Summer 2014

In about a month I will be starting my 14th year of teaching, 7 years in North Carolina and starting my 7th year in Union City. Last school year was not a good year. The students did not seem to learn any of the material and their PSSA scores showed that (only about 51% were advanced or proficient - down from the previous year). Overall their grades were poor and they did not seem the importance of learning the material. I have been thinking of ways to make this next school year better. I have working on reviewing my procedure and expectations.

1. The "science fair" like project they did last year has been extended. Last year I had the students write proposals during quarter one then do the experiment and write their lab report before the end of the semester. This year I plan on:

       a. having the students write their proposal during the first quarter. This will allow me to ensure that the student has fully thought out their experiment, it is safe, and it is appropriate for 8th grade students.
       b. students will need to do the actual experiment during the second quarter. Before the end of the quarter, the students will need to turn in their data from their experiment and an image of them doing their experiment. (Their proposal grade will be carried over to the 2nd quarter)
       c. During the third quarter the student will need to type and submit their lab report.   A format will be supplied.  Part of their grade will be each of the previous steps.  If the proposal was not submitted (approved) then the final project will not be accepted.  This is the way that I know that the lab they were doing was safe.

2.  The students will be making scientists trading cards.  Each student will choose a random scratch card that tells them what scientist will researching.  A list of required information will be supplied and possibly a template.

3.  Last year I allowed students to just do 20 question on their student island topics and not require blue ribbons.  this year I am going back to requiring blue ribbons.  They will be given the list at the beginning of the quarter and will be given most Fridays to work on the computer.  During this time they can work on study island or other computer assignments.

4.  Students will be doing 2-3 blog posts per quarter.  They will answer some question proposed into their Kidblog account.  I will read and approve all posts before they go live into the secure class.  They will also have to respond to a peers post.  This will be taught to them during quarter 1.