Thursday, March 2, 2023 Volume 17 Issue 21
Read Across American Day is a day that celebrates reading. This day was launched in 1998 by the National Education Association, with a focus on getting children reading. Celebrated on March 2, this date was initially chosen to coincide with Dr. Seuss’s birthday. More recently, the celebration has shifted away from Dr. Seuss due to racial stereotypes that feature in his books. (You can learn more about that here: https://www.slj.com/story/new-study-published-on-racism-and-dr-seuss ).
Instead, the NEA is creating a shift to books that celebrate diversity. As a school, we want our students to see themselves featured in books in our classrooms and in our school library. All of our children need school to be a place where they have mirrors to see themselves reflected back and windows to the world to see all that is possible for them. This was a topic addressed by Librarian Mr. Zetterberg and Family Connector Mrs. Washington at our recent National African American Parent Involvement Day breakfast. Building up a library collection of books by authors who come from diverse backgrounds featuring characters from diverse backgrounds has been a strong focus for Mr. Zetterberg over the last several years. He has created a resource for students and families listing these books to make it easier for you to find them. Feel free to reach out to Mr. Zetterberg if you would like to know more!
You can read more about Read Across America Day, why having diverse books in classrooms is so important, and recommendations for diverse books on the Reading Rocket’s website here: https://www.readingrockets.org/calendar/readacross .
On the topic of reading, Read Washington is celebrating reading by sharing The Right to Read film free of charge to those who register in advance. You can do that here: https://www.therighttoreadfilm.org/watch-the-film?mc_cid=d7326fa992&mc_eid=0b730a7013 . This film shares the stories of an activist, teacher and families who fight to make sure that readers have access to effective reading instruction. This topic is important both because we want every one of our students to be proficient readers, because students who are not proficient readers are much less likely to graduate high school, and because low literacy rates among U.S. adults are estimated to cost the economy $2.2 trillion each year.
Please continue to do your part to support reading at home by making sure your child is read to or is reading 20-30 minutes every day.
Upcoming Smarter Balanced Assessments for Grades 3-5
This spring your student in grades 3-5 will take the Smarter Balanced or the Washington Access to Instruction and Measurement (WA-AIM) tests in math and English language arts. Students in grades 5 will also take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) or the WA-AIM science assessment. The results from these tests will give a more accurate picture of whether students are on track to be ready for college or career. Most students will take the tests online. Our school is scheduled to take the tests mid-March through mid-April. Please check the classroom teacher’s communication for specific testing dates. For more information about the Smarter Balanced and WCAS tests, visit: https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/testing/state-testing-overview , and click on the name of the test. To try out an online Smarter Balanced practice test or WCAS training test, visit: https://login10.cloud1.tds.cambiumast.com/student/V571/Pages/LoginShell.aspx?c=Washington_PT&a=student The WA-AIM is an alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards aligned to the Washington State K–12 Learning Standards for students with significant cognitive challenges. For more information about the WA-AIM tests and to take a look at example questions, visit: https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/testing/state-testing/assessment-students-cognitive-disabilities-wa-aim . Please call or email Cat Davidheiser if you have questions about state testing. Thank you for continuing to work with us to make sure your student is successful. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to better support your student. We want your student to leave us with a solid foundation of skills and a future full of opportunities.
SPS Special Education Advisory Council
The SPS Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) is now accepting applications. This council will provide insight to SPS on important special education matters. This includes:
reporting about use of policies and procedures related to student classroom experience
producing training related to the needs of students
recommendations for professional development
reviewing and commenting on draft district policies and procedures related to special education
We encourage anyone interested in joining to apply, especially current and former SPS high school students with disabilities, community partners, and adults with disabilities. Questions? Email specialed@seattleschools.org.
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