Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact me if you feel any information would be useful to add to this page!
What's the deal with all the new third grade tests?!
Third graders take LOTS of tests - it's the one part of being a big kid that's not very fun. But our students are going to study hard, and do an amazing job!
Here's a quick rundown of what's going on this year:
Just like in second grade, we have the mClass DIBELS tests 3 times a year. This is separated into two tests: the DORF (Dibels Oral Reading Fluency), which they did in second grade, and the Daze (Dibels Maze), which is unique to third grade. Please note that in these assessments, students all read the same third grade-level text - there is no movement "up" or "down" to easier or harder texts. At the end of the test, a composite score is calculated.
In the DORF assessment: Students read a story for one minute as I keep track of accuracy and time on the iPad. When they are done, they must retell all of the important details from what they read, in a logical order. They are scored on words per minute, percent of words accurately read, number of relevant words in their retell, and quality of retell. There are 3 benchmark passages that they read to me, and for each there is one minute of reading and one minute of retelling.
In the Daze assessment: Students are presented with a reading passage, and every couple of sentences, there is a word box with three choices. Students have three minutes to choose as many correct words as possible based on the context of each sentence, reading for meaning as they go.
To measure comprehension, we have a new test this year, the TRC, also given three times a year. For this test, students read a short storybook aloud, and then answer either verbal or oral comprehension questions. The score is reported as a letter, to correspond with their reading level.
The Big One, the SBAC test (SmarterBalanced) is only administered once, in the Spring. It is all online, and is completed in the computer lab. There are reading, writing and math sections on this test. DO NOT BE ALARMED! If your child is actively paying attention in class, they are learning everything they need to know in order to pass this test. We are not teaching to the test - rather, we are building a strong foundation of skills in our students so that they can be successful across a variety of situations.
Whew!
My child's birthday is coming up soon! Can I bring treats for the class?
Absolutely! There are 24 children in our class. We do have peanut and tree nut allergies, so please be mindful of the types of treats you bring. All birthday celebrations in our class will take place after 2:30. You can drop them off in the morning with your child, or you are welcome to join us at 2:30.
Can my child bring toys to school?
During the winter months, when we are stuck inside for recess due to snow and below-freezing temperatures, kids often ask if they may bring a toy or game from home. This is the policy for bringing personal items to our classroom:
1) Absolutely NO electronics (especially video games and other handheld devices), and
2) Be prepared to SHARE! Chances are, a friend in class will be curious about your toy or game. Be friendly and courteous or the toy goes straight back into the backpack!
3) NO toy weapons!
We have a family vacation coming up. Can I pull my child out of school for a few days?
Unfortunately, I cannot condone extended absences due to our school attendance policy. Questions of this nature should be directed to Mrs. Presley, Mr. Claps or Mr. Cerruto. Ultimately, it will be your decision whether to let your child miss school or not, but keep in mind that your child may be missing important instruction and assessment. Try to coordinate any trips with days that students already have off on the school calendar. For the most current Stamford Public Schools calendar, please click here.