4/27/12 Message from Beth
4/27/2012
Message from Beth
Standardized Test - OLSAT / SAT -
Standardized testing will be administered next week.
The Otis Lennon School Test is an ability test. The OLSAT will be administered to the kindergarten through eighth grade. It is designed to measure abstract thinking and reasoning ability. The OLSAT tests the ability to problem solve school learning tasks, it also suggests possible placement for school learning functions, and evaluates their achievement in relation to the talents they bring to school learning situations. In order for students to learn new things they must be able to perceive accurately, to recognize and recall what has been perceived, to think logically, to understand relationships, to abstract from a set of particulars and to apply generalizations to new and different contexts.
OLSAT tasks include:
detecting likenesses and differences
following directions
classifying
establishing sequences
completing analogies
solving matrixes
Stanford Achievement Test is given to fourth through eighth grade students. This test measures student achievements in reading, language arts, mathematics, science and social science. The Stanford reflects the national and state standards, curriculum, and educational trends of the 21st century.
A funny story - When I was teaching fifth/sixth grade I passed out the tests to the students in the class. One little boy raised his hand and asked,
“Mrs. Mosher are we allowed to collaborate on this test?”
Wow! What a novel idea, teams of students working together to solve problems and decide a logical solution together.
The St. Michael School of Clayton has 140 students enrolled for next year.
Most classes are closed with a waiting list except for our first and second grade. Our biggest and best marketing tool is our parents and families. I ask if you know anyone who may be interested or a good fit to contact Kristin Kuchem at kkuchem@stmichaelschool.org.
Did you know?
Your brain recalls images easier than words.
In ancient times, mental image techniques were used to memorize all kinds of material, from speeches to poetry. These techniques were in common use for hundreds of years.
Your brain remembers images more easily than abstract words. Take a moment to view in your mind an image of the living room in your house. I’m sure you can visualize where each chair, table, lamp, and other piece of furniture is placed. You can see in your mind details about them, too, such as their color, material, and so on. This should be effortless.
When we see in everyday life things that are ordinary we generally fail to remember them, because the mind is not being stirred by anything novel or marvelous.
But if we see something extraordinary, great, unbelievable, or laughable, we are likely to remember that a long time…Ordinary things easily slip from the memory while the striking and novel stay longer in the mind.
To learn the capital of each state we sometimes use images.
Take for example Atlanta, Georgia
So, AT LAN TA = an ant landing
Georgia reminds me of George Washington.
Image for Atlanta, Georgia
Images like this make an impression on your brain that lasts forever.
All the best,
Beth
