WE will be implementing the new plans for Intervention this year.  Students struggling with Reading and Mathematics will receive  intervention sources during 4th period each week.  In the past, this was a time when kids were required to have AR points, even though kids will be allowed time to take AR tests during 4th period, AR points will actually be awarded as a grade in English class.  Those needing math intervention will be using an I-Succeed math program on the computers.  Reading intervention will be taught using several reading stategies during intervention time.  We may also be using peer tutors to reinforce skill levels.  Students will receive participation grades each week during Enrichment time.  Lastly, this is also a time on the designated day for each student, for them to go to the LIBRARY to check in/out books.

The Buckle Down series booklets are a new addition to the 4th period classes.  We are working our ways through the booklet to find any strengths/weaknesses that will help us get ready for testing.  Several of our kids are not very strong in their math skills overall...many can do very well on a short quiz with one or two concepts, but not on a lengthy exam that covers several topics.  One of our biggest struggles as math teachers, is to help kids find the commonalities  among several different concepts and how they relate to each other.  For instance, many don't see that finding 25% of soemthing is much easier to just divide by 4.  Another struggle for kids is the use of mathematical tools such as calculators, rulers, and protractors as I find them working through a Pythagorean Theorem problem and using the calculator for small things like 5x5 rather than just doing that step in their heads.