http://drhoads.edublogs.org DHRhoads blog moved here May 2009 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:28:02 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en ASFM has decided to pilot a new exam structure for Grade 6 students. Traditional “pencil and paper” final exams are being replaced by cross-curricular activities and a final product for the five core subjects (Spanish, English, Socials, Science, Math). While elements of short answer and multiple choice questions will ... http://drhoads.edublogs.org/2009/12/01/replacing-%e2%80%9cpencil-and-paper%e2%80%9d-semester-exams-in-grade-6/ For the past few years we have been trying to build on the success of our well-established Grade 8 learning trip. Fortunately, it looks like we will finally be able to see each of our three middle school grade levels take an extended learning field trip. Our Middle School Week ... http://drhoads.edublogs.org/2009/11/20/asfm-ms-gets-www-week-without-walls/ In consultation with our Support Service team, the Grade 6 team decided that Grade 6 students will see "Odd Girl Out" instead of "Pay it Forward." http://drhoads.edublogs.org/2009/11/02/odd-girl-out-instead-of-pay-it-forward/ We have been conducting an in-depth analysis of our Final Exam process in the Middle School. As a result, we will be initiating an alternate exam program for all Grade 6 students this semester. The exam week schedule in December will remain the same (Mon. – Fri. Dec. 14-18, 8:15 ... http://drhoads.edublogs.org/2009/10/30/grade-6-dec-exams/ ASFM is committed to providing an educational program that develops students who demonstrate academic excellence as well as positive disposition qualities. In an ongoing effort to ensure a Safe and Caring school environment, I invite you to reflect on, and discuss, the following current initiatives with your child(ren). Grade 6 students ... http://drhoads.edublogs.org/2009/10/30/current-initiatives-to-provide-a-safe-and-caring-school-environment/ Most articles I see lately deal with assessment or curriculum. I agree that having a curriculum that clearly identifies what students are expected to know and be able and to do at the completion of each course or grade level is essential. I also agree that assessments should be planned ... http://drhoads.edublogs.org/2009/09/23/curriculum-instruction-and-assessment-where%e2%80%99s-the-instruction-discussion/ Trust in schools has been shown to directly relate to student achievement. Reflecting on trust and its relation to organizational structure is an interesting exercise. Recall that human relation research for decades has investigated performance impact when structure is modified. Follow this line of thinking and we arrive at a ... http://drhoads.edublogs.org/2009/09/12/trust-in-schools/ I first watched the Starkville, MS School District's "Believe" video on Kim Caise's blog. The video captures the essence of my personal philosophy of education. Due to starting the job search process, I have been updating my philosophy of ed. Here's my opening paragraph: I went into education because of ... http://drhoads.edublogs.org/2009/09/06/power-of-expectations/ Give Jeff Utecht's recent post on Digital Literacy vs. Networked Literacy a read. His post got me thinking about the literacy development we seek for our students at ASFM and how our Online Literacy and recent work with Edu2.0 are seen by students, parents, teachers, administrators, board members, members of ... http://drhoads.edublogs.org/2009/08/31/what-does-literacy-mean-to-you/ Looking for examples of Web2.0 work in early elementary schools http://drhoads.edublogs.org/2009/06/22/web-20-in-early-elementary/