Super Saver Saturday

         Fall not only brings cooler weather, but the start of the holiday season.  This week’s free product is my Thanksgiving Word Wall.  The set includes many different words and blank spots for you to write your own words.  I hope you enjoy it!! 

Friday's Feature

         Today’s featured product is a hall pass set that I purchased from Teachers Pay Teachers.  It was designed by the Common Core Store and only costs $4.00.  I purchased this set because I wanted hall passes that were cute and useful.  The ones available at the teacher stores were okay, but never exactly what I was looking for.  When I stumbled across this hall pass set, I was excited.  The passes were what I was looking for and perfect for my classroom.  All I did was print them on cardstock, laminate them, punch holes in them, and tie string to each one.  I chose to put string on them because I wanted my students to be able to wear them around their neck, so the passes were not left anywhere.  So far, it has worked great for my needs!!  Simply click on the picture below and it will take you to the Common Core Store.

Thrifty Thursday

Thrifty Thursday is here!! This week’s tip is simple…look on Ebay!!!  I always want to change things in my classroom, but it also costs me a lot of money to do so.  A friend of mine recently reminded me of the great deals available on Ebay.  So, when you’re looking for new classroom products, check Ebay before you purchase from the store.  For instance, I wanted an iPod for my class, but didn’t want to purchase an iPod touch.  After all, it’s for my classroom!! So, I went to Ebay and searched for an iPod nano.  I found some used ones starting at $25.  This was a great price for me because I didn’t have to purchase a new one.  I wanted an iPod to use in my classroom as part of my listening center.  After attending a technology conference, I wanted to record my own stories for students to listen to.  That’s for another day.  My point is, always do your research before purchasing any classroom items.  The goal is to save money in the classroom, and using Ebay is one way to do so!!   

Wednesday's Web of Knowledge

         Today’s Web of Knowledge feature is an app called Splashtop Streamer.  It’s an app for the iPad and it costs $19.99.  This is an app I use everyday in my class.  You can use this app to control your computer from anywhere in the classroom.  I used a Mobi in my class for a while, and found that it didn’t stay charged all day.  With Splashtop Streamer, I don’t have the problems with charging.  Now, if you leave the Splashtop Streamer app open all day, it will run down the battery on the iPad.  The link to the app is listed below.  Personally, I feel the app is completely worth the $19.99 I paid for it, and this is coming from someone who rarely pays for educational apps. 

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/splashtop-whiteboard/id437679527?mt=8  

Trendy Tuesday

         With the presidential election coming up, I believe it is important for teachers to have a clear understanding of each candidate’s plans for education in our country.  That being said, for the next two weeks, I will be researching and outlining each candidate’s plans/thoughts on education.  I am by no means endorsing a candidate.  I just firmly believe teachers and parents should know how each candidate would like to shape our future in education.

         This week’s focus is on the current state of education in our country.  Race to the Top is President Obama’s mark on education.  This initiative awarded grants to states that met certain qualifications and made changes to improve the state’s education system.  The focus of those changes centered around improving teacher and principal effectiveness.  As a teacher in Tennessee, I have experienced first hand the effect of these changes.  While that is not the focus of today’s post, it does allow me to share my experiences with Race to the Top.  Next week, I will go into further detail about President Obama’s education initiatives.  

Monday's Mission

         Assessments-so many mixed feelings regarding this word; however, I’ve decided to be positive about it.

         Assessments give teachers the ability to determine what skills students are doing well in and which ones need refinement.  Adjustments are made based on these assessments.

         At my school, we give benchmark assessments every four weeks.  The results are recorded on a chart where we list the standard taught, the number of questions assessing the standard, and the percentage of students considered proficient on the assessment.  This is broken down by class and given for the entire grade level.  Some complain about the amount of work involved; however, I decided to be optimistic about it.  I plan lessons based on how my students do on these assessments.  The goal is to plan and deliver meaningful lessons that enable students to be successful in the school environment. 

         Is all the testing we do worth it? I believe the testing is beneficial, if the results are used to drive instruction.