Smarter Balanced testing begins at Thompson Brook this week and runs until the end of April. The schedule will be very different for the next two weeks, and the regular academic periods will be greatly shortened. All students had the opportunity to practice these online tests in school, along with practicing how to use the online tools. Students can play around with these Practice Tests for both ELA and Math at home as well if they choose to. Or parents can try it out to see what students will be doing over the next couple of weeks.
Last week, students were introduced to the Controversial Issue Project 2015. Each student chose a controversial topic and began research in school. Over the course of the week students attended multiple mini-lessons about researching (and other parts of the project) from four different teachers. Detailed information about this project could also be found on the website: www.controversialproject.weebly.com. I will be continuously updating this website in the coming weeks, adding questions/answers to the Q and A page as questions come up.
For the Controversial Issue Project, each student chose a topic related to the U.S. Constitution, and will research it using an authentic source (an interview), the library, and the internet. The topic could be an actual part of the Constitution, and Amendment, or an issue that has come up in Constitutional debate. Mrs. Pooler’s and Mr. Lindberg’s classes will be joining us on this project adventure, too. Students will create a visual (photo examples on the project website) and one of the following: write a research paper, film and produce a mini-documentary, or create and design a website. Extensive mini-lessons will be taught on the research process, and on the specific project that students choose. This is NOT one of those at home parent projects that we hand off to you and we teachers laugh uncontrollably at your imminent stresses. This project will be done almost entirely at school with the exception of the visual (a poster to be done at home), and possibly a visit to a local library on your own if more books are needed. The only other exception (other than if a student is just unproductive in school) is if a student chooses the mini-documentary. Due to the nature of that particular project, at least part of it will have to be filmed/edited either at home or at least on a student’s own time.
Students will have six weeks to work on the Controversial Issue Project. It is due on Tuesday, May 26, and will be on display for parents/families at the Spring Open House that same evening.
Upcoming Events
Controversial Issue Projects Due – Tuesday, May 26
Grade 5 Open House – Tuesday, May 26
Last Day of School – Tuesday, June 16 (w/four snow days)