May Events

Make sure to check the WSE website or my May Events tab for a list of all the fun and exciting things happening this month at WSE!

How to Get Ready for TNReady

 

In every Tennessee classroom, teaching and learning looks different based on the textbooks, curricula, and lessons that

the school and teacher have chosen. State

leaders have a responsibility to make sure these varied learning opportunities are preparing all students for college, career, and life.

Our state tests serve multiple objectives:

• Provide feedback about students’ academic progress and how it aligns with grade-level expectations

• Give parents and teachers a big-picture perspective about how a student is progressing compared to peers across the district and state, including a student’s strengths and growth opportunities

• Build confidence and transparency about students’

readiness for post secondary and the workforce among Tennessee colleges, universities, and employers

• Help educators strengthen instruction and reflect on their practice

• Hold us accountable to serving all students fairly

• Highlight schools where students are excelling, so we can learn from those who are doing well

 

In the link below, you will find details about TNReady, how long they will spend testing, what types of questions will be on the test, and more. Our goal is to help you prepare your child to learn and succeed everyday. If you have additional questions after reading this guide, please contact the school.

 

TNReady Parent Resources

SPRING BREAK!

Spring Break is March 12-16. We will see you all back at school Monday, March 19. Don't forget to complete activities on Smarty Ants(K-2), Achieve 3000(3-5), and I-Ready during your break! 

 “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” 

Dr. Seuss

Literacy Night

Join us Thursday, March 1 for our annual Literacy Night. All can enjoy literacy related activities and the browse through the Book Fair! Make sure to take some time to “PAWS for Books!” 📚📖📚

NWEA MAPS

WSE Parents,

We are administering our Spring NWEA MAPS assessment in grades K-5. Each student will take an assessment in Reading, Math, and Science (Grades 3-5). We want every student at WSE to do their best and show optimal growth and proficiency. Here are a few links that will provide you with information and tips to help you and your child prepare for MAPS. 

We are Spartans:

Students Persevering, Achieving, and Rigorously Reaching High Goals Toward Attaining Noble Standards of Excellence!

https://www.nwea.org/content/uploads/2016/06/Parent-Guide-to-MAP.pdf

https://www.nwea.org/blog/2017/preparing-map-test-20-tips-parents/

https://www.nwea.org/blog/2017/parents-map-growth-7-things-know/

EL Parent Meeting/Multi-Cultural Night

Please join us Thursday, November 16 for a Parent Overview and Q&A of our new 3-5 EL Reading Curriculum at 5:30. Multi-Cultural Night will follow at 6:00!

Parent Guide EL Curriculum Grades 3-5

What is EL? El or Expeditionary Learning is a tier 1 curriculum that is redefining education across America.  It focuses on courage compassion and teamwork and in the academic rigor of Harvard Graduate School of Education.  EL provides an uncompromising comprehensive framework of student achievement and teacher development.

How does EL compare to the previous ELA curriculum? EL is a tier 1 curriculum that focuses on grade level appropriately complex texts.  Although the previous curriculum contained some appropriately complex texts, it did not build knowledge around a topic in a way that was supportive of a student’s academic growth throughout their educational continuum.  Therefore, SCS is transitioning to EL in order to support our currently adopted curriculum.

Why did we choose the EL curriculum? The 2016 TNReady ELA results indicate the need to include high interest, tier 1 instruction that contains appropriately complex texts across all grade levels.  When students and teachers are engaged in work that is challenging, adventurous and meaningful, learning and achievement flourish.  Supplementing the current curriculum with EL aligns with the district’s Destination 2025 goals.  As we raise expectations of our students, innovative and varied practices are needed in the classroom to provide students with learning experiences that will prepare them for life after graduation.

What is the timeline for transition? In grades 3rd-5th classrooms across the district will transition to a new curriculum known as EL.  3rd-5th grade will begin with Module 1.  Classrooms will engage with this module from the period of November 6, 2017-February 16, 2018 .  The second module for 3rd-5th grade will be experienced beginning February 19, 2018 through May 23, 2017.

What can parents expect as it regards the EL curriculum? Parents can expect students to be required to show mastery in a body of knowledge and skills that builds from grade to grade, transfer knowledge and skills to meaningful task, analyze, evaluate and synthesize complex ideas, and write, speak and present ideas effectively in a variety of ways.

What are some highlights and data regarding the merits of the EL curriculum? The data shows that schools implementing EL out perform their peers on state test and see gains for all groups/demographics of students.  For more information access    https://eleducation.org/impact/by-the-numbers