R. B ROWN M C A LLISTER Mastery Learning Family Model 3 rd – 5 th Grade Parents

CURRICULUM ADDITIONS & CHANGES… Foreign Language available for every student (Mandarin Chinese & Spanish Blended Learning opportunities for Math & Reading Mastery Learning/ Family Model in Reading & Math

O UR MOTIVATION …  “If we can allow them time to learn one thing at a time, and then another, and another, until they can get their feet under them, we can break the cycle of failure.” (Harootunian, 1993) What does this quote mean to you?

Mastery Learning Teachers Mrs. LantzMrs. SnuggsMrs. TongMrs. Bassett Mrs. Shakespeare Mrs. Eddins For us, it means that every student needs time & encouragement to reach their full potential. And time is what we shall give them.

cnVI3g This short video illustrates our vision for RBM.

W HAT DO WE WANT FOR EVERY STUDENT?? Personalized Education Innovative Teaching & Learning Technology Infused Instruction

PERSONALIZED EDUCATION Personalized learning is defined as adjusting the pace (individualization), adjusting the approach (differentiation), and connecting to the learner's interests and experiences.

HOW DO WE PLAN TO PERSONALIZE EDUCATION FOR OUR STUDENTS? Through assessments: Determine achievement levels and present levels of performance in reading, writing & math Through learning inventories: Identify each student’s preferred learning style Identify each student’s attitude toward learning Through interest surveys: Understand what our students like to do outside of school Attempt to incorporate student’s interest into our curriculum

A SSESSMENTS & STUDENT PLACEMENT All students will be assessed within the first 3-4 weeks of school. Based on reading levels (A-Z) and math levels 1-4, students in 3 rd – 5 th grade will be placed in a reading & math classroom where instruction in tailored to their needs and levels. All 3 rd - 5 th grade teachers will be teaching reading & math. Depending on assessments, there may students from 3 rd, 4 th and 5 th grade in any classroom. Teachers are not necessarily teaching their grade level students. (ex) Mrs. Bassett, a 3 rd grade teacher could be teaching students in 5 th grade, depending on their levels. Mrs. Snuggs could have 3 rd, 4 th, and 5 th graders in her math class. Do not associate teachers to specific grade levels during reading and math instructional blocks. We want students to only focus on working to master the standards, not focus on which groups they are in.

The Common Core State Standards are designed to help teachers teach skills and strategies in clear and coherent order. The standards build on one another from year to year, from K- 12th grade. Students will master standards in their own time, and we need to accommodate their varying rates of mastering the content. This model supports all students and respects the time they need to reach mastery.

SCHEDULE 8:20 -10:00 Reading (3 rd - 5 th grade students move to their groups) 12:35- 2:00 Math (3 rd - 5 th grade students move to their groups) All other times, students are with their grade level teachers and classmates. (homeroom, specials, lunch, writing, science & social studies) * Mrs. Schafer will be teaching Social Studies to our 3 rd – 5 th graders. She will integrate media and technology skills into the curriculum.*

P ERSONALIZING STUDENT LEARNING … What are the benefits of this model? Students are receiving instruction at their own levels Students are not becoming bored or disinterested with learning because the work is too easy or too hard for them to master Teachers and students can move as fast or as slow as they need to master the standards As students master the standards, they can move up to the next group Teachers can focus their planning and instruction on a smaller range of learning levels, therefore reaching more students Teachers can become experts at standards based teaching, and not remain just grade level experts.

W HY CALL IT A FAMILY MODEL ? Family members work to make each other better Our students will learn and grow with different groups of students during the school day Students will encourage and support one another during the learning process Cooperation, collaboration and communication will be fostered as we interact with each other Multiple opportunities for student interactions with students across the grade levels: Home Room, Reading Class & Math Class, Grade Level Content Classes and Recess These are all things that happen in our real families

HOW CAN YOU HELP US MAKE THIS MODEL SUCCESSFUL? Talk with your child each day about what’s happening in school. “What fun or new things did you learn today?” “Did you ask any questions today?” “Did you struggle with anything today?” “Which partner did you work with today?” Your child will set goals for themselves this year. Be sure to ask about their goals, and their progress towards meeting those goals. Foster independence and self sufficiency in your child. Being a good student is their responsibility. When they make a mistake, let them experience the natural consequence that follows. Praise them as they gain confidence in their own abilities to problem solve for themselves. Try not to focus on which group they are in or which teacher they have. Instead focus on what standards are being taught and how to support them as they progress towards mastery.

O UR O VERALL GOAL … Increase the likelihood that more students will attain the highest level of performance in school subject areas!

I MPORTANT DATES September 18 th - Curriculum Night You will learn about our new grading & reporting system. We are moving towards standards based reports cards because we have moved to standards based teaching. Our instruction, grading and reporting must match. September 24 th - Progress Reports will be sent home. You may contact your child’s teacher at anytime with questions about instruction and grading. Mrs. Ward is also available to answer questions and to address concerns. It’s going to be a great year!