Final Remarks about the summer session

I have learned so much that will transfer into my classroom this fall.  Teaching Best Practice Way is undoubtable the best practical guide for teachers that I have ever read.  After the discussion in our class about assessments, I read the material again.  While  we will have to deal with standardized testing, I believe that we can make them easier for our students.  Change is not easy!  I learned that by doing the integrated unit but we can't continue to do what is not working. I am looking for way to manage these new assessmenst more effectively.  If you have any ideas, I would love to hear them.  We have student portfolios but we put into them what first grade wants to see.  I would like to give my students an opportunity to choose what they would like to put in their portfolios.   I know if we make learning authentic, students will achieve.  I am convinced that if the classroom is set up the best practice way, all children will have the opportunity to develop a love of learning.  I have enjoyed the discourse in this class.  Thanks everyone!