TOSA Tribune

Intermediate Edition
February 2009*Volume 3*Issue 6

3rd and 4th Grade

Investigations Workshop
Tuesday, February 17
4:00 – 6:30 P.M.
Main Street Library
Luigi’s Pizza for Supper

~I transferred the R.S.V.P.s … please let

me know if you are UNABLE to attend.

M.A.P.
“The Super-Bowl of Academics”
Remember to practice the way you play.

New Brain-Based Learning

PD Opportunity
Midwest Investigations Saturday, March 14 from 9-3

Users’ Conference *Possible 1 hour Lindenwood Credit pending approval

*Location to be announced at a later date
*R.S.V.P. cdick@mail.nixa.k12.mo.us

July 15, 2009

All Grade Levels Welcome to Attend
Countdown Learning Together

to M.A.P.
Student achievement
continues to be the primary
focus in Nixa. Please do not
hesitate to contact a TOSA
if you need any assistance in Monday, February 23rd
your classroom. PD Opportunities
Comprehension Strategies
with Debby Money
dmoney@mail.nixa.k12.mo.us

Rock -N- Roll Classroom

with Cheryl Dick
cdick@mail.nixa.k12.mo.us

Science Performance Events

~Third Grade M.A.P. Resources:
www.cherylsclassroomtips.blogspot.com with Barbara St. Clair
barbarastclair@nixaschools.net

~Fourth Grade M.A.P. Resources:

www.cherylsclassroomtips4th.blogspot.com Seven Proven Strategies for
At Risk Students
with Joana King
~Fifth Grade M.A.P. Resources: jking@mail.nixa.k12.mo.us
www.cherylsclassroomtips5th.blogspot.com

Technology and MAP Prep

~Six Grade M.A.P. Resources: with Lori Elliott
www.cherylsclassroomtips6th.blogspot.com
lorielliott@nixaschools.net
 Looking for a Review Idea?
Try the Three-Step Interview
~Students interview a partner and each then share with teammates what they learned.

Steps:
1. Teacher provides the interview (review) topic, states duration of interview, and
provides think time.
2. In pairs (eyeball partners), Student A interviews Student B.
3. Pairs switch roles: Student B interviews Student A.
4. RoundRobin: Pairs pair to form groups of four. Each student, in turn, shares with
the team what he/she learned in the interview.

Kagan Cooperative Learning Structure received at 2009 Brain Expo in Newport Beach, CA
www.kaganonline.com

**********************************************
A healthy attitude is contagious, but don’t wait to catch it
from others. Be a carrier.
~Tom Stoppard
British Playwright

***********************************************
 Teacher Resource:
*For easier retrieval of
previous blog items visit:
www.teacherpage.com/classroomtips
Evaluate Your Lessons…
6- Students actively engaged in learning
Authentic project work
Cooperative learning
Hands-on learning
Problem-based learning
Demonstrations
Active research
Higher order thinking evident
5- Student learning conversations
Active conversation among students with
most or all engaged (Appropriate within
curriculum)
Teacher initiated but not directed
Higher order thinking evident
4- Teacher-led instruction
Lecture
Question and Answer
Teacher Giving Directions
Media Instruction with Teacher
Interaction
Discussion may occur, but instruction
comes primarily from the teacher
Higher order thinking is not evident.
.
3- Students work with teacher engaged
Students working on worksheets, book work,
tests, video with teacher and students
viewing
Teacher assistance or support is evident
Higher-order learning is not evident
2- Students work with teacher not engaged
Students working on worksheets, book work,
tests, video
Teacher assistance or support is not evident
Teacher may be grading papers, on the
computer, etc.
Higher-order learning is not evident.
1- Complete Disengagement
Neither teacher nor students engaged in
learning or teaching
Watching videos or doing activities not
related to curriculum
*Inventory from Jerry Valentine’s Instructional
Practices Rubric.
http://rpdc.umr.edu/documents/Spring2007.pdf