Curriculum and Technology
Recent Publications:This office is responsible for ensuring that curriculum and instruction for grades K - 12 reflect aligned content and instructional strategies that are consistent with the State's Core Curriculum Standards. I am committed to providing Midview’s professional staff with appropriate resources and professional development opportunities to augment the teaching/learning process. In conversations with parents and community members, recurrent questions arise. As the year progresses, I will try to respond to concerns that I hear repeated in my conversations to keep you informed about the state of education in Ohio and Midview’s efforts to improve instruction.What are the learning standards?Standards are like a road map. The learning standards describe what every student needs to know and the expected level of his or her thinking and problem solving skills as they progress through school. It is important to clearly establish expectations at each grade level so what students need to know is clearly understood by everyone. Schools and programs which have very clear “end in mind” goals for their students achieve higher student learning results than programs which do not. To help you understand the content standards, A Standards Guide for Families is available by grade level, K – 8. A link to each guide is available below.Why do we have standards?The Ohio Department of Education has identified Standards, Benchmarks and Grade-Level indicators for all core subjects: English Language Arts (reading and writing), math, science, and social studies. In addition, a state curriculum has been written for foreign language, technology, arts (drama, music, and visual arts) and library. The standards tell parents what schools are required to provide to their students to make sure they receive an education that prepares elementary and middle level students for high school and prepares high school students for college and good quality jobs. Standards-based education is now part of a national effort to improve public education.Why do we give Achievement Tests?Achievement tests are required by the State of Ohio. Achievement tests are designed to give a common measure of students' performance. Since the same test is given to large numbers of students throughout the state, a common yardstick or "standard" of measure can be derived to tell evaluators whether school programs are succeeding or to give state legislators and the public a picture of the skills and abilities of today's students.Many parents believe schools are too focused on the Achievement tests that are given to students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 in March of each year. We do not teach to the test. Midview is working to align courses of study to the new state standards, purchases resources, and improve instruction so all students master the grade-level indicators. The state tests measure current skill attainment. If a student does not pass at the proficient level, the following year intervention is provided. There are many reasons that a student may not achieve success at his or her grade level. It is important to remember that tests give only part of the picture of your child's strengths and weaknesses. Teachers combine the results of many methods to gain well- rounded insights into the skills, abilities, and knowledge of your child. Previous tests for student practice are available at the Ohio Department of Education website. Another beneficial site that provides tutoring and practice materials is Learning Express Library. What is the Ohio Graduation Test?Unlike the Achievement Tests, the OGT is considered a high-stakes test. This means that a student must pass the OGT as a condition of graduation and to receive a high school diploma. The OGT is given in the spring of a student’s sophomore year. If a student does not pass all five tests, he or she will have additional opportunities to retake the test or tests he or she failed. Intervention in the subject area the student failed will be provided. The purpose of the test is to verify that a student who receives a high school diploma has demonstrated a high school level of achievement. To answer additional questions you may have, please review A Guide to the New Ohio Graduation Tests for Students and Families. Students can also access practice materials at the OGT Website for Students .What can parents do?All parents have hopes and goals for their child. They differ on how they support their children’s efforts to achieve those goals. Educating a child is a partnership. We know children learn and develop differently. Learning takes time and practice. With limited classroom time with your child, he or she needs to complete the learning process at home. These suggestions are associated with higher student achievement
- You are your child’s first teacher. Set a good example as a reader — read every day at home even if it is a magazine or newspaper.
- Work with your student to be sure homework assignments are completed. Cooperate with the teacher. Homework can show your child that the school and home are a team. Follow the directions given by the teacher.
- Be positive about school. The attitude you convey in your conversations and comments about school and teachers will be the attitude your child acquires. If you have questions, please call the teacher or principal to “hear the rest of the story.”
Together, We're Expecting More, Achieving More!
