Why Do We Test So Much?

We all have to take and pass tests- driver tests, college entrance exams, job promotion tests, or high school exit exams, to name a few. These tests ensure that a basic standard of quality is maintained in a profession, in a community or in a school.

While some may argue that testing elementary-aged children starts this standardization process at too young of an age, the converse is true as well. When planning backwards from high school graduation, the State Standards and their accompanying tests (along with other assessments)provide clear sign-posts along the way- all the way back to kindergarten.

Tests help us become aware of our strengths and weaknesses. Our intuition is not generally reliable or accurate enough to give actionable information. While I don't always like it when someone points out a weakness to me, it can help me improve personally or professionally.

In education there is a saying that "what gets tested is what gets taught." This may seem backwards, but when we begin with end in mind (as Steven Covey states) we have a much clearer path about where to go and how to get there.

Tests also help us find out what we don't know. Sometimes that's half the battle. We don't want to re-teach an entire multiplication unit if all a child needs is to memorize his sevens. As adults, we wouldn't want to have to take behind-the-wheel training if all we need to learn is the distance it takes a fully loaded tractor-trailer to stop when traveling at 55 miles per hour.

When we test the kindergarten students' knowledge of the letter sounds, it may tell us which students we need to pull together in a small group to re-teach a specific letter sound. Even advanced learners have gaps in their knowledge.

During this 10 week Skill Blitz we are requiring that the students look at their current achievement and set a goal for their next assessment. We want them to "be hungry" for improving their own learning.

My main idea (our reading comprehension skill this week is Main Idea) is that testing can help us to know where we are in relationship to where we are supposed to be. The results of testing will give us information that helps us get on track towards meeting common expectations.

Crisis Intervention and Support for Students

Traumatic events or hardships often impact our children. Such events can range from a serious illness, the death of friend or family member, to a sudden change in economic or living situation. Traumatic events can be isolated to a child, the immediate family, or it may extend to an entire community.
When children are experiencing stress or distress, sometimes it is apparent. They may display their feelings by acting sad, quiet, withdrawn, angry, fearful, or easily agitated. Some children may be able to verbalize their feelings; others may not. Emerson has resources to help. If your child has gone through any crisis that is impacting behavior or performance in school, please contact a teacher, counselor, school psychologist, or administrator for guidance. Emerson has both a part time counselor and a part-time school psychologist. If we are unable to meet your child’s needs, we can offer parents referrals to other agencies in our community.

Our Winter Garden

Even in the dead of winter, there is a lot growing in our garden. We have been harvesting broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and peas, to name a few. Along with a new student and her mom, I cut a large cauliflower and then delivered it to the cafeteria. That's my favorite garden activity, rain or shine.

The citrus trees produced a large quantity of tangerines as well as lemons. The peach trees are in bloom. We recently planted/ transplanted about 60 apple trees with the help of the Warm Climate Apple Tree expert, Kevin Hauser. The trees are already starting to bud and blossom.

Tony Inaba, Commonly known around here as Tony the Strawberry Man, has helped us get several hundred strawberry plants off to an early start. The bright red berries are really striking as they stand out against the loam.

The two guys that you you would probably meet in the garden on any given morning are Tom and Wes. They have been working on irrigation, pruning, and delivering winter produce to the senior citizens who frequent the Stratton Community Center across the street. They have been both working in the garden for about 3 years, employed through a partnership with Parks and Recreation.

Few students have been in the garden over the past few weeks. The rain will give way to sun, prompting the overwhelming need for students to pull weeds.

Emerson's resident Master Composter Claire Carbonell, has been meeting with the Green Team planning a project called "Let Us Grow Lettuce!" A greenhouse has been ordered to help regulate water for a controlled experiment. I'll tell more about this project later.

A Super Bowl Story Structure

Today we are starting our 10 week Skill Blitz at Emerson as a way to emphasize the importance of using specific skills to help students understand what they read.

This week we are emphasizing "Story Structure." In the morning announcements I used the Super Bowl as an example:
The characters were the teams- the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts (or you could point out some favorite players, like Drew Brees or Peyton Manning). The setting was a filled-to-the brim stadium full of screaming fans in Florida (that’s the location). The plot could be explained that the New Orleans Saints, who after 10 years of futility and frustration, was lead by their MVP quarterback to propel their team into a 31-17 victory over the Colts. You may have a different take on the plot, based on your view. You may want to emphasize different facts in the story, but the Story Structure elements are the same…the characters, the setting and the plot.

As a parent, you can support our Skill Blitz this week by asking your child to tell you the elements in Story Structure, and then requiring them to describe the characters, the setting and the plot of almost anything- a TV show, a football game or a problem that occurred on the playground.

Candy Gram Fundraiser

If you would like to send your child a special Valentine's Day greeting, a motivational thought, or a congratulations about an academic achievement, then a Candy Gram may be just what you are looking for!

For sale both in the office and on the playground during recess, the greeting only costs one dollar.

Here is a photo of Mrs. Gonzalez, 3rd grade teacher, along with Cara Bolin, an Emerson parent, at their sales table at recess today.

Proceeds from the sales benefit the sixth grade camp fundraising effort.

Digital Inclusion Class Begins with 20 Participants

Emerson's first Digital Inclusion class started today with over twenty participants. All Emerson moms, the participants' ability level reflected a broad spectrum from beginning to a working level of knowledge. Everyone learned something and was able to practice skills at their level. Taught by Emerson Math Coach, Eric Palmer, the classes were given Spanish-language interpretation support by Emerson's Bilingual Instructional Assistant, Ana Juarez.

The SmartRiverside program has established a free internet connection for all Riverside residents, and works to provide free classes and refurbished computers to families. The classes' participants will each receive their refurbished computer on the third class. Additional support for their computers and network connection issues will be provided both by the Emerson staff as well as by the SmartRiverside Digital Inclusion program department.

Emerson believes that we can extend students' learning time by helping to provide access at home to web-based resources on websites such as EnVision math and Accelerated Reader .

History Day Success!

Congratulations to our four History Day winners! They are Jada, Jacqueline, Madison and Rachel all from Mrs. Scott, Mrs. Nieto and Mrs. Turner's classes.

Jada and Jacqueline were awarded The Riverside Metropolitan Museum Award for use of color and layout in posters and exhibits. They each received a ribbon and reproduction orange crate label from the museum's gift shop.

Rachel and Madison were winners in the category of the 4th and 5th grade Individual Posters and they will proceed to Riverside County History Day on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at Poly High School.

I am so proud of all four of these children and their families on this special recognition. Because of your outstanding work, Emerson will continue our long-standing tradition of excellence and participation in the County History Day competitions.