PSSA+Training


 * **WHAT you teach (as long as you are using grade-level texts as instructional pieces) is NOT as important as HOW YOU TEACH.**
 * **WHAT ARE YOU TEACHING THEM TO DO? And how do you know they can do it?**
 * **Become a student of close reading and teaching HOW.**
 * ** And remember, we are no longer PROFICIENCY teachers. It's not how many kiddos we can get over the line to proficiency. We are GROWTH teachers. Every student in our classes should grow. You can't know if they are growing if you don't systematically measure it. We commit assumicide every day in our classes. Tools like the CDT (Classroom Diagnostic Tool) can help us figure out where kids actually are so we can set goals with them to help them grow. **
 * **The number one stakeholder in the child's education is the child. It is our duty to find ways to conference with the kids about their progress. If they understand where they are and what they can do to grow, they are much more likely to make progress.**
 * ** We are preparing them for a marathon. I am training Division 1 readers and writers. I am the best coach they have. I am the right person for the job. And if I'm not, I'll figure out a way to get better at what I am doing. It's about their future. **

=CDT (Classroom Diagnostic Tool)= CDT on SAS

//Notice how the scales above change based on the student grade and subject.// //Make sure you are using the correct scale.// //Conferencing with the students is the most important part of the process.// //They need to be invested in their own growth. Everyone can grow!//

To access PSSA projection reports, etc., you need: PVAAS PVAAS resources (Dec. 2016) Using PVAAS on Purpose FOR a Purpose To access the CDT and get results, you need:DRC Edirect What can you do with CDT results? Ideas:

2015-2016 Saegertown Growth Results Grade 10 Literature from October to April:
Number who showed positive growth from Oct. to April on CDT literature: Period 1: 12/21 57% Period 3: 9/16 56% Period 6: 13/27 48% Period 8: 12/18 67%

Total: 46/82 = 56% experienced positive growth ===My recommendations: Give the CDT two times per year in the tested areas, Fall and Spring, grades 3-10. Review and distribute the CDT Skills Pamphlets with students and parents (send home). Conference with students at each administration. Focus on strengths and growth opportunities. Print and give them the report that shows what they can do to improve (eligible content). Celebrate those who show the most growth. Honor those who struggle. And challenge your top students to GROW. I have yet to see any student max out the CDT for literature.===
 * FINAL WORD: It is my goal to have more kids score advanced on the Keystone Literature exam each year. **
 * Here are the results thus far: **
 * Year 1 (2013-14) = 1 student advanced **
 * Year 2 (2014-15) = 8 students advanced **
 * Year 3 (2015-16) = 13 students advanced **
 * Year 4 (2016-17) Goal = 18 students advanced or more. We can get there if they know what they need to do to grow. **

PSSA Results 2015 (searchable)



PSSA 2015 Resources (PDE Site) PA Common Core Standards (SAS) Common Core Text Exemplars (appendix b) CC Text Exemplars by grade level Digging Deeper ELA Binder





RACER Strategy Images for RACER TDA Livebinder from SLC

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=WE DO: Guided Writing Samples= Analysis Essay Writing Example: Catcher in the Rye: Think about ways for your students to collaborate as they build capacity for writing analysis pieces! Do you use google drive? Could you make it work? MODELING IS THE KEY! You have to write with them.