New Year's Eve 2019

Wishing Everyone a Happy New Year!!!

Welcome 2020

Be safe and have a wonderful time celebrating the festivities.

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

December 2019

As we reach the end of the year. MRCR Education takes a look back at the posts of 2019:

January

"We look to 2019 as a year of educational growth and development for educators and students, parents and administrators, stakeholders and leaders, and all who believe in education."

February

"From the complex structure of computer languages, to the early remnants of hand imprints in caves, and the philosophical discussions in ancient Greece about public oratory vs. written record, writing has earned the top spot in many modern languages."

March

"It is time.  We are ready.
It is time.  We are prepared.
It is time.  We are learning.
It is time.  We are studying.
It is time.  We are teaching."

April

"This is the final pit stop before the end of the school year and education prepares to enter into its final turn down the home straightaway to graduation."

May

"We must be there for our students and see them to the end, to that day when they take the stage and receive the recognition they have earned, for all the work they have put into becoming a graduate of the Class of 2019."

June

"The long days of June have arrived bringing the needed break of Summer...It is a great time to unplug and disconnect in order to discover other means of learning."

July

"'Summer Slide' refers to a decline in performance by a student that takes place between the last day of the prior school year and the first day of the new school year."

August

"New students and faculty members have been welcomed into their new institutions of learning and development with warmth, kindness, friendship, and professionalism."

September

"From meeting over the summer to get classrooms ready and gathering the necessary supplies to begin the year, to writing and revising lesson plans so they are up to date, to welcoming colleagues and students both former and new, educators have been laboring long and hard to ensure that we can provide the best education possible and make it available to all."

October

"Schools make preparations so students are ready to pursuit their own education as the last two months of the year (November and December) have a limited number of school days due to the upcoming seasonal holidays."

November

"Students, Teachers, Administrators, and Parents, have been collaborating since returning from Summer Break on that first day of school.  Before the Winter Break arrives it is a good time for all stakeholders in education to prepare for the second half of school, that last day of class."


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Returning from Fall Break

It is the final weekend before returning to education from the Fall Break.
Educators became rested and recharged as Thanksgiving was celebrated.
Teachers and students come back to school prepared for the winter that is to come.

After the Fall Break education goes through an adjustment period of limited time that allows for maintenance to be performed heading into the Winter Break.  Students, Teachers, Administrators, and Parents, have been collaborating since returning from Summer break on that first day of school.  Before the Winter Break arrives it is a good time for all stakeholders in education to prepare for the second half of school, that last day of class.


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

November 2019

To You and Yours,

A Happy Thanksgiving!!!

MRCR Education gives thanks to all of you who are a part of our educational family, serving the needs of families in the community, and preparing students to lead us in the future.

Thank you to each of your for your commitment to education.

Sincerely,



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

2019 CAASPP RESULTS

The results for the 2019 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) were released by the California Department of Education earlier this month.

Here is a summary of the results:

-Nearly 50% of California students met or exceeded the English Language Arts state standards.

-26%, nearly one out of every four students in California, demonstrate a thorough ability in Reading.

-25%, nearly one out of every four students in California, demonstrate a thorough ability in Writing.

-18%, nearly one out of every five students in California, demonstrate a thorough ability in Listening.

-27%, nearly one out of every four students in California, demonstrate a thorough ability in  Research & Inquiry.

-Nearly 40% of California students met or exceeded the Mathematics state standards.

-27%, nearly one out of every four students in California, demonstrate a thorough ability in Concepts and Procedures.

-21%, nearly one out of every five students in California, demonstrate a thorough ability in  Problem Solving and Modeling & Data Analysis

-21%, nearly one out of every five students in California, demonstrate a thorough ability in  Communicating Reasoning


Sources:

California Department of Education
Website: cde.ca.gov

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress
Website: caaspp-elpac.cde.ca.gov/caaspp


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

October 2019

October brings its bright colors as the foliage changes from green, to yellow, to orange, and red as autumn sets in and leaves prepare to fall.

The bright orange pumpkins will soon illuminate doorsteps as they are carved into Jack-O-Lanterns in celebration of Halloween.

Nights begin to last longer yet the sun still has enough heat during the day that we must become aware of fire dangers.

Schools make preparations so students are ready to pursuit their own education as the last two months of the year (November and December) have a limited number of school days due to the upcoming seasonal holidays.

California reflects on the results of the California Assessment of Student Progress and Performance (CAASPP) as growth continues to be made yet much work remains to be done.


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Education Assessment 2019

Education Assessment Post 2019

Up Coming 2-Part Post

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

September 2019

As we reach the end of September, MRCR Education takes a look back at what this month has been like.

To start, Labor Day.  A day in which we reflect on the importance of the labor educators do.  From meeting over the summer to get classrooms ready and gathering the necessary supplies to begin the year, to writing and revising lesson plans so they are up to date, to welcoming colleagues and students both former and new, educators have been laboring long and hard to ensure that we can provide the best education possible and make it available to all.

Halfway through September began the Latin American/Hispanic Heritage Month celebration where we acknowledge and recognize the contributions made by the peoples and cultures from the southern most points in Chile and Argentina, to the mountainous terrains of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru, the volcanic backbone of the Central American Isthmus, the Caribbean islands of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, and all the current and historic regions of the former Mexican Empire.

Finally, we officially say goodbye to Summer and welcome Fall with its "Autumn Wind" just as baseball enters its Fall Classic and Football's gridiron returns.

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Back to School 2019-2020

We are Back!!!

As we reach the end of August, and enter the Labor Day weekend, we mark the unofficial end of Summer.

By now classrooms are set.
The lesson plans that were prepared over the Summer Break have began to be implemented.
Students have settled into the day to day routine that is their school schedule.

Summer adventures have been shared and exchanged.
New students and faculty members have been welcomed into their new institutions of learning and development with warmth, kindness, friendship, and professionalism.

To all educators out there: Have a wonderful 2019-20 School Year.

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

August 2019

In Memory of:

Gilroy,CA.

El Paso, TX.

Dayton, OH.

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Summer Slide

"Summer Slide"
A Poem about Summer Slide

The last day of school finally arrived.
I ran to my locker, put everything away.
Signed out by teachers, all is now cleared.
Summer vacation is now on its way.

No teachers. No classes. No school. Just cheers!
No studies. No homework. Do nothing but sleep.
Shutting down my brain, shutting down my thoughts.
I'll restart all engines when the time comes, though.

My parents inform me that school starts again.
Why did I do nothing? Now I'm feeling pain.
Now I fell sluggish, now I feel drained.
Not ready for school. Not ready to start.
It's the first day of school, and I'm not feeling smart.


Summer Slide Defined


"Summer Slide" refers to a decline in performance by a student that takes place between the last day of the prior school year and the first day of the new school year.


The decline in student performance can range from at-risk, to minimum, to non-existent, depending on how steep the decline is.  Summer Slide can make it very difficult and/or challenging, to make a successful transition from Summer break to back to school.


This results in students under-performing to start the school year and puts them at risk of remaining behind academically while their classmates grow and advance.

To minimize, or prevent, negative effects from Summer Slide students should remain engaged in summer activities such as: Summer school, Ed-camps, Reading clubs, and Recreational programs.  It is necessary that students remain academically active through the Summer break as they prepare to commence the next school year.

This does not mean that students cannot enjoy time off during Summer to have fun, relax, unplug for some R & R, they've earned it and they deserve it, they just need find what will work for them.  


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2018.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

July 2018

Wishing everyone a Happy 4th of July!

Be safe and careful while celebrating.

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Summer Check List 2019

Already bored of Summer?

Can't wait for school to be back?

Don't know what to do until then?

Then take a look at the following list:


READ
-Go to your local library and read.  Check out what's new or reread an old favorite.

LISTEN
-Check out your favorite music streaming app and expand your music library.

TALK
-Nothing like having a nice face to face conversation with a friend or relative.

WRITE
-Whether it's an old fashion handwritten journal or your own blog, jot down your summer adventures.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

June 2019

The long days of June have arrived bringing the needed break of Summer.

Students and teachers are resting and out on vacation.

Classrooms and schools are being cleaned, repaired, and upgraded.

It is a great time to unplug and disconnect in order to discover other means of learning.

Have a nice Summer!


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Class of 2019

Congratulations

Class

of

2019

Thank you for a great school year.

Have a great Summer.

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

May 2019

We have made it to May and it is time to look forward to some "Pomp and Circumstance".

The 2018-19 School year is coming to an end and before we know it we'll be heading off to Summer Break, but before we can check out we must make it to the finish, and still ahead lie some of the most challenging days as students wrap up projects and portfolios, complete presentations, and comply with school requirements.
We must be there for our students and see them to the end, to that day when they take the stage and receive the recognition they have earned, for all the work they have put into becoming a graduate of the Class of 2019.

We also wish our mothers, and all mother-figures, a "Happy Mother's Day".  Thank you for all that you have done for us, to support us as we learn and become students, and graduate from High School and go on into adulthood, as educated graduates, prepared and ready.  We thank nurses, appreciate educators, honor Asian Pacific American Heritage.

And we take time to pause and reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice by laying down their lives with honor in the service of their country as we remember them on Memorial Day.


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

2018 CAASPP Results and Analysis

Students in California are finishing the 2019 CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Progress and Performance) in ELA (English Language Arts) and Math (Mathematics).

The results will be processed and mailed to the students home over the Summer.

This could be the year when the 50% threshold is crossed for the first time for California students meeting or exceeding the ELA CAASPP standards and the 40% threshold is crossed for the first time for California students meeting or exceeding the Math CAASPP standards.  Student growth has been slow, but steady, and there is still much work to be done across the state.

Let's take a look back at the 2018 CAASPP results for ELA and Math for California:

Last year, in the Spring of 2018, students in grades 3 through 8 and 11, participated in the CAASPP ELA.  These were the results:

• 97.1% of California Students Enrolled were tested.
• 99.9% of California Students Tested had scored tests.
• 49.88% of California Students Meet or Exceeded the ELA Standards.
• 24.95% of California Students Scored Above in Reading.
• 26.71% of California Students Scored Above in Writing.
• 17.67% of California Students Scored Above in Listening.
• 29.44% of California Students Scored Above in Research and Inquiry.

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Education.

Last year, in the Spring of 2018, students in grades 3 through 8 and 11, participated in the CAASPP Math.  These were the results:

• 97.3% of California Students Enrolled were tested.
• 99.9% of California Students Tested had scored tests.
• 38.65% of California Students Meet or Exceeded the Math Standards.
• 26.49% of California Students Scored Above in Concepts and Procedures.
• 20.73% of California Students Scored Above in Problem Solving & Modeling and Data Analysis.
• 21.17% of California Students Scored Above in Communicating Reasoning.

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Education.

*Source: California Department of Education Website.

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

April 2019

No Fooling, April is Here!

Time to take a Break and enjoy Spring.

Go Outside and catch a Ballgame.

Do some Spring Cleaning and visit the Great Outdoors.

This is the final pit stop before the end of the school year and education prepares to enter into its final turn and down the home straightaway to graduation.

People celebrate the feasts of Easter and Passover while filing taxes by Patriots day and wishing Oklahoma a Better that OK-Day.

And throughout the month, Poetry is celebrated by slamming verses, lines, stanzas, and rhymes.

We welcome you April and challenge you to meet or exceed our academic standards.


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Listening Attentively

" Are you listening to me? "
" What did I just say? "
" That's not what I said!!! "
" You are not listening to me!!! "

- Overheard in public -

It has been repeated many times over in some variation or another, and it is possible that we, ourselves, have used it too.

We attempt to communicate with others and the communication fails.

Our attempt to communicate crashes faster than an error message is displayed when trying to divide by zero.

But what was the cause of the failure in communication? The messenger? the message? The receiver of the message? The method or technology used for the communication of the message?

If we can Write Clearly and Read Fluently, then shouldn't all forms of communication be successful?

Reading and Writing are communication points, but Listening is the line in communication.

Students must acquire the necessary skills and knowledge of Listening Attentively in order to be able to successfully communicate thoughts, ideas, feelings, and information.

Teachers and parents can help students communicate clearly by practicing with them on a regular basis using the EAR Method:

E - Establish communication exchanges.
A - Assess the success of the exchange.
R - Revise Unsuccessful exchanges.

Utilizing the EAR Method to practice Listening Attentively communication skills can be beneficial to the more than 80% of California students who scored near or below in the listening strand of the 2018 ELA CAASPP.


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

March 2019

March has come marching in!

It is time to transition from Winter into Spring.
It is time to Spring Forward into Daylight Savings Time.
It is time for Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, and Lent.
It is time for Pi Day and St. Patrick's Day.
It is time for March Madness and, of course, Baseball.

We are 3 months away from the end of the school year.
We are preparing students for testing and assessment.
We are doing all we can to help students learn.
We are collaborating and sharing best practices.
We are getting ready to graduate the Class of 2019.

It is time.  We are ready.
It is time.  We are prepared.
It is time.  We are learning.
It is time.  We are studying.
It is time.  We are teaching.







Manuel R. CortezRodas - Education

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Writing Clearly

Writing is perhaps the highest form of communication that humans have developed.

From the complex structure of computer languages, to the early remnants of hand imprints in caves, and the philosophical discussions in ancient Greece about public oratory vs. written record, writing has earned the top spot in many modern languages.

Writing is one of the last skills that English Learners master on their way to achieving language fluency and one of the first skills that are assessed in a student's progress.

It is a record that we create set to withstand the test of time.

It is written, proof read, edited, rewritten, and published as a final word.

It is open to challenge and criticism, to redaction and correction.

It is used as a source to inspire and create more writing.

It is poems, books, scrolls and scribbles that express thought and emotion.

Writing challenges the writer to conquer the dreaded writer's block.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

February 2019

"Welcome February!

The new year is up and running.

January kicked the year off and now it's gone.  New year's parties, government shut-down, teacher strikes, polar vortex, all this and more has taken place so far this year, and it is only the first month.

February is dedicated to Black History Month.  Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Rosa Parks Day mark the start of the time to acknowledge the accomplishments and honor the sacrifices of the African-American community.

Asian cultures celebrate Lunar New Year and wish each other health, happiness, good fortunes, and long life.  Love is also at the heart of February in Valentine's Day and it is a most appropriate time for educators to reflect on the love they have for their profession.  How our love for teaching motivates us to educate students.

President's day should serve as more than a holiday and help to keep in mind the qualities of leadership needed for the highest office in the land, an office of honor that can humble, and test with trying times.

And finally, two events in two very different sports, the Super Bowl and the Daytona 500.  Yes, February is indeed a non-stop fast break that will lead into the madness of March.

Have a Great February, Educators!"

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Reading Fluently

Reading was the first academic skill I learned and once I learned how to read, read I did.

I could read the same book over again in the same way i can now listen to a single song on repeat.

Sometimes I could have four to five books open at the same time, spread out all over the floor, like so many windows and tabs on a computer screen.

Other times I would read a complete series beginning to end much like binge-watching on a streaming device.

Reading fluently is the first fundamental skill developed that helps with success later in school.

While organizing for the new year I came across a booklet given to me nearly 20 years ago (Most likely early 2002) in it was the following quote: "Reading failure has exacted a tremendous long-term consequence for children's developing self-confidence and motivation to learn." by Susan B. Neuman and it reminded me of just how important reading is to education success.

Much has changed since then yet the importance of reading in education remains a priority to all educators, though much of the burden falls on the shoulders of those in early education, but with 75% of California students scoring near or below reading standards (CAASPP 2018) it is worth reminding all education advocates to keep reading front and center.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

January 2019

It is a new year.

It is now 2019.

The first generation
of the 21st century
has come of age.

They were the first ones who  became educated in the eras of No Child Left Behind & Common Core State Standards.

Educators have prepared them for both College and Career through some very challenging times in education and beyond.

Educators will continue to prepare students so they can have the required knowledge and necessary tools needed to succeed.

We look to 2019 as a year of educational growth and development for educators and students, parents and administrators, stakeholders and leaders, and all who believe in education.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.