Neshaminy School District's Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction community newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 1

1. Volume 2, Issue 1
Fall 2011
Curriculum Connections
Neshaminy School District
Curriculum, Assessment & Instruction
From the Desk of Dr. Geeta Heble
The 21st century has This new scenario sug- tant to engage students in
thrust us into a new edu- gests that we shift our rigorous academic courses
Inside this issue: cational landscape that mental models about that address both content
requires everyone in the what we teach and how and skills. In addition, we
school community to we teach and assess our must cultivate the habits of
Art K-12 2 change. Thomas Freid- students’ learning. How mind essential to sustain
man brought us to the are today’s students moti- teaching and learning: per-
Business Education 6-12 2
realization that technol- vated? What do students sisting, managing impulsiv-
RELA Coaches 2 ogy has made the world need to be successful in ity, listening with under-
“flat.” Global competition school, at work and in standing and empathy,
Family & Consumer 3
Science 6-12 has become so intense life? Critical thinking, thinking flexibly, using
that students in American problem solving, collabo- metacognition (thinking
Health, PE & Wellness K- 3
classrooms not only com- ration, leadership, about your thinking), striv-
Language arts K-5 3 pete with each other but adaptability, initiative and ing for accuracy and preci-
Language Arts 6-12
also with students in effective communication sion, questioning and prob-
4
other countries. are the skills that will givelem posing, applying past
Library Science K-12 4 our students’ a competi- knowledge to novel situa-
Math K-5 4 DID YOU tive edge. tions, thinking and commu-
nicating with clarity and
KNOW? To meet the demands of a precision, gathering data
Math 6-12 global society, it is impor- Continued on pg. 8
5 Click for Video link
Music K-12 5 Using Data to Design Instruction
Professional 5 Neshaminy School District formancePLUS is a web- of students. Collaborative
Development has begun the process of based data organizer that discussions can be guided
Science K-12 6 building a foundation for provides a place for quick using real-time data and
data-driven decision mak- and easy access to informa- standards-based reporting.
Social 6 tion about the performance
ing. Teachers, guidance
Studies K-12 counselors and principals of our students. In a few At the elementary level,
across our district are short clicks, a teacher can grade level teams gather
Technology 6
working together to gather, find out how the students monthly to discuss the data
Education 6-12 and the effectiveness of in-
organize, and discuss data. in a class performed on an
World 7 This data will be used to assessment. By knowing struction. Plans are made to
Languages 9-12 drive teachers’ instruction what has been mastered maximize student achieve-
and improve the achieve- and what content needs to ment for all learners. Tech-
Instructional ment of their students. be revisited, lesson plan- nological advances and the
7
ning becomes a dynamic use of PerformancePLUS
Technology
We have a new tool to as- process based on the needs have given teams access to
sist us in this process. Per- Continued on pg. 2

2. Page 2 Curriculum Connections
Art Department
The themes of art production, who could crank code, lawyers A Whole New Mind.
art history, art criticism and who could craft contracts,
aesthetics are common within MBAs who could crunch num- One such learning expressed
the Arts and Humanities Aca- bers. But the keys of the king- through the Standards is that
demic Standards. dom are changing hands. The art expands a child’s ability
future belongs to a very differ- to create mental images,
Arts Education satisfies the ent kind of person with a very internalize and learn visu-
Arts & Humanities Standards
human need to respond to life different kind of mind - creators ally. They begin to become
• Production, Performance experiences through images, and empathizers, pattern recog- visual organizers of informa-
and Exhibition structures and tactile works nizers and meaning makers. tion and ideas. There is in-
as reflected in today’s modern These people-artists, inventors, creased focus because of
• Historical and Cultural thinkers. designers, storytellers, caregiv- increased engagement sup-
Contexts ers, consolers, big picture think- ported in the Arts and Hu-
“The last few decades have manities Academic Stan-
belonged to a certain kind of ers-will now reap society's rich-
• Critical Response est rewards and share its great- dards and the art program
person with a certain kind of here in Neshaminy.
mind-computer programmers est joys.” From, Daniel H. Pink,
• Aesthetic Response
Business Education
Students also demonstrate and
Whatever your skill set, pas- day’s students, the BCIT De- saving and investing
showcase their skills and knowl-
sion or interests, there’s a partment offers a relevant
edge through:
-Dual Enrollment (earn college credits)
business side to the career range of courses to give •ingUnderstand the role of market-
-Academic Certificate Program equation. The classes offered Neshaminy students a com-
-Future Business Leaders of America by Neshaminy’s Business, petitive edge in our global •Understand the role of interna-
competitions
Computer and Information economy. tional business
-TruMark Financial Jeopardy Chal-
lenge Te chno lo gy Depa rt men t •Effectively and efficiently use
-PA Institute of Certified Public Ac- (BCIT) provide a pathway to Neshaminy provides many various software programs
counts Essay Competition college preparation, to em- opportunities for learning by
-PA Money Smarts Competition
ployment and to personal enrolling in business classes. •Develop critical thinking skills
-PA Free Enterprise Week summer
business management skills. Our students will be able to:
program •Understand the economy
-Yale University Bulldog Challenge Research shows that about a
•Understand business and finan-
•Do research using quantitative
quarter of a million U. S. stu- cial decision making
skills
dents seek business admini-
stration degrees each year.
w •Develop and run one’s own busi- •Develop communication and
ness
e interpersonal skills
“If we teach
With a clear understanding of
the educational needs of to- •Develop an understanding of
t
today as we
a
Using Data (cont. from pg 1) “If we teach today as
u Language
taught
g
assessment results in the sure.
h
form of charts, graphs and Arts—
yesterday,
t
data that guide discussions. PerformancePLUS is proving
At the secondary level, these to be an effective tool. This Elementary
we rob our discussions take place during tool puts the data in the
hands of our educators in an Writing Workshop is a time
children of
team meetings and within and place where students
y
departments. Teachers can organized, user-friendly way.
develop the skills, fluency,
tomorrow.”
e
be seen working collabora- We plan to continue to de- and competency to become
s velop our expertise in using
tively around a computer
t the best writers possible.
ey
~John Dew screen, asking questions,
e this resource to enhance the This process begins with a
r
making observations and learning experience and Writer’s Notebook. Each
d
drawing conclusions based achievement of our students. child uses this personal
a space to brainstorm, record
on what we now know for
Continued on pg. 3

3. Volume 2, Issue 1 Page 3
Family & Consumer Sciences
Family and Consumer Science, writing, science, and social ing and retaining employ-
F.C.S., has continued to move studies are integrated, en- ment, managing finances and
forward in school districts all riched, and applied to practical other resources, shopping and
over the country. Neshaminy’s real-life experiences. For this consumer skills, problem solv-
F.C.S. teachers fervently strive reason, F.C.S. plays an active ing and decision making,
to prepare students for life in role in developing the student building strong families, pro-
the 21st century through inno- aptitudes needed for the viding nutritious meals for the
vative collaborative lessons P.S.S.A. and complements family, child development and
and creative hands-on, stu- overall instruction at parenting techniques, obtain-
dent-centered activities. F.C.S. Neshaminy. ing balance between personal
is definitely not the Home Eco- and professional life, protect-
nomics of past generations that Neshaminy’s F.C.S. curriculum ing the environment while
simply baked brownies and has been revised and aligned focusing on living green, un-
sewed pillows. with the Pennsylvania Family derstanding the impact that
and Consumer Science Aca- advances in technology have
In fact, F.C.S. has evolved into demic Standards to include the on personal, work, and family
the heart of educational cur- most important skills and be- life; character building, and
riculum where the content and haviors our students need for the responsibility of serving
skills taught in math, reading, successful adult living: Acquir- the community.
Health, PE & Wellness
We Are “Too Good” Although this school-based love it. Ask your youngsters
prevention program is impor- in grades K-3 about their
Maybe you have heard your son tant, we are only a part of the classroom puppet or robot.
or daughter talking about our prevention package that our “Tuggles, Carmen and Wag-
new program; if not, you will children need. Too Good uses a ner” love to help teach the
soon. The Health, PE and Pre- framework of prevention that skills. Middle school will be
vention Department has rolled includes the school, family and starting the Violence program
out our new curriculum, Too community. These three in the next 2 weeks followed
Good for Drugs and Violence. groups working together are by the Drug unit. The High
This is a research-based, com- vital to the reinforcement of School started the year with a
prehensive K -12 program that important life skills. combined curriculum of Too
has 5 interwoven components: Good for Drugs and Violence.
goal setting, decision making, Our elementary students have
bonding with others, identifying been working with our Too We are thrilled with the re-
and managing emotions, and Good for Violence curriculum, sponse of teachers and stu-
communicating effectively. and both teachers and students dents to the new program.
LA-Elem (cont. from pg 2.)
noticing, make lists and save A key component of the work- growth of young writers by
mementos to use during the shop is the time students and having children share and
drafting process. Teachers use teachers spend meeting to- sometimes publish their work.
children’s literature as mentor gether in conferences. Confer-
texts. This process exposes stu- ring gives teachers a way to We are fortunate to have the
guidance of Angela Watters. Angela Watters, at a recent train-
dents to examples of different check in and see the progress
ing for Second Grade teachers.
writer’s craft. Favorite books each student is making. Using Angela is an expert in using the
can be used repeatedly to find one-on-one discussion, stu- Writer’s Workshop model.
examples of many types of craft dents clarify their thoughts and Additionally, she has experi-
for the young authors to emu- plan their work. Through the ence as an elementary teacher
late. Skills are taught through process of planning, revising, and an adult educator. Her
mini lessons which are short, and editing, children experi- expertise has helped children
focused, and based on student ence life as writers. Students and teachers learn the essential
needs. and teachers celebrate the elements of writing in the ele-
mentary classroom.

4. Page 4 Curriculum Connections
“The more you read, Language Arts 6-12
the more things you Neshaminy School District’s textbooks, magazine articles, school and high school alike,
will know. literacy program offers stu- and web pages. With courses our students publish literary
dents a bridge to the world. diverse in their content and magazines, newspapers and
Their passport, in this case, is degree of challenge, English yearbooks that continue to
a wide array of reading and Departments throughout the garner top awards year after
writing activities designed to District offer readers a fine year. From drama and
help them grow into thought- balance of support and oppor- speech classes, students often
The more that you
ful citizens. With a blend of tunity for growth. join various school-wide pro-
learn, the more places
contemporary and traditional ductions that include drama,
you’ll go.” Students also have many op-
fiction, English classes at the comedy, and musicals. All
secondary level offer students portunities to share their these activities promote ex-
~ Dr. Seuss
the opportunity to cultivate a ideas, written and spoken, in ploration within and beyond
lasting appreciation for litera- the classroom and beyond. the learner. The inimitable
ture. In addition, readers ex- Developing writers acquire Dr. Seuss expressed it best:
perience texts of different gen- skills they need to produce a “The more you read, the
res and with different pur- wide range of compositions, more things you will know.
poses, ranging from literary to from applications to detailed The more that you learn, the
informative and including research documents. In middle more places you'll go.”
Library Science
New this year at the libraries at home. Families are en- if you don't know what it is.
are electronic resources by couraged to utilize all of our
Gale for grades K-12. Kids digital resources on the NSD Neshaminy LMSpecialists
InfoBits and Student Re- Research wiki. Please contact recommend the following
source Center Jr. provide your school Library Media free research apps to our
information from a variety of Specialist for passwords. mobile patrons: Gale Data-
sources, including newspaper bases, World Fact Book, and
and magazine articles for our If you have a Smartphone or Article Search. In addition
elementary students. Science tablet (iPhone, iPad or the World Book Encyclope-
in Context , U.S. History in Droid), you can get a free app dia has a mobile-friendly
Context , and World History to access our Gale databases. version of its reference data-
in Context are examples of Click on the AML (Access My b a s e f o u n d a t
the databases available to our Library) icon to get started! www.worldbookonline.com
secondary students. Students You will need to enter the or http://m.worldbk.com/
can access these resources library's password the first mobile/home from your
when researching at school or time you use the app--ask us mobile device’s browser.
Math K-5
Have you heard about Com- understanding, not just proce- this academic year. Next
mon Core Standards? Penn- dural skill. Each year’s curricu- year, we will bring the 2nd
sylvania is one of 44 states lum focuses on fewer topics grade curriculum into align-
that have adopted these na- but teaches them in greater ment. The state requires all
tional standards. They are depth. Please click here to read grade levels to be aligned by
meant “to provide a clear and more about Common Core the 2013-14 school year.
consistent understanding of Math Standards. http:// That is the year that the
what students are expected to www.corestandards.org/ PSSA exams will change to
learn, so teachers and parents a b o u t - t he -s t a n d a r d s / ke y - conform to the new stan-
know what they need to do to points-in-mathematics dards. Our 3rd-5th grade
help them.” math curricula will be
Our kindergarten and 1st grade aligned to Common Core in
The math standards will help curricula are aligned to the 2013-14.
students have conceptual Common Core Math Standards

5. Volume 2, Issue 1 Page 5
Math 6-12
Neshaminy School District is plemental material is being nise Kirk. Students are
in the process of realigning its developed for Algebra 1, Ge- learning how to program in
math courses to the Common ometry and Algebra 2 to assist Java and trouble shoot the
Core State Standards in the student in passing the code. Mrs. Kirk reports
grades 6 to 12. In addition, at Keystone Exam. that the students love the
the high school, the Algebra 1, hands-on aspect of the
Geometry and Algebra 2 At NHS, the smell of Java is in course as they write their
Nick Brown and Greg
courses are in the process of the air again. After a long own programs to perform Kneiss work on their
also being aligned to the con- hiatus, computer program- varying tasks. It is very programming skills in
tent covered on Pennsyl- ming, specifically Java, is back impressive how some of the
s Mrs. Kirk’s Java class.
vania’s Keystone Exams. The for the 2011 – 2012 school students use what they are
Keystone Exams, developed year. Approximately forty taught and take their pro-
by the state of PA, are de- students signed up for the grams to the next level. We
signed to be comprehensive Java course, but scheduling look forward to seeing the
content- based tests to deter- conflicts resulted in twenty- computer science program
mine a student’s competency seven students actually taking grow at NHS.
in a given subject area. Sup- the course taught by Mrs. De- "When it comes to success in
business, the first place that
Music people fall down and fail is
by refusing to own up to their
Music is a core academic certs—all are terms that we and strive to reach perfec- actual dream.... If more
subject, according to the readily use in our daily con- tion every time. Students people came to the table like
Libra ry Science
Elementary and Secondary versations. Music plays a who participate in music 16 year-old rock musicians,
Education Act of the United key role in the production performance understand they would find a lot more
States. This may come as a and use of each of these. In that they must be ‘proficient’ success and a lot more
surprise, but if you consider school, students work to by concert time, because happiness in the success they
the impact that music has in perform in live concerts they are an integral part of find."
our culture and personal through band, orchestra and the ensemble’s performance. --Mark Truman, Executive
lives, you will understand chorus. They practice the The skills that students learn Director & Founder,
why it is so important. technique of performing on through music performance Omniac Education
an instrument, develop dis- are applicable to all areas of
Multi-media, movies, video cipline and perseverance as their lives, even outside of
games, iPods, You tube, con- they build musical skills, music.
Professional Development
Improved classroom instruc- Schmoker and How to Assess evidence
tion is the prime factor to Higher-order Thinking Skills
• Resolve conflicting views
improve student achievement in Your Classroom by Susan encountered in source
is the focal enduring under- Brookhart, are being incorpo- documents
standing of Neshaminy’s pro- rated into the Essential Ele-
fessional development experi- ment of Instruction work- • Solve complex problems
with no obvious answers
ences. Many research studies shops. Both books offer chal- higher-order thinking. The
confirm that the teacher’s in- lenging strategies for improv- Schmoker suggests that cur- book analyzes test questions
struction is the primary deter- ing instruction. ricula focused on these stan- and gives teachers examples
minant of student success. dards will guarantee student for developing assignments
Therefore, it is the goal of pro- Schmoker challenges teachers achievement. and assessments that pro-
fessional development to to focus on four essential stan- vide evidence of high-order
sharpen the instructional tools dards for student success: Brookhart’s work urges thinking. Analyzing the
used by the classroom teach- teachers to analyze their thinking required to answer
• Read to infer/interpret/ assignments and assess-
ers. This year, the ideas pre- draw conclusions test questions can help
sented in two recently pub- ments to ensure that stu- teachers identify exactly
lished books, Focus by Mike • Support arguments with dents are challenged with what is being assessed.

6. Page 6 Curriculum Connections
Check out these sites! Science
http:// In the month of November, is environmental literacy and ronment. With this founda-
www.7billionandme.org/ our planet will reach a mile- how do we achieve it? tional “sense of wonder”
stone of seven billion humans. established, in the middle
http:// For those of you who were An environmentally literate school years, we can build
www.facingthefuture.org/ born in the early 70s, that is an citizen is someone who has an the students’ content knowl-
increase of about four billion understanding and apprecia- edge of both the natural
http://
www.ecoliteracy.org/ people!! To put this number tion of natural and human system and human society.
into perspective, that is twice systems. Moreover, he or she In the latter years of secon-
the size of China’s current understands how to interact dary education, we can then
population over the course of with the environment in a sus- take their appreciation for
our lifetime. With this stagger- tainable way. So how do we get their environment and their
ing number continuing to grow students to this point? As with knowledge of these two sys-
exponentially, the need for all science, the goal of the pri- tems and begin to solve
Environmental Literacy is an mary school years is to build problems in situations
essential component for the students’ general appreciation where these two systems
future of our society. So what and awareness of their envi- conflict.
Social Studies
and regions in the United
…well, not only history. The basics of all four domains of States.
We’re Not History!
Social Studies program in- social studies. They learn to
cludes history and also civics, identify and use maps and From the fifth to eleventh
government, economics, and globes, to differentiate be- grades, the courses follow a
geography. All of these areas tween how things were in the “history track” while embed-
together help to create active past and how they are in the ding lessons of geography,
and intelligent citizens for present. Students learn of civics and economics in the
our neighborhoods, state, and economic wants and needs and lessons. Both American and
nation. Neshaminy School how we work to meet these world history are delivered
District provides these les- needs. They also learn how to to our students in these
sons to our students from be responsible citizens. In grades. In their senior year,
kindergarten to twelfth grade. fourth grade, students use students choose from vari-
these skills to study the Com- ous electives to further their
In the early elementary monwealth of Pennsylvania Social Studies education.
grades, students learn the
Technology Education tion in the global economy at
risk. In response, our depart-
Technology Education has science and math as a way to ment has morphed again into
changed drastically over the past reclaim supremacy in the the Technology and Engineer-
millennium but has always fo- Space Race. The newly ing Education department.
cused on preparing students for minted Technology Educa- Our new goal is to ensure that
success in the real world. What tion program offered stu- all students are technologi-
started in the Middle Ages as a dents the opportunity to cally literate and skilled in the
system of apprenticeships has apply those math and sci- problem-solving, critical
changed to become the driving ence concepts. thinking, and engineering
force behind preparation for jobs design processes needed to
THEN The National Science Foun-
and life in the Technological Age. compete in today’s global
dation estimates that 80% of
economy. Technology and
It took the Russian launch of jobs created in the next dec-
Engineering provides an inte-
Sputnik to fundamentally change ade will require some form
grated, experience-based in-
what was then called Industrial of math or science skills.
structional program that re-
Arts. U.S. educators revised their Unfortunately, American
quires students to apply
existing curriculum with its em- students are falling behind
mathematics and science con-
NOW phasis on machining and fabri- Europe and Asia in those
cepts to solve real life techno-
cating and instead focused on subjects, putting our posi-
logical problems.

7. Volume 2, Issue 1 Page 7
“He who does
World Languages not know for-
language study because it
The goal of the Neshaminy they are able to experience this enhances his or her ability to eign languages
School District is to produce interaction through technol- become a positive, productive does not know
well-rounded students who ogy; and they become more member of a global commu-
are academically talented, are cognizant of their own lan- nity. The earlier children see anything about
able to use technology, have guage and its nuances by learn- cultural and language simi- his own. “
the ability to work with other ing vocabulary, writing about larities and differences, the
people and are self-confident and presenting situations, and more tolerant and better pre- ~Johann Wolfgang
enough to resolve even the reading authentic materials. pared they become for the von Goethe
most difficult situations. ever-changing world in which
The World Languages De- Studying a world language we live.
partment is one of the cur- takes dedication, repetition,
ricular areas that easily fit and commitment. These are If students are willing to dedi-
into all three of NSD’s de- academic skills that translate cate themselves to the study
sired pillars. Students learn not only into success in univer- of another language, the bene-
about the differences encoun- sity studies, but also into em- fits will far outweigh the time
tered when interacting with ployment opportunities. Every and effort needed to accom-
people from other cultures; child should be exposed to plish this task.
Tech Tips—Edmodo! Coming to a classroom near you!
We live in a digital world, a municate directly in a safe the mouse, a teacher can
global society interconnected online environment. The share the resources for an There are countless other uses
through a technological teacher can manage classes as assignment or an entire unit for Edmodo. The above exam-
“cloud”. Businesses, non- well as assign students in small with every individual in the ples are just a small fraction
profit organizations, govern- groups. Students have the abil- classroom. Edmodo also en- of what Edmodo can be used
ments, and even school--all ity to interact with the whole ables students to manage for, but best of all, Edmodo is
Professional Development
parties have some connection class or within a group. With their own files. It can be used free! Moreover, its creators
to the world through digital Edmodo, emailing can be cut as a way to store documenta- have stayed committed to
media. The phrase, “There’s out of the picture and content tion or presentations they offering it as a free service.
an App for that,” has become instead shared according to have been working on in class. Many teachers at Neshaminy
immersed in our language, guidelines established by the have been utilizing Edomodo
while FaceBook and Twitter teacher. Edmodo can be 3. Collaboration and in the there classroom to help
have brought social media to thought of as a one-stop shop Feedback: In conjunction organize classes, brings stu-
a whole new level. Teachers for all classroom needs and with folder management, Ed- dents together in meaningful
are starting to utilize this resources. Below is a list of modo provides a way for the collaboration, and keep every-
technology and social media common uses of Edmodo in teacher to give immediate one up to date with assign-
as a way to connect and en- the classroom: feedback to students. The ments. To find out more about
gage students. website also has a built-in poll Edmodo, go to www.edmodo.com.
1. Direct Communication: feature in which the teacher
A relatively new website Students need to know and can also receive feedback from
called Edmodo has made its understand what is expected. students. It even provides
way into the K-12 arena. Ed- Edmodo can be utilized to list the teacher a way to create
modo offers private online assignments, answer ques- small groups for project-
learning, a social platform for tions, and communicate with based learning. Students in
teachers and students. The students and parents (parent this group can share re-
platform is built around a access code). sources for their project or
micro-blogging model in assignment. In this sense, all
which users can exchange 2. Folder Manage- resources are stored at a
content (website links, im- ment: Edmodo allows the central location for ease of
ages, documents, video, and teacher to create endless fold- access in school and out of
writing). It gives teachers and ers and share these folders school.
students the ability to com- with students. With a touch of

8. The Curriculum, Assessment & Instruction Team
Director of C, A & I—Dr. Geeta Heble
Art—Cheryl Soltis
From Dr. Heble (Cont. from Front)
Business—Gerry Abramson
through all senses, creating, imagining and inno-
vating, responding with wonderment and awe, tak-
EAP/Data Overseer—Mary Beth Tecce
ing responsible risks, finding humor, thinking in-
terdependently and remaining open to continuous Family & Consumer Science— Kelly Macauley
learning (Costa & Kallick, 2009).
Health & PE, Wellness, Summer Adventure—
The Pennsylvania Department of Education pro-
vides a framework, the Standards Aligned System
Jan King
(www.pdesas.org), that guides curriculum, assess-
Instructional Technology—Dan Winter
ment and instruction in our schools. All students
can learn. With the many resources available, edu- Language Arts & Reading, Elementary—Dory
cators can challenge all our students to achieve
Fitzgerald, Terri Magerr, Mary Beth Tecce
their potential.
Language Arts, Secondary—Mary O’Pella
Library Science—Sue Flanly
Math, Elementary—Shelley Rosen
Math, Secondary—Mike Thompson
Music & Summer Fine Arts— Nicole Dinkins
Professional Development—Sue Weber
Science—Brian Suter
Social Studies—Dave Heaney
Technology Education—Josh Elliot
World Languages—Nancy Kerr
Neshaminy School
Administrative Support— Susan Freedman,
District
Kathy Giambelluca, Lily Lewandowski
Curriculum, Assessment &
Instruction
2001 Old Lincoln Highway
Langhorne, PA 19047
Phone: 215-809-6550
Fax: 215-809-6001
E-mail:
gheble@neshaminy.k12.pa.us