Teaching may be part

art form, science, men-

tor, counselor, master

organizer and facilita-

tor, but what it isn’t is

sheer luck. Success is

planned and differenti-

ated so that all stu-

dents may learn.

Differentiated instruc-

tion considers stu-

dents’ varying learning

styles, interests, readi-

ness levels, and their

preferred medium of

learning to allow them

to express their knowl-

edge. To assure that

all students are meet-

ing their learning po-

tential within the class-

room, teachers need to

devise lessons that

actively engage stu-

dents. One way to do

this is through the me-

dium of technology.

Throughout this news-

letter various websites

and apps will be high-

lighted to help teachers

differentiate their les-

sons.

Volume 2, Issue 13

No Luck Involved

Carol Tomlinson’s Differentiation Central

This is an amazing site for teachers who are interesting in building their knowledge of dif-ferentiated instruction and getting ideas for implementing it in their classrooms. The re-source page has lesson

plan examples and online templates that teachers may download and use. I love the graphic organizer that explains how differentia-tion works through the planning and implemen-tation process. Power-

Points are available with management and implementation strate-gies that are practical and easy to follow. The support this site pro-vides takes all the ex-cuses out of being able to differentiate instruc-

Newsletter Date

W V T I S C o h o r t 2 0 1 3W V T I S C o h o r t 2 0 1 3W V T I S C o h o r t 2 0 1 3W V T I S C o h o r t 2 0 1 3 ---- 1 41 41 41 4

TIS & That

This newsletter is brought to

you by:

Luann Baker, Debbie Dunham,

and Marsha Fink

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Teachers often ask themselves, “Why do I need to Teachers often ask themselves, “Why do I need to Teachers often ask themselves, “Why do I need to Teachers often ask themselves, “Why do I need to

differentiate?” The following cartoon will explain differentiate?” The following cartoon will explain differentiate?” The following cartoon will explain differentiate?” The following cartoon will explain

why .why .why .why .

The next question teachers ask is, The next question teachers ask is, The next question teachers ask is, The next question teachers ask is,

“How do I differentiate instruction?”“How do I differentiate instruction?”“How do I differentiate instruction?”“How do I differentiate instruction?”

The chart to the right outlines ways to

differentiate.

tion. http://differentiationcentral.com/#

The Library of Congress

(http://www.loc.gov/)

is are great resource for social studies and lan-guage arts teachers be-ginning at 5th grade and

extending through college.

The site includes links to

these major areas:

• American Memory

• Prints and Photographs

• Historic Newspapers

• Veteran History

• Sound Recordings

• Performing Arts

• Film

• Maps

• Manuscripts

With the vast amount of

resources, teachers are able to match ‘just-right’ resources with ad-vanced, struggling and

reluctant students.

There is a page for teachers that allows for searches by grade level, content area (language arts or social studies), and common core stan-dards. There are pres-entations, lessons plans, primary re-sources, and activities for the common core

standards.

There are political car-toon analysis guides with access to political cartoons throughout the

ages.

http://1.usa.gov/1cSEgQa

This link is for an article explaining how to use pri-mary sources with ele-

mentary students.

http://1.usa.gov/1gwgW5I

The vast resources pro-vided by this site, teach-ers to differentiate by stu-dents’ interest, readiness, and preferred learning

style.

site also provides some

very helpful online fea-

tures. The online jour-

nal allows students to

save experiment data,

take notes, reflect, ques-

tion, and make observa-

tions all in one place.

For struggling writers, it

provides a “Help Getting

Started” feature where

sentence starters aid

This site is recom-

mended for middle and

high school students. It

assists students in writ-

ing a lab report. The

Cast Science Writer in-

corporates the writing

process into the devel-

opment of the lab report

and breaks the writing

down into smaller more

manageable parts. The

students who are unsure of

how to begin their writing.

A text-to-speech option

allows students to listen to

the text they have written.

This is a great editing tool.

This website would be a

great guide for students

writing their first lab report

or struggling students who

need a little more support.

PAGE 2

The Museum Box

Web Resources for Differentiation

Cast Science Writer

Boxes my represent a person, event, or time period. From a literary perspective, the mu-seum box may include information to support and argument or depth of comprehension from a reading selection such as a novel or nonfiction

piece.

The nature of the presen-tation style allows for differentiation concern-ing students’ background knowledge and complex-

ity of content mastery.

There is a trial option, but unfortunately it is a paid

site.

museumbox.e2bn.org

This website allows stu-dents to showcase their learning by placing vid-eos, pictures, text, and sound clips onto a digi-tal, three-dimensional box. It is a lot like a re-port on a tissue box but with the ability to incor-porate multi-media rep-

resentations of learning.

“The Museum Box might be a nice change in presentation style for those who have been using PowerPoint or

Glogster.”

TIS & THA T

Other Social Stud-Other Social Stud-Other Social Stud-Other Social Stud-

ies Resourcesies Resourcesies Resourcesies Resources

The National ArchivesThe National ArchivesThe National ArchivesThe National Archives

www.archives.gov/education

Digital HistoryDigital HistoryDigital HistoryDigital History

www.digitalhistory.uh.edu

Gilder Lehrman CollectionGilder Lehrman CollectionGilder Lehrman CollectionGilder Lehrman Collection

www.gilderlehrman.org/collections

Click on microscope for hyperlink to the Cast

Science Writer

V O L U ME 2, ISSU E 13

Video Lecture

http://videolectures.net is a site for advanced high school students. The lectures provided on this site are extremely informative but not cap-tivating. However, it would be a means of extending the curricu-lum for those higher

achievers.

The National Science Teachers Association http://www.nsta.org requires a membership to access most perks; yet, some lesson plans

are free. The Learning Center Section allows members to search for lesson plans and re-sources by grade level

and type of science.

SciLinks

http://www.scilinks.org is a website partnership between textbook pub-lishers and the National Science Teachers Asso-ciation. There is a list of textbooks on the web-site that offer online features such as exten-sion activities and other

interactive.

The National Science Foundation offers an app called Science 360. It is free and offers re-cent and relevant im-ages, videos, and news

in the field of science.

genre, author, and/or title to download a re-cording.

www.librivox.org

Once students’ lexile levels are determined the Lexile website will be helpful in determining if text selections that fit varying lexiles.

www.lexile.com

Scholastic.com offers

Matching appropriate books to readers is an important key to properly differentiating . All Stu-dents need to be able to access the content in order to learn. One way to assure this is by hav-ing text read aloud to the students while they fol-low along. The Librivox website will allow teach-ers to search for books under public doman by

teachers the opportunity to use the Book Wizard that attempts to match similar book themes or authors are different reading levels. Lesson plans and activities are also available to support this level of differentia-tion. www.scholastic.com/

bookwizard

PAGE 3

Math Resources

Science Resources

Language Arts Resources

uncommon conversions. www.onlineconversion.com The National Archives of Virtual Manipulative pro-vides interactive manipu-latives for all ages to aid concrete thinkers in pro-gressing in their under-standing of math. Could be great extension or in-structional support for

small groups of students depending on their needs. This site needs Java to run.

Convert Anything to Any-thing is recommended for middle school students and higher. This site is a great resource for math and science students who need a conversion but may not be able to recall quickly or easily from memory. This site also provides advanced stu-dents the ability to make

Free Math Apps

That support basic math

practice

• ArithmeTick

• Basic Math

• Concentration

• Math Quizzer

• Illuminations: KenKen

The next website is recom-mended for every educa-tor especially those in technology roles). This link connects to a short article from Discovery Edu-cation that highlights three different sites by Kathy Schrock. She is a retired technology director that continues to learn about new technologies and how they can be used in the classroom. She has a blog dedicated to this called the “Kathy’s Katch of the Month.” There is also a link for “Kathy Schrock’s Guide to Everything,” web-site that connects to her “Kaffeeklatsch” blog, her personnel homepage, and iPads4Teaching. This site

is the “pot of gold at the end of the rainbow” es-pecially for TIS educa-tors! The blog reviews new technology devices. Schrock’s homepage repeats some of the other links mentioned, but what I like best is the section titled, “Writing,” which con-tains links to articles she has written. The iPads4Teaching doesn’t just suggest apps to use, but it outlines how to implement iPads in the classroom to the same level as paper and pencil has been tradi-tionally. For schools who have a lot of iPads this is the site to visit.

Don’t miss the wealth of information provided in this link to help meet the needs of all students at

various levels.

http://bit.ly/OqnZqE

All trainings are free. If it isn’t possible to attend the live trainings, archived recordings are available. All trainings can be access on line at your conven-ience, and certificates of attendance are available whether you attend the trainings live or view them at a later date. Presenters provide informational hand-outs and suggested refer-ences. A recent training

Sometimes it’s difficult to attend conferences and trainings. Continuing edu-cation opportunities online are a viable solution. For special and general edu-cators and speech-language pathologists who work with students with physical, cognitive and communication chal-lenges, AbleNet University provides live continuing education opportunities.

included lesson plans on differentiating instruction for a health unit. It’s an excel-lent option for gathering information, learning more about a topic and for profes-sional development. Topic areas include: curriculum, communication, switch use, iDevices and computer ac-cess. Check out AbleNet

University @

http://bit.ly/OwGitV

.

PAGE 4

Differentiated Professional Development for Teachers

Web Resources Continued

Online Learning for Free

multiple disciplines, grade levels, and years

of experience.

Simple K12 and PD 360 are two sites that offer a plethora of professional development opportuni-ties. With Simple K12 there are incentives built into the system to encourage educators to

learn more.

These sites allow teach-ers to explore what inter-ests them most and is needed for their personal development consider-ing their background knowledge and experi-

ence.

The integration of tech-nology into professional development has al-lowed educators to per-sonalized their own

learning.

It is difficult for counties to provide professional development that is relevant for teachers of

Simple K12

http://bit.ly/1iWLSE7

PD 360

http://bit.ly/PK0UAg

TIS & THA T

V O L U ME 2, ISSU E 13 PAGE 5

Lucky Find—Article Review

“How to Survive the Next Wave of Technology Extinction” was a very lucky find on a chilly Febru-ary 12, 2014. In his New York Times article, Farhad Manjoo tells you how notnotnotnot to end up with technology that is completely outdated and useless. He rec-ommends that you use assorted

tools and apps simultaneously.

He believes that you won’t be at risk for technology extinction if you use Apple’s Hardware be-cause it’s not hard to learn and is long lasting. Google’s Ser-vices such as Gmail, Google+, and maps are available on your iPhone or iPad. He says to buy media from Amazon. If you buy a book from Amazon, it will work on your iPad, Android and Kin-dle. Finally, use connectors that bridge devices and technologies like Dropbox and Evernote for pictures and documents be-cause they replicate on all of

your devices.

County-Wide iPad Initiative

Raleigh County had the luck of the Irish with them when they made one-to-one a reality. Since then, excitement has been abuzz in Raleigh County. The iPad initiative is providing stu-dents’ county–wide with the op-portunity to join the global trend of integrating technology into daily educational experiences. Mary Ann Foster, Technology Coordinator and her technology team have deployed iPads to students in all schools in grades 2-12. Kindergarten and first grade students are sharing iPad minis with a fellow student. An in-service was provided for stu-dents at the time of deployment. In addition, teachers are being provided seven training sssse-

Sessions throughout the school year to increase their knowledge and for use of the iPad for en-hancing both effective teaching and student learning. District recom-mended apps for students in grades k-12 have been

adopted.

Although iPads are not totally replacing text-books, the county’s goal is to phase in electronic texts over the next five years. This year, social studies are being provided in an electronic format. Raleigh County’s initiative

is embracing the SAMR

model, moving from tech-nology acting as substitu-tion for a classroom tool to eventual redefinition of

the classroom.

Tech support is also ongo-ing county-wide. Visit the iPad initiative at the iRa-leigh link on the Raleigh

County School’s website.

http://bit.ly/1disf1e

http://nyti.ms/OwG2ey

5 Tips to Help Teachers Who Struggle with Technology Josh Work, a Middle School teacher in Maryland writes a blog. He recently shared some tips to help teachers who have a

rough time using technology.

Build a Tech Team Build a Tech Team Build a Tech Team Build a Tech Team

LC’s are a good way to work together and share ideas for bringing technology into the classroom. Start slowly. Integrat-

ing technology is daunting when you aren’t familiar with it.

Scaffold Professional Development Scaffold Professional Development Scaffold Professional Development Scaffold Professional Development Do not introduce too much or too little technology at one time. Concentrate on what is valuable to the teacher who has trou-ble with technology. Teachers can feel isolated and afraid to admit that they are just not getting it. Ask the teachers what technology areas they would like to focus on and choose one

or two.

Make TimeMake TimeMake TimeMake Time Talk to your principal and ask for some time to collaborate with your fellow teachers. Offering support to teachers creates success and helps those who need it, espe-

cially with technology.

Make it Relevant Make it Relevant Make it Relevant Make it Relevant There are many teachers who resent technology. They feel like it was pushed on them. Technology needs to be success-fully integrated into lesson plans. Teachers need to know that it might not always go as planned and that is alright. They

need to be willing to try again.

Encourage ThemEncourage ThemEncourage ThemEncourage Them

Some teachers will struggle regardless. They need support and encouragement. If they are willing to try something new, it’s a step in the right direction. Once they have mastered one technology, offer them another to try. After all, isn’t that what

we do for our students?

Along with traffic flow, safety precautions, and class size, the placement, incorporation, use of technology are considered when building a new

school.

The new Weirton Elementary will house up to 950 pre-K through fourth grade students with over 100 staff members. These students will be in-fused with technology. The school will have a computer lab on each floor along with five iPad labs and five laptop labs. Every classroom will have a smart board and document camera. An 87 inch smart board will be avail-able for student and parent involvement activities in the multipurpose room. Two additional smart boards will be placed in each conference

room for the purpose of webinars.

Other perks of the facilities 105,000 square feet will be:

• Two floors with more than 60 classrooms plus resource rooms and administrative

offices.

• Two gymnasiums (one with bleachers that seat 500) and a cafeteria with the ca-

pacity of seating 350 students.

• Two playgrounds and a play area around the outside of the school

• Parking that accommodates 200 cars and 18 buses

• Each classroom will have its own restroom, sink, storage cabinets, and carpeting.

• An elevator to make it more handicap accessible

• Security features— over 80 security cameras, a prevention resource officer on staff daily, and glass mantraps in

each entry way. • Finally, the first school-based health center in the Northern Panhandle will be adjacent to the school and oper-

ated by C.H.A.N.G.E., Inc. http://bit.ly/OwGQjt

Infusing Technology into New School Construction

As spring is upon us, it’s time to kick-start wellness. Let’s Move It is a free app for iPhone/Android phones. It’s available at the App Store, and makes walking and running fun and challenging. Devel-oped by the Cleveland Clinic, this app includes a free pedometer. Local and world-wide mileage challenges are available. In addition, videos, wellness tips and a calorie converter are included. There is also a tracking feature which allows users to buddy up and compare results. As WESTEST prep intensifies, a little stress reducer could

be just what the doctor ordered!

Spring Into Action With This App

Hancock County will open the largest elementary school in WV in March 2014

TIS and THAT Technology TidbitsTIS and THAT Technology TidbitsTIS and THAT Technology TidbitsTIS and THAT Technology Tidbits

Don’t assume your teachers or students Don’t assume your teachers or students Don’t assume your teachers or students Don’t assume your teachers or students

know that:know that:know that:know that:

Ctrl+A will select all the text on a pageCtrl+A will select all the text on a pageCtrl+A will select all the text on a pageCtrl+A will select all the text on a page

Ctrl+C will copy the item highlightedCtrl+C will copy the item highlightedCtrl+C will copy the item highlightedCtrl+C will copy the item highlighted

Ctrl+D will delete the item highlightedCtrl+D will delete the item highlightedCtrl+D will delete the item highlightedCtrl+D will delete the item highlighted

Ctrl+N opens a new windowCtrl+N opens a new windowCtrl+N opens a new windowCtrl+N opens a new window

Ctrl+R will refresh the open windowCtrl+R will refresh the open windowCtrl+R will refresh the open windowCtrl+R will refresh the open window

Ctrl+S will save a documentCtrl+S will save a documentCtrl+S will save a documentCtrl+S will save a document

Ctrl+T opens a new Tab Ctrl+T opens a new Tab Ctrl+T opens a new Tab Ctrl+T opens a new Tab

Ctrl+V will paste the item highlightedCtrl+V will paste the item highlightedCtrl+V will paste the item highlightedCtrl+V will paste the item highlighted

Ctrl+X will cut the selected itemCtrl+X will cut the selected itemCtrl+X will cut the selected itemCtrl+X will cut the selected item

Ctrl+Y will redo an actionCtrl+Y will redo an actionCtrl+Y will redo an actionCtrl+Y will redo an action

Ctrl+Z will undo an actionCtrl+Z will undo an actionCtrl+Z will undo an actionCtrl+Z will undo an action

Ctrl+Esc will open the Start MenuCtrl+Esc will open the Start MenuCtrl+Esc will open the Start MenuCtrl+Esc will open the Start Menu

Esc will cancel the open task Esc will cancel the open task Esc will cancel the open task Esc will cancel the open task