We are happy to announce the release of 2011-2012 ACTAAP data on the TLI portal. Customers can use Historical Data Viewer to access Benchmark, EOC, and ITBS data. Additionally, TLI's popular AIP application, is now ready to go for the coming school year. If you have any questions or issues please check documentation and/or contact customer support via the link on the navigation bar. Hope everyone has a great start to the new school year! Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
The Learning Institute (TLI) is pleased to offer Model Literacy Units in 2012-13. Based on the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) Model Content Frameworks, the TLI units are designed to facilitate full implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in the classroom. The units focus instruction on one anchor text that is supported by a TLI Core Reading Guide (CRG) and several shorter texts that are supported by a TLI Related Readings Instructional Guide (RRIG). Both the TLI Core Reading Guide and the Related Readings Instructional Guide include a variety of student reading and writing activities integrating the anchor text and the related selections.
The Model Literacy Units are designed to cover approximately seven weeks of instruction. Each TLI Model Literacy Unit allows approximately one week of instruction per section of the Core Reading Guide that supports the anchor text in the unit. Recommended timeframes are given for any background and supporting materials as well as the Related Readings in the Related Readings Instructional Guide. While a summary and purpose for reading are provided for all resources in a the RRIG, full instructional support, including Student Activities and Assessment (SAS) pages, are included only for each of the five Related Readings. (NOTE: The approach in each instructional unit may vary somewhat according to the content of each CRG that supports the anchor text as well as the types of shorter texts included in the RRIG.)
Enjoy the preview below and please let us know your thoughts and/or question at litinfo@tli.net
Click on the links below to learn more!
Model Literacy Unit Overview
TLI's Core Reading Guide for The Great Fire
TLI's Related Readings Guide for The Great Fire
Beginning in the 2012-2013 school year, TLI member districts will have the option of administering the TLI Interim Assessments online. The addition of this option will include flexibility to use a combination of the new online assessments and the barcoded answer documents currently in use. This flexibility allows districts to take advantage of their current technology resources while minimizing disruptions in the normal school schedule.
At this time, online assessments will only include the multiple-choice portion of the assessment. Open response and constructed response items will continue to be administered and scored using the current method. TLI will release a FAQ regarding this new functionality on the announcements section of the portal.
This option will be available at no additional cost to current member districts.
The transition to Common Core presents a number of challenges and opportunities over the next several years. We are proud to announce a number of program changes and improvements that will make TLI an even better partner to school districts going forward.
New standards require a reevaluation and revision of current approaches to both instruction and assessment. We are thrilled to be able to provide improved tools to make the transition easier for schools and teachers, and to help instruction to become more effective for students.
Please use the links below to download documents outlining changes and options for TLI services for the 2012-2013 school year. The changes in Math, with the exception of our new Common Core Algebra I offering, are not as far reaching as those in literacy. Linked below, you will find the Math Transition Plan and two documents outlining the changes in Literacy. The summary provides an overview of the changes, while the full transition plan provides information critical for curriculum directors and those interested in a more indepth look.
Additional announcements about TLI's transition plans will be forthcoming. Please keep an eye on your email and our homepage for subsequent updates.
TLI Math Common Core Transition Plan
TLI Literacy Common Core Transition Summary
TLI Literacy Common Core Transition Plan
We look forward to working with you through the interesting times ahead. As always, if you have any questions or we can be of any assistance, please let us know.
The first of two drafts of the Next Generation Science Standards are expected to be available for public comment by late March or April. The second public draft will be available “in the third quarter” with the final version completed by December.
At this point, the Arkansas Department of Education could decide to use these national standards as they stand or add additional standards specific to Arkansas. Since Arkansas is a “lead state” and represented within the writing teams, we might presume that very little will change. [It is likely the Next Generation Science Standards will be taught in 2013-14.]
Myth: English teachers are going to be teaching science, and science teachers are going to be teaching literacy.
Fact: The Common Core State Standards include the learning of literacy skills using scientific texts. This means that some of the skills may be taught in English lessons, but may also be appropriate to include in science lessons. English teachers would not be expected to teach science standards (the current or Next Generation), but with support, teaching some literacy skills specifically related to scientific text might best be suited to the science classroom.
Myth: Science will be assessed through the PARCC Assessment.
Fact: The PARCC Assessment, which is to be piloted in 2013-14, will assess students’ math and literacy skills, but will not directly assess their skills, knowledge, and understanding of science (identified in the science standards). How science will be assessed after 2012 -13 will be determined by the Arkansas Department of Education in the future, most likely after the Next Generation Science Standards have been released in December 2012.
David Harrison, Science Curriculum Specialist
Useful websites / links:
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2012/02/first_draft_of_common_science.html
http://www.nextgenscience.org/
http://www.corestandards.org/
http://parcconline.org/
August 2012
