MRVED Business

MELT
Thank you to everyone that participated in the MELT this year.  It appears it was another successful conference and the weather was fantastic (for a change).  If you have not done so already, please fill out the MELT Evaluation Form.  The feedback is vital to planning future events, so spend a few moments and provide good, honest feedback on your day.

Thank you to LQPV for hosting once again.  Everyone from the janitorial staff, to the cooks, teachers, technology coordinator, and administration kicked in to make the great day.  Also a gigantic thank you to Mary Brown for the organization and handling registration.  Thank you to all the presenters who took the time to share their expertise with everyone.

The MELT committee will pour over the evaluations in the coming weeks and the planning for next year has already begun.


Upcoming Meetings
Superintendent - January 28
Board - February 11
TAC - February 19
Principal - February 20

MDE Report on Physical Education in Minnesota

MDE Report on Physical Education in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Education has issued their 2015 report on Physical Education in Minnesota. This report provides the findings from a survey conducted of Minnesota schools to gather information about the duration and frequency at which students receive physical education; physical education requirements in high school; fitness testing measures used; educational preparation of physical education teachers; duration and frequency of recess for students in grades K-6; substitution of credits practices for high school students; earning physical education credits online; before and after school physical activity opportunities provided; and practices of coordination with developmentally adaptive physical education specialists.

Link to Report

Math Leader Networking Meeting

February 12, 2015 MATH LEADERS MEETING

Mathematics Leaders Networking Meetings -- TOPIC: Assessments and Interventions

8:30-11:30am at MN Department of Education Conference Center A, Room 14

As part of this meeting Nicole Bridge from Minneapolis Public Schools, will present “I’m not a Math Person:" Identity and Its Impact on Math Success

We will also have an opportunity for participants to network around 3 essential questions in Formative Assessment

• Where are we going? Do teachers and students know the standards?
• How are we doing? How do we assess student understanding and give feedback?
• What’s the next step? Enrichment? Intervention? A new concept 

The MN Math Leaders networking meetings are designed for leaders to give and receive support. The Networking time includes:

• opportunities to share and celebrate what is working well
• structures to work in role-a-like and/or grade band groups regarding previously selected topics
• time for participants to provide their expertise
• "hot topics" identified by the participants at the beginning of each meeting

There will also be open time following each meeting for continued work in self-identified groups.

The goals of these networking meetings include:

• Share ideas and collaborate with other MN Math Leaders
• Receive updates about mathematics education policy
• Learn about resources available to support your work

This event is open to anyone who is in a department, school, or district leadership position. Administrators and teacher leaders who are passionate about leading change in mathematics education for all students are encouraged to attend!

It is recommended that participants purchase the book, "NCTM Principles to Actions", available at www.nctm.org as an ebook for $4.99 ($3.99 for NCTM members). One of the topics for each of the networking meetings will use readings and resources from this book.

Register for February 12 Meeting

Technology Tip - Oregon Trail

Play the original Oregon Trail

When I found thie resource, I was thrilled!  I have always wanted my 7 year old to play some of the computer games I grew up with in school (namely Oregon Trail, Number Munchers, and Speedway Math).  Obviously I don't own an Apple //e computer with an external floppy disk, so I thought she would never enjoy the great games I once enjoyed.  Until now!

At archive.org they have a huge database of old "stuff" including old computer games.  I was able to find games such as Number Munchers, Oregon Trail, and Speedway Math, among others!  If you are curious if your favorite old game is out there, use the easy to use search bar on the website.

Grading Practices Workshop in Minnesota

IMPLEMENTING EFFECTIVE GRADING AND REPORTING PRACTICES WITH THOMAS R. GUSKEY

Topic: Implementing Effective Grading and Reporting Practices

Presenter: Dr. Thomas R. Guskey, Professor at the University of Kentucky, International Consultant and Author

Audience: K-12 Teachers, Principals and District Level Administrators, Building Leadership Teams and School Board Members

Dates: February 18, 2015

Location:
Double Tree by Hilton Rochester-Mayo Clinic Area
150 S. Broadway
Rochester, MN 55904
(507) 281-8000
Hotel Website

Registration: 8:00 am-8:30 am

Cost:
$225 per person if you register on or before February 6, 2015
$250 per person if you register after February 6, 2015
$210 per person if a school registers with a team of 5 or more

*Price includes coffee in the morning, lunch, refreshments throughout the day and all workshop materials*

Workshop Time: 8:30 am-3:00 pm

Workshop Description: Based on his recent book On Your Mark: Challenging the Conventions of Grading and Reporting, participants who attend this workshop will learn how to create and sustain a learning environment where students thrive and stakeholders are accurately informed of student progress. Mr. Guskey will clarify the purpose of grades, craft a vision statement aligned with this purpose, and discover research-based strategies to implement effective grading and reporting practices. He will also identify policies and practices that render grading inaccurate, and understand the role grades play in students’ future success and opportunities.

By the conclusion of this workshop, participants will:

• Learn how to question traditional grading and reporting practices, and seek more accurate practices.
• Identify the purpose of grading, and ensure school and classroom visions, practices, and policies support it.
• Implement research-based grading and reporting practices that promote accurate, useful accounts of student learning.
• Understand why traditional practices, such as grading on the curve and offering plus or minus grades, don’t fully report student academic performance.
• Examine grading and reporting policies, and make sure they support students, parents, and other stakeholders.

To register for this workshop, please call (920) 479-6504 or email us at info@firsteducation-us.com.

Workshop Flyer

Link to workshop information

Information taken from First Educational Resources

MELT Information

The MELT is just around the corner. We thought it would be a good idea reiterate the list of reminders and pointers about the day.  You should have received an email with the same information.

• First and foremost, the WEATHER POLICY - if the weather is inclement, any cancellation or delay relating to the MELT will be posted by 6:00 a.m. on theWCCO website under Quicklinks - School Closings. We will be listed under MRVED (just our initials.) This will also be posted on WCCO's TV channel.
• Dress in layers. The commons area (morning refreshments and lunch) could be cool because the main doors are there and people will be coming and going. Also, some of the rooms could be warm or cool depending on the number of people in the session. The gymnasium will be open and the bleachers will be down so you have a place for your jackets.
• Coffee and hot water for tea/hot chocolate (tea bags and hot chocolate not provided) will be available all morning in the commons area.
• Lunch (commons area) - there will be two lines so that lunch can be served in a timely fashion. There will be signs around the building directing you to the lunch lines.
• If you are not eating the catered meal, we suggest you bring a bag lunch. The school is out in the country and the nearby towns are not that close to allow you to drive there, eat a relaxing lunch, and return in time for the afternoon session which begins promptly at 1:00 p.m.
• An electronic evaluation will be sent out on Tuesday, January 20. Please complete it as soon as possible. We really listen to your suggestions and your feedback.
• If you are attending a networking session during the day, remember there is no "expert" presenting at these sessions. This is a time for you to bring items (websites, lessons, apps, projects, etc...) to share with others. There will be a facilitator at the networking sessions, but they are there to simply provide guidance and order to the session.
• Lastly, here are the session times in case you are not coming right away in the morning for the first session.
• Session 1: 8:40-9:40
• Session 2: 9:50-10:50
• Session 3: 11:00-Noon
• Lunch: Noon-1:00
• Session 4: 1:00-2:00
• Enter through Door #5 (follow the walkway to the left of the eagle statue). The door also has the number 5 on it.
• Be sure to stop by the registration table in the commons area to pick up your registration packet (personalized agenda, clock hours, lunch ticket if applicable). We have over 500 people picking up packets that day so if you would be so kind as to say your name when it is your turn, registration will go that much faster. The tables will be divided up by the first letter of your last name, so look for the signs on the wall behind the tables to get into the correct line.

As of today, the weather looks like it will cooperate and it is set to be a great day of learning for all. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact either Brandon (braymo@mrved.net) or Mary (mbrown@mrved.net). We look forward to seeing you all on Monday!