NJAMLE
SPRING 2016
NJAMLE Educator of the Year:
NJAMLE Conference My Signature Move - NJAMLE Reflection By Bruce Reicher On March 11, 2016 it was my pleasure to present and attend the NJAMLE conference at Kean University. Baruti Kafele showed his passion in the keynote as asked the educators a simple question. What is your signature move? My signature move is my drive as an educator to share and learn. These two words keep me energized 24/7 for my passion of touching students and educators lives. I’m a huge fan of leveraging social networking to share and learn. I spend time each day @breicher on Twitter
reading, commenting and posting on other educators tweets. This year I’ve attended and presented at over 10 conferences. I’ve also pushed myself to become a Google certified teacher. At a conference as a presenter or student I’m looking for one thing. What can I use in my classroom the next day. I hope that my presentation of Creating a Digital Citizenship Multimedia presentation provided this for my the educators who attended my session. I presented all the lessons I use with my 7th grade students to create a multimedia project.
NJAMLE The Summer Skill Sharpening Event: North Event July 12th - Black River Middle School South Event July 19th - Location TBA
Here’s a link to the presentation https://goo.gl/hwk6bZ. Feel free to contact me at @breicher on Twitter with any comments. In closing, middle school is a special time in our students lives and we need to make as many memorable moments for the students as possible. I strive to achieve the teachable moment every day. I know many of these moments might not come directly from my lesson, and understand that you never know when you are making a difference in a student’s life. Be kind to your students and continue to learn and share.
Summer Skill Sharpening Events for Middle Level Educators! Learn new Tools & Techniques to Set yourself up for Success in the Fall Spend the morning with us and attend free workshops to help you learn how to successfully implement best practices in your middle schools.
NJAMLE CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS Presentation Collection Write to Excite -Joe Pizzo In this high‐energy, hands‐on workshop, we'll explore various ways to create a climate of excitement for writing while still addressing the standards. Let's practice and share pre‐writing, composing, and editing strategies that are both fun and fundamental. Ramp-up Learning: Question & Engage -Joe Pizzo, Robert Mullen, Kenneth Piascik In this workshop, we shall examine ways to engage all students in our lessons and "ramp‐up" their learning in our classrooms. Various strategies will be both modeled and shared. Techniques to energize our classrooms will be generated by and shared with all participants. UDL Tech Toolkit: Designing Lessons for Every Child-Sandra Wozniak Teachers are faced with the challenge of meeting the needs of a diverse set of students daily. Simple tech tools can help you design lessons based on Universal Design for Learning principles that work for everyone. In this workshop we will learn, practice and apply best practices in UDL lesson design. Filling the GAAP with Technology Gaining Access & Approaching Proficiency Tina Monteleone Presentation Take‐Aways: Understand the basics of assistive technology methods & terminology. Learn practical classroom techniques, methods, and tools to utilize in your classroom that will increase rigor and help your students to access the CCSS. Experience effective classroom instructional methods to enhance your learning environments, engage your students, and assist with differentiation and the formative assessment of your students. Model Global Collaboration -Jeff Remington Witness an inspirational model of global collaboration that is helping to break the digital divide between schools in developed countries and those in underdeveloped countries. Participate by exploring simple to complex ways to engage in global collaborations of your own. Change the world by changing lives.
Authentic Collaboration in Google Classroom -Evona Mozulay Panycia Using Google Classroom is an awesome way to enhance communication among students and their teachers. When grouping students with a common goal, how are we sure all students are accountable for the outcome and have contributed? How can we teach students to project manage in regards to group and individual accountability to enhance their 21st century collaboration skills? Join us as we attempt to formalize how you teach and facilitate collaboration in Google Classroom. Teaching by Playing and ModdingMatthew Farber In this presentation, the social deduction card game, One Night Ultimate Werewolf ‐‐ which has been featured in Edutopia and The Atlantic ‐‐ was used in the presenter's middle school social studies classroom. Students played and then remade the game to align with course content, in this case, the Salem Witch Trials. The teacher consulted with the game's designer, too, making the activity truly authentic. The project is Common Core aligned to claims‐based argumentation skills. NGSS: Changing Middle School Science Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Thomas Misiak All 6‐12 science curriculum in NJ must be revised prior to September 2016 as part of the adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This presentation will focus upon the changes in curriculum, instruction, and assessment that will be required to align to the NGSS. Example curriculum documents, units, labs, and assessments will be included as part of the presentation. Google Classroom & GAFE Tools to Enhance Learning Laura Garrison, Tricia Pohan In this session teachers will learn how to use Google Classroom. Learn how to create a Google Classroom, post assignments, reuse posts, archive classes, use the about section, and grade and return students' work all without touching a piece of paper. Every subject from Math to Language Arts will be explored. It's time to update your physical classroom and bring it into the digital age as the new norm.
Notice and Note Signposts in the Middle School Classroom by Mary Aureate
A few years ago, I was conferring with a student about his independent reading book and was desperately trying to help him delve beyond the surface of the story. I had him reread a particularly significant scene then asked him, “What were you thinking about in this part?” His response was, “Oh, I don’t think when I read.” As middle level educators, we understand that reading is so much more than the ability to decode words on a page. Readers should be able to make meaning of those words. As we ask our middle-level learners to read increasingly complex texts, how do we equip them with the tools to become good readers, the behaviors that will teach them to be more attentive and more thoughtful? We teach them to notice and note when they read. Notice and Note is a strategy that teaches students to look for “signposts” as they journey through a work of fiction, whether it be a poem, short story, song lyrics, or a novel. Each of the six signposts identified by Kylene Beers and Bob Probst (co-authors of Notice and Note) alerts the reader to an important point in the story, one worthy of a closer look. Contrasts and Contradictions When a character says or does something that is opposite of what you would expect, STOP and ask, “Why is the character doing that?” The answer will help you make predictions and draw inferences about the plot and conflict.
Words of the Wiser When a character takes the main character aside and gives him or her advice, STOP and ask, “What’s the life lesson and how might if affect the character?” This lesson is probably the theme of the story. Aha Moment When a character realizes, understands, or finally figures out something, STOP and ask yourself, “How might this change things?” If it is about a problem, it tells you something about the conflict; if it is a life lesson, it tells you something about the theme. Again & Again When you notice a word, phrase, or situation mentioned over and over, STOP and ask yourself, “Why does this keep happening again and again?” The answer will tell you about the theme and conflict, or will foreshadow what might happen later in the story. Memory Moment When the author interrupts the action to tell you about a memory, STOP and ask yourself, “Why might this memory be important?” The answer will tell you about the theme and conflict, or will foreshadow what might happen later in the story. Tough Questions When a character asks himself a very difficult question, STOP and ask yourself, “What does this question make me wonder about?” The answer will tell you about the conflict, and help you think about what might happen later in the story. Signposts are everywhere in life. Movie clips are a great way to introduce them as children are able to readily identify signposts through this medium. Picture books, song lyrics, and short stories also offer wonderful opportunities for learning/practicing signpost thinking before diving into novels. As Notice and Note grows in popularity, so do resources. For more information, check out the following: http://www.heinemann.com/ NoticeAndNote/ On Facebook, join the Notice and Note Book Club group Pinterest
Formative Assessment That Works! AJ Bianco & Jamie Bianco: Link to NJAMLE Presentation In a time where our students are constantly being assessed, teachers and students often times avoid the new “A” word at all costs. It takes up valuable class time and often the results come too late to provide intervention to students in need. However, Formative Assessment is valuable, does provide timely feedback and is fun and easy for students and teachers. What is Formative Assessment? Formative Assessment is one of those “buzzwords” in education that cannot be ignored. When used as a tool, Formative Assessment provides teachers with valuable feedback and allows the teacher to assess the understanding of their students before the final test. These tools gives students the opportunity to show what they know before it’s too late to receive intervention. As teachers, it drives us to do better for our students and, if used correctly, will help our students have fun in class while still effectively learning the content that is being delivered. It has the ability to turn a mundane classroom into a class full of intrigue, excitement, and of course a little competition. Why is Formative Assessment important? While we constantly throw this term around, many people are still not exactly sure what Formative Assessment is and how we should use it in our classrooms. Formative Assessment should take place during the learning process so that teachers are able to monitor their students’ learning, and to provide feedback that will not only improve how they teach, but also how their students learn. When used correctly, teachers are able to work with their students so that they can take time to answer questions, review content that is hard to understand or to add new concepts on top of what was previously learned. Educators have to understand that Formative Assessment focuses on our students’ at various points throughout the learning process, and because of this, the results often times should not be graded. By using Formative Assessment tools, we are allowing students the opportunity to show what they know, and have the confidence to say they don’t understand before the consequences of a final grade or project. When we show our students that we are interested in what they know early on, we give them the power to ask for help and place value on their effort throughout the learning process. Summative Assessments are to be used at the end of topics, chapters, or units, when teachers want an overall view of how well their students understand something as a whole. High-Tech vs Low-Tech While we always are looking for the newest and greatest tech available to use in our classrooms, we have to remember that not every school has the technology available to students on a daily basis. In addition, the technology based Formative Assessment tools often take time to setup and Formative Assessment can, and often should be a quick tool. It is because of this that we have included some incredible and easy-to-use non-tech tools, which are just as effective as any technology you can use. Our Favorite Tools Poll Everywhere - A great tool where you can set up different questions for students or participants to answer about a topic. This is an excellent way to start or end class. Participants can
text in their responses or enter their answers via a user specific website, which is through Poll Everywhere. The results show up on the screen in real time and students get excited when they see their responses pop up on the screen. Readiness Cups - This is a great low-tech tool to use with any age group. As students are working in groups, using Readiness Cups allows teachers to see how students are progressing through the given activity. All that is needed for this to be incorporated in your classroom is three different colored solo cups. The three cups will help you identify whether students are working well, have a question or are struggling. Google Forms - We love Google Forms! Creating a form is easy and it can be used in so many different ways. Teachers can create surveys, exit cards, short answer responses or multiple choice questions. Using Google Forms helps teachers gather specific information about what their students know and where they need improvement. Doodle It - Have students take a few minutes to draw what they know about the topic that you are learning about. Students can get specific, in depth or can be very basic. By having your students “doodle” what they know, they are able to open their minds and enhance their creativity. Kahoot! - This high-tech tool is a favorite among many teachers. By using Kahoot, students are able to compete against each other to show what they know. Students will answer the questions, and the quicker they answer, the more points that they receive. Teachers can create their own questions, or feel free to dip into the public Kahoots that are available. Heads-Down, Eyes Closed - One of the fastest tools and most honest! Students put their heads down and close their eyes. The teacher asks students, “If I were to give you a quiz right now, how would you do? One finger = A, two fingers = B, etc. This FA tool asks students to evaluate themselves without the pressure of other students seeing their responses. Think-Pair-Share - An oldie but goodie. Students have the chance to think about a question that is asked, turn to a partner or partners, and share what they are thinking. This is great for collaboration and allows students to listen to different points of view about different ideas. Teachers can use this to start their classes or after a concept has been learned, to check understanding and give students time to hold a small group discussion. In Closing Not all Formative Assessment tools work for all teachers, students or subjects, but each of these tools mentioned can become a valuable part of your teacher toolbox. They can add variety to your typical day and assist you in making informed decisions about what to do next. They are the “diamond in the assessment rough” and should be used to help benefit teachers and students alike. So now, thumbs up, thumbs down - Are you ready to make Formative Assessments fun?
Through Educational, Classroom Activities, Group Projects & Evening Events Enhancing Common Core Mathematics By: Cristina Faro & Denise Picciano
As the Common Core becomes the new standards for mathematics, teachers and students discover innovative ways to enhance educational experiences in and out of the classroom. Teachers are always looking to find new ways to drive their instruction based off of the Common Core Standards. In order to comply with the new standards, educators look towards creative, hands-on, in-class enrichment activities/projects and evening educational events. Through our students’ interests, we were able to turn their favorite, classic, childhood games into educational experiences, and create projects for every unit that interest student. With the help of technology, we were able to design various interactive, classroom activities and projects for our students to work on during the enrichment portion of class. Using SMART Response technology, students answer questions with hand-held responders during lessons and jeopardy games. Some of the honors classes are even participating in a yearlong stock market challenge, where they each received a fictitious $10,000 to invest using a popular, interactive website. Using video/news clips as a resource, students often watch stock reports, documentaries and weekly updates pertaining to the companies in which they have invested. Many in-class enrichment activities such as, Create Your Own Board Game, Life-Sized Scale Drawn Dolls and Action Figures, Replicate Favorite Comic Strips using Ratios, Human Number Lines to Order Integers, Designing a House using Mathematical Properties, Create Storybook Cities with Geometry, etc. Transformational Geometry Motion Books are used in the 8th grade to help students visualize the different transformations. Students connect this project to the process of how animations are produced, especially in some of their favorite movies. In our school, we have found evening events to be a huge success. Students willingly return to school, after normal hours, to participate in an array of activities. For example, evening events such as, “Are You Smarter than Your Child?” Family Game Night and Mathematics Scavenger Hunt Night are easy to organize, and fun for all. “Are You Smarter than Your Child?” puts students head to head against their family members, through a variety of middle school, leveled questions, to ultimately decide if the adults or students are “smarter”. During the Mathematics Scavenger Hunt, students create teams and search the hallways for clues in an effort to solve all the problems and be the first team to finish. The evening events bring the students and families together, while making mathematics fun.
President’s Sign-off and Reflection by Sandra Wozniak, NJAMLE President I’m not going anywhere Time for me to give up my crown and pass the baton over to Dr. Reginald Davenport, but I’m not going anywhere, I’m just changing my shoes! I got involved in this organization because, quite frankly, someone asked me! Yup, they just called and asked! I am proud that the organization is growing with great people from all ages and walks of the profession, but with a common goal – to work together, pool resources and ideas, share practices and knowledge and build the camaraderie that is unique to middle level educators! With teaming and interdisciplinary work, advisories and
other middle school constructs we have a jump start on collaboration and caring – hallmarks of all great educators. Looking to the future, we have great things coming our way, including the National Conference – AMLE’s Annual conference in our backyard (Philly) in 2017- the first half of NJEA Convention week. Let’s take advantage of the platform in Philly and lead the way to great middle school practices by showcasing all that NJ middle level educators have to offer! Consider this YOUR call….
Schools to Watch Awards from the Conference
Black River Middle School,
Eisenhower Middle School,
NJ Association for Middle Level Education www.njamle.org
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