.VgDAg49Viko

IN SCIENCE

This science professional development series will target content from each STAAR™ reporting category. Participants will experience and receive classroom-ready lessons designed to engage students at the rigor of the TEKS using research-tested best practices. Teachers will gain an understanding of how to select and implement effective learning activities that reach the diverse needs of students in science classes. This series supports campus data-based decision making by allowing educators and campus leaders to choose sessions that target weak curricular areas.

** STAARTM Biology Series-Reporting Category One (Cell Structure and Function)

October 7, 2015

** STAARTM Biology Series-Reporting Category Two (Mechanisms of Genetics)

July 25, 2016

** STAARTM Biology Series-Reporting Category Three (Biological Evolution and Classification)

February 6, 2016; July 26, 2016

** STAARTM Biology Series-Reporting Category Four (Biological Processes and Systems)

August 1, 2016

** STAARTM Biology Series-ReportingCategory Five (Interdependence within

Environmental Systems)September 30, 2015; August 2, 2016

STAARTM Science Grade 5 Series-Reporting Category One (Matter and Energy)

September 12, 2015; June 8, 2016

STAARTM Science Grade 5 Series- Reporting Category Two (Force, Motion, and Energy)

October 17, 2015; June 9, 2016

STAARTM Science Grade 5 Series-Reporting Category Three (Earth and Space)

October 8, 2015; January 23, 2016; July 13, 2016

STAARTM Science Grade 5 Series-Reporting Category Four (Organisms and Environments)

February 17, 2016; July 14, 2016

STAARTM Science Grade 8 Series-Reporting Category One (Matter and Energy)

September 19, 2015; July 6, 2016

STAARTM Science Grade 8 Series-Reporting Category Two (Force, Motion, and Energy)

October 10, 2015; July 7, 2016

STAARTM Science Grade 8 Series-Reporting Category Three (Earth and Space)

October 6, 2015; January 16, 2016; June 15, 2016

* STAARTM Science Grade 8 Series-ReportingCategory Four (Organisms and Environments)

September 26, 2015; June 16, 2016

*Argument-Driven Inquiry in Life Science Book provided aspart of the session.**Argument-Driven Inquiry in Biology Book provided as part of the sessions. (NOTE: The book is attached to each Biology Reporting Category. Participants can choose to keep multiple books or be refunded the cost of the book for each session beyond the first one they attend.)

REGISTRATIONTo register for these sessions, visit www.esc11.net and click on “Register.” For more information, please contact Thais Mitchell at tmitchell@esc11.net, or 817-740-3679; or Cheryl Bowden at cbowden@esc11.net or 817-740-7755.

Professional

For ELAR Grades 6-12 Fall 2015

Development

Curriculum ConversationsJoin us for grade level conversations for

help using Schoolnet and the newcurriculum. To register, click on the grade

level link.

6th 7th 8th English Iand II

EnglishIII and IV

Accountable TalkCome discover how to take group

discussions to a whole new level. We willbuild critical thinking skills through orallanguage development. This sessions is

applicable for all grade levels .

Critical LiteracyLearn to build critical readers using the six

lenses of critical reading. This strategy is sureto take reading skills to a new level.

To register, click here.

To register, click here.

Make It Real Dive Deep Into Writing

The focus of this workshop isto move students beyondsimple genre identificationand immerse readers in whatmakes these genres trulyunique. Participants will lookat the text structure for eachgenre and be given strategiesto support not only thereading of genres, but thewriting of the different typesof genres, as well.

Intermediate ELAR

Genre Connections

Professional LearningFall 2015

This workshop is a three daytraining to help teachers guidestudents through the writingprocess. Teachers will be asked touse the strategies presented eachsession with their students beforethey come to the next session.Time will be set aside to reflect onwhat went well and what neededtweaking. Emphasis will be on thewriting process whileincorporating revision and editingmini-lessons.

In this session, participantswill take an in depth look atinformational text. Participantswill be provided with strategies tohelp their students identifydistinctive characteristics of thegenre in order to make inferences,draw conclusions, and analyzeinformational text.

Click here for session dates and times.

Click on date to register. Click on Oct. 1st for link to register.

Social Studies Quick Tips for Success

Analyzing and Processing InformationAnalyze information by• sequencing,• categorizing,• identifying cause-and-effect relationships,• comparing,• contrasting,• finding the main idea,• summarizing,• making generalizations and predictions,• and drawing inferences and conclusions.

Identify and evaluate• Points of view,• Historical context,• Bias,• The validity of a source.Use mathematical skills to interpret maps and graphs.

Planning for Process SkillsThe most significant thing a Social Studies teacher can do to promotestudent success is to incorporate a variety of process skills into the lessonplans, every day. Social Studies Process Skills lead students to critical andcreative thinking, analysis of primary sources, and effectivecommunication. The following is an overview of Process Skills taken fromthe TEKS in grades 4-12. K-12 Social Studies Learning Plans provided inSchoolNet incorporate a variety of process skills to assist you in planningto meet the needs of your students.

Acquiring InformationDifferentiate between, locate, and usevalid primary and secondary sources suchas: • Computer software• Databases• Media and news services,• Biographies,• Interviews,• And artifacts

Multiple sources of geographicinformation such as• Photographs• Maps

Communication of InformationCreate• Maps• Graphs, charts, models, databases• Oral, visual, and written presentations of SocialStudies information

Use social studies terminology correctly, standardgrammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation.Transfer information from one medium to another.

Problem Solving and Decision MakingUse problem-solving and decision-makingprocesses to• identify a problem,• gather information,• list and consider options,• consider advantages and disadvantages,• choose and implement a solution,and evaluate the effectiveness of the solution.

Contact Amy Mount, Social StudiesCoordinator, for more information.

GISDSocialStudies

edcamp

October 19, 2015North Garland High School

Library *choose your session*

Session 1: 3-4:30Session 2: 4:30-6

Meeting the Needs of ELLsMaking Learning Plans Work for You

TEKS Deconstruction for Building Success

Your 30 seconds of air time to share 1 great thing

What is a PLN and how do I grow one?What are some cool things in the new textbooks?

How am I using my iPad in class?How am I leading my department or grade level?

traditionallearning sessions

unconferenceconversations

Questions? Contact Amy Mount, Social Studies Coordinator almount@garlandisd.net / 972-487-3142 / 281-910-3845

(sort of)

Choose from professional learning opportunitiesthat blend traditional PD and participant-ledsessions.

whiparound

CHALLENGES SHOWCASES

PreK – Solo Cup Tower

Kindergarten – Dixie Cup Tower

1st Grade – Index Card Tower

2nd Grade – Spaghetti Tower

3rd Grade – Balloon Powered Car

4th Grade – Rubber Band Powered Car

5th Grade – Roller Coaster

6th Grade – Rube Goldberg

7th Grade – Clean Water On The Go

8th Grade – Catapult

High School – Trebuchet

High School – Renewable Renovations

Submissions due February 15, 2016

AND MUCH MORE!

MAKER CREATORCreativity comes in allshapes and sizes. Got a problem? Create asolution. Open-ended creativity and innovationat its finest! Submissions due February 15, 2016SCIENCE FAIRElementary RegionalSubmissions due January 8, 2016Elementary Regional Fair at theCurtis Culwell Center February 1-2, 2016Secondary Regional Submissions dueFebruary 1, 2016Secondary Regional at Fair ParkFebruary 27, 2016

VEX ROBOTICSREC competition January 30 at the CurtisCulwell Center and district competition andshowcase April 16 at the STEAMposium

SATURDAY, APRIL 16th, 2016 CURTIS CULWELL CENTER

#gisdSTEAM

3D PRINTER PROJECTS

INTERACTIVE ART PROJECTS

TEXTILE ARTS AND CRAFTS

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

BICYCLES

JEWELRY

CUSTOM TOOLS OR MACHINES

FOOD CREATIONS

ROBOTICS

LEGO CREATIONS

ARDUINO PROJECTS

RASPBERRY PI

GREEN TECHNOLOGY

NOVEL CRAFTS (WOOD, GLASS, METAL)

WHIMSICAL CREATIONS

A GISD Maker Creator project can take many forms. Itmight be a simple idea for an invention to meet a needin the world (an automatic toast butterer?!?!) or anauthentic creative product. As a maker, students take a concept and turn it into areal prototype. This involves exploration, sharing ideaswith others, choosing and defining a project, planning,executing and refining a plan, and displaying thefinal product.

The Maker Movement sweeping the nation is a back to basics"Tinkering in the garage" style of innovating and creating. The Maker Movement sweeping the nation is a back to basics"Tinkering in the garage" style of innovating and creating.

“IF YOU CAN IMAGINE IT,YOU CAN MAKE IT.”

Submissions due Monday, February 15, 2016Showcase and Judging April 16, 2016 STEAMposium

MAKER CREATOR

#gisdSTEAM

All shirts will be displayed at the event for judging and recognition. Each campus submitting a design will earnpoints toward the STEAMly Cup!

Campus-based judges including parents, students, teachers, administrators, will select the top design to beprinted on a shirt for STEAMletes and teachers to wear as they participate in the April 16, 2016, STEAMposium.

#gisdSTEAM

t−shirt contest

Elementary, Middle, High SchoolJudging April 16, 2016, at STEAMposium

STEAM Design contest

?• Science

• Technology

• Engineering

• Arts

• Math

Submissions due Friday, March 25, 2016

ACCOMMODATING VARIOUS LEARNING STYLES Accommodating the various learning styles of students can be highly effective when those accommodations match the student’s strengths and targeted deficit areas. Learning preference questionnaires are quick ways to determine student’s learning styles. The link below provides a list of available questionnaires.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tg-­‐AEj41aMmERjzRlC6qNy4yohnm5ZeTgrglExcRye8/edit?usp=sharing  

LEARNING STYLES

Visual Learners:

• Support Text information with pictures, graphics, and key words• Emphasize key points using highlighters, highlighting tape, or color coding• Present new information using outlines, advanced organizers, and notes

Auditory Learners:

• Verbalize steps needed to solve problems and substitute oral reports in place of writtenreports

• Use brainstorming, cooperative learning, and listening opportunities• Encourage students to read aloud quietly to process information (whisper phones)

Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners:

• Encourage students in hands-on learning experiences and alternate between passive andactive activities

• Create and use student responses involving hand motions, clapping hands, tapping feet,or snapping fingers

• Encourage the use of a ruler, marker, index card, or other tracker to maintain the placein reading text or assist in task completion

Start with “Why”Containing thousands of standards-aligned resources, Discovery Education Streaming Plus provides you with the tools to teach your students to think critically about the content they use, see, and experience in their daily lives and to ask questions about the world around them.

In support of standards-based instruction, Streaming Plus is centered around the student experience. It is designed to allow students to:

» Build background knowledge throughresearch

» Engage and interact with different typesof text, both print and digital media

» Identify main ideas and key details

» Critically evaluate the information todraw conclusions

» Cite relevant evidence to support theiranswers

» Become confident, self-directed learners

With our most popular feature, Board Builder, students create virtual project boards using multimedia and text to synthesize their thinking and provide evidence of their understanding of a concept or problem.

With over 50% of U.S. schools using our services,

we have deep-rooted partnerships and a foundation

of success in positively impacting teaching

and learning.

Bringing the Real World Into the Classroom

Support multiple learning styles with this powerful and inclusive multimedia resource.

DiscoveryEducation.com/StreamingPlus

DiscoveryEducation.com EducationPartnerships@Discovery.com 800-323-9084© 2015 Discovery Education, Inc.

www.youtube.com/discoveryeducationtwitter.com/discoveryedwww.facebook.com/discoveryed

Follow us online:

Build students’ mastery in interpreting, understanding, and evaluating information

across all subject areas.

Discovery Education Streaming Plus is a comprehensive digital service that motivates students to learn and helps teachers in every content area to transform their instruction. Designed and driven by state standards, Streaming Plus uses engaging multimedia resources to add power to your lessons while supporting rigorous curriculum requirements.

1. Access a wide variety of learning resources,including instructional videos, skill builders, writingprompts, multimedia activities, and articles.

2. Save time with Model Lessons, practical examplesthat show how to pull the content together to meetspecific standards.

3. Quickly find appropriate and relevant content,search by standard, grade level or subject, andmore.

4. Put students in control of their learning withindividual student logins, the Student Center, andBoard Builder, a virtual project board for studentsto produce and share their own content.

5. Personalize instruction by creating informal,individual assessments with our Builder Tools to getactionable feedback on student understanding.

6. Learn how to use the resources in the mosteffective way with in-product professionaldevelopment modules and on-site professionaldevelopment options.

7. Find unique “Discovery”-only opportunities suchas the Global Wrap news service, virtual field tripsand exclusive content collections.

8. Be part of a global professional learningcommunity, the Discovery Educator Network (DEN) isa community of educational professionals that fostersvaluable networking, idea sharing, and inspiration.

“Discovery Education Streaming Plus is an amazing resource…it allows students to

explore and create in the classroom…and can be life-changing for teachers if they

utilize it in all of its capabilities.”

Pam Inabinett, Teacher

Dorchester Schools, SC

8 ReasonsTeachers are Clicking with

Streaming Plus

Educator Open HouseTuesday, October 6, 2015

Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden4:00-7:00pm

Join us for a special after hours event just for educators on Tuesday, October 6. Come preview all of our educational programming in the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, and enjoy a glass of wine and light bites on the Moody Oasis during a time it is rarely seen - dusk.

Our Education Department team will be in the learning galleries to facilitate your experience and answer any questions you may have about a trip to the Dallas Arboretum.

Educators in attendance will receive a four pack of Dallas Arboretum admission passes after they bring their school group to the garden during this school year.

Space is limited so share with a friend and save your spots today!

R E S E R VAT I O N R E Q U I R E D F O R T H I S F R E E E V E N TComplete the Educator Open House reservation form at:http://www.dallasarboretum.org/education/other-childrens-programs or contact our reservationists by email at education@dallasarboretum.org or phone at 214.515.6540.

Participation Requirements1. Obtain administration (principal’s) approval.

2. Teachers agree to: •Complete Farm Day at the Fair registration form.

• Provide demographic profile of class.

•Takepartinevaluationsurvey.

•Obtainchaperonesperdistrictguidelines.

3.Bustransportationistobearrangedbyschools.

4.Lunchisnotprovided.Shelter

and tables are provided for a brownbagpicnic.Lunchesmay be stored on-site duringprograms.

5. Complete complementary lessons prior to attendance.

isaTEKS-basedprogramprovidingsix

in-classlessonplansculminatedbya

learningexcursiontothelivestockbarns

atFairPark.Thisprogramisintended

to raise awareness and importance of

agricultureinurbanyouth.

Parent chaperones are limited tooneparentper10kids,alladditionalparentsmustpayfor

theirownparkingandadmission.

October 7-15, 2015

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•LocalFFA

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016_331A_2015_Farm_Brochure_I1.indd 1 5/20/2015 2:59:33 PM

We offer two distinct learning experiences,onefor third-graders and a more science based program for fourth-graders.

3rd GRADEMilking Parlor:Attendamilkingdemonstrationandlearnaboutmanynutritiousandusefulfoodsthatcomefrommilkandcattle.

Just the Facts: Learn the roles farm animals play in providingfoodandproductstoconsumers.

Water World:Waterconservationisnotjustforfarmersandranchers.Studentslearnwherewatercomesfromand how they can conserve water at home.

Crop Up:Examineplantsandtheirby-productsusedbyhumansandanimalseveryday.

4th GRADEMilking Parlor:Attendamilking

demonstrationandlearnaboutmany

nutritiousandusefulfoodsthatcomefrom

milkandcattle.

Animal Science:Studentslearnsabout

common farm animal anatomy and how it

makesthemdifferentfromhumans.

Tree Life: Trees do more than provide

oxygenandpaper.Studentslearntheinner

workingsofthesegreatorganismsandtheir

effectonoureverydaylives.

Water World:Waterconservationisnotjustfor

farmersandranchers.Studentslearnwherewater

comes from and how they can conserve water at home.

Tour Dates and TimesAllgradescanparticipateinanytouronanyday!Availabledaysare:Wednesday,October7;Thursday,October8;Monday,October12;Tuesday,October13;Wednesday,October14andThursday,October15.Additionaldatesmaybeavailable,ifneeded.

Tours 1 & 2:Arrival9:15amTour9:30–11:30amLunchat11:30am

Tours 3 & 4:Arrival9:45amTour10:00–NoonLunchatNoon

Tours 5 & 6:Arrival10:45amTour11:30–1:30pmLunchat11:00am

Tours 7 & 8:Arrival11:45amTourNoon–2:00pmNoon-sitelunchoption

Guest SpeakerFarmDayattheFairisexcitedtoofferaguest

speakertovisityourclassroomandteachaTEKS

basedlessonplanaboutallthethingsyourkids

areabouttosee.AvailabledatesareSeptember

22throughOctober2,2015.

ContactTamraMcGaughyat

tdmcgaughy@ag.tamu.edu

toscheduletoday!

Acceptancebyreturnemail.Registrationswill

beconfirmedinthelastweekofAugust2015

foryoutoreservebuses(depending on

school calendar).

E-mail inquiriestoJeffRaskaat

jwraska@ag.tamu.edu

We Meet TEKSDownload complete lesson plans at

bigtex.com/farmday

RegistrationFormoreinformationortoregisteryourclass

visit:bigtex.com/farmday

Health Physical EducationLanguage Arts Science Social Studies

Individualswithdisabilitieswhorequireanauxiliaryaid,serviceoraccommodationtoparticipateinthisexhibitareencouragedtocontactDallasCountyExtension214-904-3050forassistance.Extensionprogramsservepeopleofallages,regardlessofsocioeconomiclevel,race,color,sex,religion,disabilityornationalorigin.TheTexasA&MUniversitySystem,theU.S.DepartmentofAgricultureandtheCountyCommissionersCourtsofTexascooperating.

AStateFairofTexasEducationalprogrambroughttoyoubytheDallasCountyUrbanAgDayCommittee.

016_331A_2015_Farm_Brochure_I1.indd 2 5/20/2015 2:59:37 PM