As you continue to grow in your knowledge of the 7 Habits, I am asking that you think about any texts in the curriculum that really stand out and align. I would like to add this alignment to our 25-26 pacing guide. I will send a survey out in May, so in the meantime, just keep notes and ideas. I know every text/story won't align, but I know some will fit great!

If you are a seasoned podcaster, or new to them entirely, I have a great podcast for you. The Measured Mom has a new science of reading focused podcast that is full of great ideas, research, and strategies. She also does a great job linking summaries and resources after each episode. Here is the direct link if you want to give her a listen. Triple R Teaching: Reflect, Refind, Recharge

Are you looking for a way to move past just writing words 5x each? Are you students struggling to master their spelling words? I have a few sites below that you may find interesting. :)

All of these strategies work alongside our curriculum and current pacing guide. Great instruction is all about using the strategies that work.

Spelling Strategies That Follow Science of Reading

Three Ways to Make Your Spelling Instruction Science of Reading Aligned

I have gotten a few questions regarding how you can join LETRS Training. In March we will have an informational zoom meeting to review LETRS expectations, training calendar, and all things involved in joining the 25-26 Cohort. This is a free for teachers opportunity that includes a stipend for finishing the coursework. However, it is expensive for the district, so it's important that you only sign up if you can commit to the work. I encourage any and all eductators to take the LETRS journey, it will change your entire outlook on reading instruction.

The OSDE also has a virtual cohort, open to any educator in the state. This is open to any teacher in MPS, however we do not provide support or manage this cohort, it is all through the OSDE. I honestly encourage our teachers to join our MPS cohorts, we love training our teachers, and we can personalize the process for you.

All sign up and meeting information will be in the March Newsletter!

This summer the Oklahoma legislature overhauled the Reading Sufficiency Act. This new law is called the Strong Readers Act. Most things will stay the same, but the big change starting in the 2024-2025 school year is the removal of forced 3rd grade retention due to test scores and reading criteria.

All changes have been updated on the ELA Website on the page titled, "SRA Information For Teachers" as well as the Curriculum Guide OneNote. Additionally, on the ELA page, there is a page for parents that is accessible to the public.

Below you will find the "Oklahoma State Test Blueprint and Item Specifications". This is your number one resource to prepare for state testing. Now is the perfect month to download, print, and read through this document.

OSDE Office of Assessment Website

Renaissance Learning is the home to STAR testing, CBM's, AR, and so much more. Below is a breakdown of each product your students have access to, and ways to learn more. In each section I have linked first the "smart start" quick guide to the product and then the full webinar. Most webinars are about 25 minutes long.

You can also learn more about all of these products by clicking on Renaissance U on your Renaissance Dashboard. Renaissance U is a free resource with on demand training you can watch anytime!

Below are a few cute Winter and Christmas reading logs.

We hope you enjoyed and grew from our November 22nd Professional Day of Growth. We are hoping to continue this trend of continued professional development, but we need to know what you would like to see offered. Please fill out this short survey for reading training options.

Reading PD Survey - All participants will be entered into a drawing for $50 in classroom books.

This will be our last "Secret Stories" training for the 24-25 school year. Secret Stories is all about teaching kids the "why" of phonics in a fun and engaging way. All teachers who attend will receive their choice of posters and the training book.

Where: Heritage Trails Elem - Presented by Megan Schmidt

When: January 6th from 10:30-11:30

Learn more about Secret Stories here

Sign up to attend here

All things Renaissance related are found in the Renaissance - U section of Renaissance

Into Reading: Display and Engage and Digital Teachers Guide

Into Reading: Weekly Practice Bundles

Into Reading: Finding and Using the Read and Respond Journals

Into Reading: Creating and Edition Into Reading Assessments

Benchmark 3 STAR Testing Window: December 2 - 20

• All students need to take their STAR Tests during this testing window.

Secret Stories Phonics

• January 6th at Heritage Trails Elem. 10:30-11:30 Presented by Megan Schmidt

Currently Reading: All the Colors of the Dark

Current Podcast: Triple R Teaching

Email: MichelleBurks@mooreschools.com

Website: Elementary ELA Website
Phone: 405-735-4263