week of January 23, 2012

Third and Fourth period reading RtI is finishing up with the "Rewards" program we began at the beginning of the trimester. Within the last six weeks the students have learned many new strategies to improve their reading fluency, which in return, improves reading comprehension. Every week students have taken fluency tests and every week scores have improved. After the last lesson, we will return to work from the Inside as well as the Bridges to Literature series and apply the new strategies they have learned.

In second period Math, we have finished Chapter 5 of the Mathematics Course 2 book. This Chap included working with integers. Beginning on Monday, we will start our unit on fractions.

Rewards program

In reading RtI third and fourth period, we have completed three lessons in the Rewards program. Students caught on quickly to the daily routine that the program requires. Although, the first two lessons did not include many unknown words, the students learned the process of sounding out words using vowel blends, prefixes, and word parts. I look forward to seeing their fluency skills increase throughout the trimester!

In second period math, we are continuing chapter 4 in the mathematics book. Next week we will focus on probability, least common multiple, and comparing & ordering fractions. There will be a quiz Wednesday on Chapter 4.6-4.8.

week of November 28

On Monday, 3rd and 4th period RtI reading we will begin working with the "Rewards" program. This program is designed to teach strategies used to decode long words and to increase oral and silent reading fluency. Seventh period class will continue to work from the Inside Series.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

week of October 24

In 2nd period math class, we are continuing to work on data and statistics in Chapter 3. There will be a quiz on sections 3 and 4 on Wednesday and a quest on Chapter 3 on Friday.

In RtI reading we began Unit 3 of the Inside Series. We will continue to learn about people in history that made a difference during the Civil Rights Movement such as Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks and Thurgood Marshall.

In RtI math, students are learning about the different strategies used in the problem solving method. Such methods are "Making a Table","Working Backwards," and "Finding Hidden Information."

week of October 10

In 2nd period math, will be reviewing the the Chapter 1 test that will be on Friday, October 14. On Wednesday, while the 8th graders are taking the Explore test, we will be reviewing some basic concepts that need reviewing. On Monday, October 17, we will begin Chapter 2 which covers frequency tables, bar graphs, and histograms.

In RtI math we will be focusing on Greatest Common Factor and reducing fractions.

RtI classes

This week in RtI reading we are continuing to read from the "Inside" series. Unit 2 of the series focuses on the elements of fiction....plot, character, and setting. In class we are continuing to test fluency and reading comprehension on a weekly basis.

In RtI math this week, the focus is long division with decimals, changing fractions into decimals, and scientific notation. Students will be taking a "Mad Minute" test (factors of 4). Next week will test factors of 5.

Instructional Math information

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year. My name is Lisa Schuyler and I will teaching 2nd period math. After a wonderful summer spent with my family, I am eager to start my twelfth year at Lakeview Jr. High.
To remain updated on the events in math class, please check my blog found on the district website (www.ccsd66.org). Information will be updated weekly. The topics we will be covering this year in class are decimals, fractions, measurement, problem solving, equations, and geometry.
Student's grades in math are composed of the following items:
Homework: Homework will be assigned on a daily bases. However if I feel the class needs further instruction on a new concept or skill, I will not assign homework. On assignments that cover new concepts students will receive completion points. Three points will be given when the assignment is completely finished. Assignments that are not complete will receive a zero. Review assignments will be taken as a grade. Missing work can be completed for a late grade as long as they handed in before the unit test. If your child does not understand the homework, they are highly encouraged to visit me in the morning.
Quizzes/Tests: Quizzes are given three to four times during a unit. Point values range from 20 to 40 points. Tests are usually given every four to five weeks. Point value range from 60 to 80 points. Partial credit is given on quizzes and tests based on the work the student shows. If your child receives a D or F on any test or quiz, corrections can be made to improve their grade. All corrections are due the day after they get their tests back.
ISAT Practice: We also use class time to prepare for the ISAT test. Problems will be in the form of multiple choice, short answer, and extended response.
Please review this information with your child. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at lschuyler@ccsd66. I will respond as soon as possible.
I am very excited to be working with you are your child this year!

Mrs. Lisa Schuyler