Author: npage

As students return to the classroom, the focus of instruction must be on grade-level standards, along with appropriate scaffolds that make the standards accessible to all students. Instead of sending students backwards to fill in all the potential gaps in their learning, teachers are encouraged to focus on filling in the most critical gaps at the moment they’re needed (just-in-time) rather than halting progress on grade-level instruction to address deficiencies in previous grade-level standards (just-in-case). Providing “just-in-time” scaffolds addresses the content knowledge and skills students need to engage in the most immediate work of the grade at the moment it is needed.

In a context of uncertainty, it can be challenging to monitor how well students have retained skills and are learning new skills, while keeping mindful of students' social-emotional wellness.

The JSD Assessment and Intervention Flowchart is provided to guide the process of assessing and intervening during this unique time. Schools are encouraged to use the attached assessment flow chart, summarized below:

• SCREENER (All Students) Screeners are typically quick to administer and provide predictive information about academic successes. Screeners are not designed to map out completely what students’ specific knowledge and skill deficits might be. Screeners are used to determine which students are performing below grade level or proficiency level.

o   K-3 Screener: Acadience

o   4-6 Screener: SRI

• DIAGNOSTIC (Specific Students) Diagnostic testing is provided to students identified through the screener in order to better understand the specific knowledge and skills needing reinforcement and provide appropriately targeted interventions.

o   K-3 Diagnostic given to students scoring well below benchmark (See chart for options)

o   4-6 Diagnostic given to students scoring below grade level (See chart for options)

• BENCHMARKS (ALL Students) Benchmarks are given to all students periodically through the year. Benchmarks are used to measure progress towards the core standards. They can serve as a reference of rigor in formative assessments. Benchmarks, used in conjunction with formative assessments, help drive instruction.

K-6 Literacy Assessment & Intervention Plan

DATE:    
September 4, 2020

TO: 
Elementary School Principals

FROM:    
Shelley Nordick, Ph.D., Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Michelle Lovell, Elementary Language Arts Consultant

SUBJECT: 
Acadience for grades 4-6

This year we have a couple of options for Acadience testing for students in grades 4-6. Although testing for grades 4-6 is not required by the state of Utah, we offer testing options for schools who would like to use the system to do progress monitoring for students.

The first option is to use the Acadience.net system. This is offered to all students and it is paid for through the district. The use of this system is fairly inexpensive at around $1.00 per student. The benchmarks and prompts are the same as students would receive in Amplify but the student and school reports are not available. Acadience.net will be loaded for all schools who are not purchasing Amplify for their upper grade students and schools have the option of testing students as needed. The district is only charged for the students who are tested.

The other Acadience option for grades 4-6 is Amplify. The cost for Amplify is around $7.00 per student and includes all of the reports and options that are included in Amplify for the lower grades. It is the school’s responsibility to purchase Amplify if they choose to use this program. Schools will need to contact Amplify and pay for the program. Once the invoice is paid, the IT department can load the program. If you choose to use Amplify this year for grades 4-6, please let Michelle Lovell know as soon as possible.

Thank you!

Acadience for grades 4-6

Mark your calendar for September 17 for the first JELL session of 2020-2021. Todd Theobald will continue the work from the August Professional Development Day and address Proficiency Scales. The meeting will be virtual from 8:30 – 3:00. Watch for a checklist in next week’s JAM that will help you prepare for the meeting. For now, please do the following:

• Identify a location for the September 17 Virtual Meeting.
• Send Shelley Nordick a list of the members of your leadership team.
  • Because all schools will be participating, please keep participation on the 17th to a minimum. (Recommended attendees: Principal, Coach, Upper Grade Teacher, Lower Grade teacher, and one other determined by school.)
  • Arrange for substitutes. (T&L will cover the costs of three substitutes.)
• Watch for a checklist in next week’s JAM.