January+18+Inservice+Notes

3-6 Grade teachers met with Myra Lisk to discuss Skills Iowa Program. Each grade level described use of the program and assessments this year. It was apparent that there are some variations in application and consistency of use between grade levels. The last 30 minutes were for grade levels to meet and work with Myra. **Recommendation:** A time will be scheduled for grade levels needing assistance to work with Dennis Kuyper. An email has already been sent to determine dates **Bridges** K-2 teachers met to discuss the Bridges program. There was an extensive discussion About how the program is used at each grade level. There was also a discussion of     the areas not covered in the program, particularly basic computation skills. Notes were taken on strengths, weaknesses and recommendations. **Closure and Follow-up:**  Notes of the strengths, weaknesses and recommendations will be typed up and sent out to teachers, principal and Director of Teaching & Learning. **Daily Five** The elementary staff met to discuss Daily Five. Grade levels described use Kind Using read to self & partner. Combines with Readwell & Letter people Writing – difficulty with penmanship. Would like to bring in centers. 1st Using read to self & Other. Writing – penmanship not good enough Would like to revamp writing, restructure wordwork & incorporate centers. 2nd Doing four of the elements. Writing – doing writer’s workshop 3 rd Using read to self & others. 4th Each person using various components – mainly read to self, others & writing 5th Weekly 5 - Read to self, others, listening, wordwork (pair strong w/weak) 6th Incorporating elements but not Daily 5 - Read to self & others, listening, writing, wordwork **Strengths** Amount of reading increased, students know what is expected, they have a choice, increased Oral reading and some teachers like the writing component. **Weaknesses** Lower grades penmanship make writing component difficult, don’t have enough tools for Listening skills, not everyone trained and differing implementation and expectations. **Questions** Will students stay interested when they have the same format for several years. How do we balance this with whole group activities – such as trade book unit. ** 10:30 – 12:00 ** Elementary staff met with Shannon Miller to develop Google Docs Program ** 8:30 – 12:00 ** Elementary specials met to discuss schedule and look identify collaboration time for teachers .
 * January 18 Inservice Overview **
 * 8:30 – 9:30 **
 * Skills Iowa **
 * 9:45 – 10:30 **