Using ASSISTments in my Blended Learning Classroom!

"Not only does the teacher need to keep track of where each student is, but he or she also need to help each learner feel valued and connected to the community." 

Four Essential Principles of Blended Learning Katrina Schwartz

The above article posted on Mind/Shift How We Learn had me thinking about the many successful tools I use in my blended math class. If I were to choose one thing I could not teach without, it would be the formative assessment software ASSISTments.org. Five years ago, my classroom only had an overhead projector and two classroom computers, no wireless network and access to two computer labs for a middle school of 800 students. It was then that I learned about ASSISTments. ASSISTments does many of the same things that other formative assessment software does. There are two reasons I still choose ASSISTments. First, I can use their created content by CCSS or create my own content. Second, it is a federally funded free online tool. 

ASSISTments does four things for me and my students. 

1. Track every student every day. I teach a team of 100 students. ASSISTments allows for me to track the progress towards the learning goals of every student, every day. I start my day with a cup of coffee and a review of the data reports responding to and planning around what I can infer from the data. I know who didn't do the work, who did, who is successful, who is struggling and mostly have data to generate a classroom discussion about math.

2. Generate classroom discussions around the learning goals. The data generated by ASSISTments allows for the students to analyze the report (names hidden) and discuss common errors. Each and every student is engaged in this work because they are prompted to think deeply about the learning when analyzing the data. High achieving students are engaged, thinking deeply about the concepts. The lower achieving students are asking specific questions, and figuring out their own errors, learning from this deep thinking. 

3. Students learn to own their own learning progression. Students change their attitude about making mistakes when they gain control over their own learning progress. Students get correctness feedback from ASSISTMents on their homework/classwork. This allows them time to reflect, review notes, check math work, and ask for help from other student or me. They come to class in the morning having a clear view of their level of success with the learning objectives, often prepared with questions or anxious to share what they did wrong. In my math class the learning happens in the struggle and ASSISTments helps my students embrace the struggle. 

4. Differentiate classroom instruction from data reports. My blended classroom is structured around the needs of each students. Differentiated groups are structured around the needs of students and the data generated by their classwork/homework on ASSISTments. The learning objective is posted and there is required work each must accomplish. The high achieving students are able to work at their pace moving ahead to challenge work while lower achieving students are working on the required work with the support of small group teaching. 

Five years later I have a class set of iPads, a Smartboard, two classroom computers, and a wireless network students can access with their own devices. All these tools are just tools. They only become part of a well run blended learning classroom when implemented to best serve the students and teacher. ASSISTments.org serves me and my students on so many levels. This software allows for deeper learning with more teaching and learning time because of the four points explained here. I use many online programs for different purposes now but ASSISTment.org is the foundation of my blended classroom. It gives me the time to do the important work, teach my students!

Term 3 - The continual evolution of my classroom....

Things that worked in my sixth grade math class in Term 3:

Using Edmodo, LearnZillion, ASSISTments.org, class set of iPads, Tiered Instruction Math Class, 3-D Club Printing and no "assigned" homework. First let me tell you that all these sites are the ones that do the work I need. They save me time, provide me with data, give my students support on many levels and so much more. I explore many web sites on a continuous basis always looking for the ones that will serve me and my student best. These are the ones I seem to stick with so I guess they are working. Secondly, my extra class for tiered instruction (extra hour of math each day) for struggling learners has proven to be very successful. Out of 24 students, 20 of them have brought their grade up from failing to at least a C-. These students all still struggle but the extra learning time has proven to increase their confidence and commitment to the struggle. My 3-D club has launched at least five 3-D printer student experts and now many more are interested. This group of students taught themselves 123Design software and successfully printed 3-D models during their own time after school. Lastly, my no "assigned" homework policy was quietly instituted. It took 4 weeks before anyone asked why there was no homework. I decided on this policy because so many were not doing the homework and so I was repeating each day. With this new approach, I start practice work in class and what is not finished is continued the next day. I would set the goals for the end of the week and any class work not completed by end of class Thursday became homework all due on Friday. In a nutshell, the work was set for the week and could be completed in class all week or done for homework if not completed. This motivated many to work hard during class. I found the students that never did homework or were struggling received more assistance and teaching time from me in small group. The students that were high achievers continue to achieve and like completing class work and getting to the challenge work. Much to my surprise, this no "assigned" homework plan was a win-win for everyone. 

Things that didn't work in Term 3:

Finding time to give to my high achievers. I complete and exceed each and every challenge. It is only a small group of students (5-6 per class) but still, I need to meet every one's needs. These students are hungry for learning. In term 4, (after state testing) I will allow these students to explore MEA  to challenge their problem solving skills. I also plan to have the last 10 minutes of each class scheduled for their questions so they can plan for this. 

There is also this small group of students I have been unable to reach. These are the students that make teachers feel sad at the end of the school year. I have tried every resource and tool within my power at every level to help these students without success. For most of these students the problems are beyond learning and the classroom, things that I can't control. I worry about a child that fails at least 50 percent of the content area for the year. Their future academic success does not look hopeful. Sixth grade is the the first step to secondary school so failing at this level sets the path of failure towards future grades. One good note, my district has approved summer school for these failing students. 

Term 4 post state testing is a fun time. This year my team has two STEM projects planned for our 100 students. Check back for my reflection of term 4 in June. 

One last note, I am very excited to have been selected for the 2nd year in a row to the LearnZillion Dream Team 2014! With out a doubt, my 2013 experience was the best professional development of my career! Looking forward to my 2014 work!!

Re-thinking my blended classroom in 2014.....thanks Arne Duncan!

Well my blended classroom is evolving rapidly. I have a full class set of ipad minis since October of 2013 that we use as regular part of daily work in a variety of ways. The ipads have become a valuable everyday tool for learning.  In addition, I was awarded a MakerBot 3-D Printer grant through donorschoose.org.  This has prompted an after school 3-D Club. We are exploring and learning about 3-D design software together. It is the future for these students.

I am once again re-thinking homework. I have so many students that don't do homework. It doesn't matter what I expect of my students on their own. At least 60 percent of them don't do it. It can be a 3 minute video, practice 5 math problems, copy some notes, or work on a small project. No matter how big or small, there is just no work ethic to complete anything. Which brings me to the next thing that has prompted me to re-think my classroom, Annie Murphy Paul's Brilliant Blog on student accountability.

I agree with Thomas L. Friedman and Arne Duncan…………too many parents and too many kids just don't take education seriously enough and don't want to put in the work needed today to really excel?

As a middle school math teacher, my goal is help each of my students grow and learn to their greatest potential. I teach my students about brain research, successful learning practices, and use technology to meet their learning needs on all levels. Although each of my 100 students is at a different point in the learning progression, it is my job to move them along that continuum of learning standards. It is the planned intentional goal of standards for all students to reach at least a proficient conceptual understanding at their grade level. I challenge all my students to do their best and I provide them with every possible opportunity to succeed. Parents, for the most part, do not support this effort. They complain about the homework, the technology, and the content. They blame me when their children fail. Over the last 5-7 years I have observed a rapid decline in the work ethic parents expect from their children while blaming teachers for their children’s failure. I have many students who come to school every day unprepared for whatever reason. It puzzles me that these failing students have no concern for their lack of progress nor attempt to seek the variety of opportunities I provide to help them succeed. They are not bored or unengaged, they are happy, social and seem to have no understanding of the work ethic it takes to succeed in a competitive world. I have a deep concern for the future of this generation of students and the huge economic gap that will be the result of this mediocre work ethic.

I think Arne Duncan is absolutely correct calling all parents and educators to compel our students to be accountable for their learning.  It is our job to teach our children about work ethics and achievement. It is time for America to expect nothing less than the best from our educators, students and parents. It takes a village to be a great nation.

In light of my view, I have decided I need to find a way to compel my students to work harder but not in a traditional way. The flipped classroom still has the feel of "homework" to my students so I am trying the following things. First, I have not assigned "homework" for a week now. Interestingly, none of my students have asked me why I have broken from a pattern of always expecting something from them at least 4 nights per week. I have posted a list of the weeks lessons online and on the board in school. Each day, the groups sort out (differentiate themselves) by where they are in their learning. Some is by choice, "I need more help with this or that" or "I am ready for the challenge and have completed all required work." I find I am working hard doing a lot of small group teaching but so far it seems more effective. Second, when students fail a test because they didn't do any work, I usually allow the failure but now I call them on it. I point out they have not reached the learning objective so we will have to do more learning and re-test. This took two more classes and some "weekend work." NOTICE, I didn't say "homework." I presented the work after a review as this is something that is now needed for you to learn this and pass the second test. Interesting, there were parents who complained about the weekend practice to help their child pass a second test.......thus part of the problem in America.

The experiment continues so I will have to blog again after thirty days. What I do know is I am doing what Arne Duncan asked, "compelling my students to do more" not by piling on homework but instead teaching the necessary effort it takes to reach a goal. After all, it does take a whole village and we teachers are part of the village. Compel your students rather than assign work and let me know what happens. 

Prepare for the Common Core Math Formative Assessments with Skip Fennell

Although formative assessment is a natural part of the process of teaching and learning, Skip Fennell outlines some clarifying thoughts on the topic in this 30 minute webinar hosted by LearnZillion Co-founder, Eric Westendorf. Common Core does not change formative assessment in the classroom but it does change how we should plan and apply it in the classroom. Skip Fennell explains the importance of this especially with regard to "hinge questions." Teachers are encouraged to take the time to read the Common Core Progressions Document which clarify the learning progression to target knowledge of Common Core. The planning of hinge questions as formative assessment becomes a less overwhelming task when designed around these pathways to the end goals of Common Core Math.

Here are some other great teacher learning progression resources for Common Core Mathematics.
The Learn Zillion Insider, 3 Steps to  Understanding Your Common Core Standard
The Mathematics Common Core Toolbox
Inside Mathematics.org
Kansas Association of Teachers of Mathematics (KATM) Common Core "Flipbooks"
North Carolina State Department of Education "Unpacked Standards"

My blended learning, reflecting on flipped lessons, technology, and the CCSS...

I began this year with plans to use technology to flip my lessons. I was focused on one primary goal, use technology to make the most of teaching and learning. That goal, along with moving to 80 percent CCSS has brought about much unexpected change in the way I teach and the way my students learn.

My district is not technology rich. We have two computer labs we share across 750 middle school students grades 5-8. We have some wifi in the building and are only beginning to allow students to bring their own devices. A Smartboard was installed in my classroom this year which really made a huge difference in allowing me to support my students by exporting PDF notes of classroom examples.

The following is some of the technology that has supported my blended model of teaching and learning.  Technology supports and drives my lessons. It saves me time giving me more time to dedicate to my students. It supports my transition to the CCSS through the vast resources that have emerged from sharing national standards. I have created a list a mile long of internet resources and narrowed my list to my favorites over time. Presently, these are my essential technology tools.

1. (free) Edmodo.com (for my students) has become the center of my student communication. I upload copies of notes that I export from my smartboard as a PDF, homework, links, helpful resources and anything else that will support my students learning outside of my classroom. A few of my students will write to me just about every night through a direct post. Students also ask homework questions and support each other through a group post. I know I have found a good tool when I wonder how I taught without it. Absent students can see all the missing work by dates and support material. Parents can also sign into a parent view of all their child's Edmodo groups if more than one teacher is using Edmodo.

2. (free) Edmodo.com (for professional development) I belong to over 15 different professional Edmodo groups with other teachers. This has been a great resource as we transition into CCSS. Teachers offer all types of good resources and answer questions for each other. Connecting with teachers globally has taught me so much and lead me to some great resources.

3. (free) ASSISTments.org is a formative assessment website. It produces all kinds of data to guide your lesson progression. Once you establish an account, you have access to already created content by CCSS or you can create your own. I have been using this tool for four years and again, wonder how I taught without it.  I mostly use it for formative assessment data to measure achievement towards lesson goals. I can track each and every students, know where there are common problems, address any individual needs, differentiate group work based on data and so on............the list is endless. This week my students are completing a skills review with tutoring built in. They took an adaptive pre-assessment and were assigned review based on their results. The work is being completed at home and/or after school in the computer lab. This review will hopefully help them improve scores on the state math test in May. My students have learned to use their own data to adjust their learning strategies. It is amazing to see how they own their learning once they get used to having data feedback on their learning progression.

 4.  (free) Learnzillion.com is my favorite flipped lessons website. At the beginning of the year I used several resources for flipped lesson at home. I made some of my own too. My students really found Learnzillion to be just right for them. The video units are built around the CCSS and searchable by grade, content and standard. The videos have downloadable slideshows that the teacher can edit to your class. There is also guided practice for the students.  I use these videos for review, preview, introduction and teaching. I love this site so much that I am working for them this summer and proud to be a member of the 200 teacher strong Learnzillion Dream Team 2013.

5. Reflexmath.com is part of ExploreLearning. It is not free but I applied or a grant and am using it for free for a year. It is game based math facts practice. I identified all my at risk students and they are using this adaptive software to practice math facts to improve their math fact fluency. This is the piece of teaching we don't have time to go back and do for students so this software is doing it for them. They can view reports of their progress and so can I. I am happy to find something to support these at risk students outside of the classroom.

6. Discoveryed.com is not free but a fantastic web site filled with all types of real world examples of math. I show real world math to get my students to see purpose in their hard work. Most videos are excellent. This site provides a  lot of support to teachers too.

Back to my flipped lessons and my goals for the year. My lessons have turned into an ongoing learning process with no real defined line between school and home or learning/teaching except for our physical location. Many teachers worry about continual communication with students taking too much of their personal time. It really only takes a little time but the students have the sense of always being supported at any given time. They have grown to take ownership of their learning with me as their coach available to help when they need it. The "Blended Learning" is a better term to define what my lessons looks like. We have blended technology resource, classroom and home learning together to create a new model of learning that meets my students in their world where they learn best. Interestingly, my actual classroom is not technology rich and is centered around discussion and group work as my students work their way through their learning progressions in school and at home.

I would love to hear from other teachers on how your classroom has evolved this year.

"Flipped," finding the perfect "balance" in your classroom

This article prompted me to reflect on my own classroom evolution. http://plpnetwork.com/2012/10/08/flip-love-affair/
I was recently sharing with another teacher about my evolution and said that I am in search of a new word because "flipped" classroom doesn't seem to fit my 6th grade math classroom model. Although many recognize that "flipped" is a continuum of definitions, it also seems to carry a connotation that all the content teaching is from video. Teachers who truly study or practice the model know differently. I am pleased with the goal of my evolution, creating a student centered classroom with more time to work with my students. Without technology this would not be possible. The largest success factor is my e-generation students. They are so comfortable with technology, my only task is to train them how to learn from video, data analysis, experience and adjust their learning tactics in response to learning feedback. As 6th graders, they have whole heartedly turned into little e-generation learners supporting each other on Edmodo.com  24/7. In week 6, my students are practicing mathematical practices on their own by persevering problem solving in ongoing dialogue outside of the classroom. But I have digressed, back to the "flipped" classroom. I think the term "flipped" is useful in giving us a model to help identify and support the shift of teachers into the next model of teaching brought about by the rapid change in our e-generation students and technology. "Flipped" describes the major shift into the world of teaching fully with technology at every level of purpose. This would include the full at-home video content delivery at the high school and college level to the partial content delivery at the middle school level. My shift into the world of the flipped classroom was a search for the perfect balance (at a 6th grade level) of independent learning, content delivery, and a student centered classroom where I get to teach rather than deliver content. If you were to speak to my students as we enter week 7, they would acknowledge the training that has been happening each week in our classroom.We have arrived at the perfect balance of learning for our classroom (this week)  by adding one more learning skill each week until we found our classroom functioning at a peak use of time on learning. I did not know where this point would be until we met that balance. That balance is defined by the students, teacher and classroom culture, rather than some outside definition of a teaching model.  I expect this balance is not a static model and will continue to evolve as my students grow. I expect my students will continue to grow and respond adjusting their learning tactics to the learning environment I create. In response, I will continue to build and add to our new model of learning as needed. As I reflect here, I see my classroom environment is defined by "balance" so I guess the adjective that would best name my classroom today is "the balanced class".

Week 5 - successful and not so successful

Week 5 has been interesting with flipping lessons. I still am only flipping about two per week. I am waiting for my students to  demonstrate an ability to keep up with the work and stay organized. This will be my signal to add a third day of flipped content. I am hoping to flip content at least 3 times a week. This week I also exported my smartboard class lesson as a PDF and uploaded it to Edmodo for additional review of class notes. It was handy for those who were absent too. Students had watched an introductory video on the content, and only had to answer one question with not notes. I delivered more content and examples on the smartboard in class the next day. Most of the notes came from this. Exporting the PDF allowed students to relax and listen rather than worry about writing down all the  notes. They filled  in the the remaining notes that night from the PDF. I guess I flipped the content in stages over two nights and one lesson. This was a successful way to deliver the content and still gave me more class time to work with students on problems. My end goal is to increase classroom time with practice

What was not so successful is the parents and all their questions. They are not sure about this flipping and their student's homework/classwork grades. Homework/classwork grades in my class are only 10% to track the learning progress. Parents want their children to have nothing but A's in the grade book and can't seem to understand that 10% will not impact the overall grade to any great degree. I use an online assessment tool and students get a percent of achievement almost daily. We don't expect high percents until we have practiced a concept for a few days. Parents want to see 100 percent achievement on every homework. It is a shame that learning is so grade orientated. We incorrectly teach students to earn A's rather than learn content.

One problem I have is the students who are focused on getting the answer but not learning the content. Several students in each class are copying answers from their group work rather than understanding the concept and doing it themselves. I can see this from the lack of notebook work and questioning in group discussions. This week, I will be implementing notebook checkers at the start of every class to check notebook work from preceding night's classwork/homework.

I still need to figure out how to support--

•  struggling students who are not used to thinking and just used to getting the right answer any way they can
• high achievers who think they should have an A every day on every new lesson
• parents who are having trouble shifting their understanding of the flipped classroom and class/work homework grades