PARCC released test items for ELA and Math

PARCC has released sample test questions for ELA and Math. Even though, we no longer are testing with PARCC, these test questions could be used to prepare for upcoming state assessments. Please click the link below for further information.

PARCC released test items

Google Classroom now makes it easier to attach a Google Form!

Google has recently made Google Forms integration easier when using Google Classroom. Not only is it easier to attach a Google Form, but Google Classroom will also mark the form as "done" when a student completes the form. Click this LINK to view a tutorial on how this new feature works.

ELA and Math practice items

ODE has released practice items for spring ELA and math State Tests.  Students may log in to review 5-8 sample test items.  More items will be released as they continue to define State Tests.

http://oh.portal.airast.org/ocba/students-and-families/

ELA and Math Blueprints

The Test Blueprints for the new state tests for both ELA and Math have been released.  You can find those important documents at the following link under the General Resources link:
http://oh.portal.airast.org/ocba/resources/

Math Updates

ODE has provided some recent math updates.

These updates will assist in providing students with meaningful practice throughout the school year with the appropriate calculators.  During the technology portion of the online state tests, students will be allowed to use the provided online calculator or a handheld device.  Guidance on calculator use, including use of calculators by students with disabilities, can be found at the following sites:

Calculator Guidance 6-8

Calculator Guidance High School

Summer Learning Around Fremont

Summer Learning Around Fremont

Building vocabulary is an important part of developing literacy skills.  Research indicates that students who enter kindergarten with a large working vocabulary are more likely to be successful readers and learners.  One of the best gifts that we can provide our children is the gift of language.  As adults in the lives of children, it is important that we are taking the opportunities to build vocabulary with our children at every age.  Engaging your child in conversations, reading out loud with them, and allowing them to see you in learning and reading activities are wonderful ways to build the learner in your child. 

Below are a list of opportunities and activities that you can engage your child with this summer.  Have fun!

Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center-

http://www.rbhayes.org/hayes/

During your visit of the Hayes Presidential Center, talk to your child about their favorite part of the grounds.  Allow them to describe their favorite area to you using descriptive words and see if you can guess the location. 

Did you venture into the museum or the house?  How many steps did you encounter?  Were they steep, curved, narrow, or wide?  Adjectives allow our language to develop by adding descriptive words to our vocabulary.  This activity will help you explore a gem of Fremont.  It will also help you build vocabulary around history using descriptive words. 

Visit a local park-

http://www.lovemyparks.com/

Local parks offer many free options for entertainment from a location to play Frisbee or read a book or to a place to fish or hike.  Once you walk and enjoy the park, think about how you can return to the area and explore something new.  What was an exciting part of your visit?  Which park did you like the best; Walsh Park, Conner Park, Roger Young Park, Creek Bend Farms?  The North Coast Inland Trail is a wonderful opportunity to travel the county.  You can travel from Bellevue to Elmore; a total of 28 miles.  Did you hear a train?  Did you see an animal?  Were you able to identify any foliage?  This activity will keep you physically active and help you build vocabulary around nature and locations. 

Penny Hike

Take a walk or bike ride around the city.  Bring a coin with you.  At each corner, flip the coin.  If the coin lands on heads-turn right.  If it lands on tails-turn left.  If it rolls-go straight.  As you venture around the neighborhood, talk with your child about who you know in the neighborhood, what forms of transportation you see, and identify any businesses that you have around you.  Label what items may be for sale in the business.  Is this a place you would like to be employed in the future?  This activity will help you build the vocabulary around businesses, vehicles and transportation, and will help begin the conversation of future career options. 

Birchard Public Library

http://www.birchard.lib.oh.us/

How best to build vocabulary than to surround yourself with good literature!  Birchard Public Library houses many titles and has access to many more.  There are free programs for all ages and opportunities to explore something new with each visit. 

Ohio Department of Education provides some additional summer learning.  Try some of these online activities. 

http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Teaching/Tools-for-Teachers/May-2015/Free-Beach-Bags-and-virtual-summer-camp-offer-pare

Avocet PARCC Resources Website

If you have any questions or are in need of any materials or tutorials pertaining to PARCC, Pearson has the following resource website called Avocet. The Avocet website contains a plethora of information, displayed in alphabetical order, that can be useful for anyone that is trying to find specific information regarding the PARCC Assessments.

Avocet