Resources to Celebrate Earth Day

Earth Day is celebrated during the month of April.  Today's blog shares resources from Jim Pifer, SEP Science Coordinator. 

Code a Tree Planting Project for Earth Day

Elementary Earth Day Resources:

• Water Rocks! - Pollinators activities

• Water Rocks! - Prairie

• Water Rocks! - Wetlands

• Discovery Ed Videos - Natural Resources (k-8) 

• Discovery Ed videos - Sustainability (k-8)

• Discover Ed video - Renewable and Non-renewable (3-8)

• Teach TCI Earth Day (k-8)

Secondary Earth Day Resources:

• Water Rocks!  Climate Change 

• Discovery Ed video - Skyscrapers of the Future Will Be Engineered to Copy Nature

• Social Studies Reading: National Geographic Earth Day and Activism

• NSTA “Earth Day” lessons & video

More from Common Sense Media

• Free Activities for Earth Day and Learning About the Environment

• Climate Change Resources for Students and Teachers

• Ecology and Environmental Science Tools

• Movies That Teach Kids About Climate Change

• Environmental Books for Kids

Secondary Collaboration: April 12th

We are looking forward to our secondary collaboration tomorrow, April 12th, from 7:30 AM-9:00 AM. The focus of our work will be:

• Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence: How can we use this rapidly growing technology to support teaching and learning?
• Standards-Based Learning: Next steps for teams with standards-based learning and vertical alignment of practices.

Below are the locations for each team. We look forward to our collaboration!

Instrumental/Vocal Music/General Music/Guitar 6-12	TBD
Art 6-12	SC Art Room
PE/Health 6-12	JH room 180
CTE (PLTW)	HS N169
World Language, 8th World Language	HS N148
ELA 6-12, ESOL 6-12, TAG 6, Teacher Librarians	JH Media Center
Math: 6-12	SC Science Room
Science- 6-12	SC Science Room 203
Social Studies 6-12	SC Coaches Office
Counselors	Carpenter's Union (Altoona) Tour and Entrance Requirements
Special Ed Teachers	HS Multi-purpose room

State Assessments: FAQ's

As we move into giving our state assessments, (ISASP, Conditions for Learning, ELPA 21, FAST, etc.), today's blog shares some frequently asked questions related to test administration.  Please share any additional questions, and we will get them added to the blog. 

ISASP

1. Are students allowed to use graphic organizers for the writing portion of ISASP?

1. No, this is not an allowable accommodation.

2. If a student has a paper pencil for testing through their accommodations, are they allowed to have a human reader for the passages? 

1. If this is an accommodation that is a part of their plan and has been provided throughout the school year, then yes, they may have a human  reader. 

3. May students write on the formula sheet or use it for scratch paper for grades 6-11? 

1. No, scratch paper is considered a testing material and must be turned in after the test.

4. May students taking the writing test online have a paper copy of the writing checklist.

1. No

The writing checklist is made available on the first page of the paper/pencil test (as a part of the directions) and is available on a tab above the writing prompt on the online test (and is also part of the directions).  Both paper/pencil test takers and online test takers need to refer back to the checklist as needed. (Paper/pencil...to the first page, online...to the tab).

The difference with the math formula sheet is that this is a perforated page in the paper/pencil booklet, and test-takers may tear it out and have it beside the test booklet.  This is why the formula sheets may be copied for students taking it online.

5. May students do school work once they finish the assessment?

1. No.  They may have an independent reading book on their desk if they choose.  They may not do school work or be on their chromebook during the session once they have finished the assessment.

6. May students take the assessment on their personal computers?

1. No. Students must take the assessment on a school chromebook that has downloaded the secure test browser.

Conditions for Learning

1. Do students read the Conditions for Learning test or is it read aloud?

1. Survey is required to be read aloud in Grades 3-5

2. Survey may be read aloud in grades 6-12

2. May accommodations be provided for the CfL survey?

1. Accommodations provided typically may also be provided for the survey

3. What if a student moves into the district during the month of April?

1. Students registering within 2 weeks of the survey date will not take the survey

2. It is recommended that only students who have been at Southeast Polk 6 or more weeks take the survey

4. How long does it take to administer the survey, and should it be given in one sitting?

1. The survey should be administered in one sitting

2. Grades 3-5: approximately 20-30 minutes

3. Grades 6-12: approximately 15-20 minutes

5. Should students on alternate assessment take the CfL survey?

1. If a student has significant disabilities, their participation is left to the discretion of teachers and parents.