Cell Phones as Classroom Devices

Here is an article about using cell phones as classroom devices. Click here for the article.

RTI, PST, 4R: What Does It All Mean?

Many of you may have heard teachers or students talk about 4R, PST, Tier III, or RTI and may wonder what all of this is about. They are all connected and I will try to explain each term. First of all, RTI stands for Response to Instruction which is Alabama’s version of the nationwide Response to Intervention. RTI initially began as a method to identify students that might need to be evaluated to receive special education services. The concept is every student receives initial instruction called Tier I which takes place in the regular classroom. According to the data, some students need some additional help in the classroom and receive what is called Tier II intervention. This instruction is provided by the classroom teacher and documented so we can track what is done for theses students. This instruction could be in the form of small group instruction, peer tutoring, or computer based remediation just to name a few.

Students that don’t respond to Tier I, and Tier II instruction are referred to the Problem Solving Team (PST). The PST determines, by looking at data, whether or not a Tier III placement is warranted. The PST analyzes at least three sources of data and tries to make the appropriate placement. Tier III intervention takes place outside of the regular classroom using a research based instructional tool that helps place each student at the appropriate level for remediation. In Limestone County we use an instructional software called “Classworks” to provide this instruction.

Because we don’t want students to miss instructional time we provide a 30 minute time during the day which we call 4R. A small number of students actually receive Tier III interventions, but we know that all students could benefit from special remediation or enrichment. During the 4R period each student is assigned a class based upon careful analysis of the data. Some students do not meet the criteria for Tier III but need help with reading or math. Some students need help with the graduation exam. Other students may benefit from a class designed to enrich their knowledge of a particular subject beyond what they receive in their daily classrooms.

This additional time has turned out great for our seniors needing help with the graduation exam and we hope the spring grad exam will have similar results. In addition to helping students needing remediation we are constantly looking for classes geared toward our advance students. It is our hope that by fully implementing RTI all of our students will better get their needs met.

N.J. High School Principal Embraces Power of Twitter

N.J. High School Principal Embraces Power of Twitter

Schools Seek the Right Mix of Digital Computing Devices

Schools Seek the Right Mix of Digital Computing Devices

Inspirational Video

This is a video that I believe is truly inspirational. It is about eleven minutes long, but I believe you will enjoy it.

Loryn Brown Scholarship Fund

This a video clip that appeared on Channel 19 concerning the Loryn Brown Scholarship Fund. Our hearts continue to go out to Coach Brown and his entire family. No parent that hasn't lost a child can truly understand what the family is going through, but we are proud of Coach Brown and how his entire family has dealt with this tragedy. Click here for the video.
 

Academic Trophy

Limestone County Schools presents an elementary and high school with an Academic Trophy each year. The trophy has been awarded to AHS ten out of the past twelve years. This Academic Trophy's criteria is based on test scores from the PRE-AHSGE, ACT, SAT-10, Jr. Scholars' Bowl, and Sr. Scholars' Bowl Competitions. A special CONGRATULATIONS goes to all the students, teachers, and administration for maintaining the academic excellence that has become a standard at AHS!

Getting to School Safely: Rural Challenges | Southern Education Desk

Getting to School Safely: Rural Challenges | Southern Education Desk

News Courier Article

Here is the Athens News Courier article about Friday night's homecoming victory. Click here for the link.

Alert Now Message (October 7)

The band will be having its annual chicken stew on Friday, October 7, 2011. The stew will be on sale after school until it runs out. Come out and support our band program.

Homecoming

Homecoming can be great time for reminiscing and catching up with old friends. It is a great time for students to have a good time doing things normally not allowed at school. Homecoming is full of traditions and customs passed down through the years. Many times students are still participating in the same activities as their parents did several years ago.

Of course, the culmination of homecoming activities is the football game played on Friday night and the crowning of the homecoming queen. Many people will show up at this game that will not be at another game all year. Some want to see old friends, some want to see how the team is doing this year, some want to see all the attendants and watch the new queen being crowned. Whatever their reason for coming, everyone usually has a good time and sometimes friendships are rekindled.

The current students at Ardmore High School also have a great time during homecoming week. Each day is an adventure with a different theme each day and students wear goofy costumes each day to celebrate. This week provides a little break in the action from the normal routine and students have a good time. The homecoming pep rally is always fun, and the homecoming parade is always a good time for everyone. I hope everyone has had a great homecoming week. However, I must honestly confess I am glad it only comes around one time a year.

Alert Now Message October 5

There will be a Diamond Club Meeting October 5, 2011 in the New Gym at 8:15 p.m. Each baseball player must have a parent at the meeting.

State Recognition for Gavin Calder

Great article about Ardmore's Gavin Calder. Click here for the article.

Education World: Teachers Want More Tech

Education World: Teachers Want More Tech

Technology Article

Here is an interesting article dealing with technology and schools. Click here for the article.