R. Brown McAllister

1. R. Brown McAllister Mastery Learning Family Model 3rd – 5th Grade Parents

2. Welcome to the 2014-2015 School Year

3. CURRICULUM ADDITIONS & CHANGES… • Foreign Language available for every student (Mandarin Chinese & Spanish • Blended Learning opportunities for Math & Reading • Mastery Learning/ Family Model in Reading & Math

4. Our motivation… • “If we can allow them time to learn one thing at a time, and then another, and another, until they can get their feet under them, we can break the cycle of failure.” (Harootunian, 1993) What does this quote mean to you?

5. For us, it means that every student needs time & encouragement to reach their full potential. And time is what we shall give them.

6. This short video illustrates our vision for RBM. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1bOIcnVI3g

7. WHAT DO WE WANT FOR EVERY STUDENT??

8. PERSONALIZED EDUCATION Personalized learning is defined as adjusting the pace (individualization), adjusting the approach (differentiation), and connecting to the learner's interests and experiences.

9. HOW DO WE PLAN TO PERSONALIZE EDUCATION FOR OUR STUDENTS?

10. Assessments & student placement • All students will be assessed within the first 3-4 weeks of school. • Based on reading levels (A-Z) and math levels 1-4, students in 3rd – 5thgrade will be placed in a reading & math classroom where instruction in tailored to their needs and levels. • All 3rd- 5th grade teachers will be teaching reading & math. Depending on assessments, there may students from 3rd, 4thand 5th grade in any classroom. • Teachers are not necessarily teaching their grade level students. (ex) Mrs. Bassett, a 3rd grade teacher could be teaching students in 5th grade, depending on their levels. Mrs. Snuggs could have 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders in her math class. • Do not associate teachers to specific grade levels during reading and math instructional blocks. We want students to only focus on working to master the standards, not focus on which groups they are in.

11. How will this model work with different standards & achievement levels? • The Common Core State Standards are designed to help teachers teach skills and strategies in clear and coherent order. www.corestandards.org • The standards build on one another from year to year, from K- 12th grade. • Students will master standards in their own time, and we need to accommodate their varying rates of mastering the content. • This model supports all students and respects the time they need to reach mastery.

12. schedule 8:20 -10:00 Reading (3rd- 5th grade students move to their groups) 12:35- 2:00 Math (3rd- 5th grade students move to their groups) All other times, students are with their grade level teachers and classmates. (homeroom, specials, lunch, writing, science & social studies) * Mrs. Schafer will be teaching Social Studies to our 3rd – 5th graders. She will integrate media and technology skills into the curriculum.*

13. Personalizing student learning… • What are the benefits of this model? • Students are receiving instruction at their own levels • Students are not becoming bored or disinterested with learning because the work is too easy or too hard for them to master • Teachers and students can move as fast or as slow • as they need to master the standards • As students master the standards, they can move up to the next group • Teachers can focus their planning and instruction on a smaller range of learning levels, therefore reaching more students • Teachers can become experts at standards based teaching, and not remain just grade level experts.

14. Why call it a family model? • Family members work to make each other better • Our students will learn and grow with different groups of students during the school day • Students will encourage and support one another during the learning process • Cooperation, collaboration and communication will be fostered as we interact with each other • Multiple opportunities for student interactions with students across the grade levels: Home Room, Reading Class & Math Class, Grade Level Content Classes and Recess • These are all things that happen in our real families

15. HOW CAN YOU HELP US MAKE THIS MODEL SUCCESSFUL? • Talk with your child each day about what’s happening in school. “What fun or new things did you learn today?” “Did you ask any questions today?” “Did you struggle with anything today?” “Which partner did you work with today?” • Your child will set goals for themselves this year. Be sure to ask about their goals, and their progress towards meeting those goals. • Foster independence and self sufficiency in your child. Being a good student is their responsibility. When they make a mistake, let them experience the natural consequence that follows. Praise them as they gain confidence in their own abilities to problem solve for themselves. • Try not to focus on which group they are in or which teacher they have. Instead focus on what standards are being taught and how to support them as they progress towards mastery.

16. Our Overall goal… Increase the likelihood that more students will attain the highest level of performance in school subject areas!

17. Important dates September 18th- Curriculum Night You will learn about our new grading & reporting system. We are moving towards standards based reports cards because we have moved to standards based teaching. Our instruction, grading and reporting must match. September 24th- Progress Reports will be sent home. You may contact your child’s teacher at anytime with questions about instruction and grading. Mrs. Ward is also available to answer questions and to address concerns. It’s going to be a great year!