| Curriculum News |
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On-Line Testing Update
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For the first time ever, students were able to take district common assessments on-line. Beginning last spring and continuing into the fall, district Instructional Coaches worked with Rick Timm in technology to develop and implement a web based intra-net system for administering district assessments. Students utilized LMC labs and portable net books labs to take their first semester finals. As soon as the students finished their test, they received a score. Overall the response from both teachers and students was extremely positive.
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| Tiffani Collins' BHMS 7th grade math students testing in the LMC. |
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The District Science Grant was highlighted in an article in the Kansas City Star called "Focus on Science." Click here to read the article.
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 Tim Rasinski and Lorraine Griffith can help you build a daily fluency routine with your students and easily incorporate it into your daily routine. In this podcast of "Practice, Practice, Practice: The Value of Repeated Reading," Dr. Rasinski discusses the benefits of repeated reading and gives examples of what types of texts are most effective in motivating students to practice and perform. Listen to the podcast by clicking on Fluency above and download the handouts here to use in your classroom.
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| eCurriculum |
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The Blue Springs School District uses eCurriculum management system for teachers and administrators to manage course curriculum objectives, standards and goals set at the school, district, and national level online for document printing and publishing of course guides and grade level expectations.
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| Curriculum and Instruction Department News |
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Leaders Leading Leaders at CME
At CME there is a real thirst for knowledge and instructional improvement thanks to the "Leaders Leading Leaders" professional development program implemented by Principal Al Michelson, fourth grade teacher Cheryl Schmidt and first grade teacher Alicia Barrows. Each month a group of teachers presents their area of expertise based on the C&I Department Guidelines for scope and sequence for the different elementary levels. Click here to get more details on the monthly presentations, how the program was implemented and topics the CME staff has to look forward to the rest of this year!
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 South Students Give Tractor New Life
Jay Craven's Small Engine Repair class has finished the rehab of an old 1950s Ford tractor, as evidenced by the before and after shots of the tractor. An uncle of Tyler Johnson donated the tractor and Tyler headed up the project until he graduated in 2011. The transformation of the tractor began in the winter of 2011, but was put on the back burner when students in Craven's class qualified for the State Agriculture Mechanics Career Development Event. Total work hours for the students equaled three solid months of class shop time at 1-2 hours a day. Read more about the transformation and its unique challenges here. The tractor, having been restored to its 1950s assembly line form, is currently doing light farm work.
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Diversity Means...
CLE students Olivia Laster and Olivia Hailey (L-R) admire one of the many PTA Reflections entries on display at the District Showcase held at Blue Springs South High School. This year's PTA Reflections theme was "Diversity Means..." Students from throughout the district, in grades preschool - 12, participated in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography and visual arts. To learn more about the PTA Reflections contest and a list of winners, click here.
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English Language Arts Standards Revisions
Three BSSD teachers have been invited by DESE's Curriculum and Instruction Department to join a team of writers to create a state "model curriculum"in English for grades 6-12. Click here to read more about the goals and efforts of Maridella Carter (BSSHS), Lori Frederick (BHMS) and Sara Crump (BSHS) and the latest district English curriculum revisions.
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Professional Development Gets Creative With Kauffman Center Tour
On January 9, 2012, teachers from our speech, debate, drama, vocal and instrumental music departments took part in a creative approach to professional development. These 28 middle and high school instructors were treated to a tour of the Kauffman Performing Arts Center and got to see first hand the technology and artistry that encompasses the center. "The tour of the new Kauffman Performing Arts Center was wonderful," Jason Bean, vocal director at BSSHS commented. "It is amazing to have a world class performing arts center in our back yard. The Helzberg Hall is one of the most acoustically pure venues in the world. I am grateful for the tour and can't wait for the opportunities it will bring to our students in the arts."
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