1.  In 2010, Louisiana adopted Common Core State Standards in English language arts and math.  The Common Core State Standards define what students need to learn in reading, writing and math in each grade to stay on track for college and careers.  Common core has more rigorous expectations for student learning.

2.  Focused, deeper investigation of core math concepts  Logical progression of content to build conceptual understanding  Application of math concepts across disciplines  Focus on ‘why I got the answer’ not just ‘how to do the problem.’  JES has added 30 minutes to the math period and CAI is now devoted to math (Grades 3-5.) As a result, the math block is now 120 minutes.  Skills test is given at the end of each six weeks to determine skills mastery.  Strong focus on math fluency (math facts)  Students are now required to do a performance task on all assessments.

3.  Shift to informational text, not just literary texts  Deep investigation of fewer, more complex texts  Focus on forming evidence based arguments, both in writing and in speech  Focus on locating and gathering evidence from texts  Focus on building an academic vocabulary across all disciplines (JES is using Larry Bell’s 12 powerful words to assist in building an academic vocabulary.)  Unit tests are given each six weeks to measure skills mastery.

4.  These are the words that stump students when they take standardized tests. Students may feel intimidated or confused by these words causing them to answer a question incorrectly when they know the answer.  Help all students...  To better understand what each question means  To become familiar with words that require higher order thinking skills  To relieve test anxiety  To achieve better on tests

5. Trace: List in steps or sequence. Support: Back up with details Analyze: Break apartExplain: Tell how Infer: Read between the lines Summarize: Give the short version Evaluate: Judge its worthCompare: How are they the same Formulate: Come up with or plan Contrast: How are they different Describe: Tell in your own words Predict: What will happen next? Future?

6.  Literacy is greatly integrated into the science and social studies classes.  Heavy emphasis on text dependent questions  Many project based activities in lessons  Communication skills are used to assess and articulate findings from projects  A stronger emphasis of writing is now included in the sciences (writing & lab report) and social studies (writing)

7. 2013-14 Students still take LEAP (grade 4) and iLEAP (grades 3, 5 & 6.) More common core aligned material will be included on the 2013-14 assessments. 2014-15 Students will take PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College & Careers) assessments in ELA and Math.

8. Each six-weeks, students will be given a cumulative exam each six weeks to see if students have mastered key skills taught during the previous six weeks period. In grades 3-5, students will be tested in ELA and Math. In grade 6, students will be tested in all subjects.

9.  Every Wednesday, teachers and staff members meet in collaborative teams to  Develop unit plans  Develop unit assessments  Analyze data( unit exams, Dibels, and CAI reports).

10.  Call 824-4972 or visit the school  Visit louisianabelieves.com website