I'm in K-5 and used the TRAILS Evaluating Sources this year with my grade 5. I taught with a hybrid of in-person and virtual instruction through videos and Edmodo small group instruction. I would introduce evaluation of sources concepts in one or two face-to-face classes, then a grade 5 teacher would guide the team of students through the videos and follow-up assessments in the computer lab. Not ideal, but best we could do as I am part-time. This was our first year trying this and we did raise the mean score for students 7 percent from pre- to post-test. Hoping to build on that!
 
I'm going to use the TRAILS assessment next year again, but much earlier in the year and more fully integrated to the timing of the science class content. Anyone else using TRAILS or other assessments?


On Tue, Jun 18, 2013 at 3:57 PM, Janet Kenney <janetkenney@bristolk12.org> wrote:
I've been using the evaluating sources with my 9th graders for 3 or 4 years now (beginning and end of year) and work with all 9the graders on the Science CAPT embedded task on the skill. It seems I can only see about a one point (raw score) increase over the year. 

I like that I have data and a lesson to support the skill, I'm hoping with common core that more teachers will reinforce what I do. I think that is what it'll take to see my scores go up more. (Or maybe I should post test them closer to the science lesson.)

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 18, 2013, at 9:15 AM, "Tichy, Joan" <JTICHY@sheltonpublicschools.org> wrote:

 

Grades K – 6 come to the library as a “special”.  Grades 7, 8, 9 came through the courtesy of the Social Studies Department.  I work consistently with the Social Studies Department.  I had to select a department that saw all freshmen students.  You could do it through English or Science, but I felt that they already support online testing for SRI. 

 

I don’t mind the questions…

 

Testing and analyzing the district data was challenging but I felt the end results were worth it. 

 

I have attached a comment from one of my media specialists.  “I have attached a sampling of my scores from various teachers/classes.  I tested the entire student population and every single class improved in the “Develop Topic” which is good.  Some classes showed a slight decline in the “Evaluating Sources” which was odd, but it will be my focus next year.  Overall, I was very pleased with the results.” 

 

 

 

From: Deborah Sharpe [mailto:DSharpe@woodstockacademy.org]
Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 8:52 AM
To: Tichy, Joan
Subject: RE: Teacher Evaluation, TRAILS and 21st Century Learning

 

Thanks…do these students come to the library each week for a “special”?

 

Sorry to bombard you with questions….

 

From: Tichy, Joan [mailto:JTICHY@sheltonpublicschools.org]
Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 8:51 AM
To: Deborah Sharpe
Cc: casl-l@mylist.net
Subject: RE: Teacher Evaluation, TRAILS and 21st Century Learning

 

 

This year we tested grades 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 (all 7, 8, freshman social studies classes). 

 

From: Deborah Sharpe [mailto:DSharpe@woodstockacademy.org]
Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 8:47 AM
To: Tichy, Joan
Subject: RE: Teacher Evaluation, TRAILS and 21st Century Learning

 

Just out of curiosity, which grades do you work with?

 

From: casl-l-bounces@mylist.net [mailto:casl-l-bounces@mylist.net] On Behalf Of Tichy, Joan
Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 8:44 AM
To: casl-l@mylist.net
Subject: [CASL-L] FW: Teacher Evaluation, TRAILS and 21st Century Learning

 

 

 

We also use TRAILS district wide.  I must admit that last year it felt like an ambitious goal to test as many students as we did.   In the fall our district pre- tested approximately 1,800 students.  I put all of the data into a spreadsheet and analyzed it by district, school, and grade and student.   Then I created a report and distributed it to all of the administrators and Central Office.  Our administration took the data very seriously.  The TRAILS assessment gives  valuable data for district wide changes and alignment with the AASL Standards and the Common Core.  The advent of the new teacher evaluation also pushes 21st Century Learning come to the forefront.  We need to embrace instruction, common curriculum and common assessments in this area or we will find it difficult to survive in the competitive environment.  Student learning is key and demonstrating progress is also key. 

 

From: casl-l-bounces@mylist.net [mailto:casl-l-bounces@mylist.net] On Behalf Of Mary Ellen Minichiello
Sent: Monday, June 17, 2013 9:25 PM
To: sm_sendroff@yahoo.com; Deborah Sharpe
Cc: casl-l@mylist.net
Subject: RE: [CASL-L] new state evaluation

 

I totally agree.  Student learning is key.  You gave some good examples, Susan!

 

Mary Ellen Minichiello
CASL President

Library Media Specialist
Calf Pen Meadow School
meminichiello@milforded.org

 


From: casl-l-bounces@mylist.net [casl-l-bounces@mylist.net] on behalf of sm_sendroff@yahoo.com [sm_sendroff@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, June 17, 2013 7:10 PM
To: Deborah Sharpe
Cc: casl-l@mylist.net
Subject: Re: [CASL-L] new state evaluation

My district is already using teacher evaluations... I would steer away from circulation statistics and veer towards goals related to student learning. It is important to highlight what you teach (even if it is through project based learning). This year my goals were:

 

TRAILS assessment for identifying information sources for 8th grade (I used their 9th grade assessment).

 

Kindergarten identifying the difference between informational text and literature (this was collaborative with grade level teachers) and I created the assessment.

 

OPAC book reviews for 4th grade (collaborative with classroom teachers and scaffolded with mini-lessons on the library end).

 

In the past I have used use of OPAC (which I created an assessment); evaluation of websites; targeted circ increases (I.e. 8th grade); development of collaborative research projects with several grade levels; citation and bibliography...

 

It takes a little time to create your own assessments ... But it is worth it. Definitely check out Kent State's TRAILS assessments.

 

Susan Martinez Sendroff

Brennan- Rogers Magnet 

New Haven, CT


On Jun 17, 2013, at 12:29 PM, Deborah Sharpe <DSharpe@woodstockacademy.org> wrote:

Hello everyone,

 

I am looking for ideas for data collection for the upcoming new teacher evaluation.  Since I do not teach at all, the options are limited.  Is anyone planning on using anything other than circulation statistics for data?  If you have any good ideas, I would appreciate if you could send them my way. 

 

Thanks so much!!

Deb Sharpe

Woodstock Academy

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