Guest blogger- Counseling corner-:Test-taking strategies

Some tips for before your student takes a test

1.    Stay up-to-date on assignments. Learn material and review as you go along. 

2.    Make sure you understand the information as you are learning it. That way, you won't have to "re-learn" it OR have to "cram" a great deal of information at one time.

3.    Read and study information in meaningful chunks (by chapters or units) so that you'll be able to "file" and "retrieve" information easily.

4.    At the end of each chapter or unit, identify the information that was most important. Make up "flash cards" on this information that you can easily carry and use for study on a regular basis.

5.    Analyze past tests to determine how you can improve test results.

6.    Get the big picture. Ask the instructor about the test. Find out what information will be stressed and the kinds of questions that will be asked. Then go over your text and lecture notes to develop a study strategy. Map or outline the course contents if you haven't done so previously.

7.    Before a test or exam, break study sessions into manageable time segments and meaningful units. You'll remember more if you study for short periods of time (45 minutes to 1 hour) and over a longer period of time (1-2 weeks) than if you cram all your study into a "binge" session the night before the test.

8.    Practice answering essay questions BEFORE the test. Use cognitive questions at all levels to assure learning and ability to answer essay questions. For example: How would you describe, compare/contrast, predict, classify, apply, evaluate, prioritize, etc?

9.    Use mnemonic techniques to memorize lists, definitions, and other specific kinds of information.

10.Form a study group with other students in your class to discuss and quiz each other on important material. This will add other perspectives and help to "complete" your study if you tend to be either a "detailed" or "big-picture" learner. 

11.Maintain healthy living habits. Get a good night's sleep before the test.

It's NANOWRIMO time for 8th graders....

Dear Parents and Family Members,

Starting this week, your astudent will be taking part—with classmates and over 300,000 writers around the world—in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). It's a fun, innovative creative writing event where the challenge is to complete an entire novel by November 30.

Novelists begin writing this week and must finish by midnight, November 30. The goal for NaNoWriMo's adult program is 50,000 words, but your student will be participating through the Young Writers Program—which allows students 17-and-under to set reasonable, yet challenging, individual word-count goals.

NaNoWriMo will require your child or teen to write as frequently as possible. Especially with your reinforcement, this hard work deepens student investment in the process (and their finished products). At the end of November, educators and participants also report improved self-confidence, creative writing skills, overall writing skills, and time management.

Your student's class will be using the online components of the Young Writers Program, you may want to review this step-by-step guide. MANY TEACHERS WILL HAVE THEIR CLASSROOM OPEN TO ALLOW EXTRA TIME FOR WRITING. Participants have individual profile spaces, plus access to forums and a private messaging system. These site features are not public, and can be viewed only by other young writers. In addition, all are monitored by our staff for inappropriate content.

We're proud to welcome your child or teen as a participant in NaNoWriMo! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact their English Teacher.

Every year I attempt to write a novel.  So, I'll be joining the students.  Good luck to all!

Ms. Dunnagan

Common Core Standards and student minimum day, October 17!

On October 17 the students have a minimum day so teachers can continue to prepare, build, develop and learn about the common core.  Here is some information for parents. 

The Common Core State Standards and Parents and Guardians

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) provide a practical way to prepare children for the challenges of a constantly changing world – by learning step-by-step the real-world skills they need for career and college.

Despite the state’s budget problems, California must move forward now so that all children – no matter where they come from or where they live – receive a world-class education that’s consistent from school to school, and graduate ready to contribute to the future of our state and our country.

California is putting these standards to work, using them as the foundation for remodeling our education system. The standards keep the best of what we have, but replace outdated ways of learning with a clear focus on the key knowledge and skills students need, and provide teachers the time to teach them well.

Like an orchestra learning a challenging new symphony, bringing these standards to life in our schools will take time and energy, and the costs must be managed over time. These standards provide every part of our education system the same sheet music – with the clear goals of career and college readiness for all. And we all have a part to play.

Preparing Students for Career and College

Goal – all students graduating from our public school system as life- long learners will have the skills and knowledge necessary to assume their positions in the 21st century global economy.

§       The new standards are designed to be relevant in the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills students need for success in both higher education and career.

§       Our communities will be stronger if students graduate with the skills and knowledge needed in today’s job market.

Will There Be New Tests for the New Standards?

Yes, California is a governing member of the SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC). The consortium is developing new tests that will measure student progress toward career and college readiness. You may learn more about the new tests and California’s participation in the SBAC at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/smarterbalanced.asp.

California’s CCSS Implementation Plan

The Common Core State Standards Systems Implementation Plan for California is a living document approved by the State Board of Education in March 2012. The plan, available at http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/, identifies the major phases and activities involved in implementing the CCSS and serves as the blueprint for remodeling the education system to support student success in career and college.

Transitioning to the CCSS: What Parents and Guardians Can Do Now

Parents and guardians are crucial partners in laying the groundwork for a smooth transition to the new standards. Parents and guardians can:

§       Learn about the CCSS and the district’s transition plan.

§       Talk to the principal about the school’s plans for the transition to learn what will be different about these new standards and what will remain the same for children.

§       Attend a board and/or community meeting to discuss district goals and timelines.

§       Meet with your child’s teacher to discuss what your child will be learning over the coming year and how classroom instruction will shift to align to the CCSS.

§       Play an active role in your child’s education at home. If you notice your child is struggling in a certain area, consult with his or her teacher to identify strategies and resources that might be helpful.

§       Educate other parents about the transition to the CCSS.

§       Explore opportunities to become actively involved in the Common Core transition through your state and local Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).

Resources for Parents and Guardians

The following Web resources provide the most current information from the California Department of Education (CDE) Web Site and are continuously updated. The first reference is the main CDE CCSS Web Page which includes the Common Core State Standards Systems Implementation Plan for California, the Significant Milestones Timeline, and a “Learn More” section that provides additional links to audience specific information. 

California Department of Education CCSS Web Page: http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/ (select “Students/Parents” tab)

SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium Information:

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/smarterbalanced.asp

K-8 California's Common Core Standards Parent Handbook:

http://www.ccsesa.org/sysadmin/documents/CCSParentHandbook_020411.doc
This handbook, created by the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA) in consultation with the California State PTA, gives parents an introduction to California's CCSS and a summary of what students are expected to learn as they advance from kindergarten through grade eight.

 adapted from California Department of Education, 11/12

Google Apps for Education coming to Kenilworth and Petaluma City Schools

Petaluma City Schools became a Google Apps for Education district in the Summer of 2012.  Over the past year the staff has been learn and testing out all the Google products.  We have attended many trainings and conferences to become more familiar with all you can do with Google. 

Now, it is the kids turn to have fun!

Over the next few weeks your student will be getting their Google address.  It will be their name @petk12.org.  While in Junior High, students can only send and receive emails from addresses owned by the school district.  This account will remain with the student through 12th grade.  However, Google Apps for Education is more than just email, it is a powerful tool to help our students learn and be prepared to work in 21st century jobs.  

Above is a diagram of how the new Common Core Standards and technology need to work together. Educators need to teach students how to incorporate technology into their work, it is not a stand alone item. Google Apps for Education includes mail, documents, calendar, sites and much more.  These products are provided to school districts at no cost and advertisement free.  These products provide educators with the tools to successfully integrate technology into their teaching and prepare students to be college and career ready with the needed 21st century skills.  They allow teachers and students to create, collaborate and share ideas.   Introducing students to these apps is so awesome!  The school will be following up throughout the year with cyber safety lessons.  We also will have a cybersfaety night for parents.  More info to come!  This is such an exciting time in education and I am glad to share it with you and your fabulous students.