Common Core Look-fors (Mathematics)

This is an observation tool for the Standards for Mathematical Practice and Standards of Mathematical Content of the Common Core State Standards (CCSSO, 2010).

CCL4s is available on both iPhone and iPad as a single download.

http://splaysoft.com/CCL4s/Welcome.html

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/common-core-look-fors-mathematics/id467263974?mt=8

iPad
The iPad version of the app provides an interface for entering observation data as well as access to all the Content Standards for Mathematics K-12.  The collected observation data can be shared via email or with our unique built-in instant meeting.  The graphs are very interactive and allow observers to merge different observations to compare and contrast different teachers or the same teacher over time.

iPhone
The iPhone version of the app is able to receive completed observations and view them. Its primary function is to help teachers track their progress through the Common Core State Standards - Mathematics.

Endorsements
Here are two statements from notable experts in the field mathematics education and in the transition to and implementation of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.

"This app extends our work with mathematics leaders by providing a tool that tracks the growth of a teacher's transition to implementation of the Common Core State Standards. This is a tool for coaches and coaching. It provides for informal peer-observation, is a source for data analysis related to teaching and should be the cornerstone for reflective practice."

Dr. Francis (Skip) Fennell
Project Director, Elementary Math Specialists & Teacher Leaders Project (McDaniel College)
Past President, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

"CCL4s is a comprehensive tool designed to help teacher learning teams deepen their awareness and understanding of the actions and conditions that promote student engagement with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice, with connections to the K-8 and high school content standards. An exciting blend of creativity, innovation, and strategic technology use, this app will transform purposeful classroom observation through effective staff collaboration in U.S. schools."

Jon Wray
Instructional Facilitator, Howard County Public Schools (MD)
Past President, Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics

Look-for Definition
A 'Look-for' is a classroom observation tool that may be used as a non-evaluative assessment resource. The ‘Look-fors in this peer-observation tool are designed to monitor and assess the extent to which students are engaged in particular elements of the mathematical practices of the Common Core State Standards for mathematics (CCSSO, 2010).  The tool provides suggested student responses for each of the mathematical practices as observational look-fors.  These should be helpful in providing suggestions related to both planning and assessment for teachers, mathematics leaders, and school-based administrators.

The look-fors in this peer observation tool are designed to measure how well the teacher has integrated the essence of the mathematical practices and content domain expectations of the Common Core State Standards into their classroom.  Specific look-fors for all eight of the mathematical practices are provided. Noting the occurrence and totality of these look-fors can be helpful in providing guidance for teachers.

Additional Resources
Common Core State Standards (CCSSO & NGA, 2010)
http://www.corestandards.org/

Great Videos on the Development of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
http://www.ccsso.org/Resources/Digital_Resources/Common_Core_Implementation_Video_Series.html

Contacts
For questions or suggestions contact:
info@splaysoft.com

Finding Contest

Get Finding

Current Contest - First to 25 Tokens Win $25!
Write-Up:
The first player to collect 25 unique tokens will receive an in-app message informing them that they have won. Its important that you use a valid email address when setting up your account so you can be reached if you win.

Prize:
$25 iTunes Gift Card!

For Questions Contact
finding.info@splaysoft.com
http://splaysoft.com/Finding/Contests.html

Finding is Found!

Finding is a fun GPS based app that uses your location to identify places and things around you. Claim a token by getting close enough to it and either keep it or sell it on the Swap Meet. If you want a stink bug from Maryland, but live in Los Angeles, look on the Swap Meet for someone selling a stinky critter.

Currently there are 116 tokens to collect scattered around the United States with more being added weekly.

A little PHP caching goes a long way

Below is a simple example of php caching. It can dramatically reduce the load on the server by bypassing mysql, or other database pulls, for relatively static content.

< ?php

$cachefile = 'cache/cachedData.xml';
$cachetime = 1 * 60 * 60;
// Serve from the cache if it is younger than $cachetime
if (file_exists($cachefile) && time() - $cachetime < filemtime($cachefile)) {
header('Content-type: application/atom+xml; charset=UTF-8');
include($cachefile);
// echo "\n";
exit;
}
ob_start(); // Start the output buffer

// create content here
// if the page is not already cached and loaded from above it will be created here and delivered
// The content will then be cached below for faster future accessing
// this works well for information that changes slowly or not at all.

// Cache the output to a file
$fp = fopen($cachefile, 'w');
fwrite($fp, ob_get_contents());
fclose($fp);
ob_end_flush(); // Send the output to the browser

?>

Apps Banned

Today I was reviewing the Splaysoft apps in various countries and I realized that for some reason all our Social Networking apps are gone from the Saudi Arabian iTunes Store. I noticed something was wrong with downloads of mySaudiArabia a couple weeks ago, but only today made the connection. I've put an inquiry into Apple support to find out if this is a glitch or an intentional censorship by the Saudi government. I'll post more when I hear back from Apple.

The apps, including mySaudiArabia, have been in the SA store for over a year. I did not receive any emails or calls from Apple letting me know that the apps were removed. I'm not sure if they notify developers over issues like this or not. The apps are clearly marked to make them available in iTC.

I'm disappointed since I had a good number of downloads coming from Saudi Arabia.

For some reason Heads Tails is missing in The Brazilian store! That doesn't make any sense, its just a coin flipping app.

iTunesConnect Frustration: Give it Some Time

Today I encountered a frustration with iTunesConnect. I was uploading an update to Heads Tails ver. 1.9.0 (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/heads-tails/id303183201?mt=8) and I had to cancel the upload. It seemed straight forward, I hit the cancel button in Application Loader. When I attempted to re-upload the update I found that it was no longer an option. I assumed I needed to go back into iTunesConnect and reject the latest binary, but the app was flagged as "Upload Received". In that state the binary cannot be rejected. I waited a few minutes but it remained like that for a while. I was frustrated because I could not upload the correct binary. After a couple emails to tech support and going for a run I came back to find the status had changed to "Waiting for Review". I was then able to reject the binary and upload the latest update without any problems. The lesson learned...give it some time.

As is the case with many problems patience was the best tool. If you encounter a problem like the one above send an email if you feel strongly about it, but often waiting for a little while is all you need to do.

App Review Process in iTunes

I would like to see several changes to the way Apple handles reviews in the App Store.

1. Feedback
If a user leaves great, neutral, or harsh feedback there is no way to respond. As a responsive developer I am quick to listen to my users and respond with words and action. In the case of the App Store I can only act by changing the app if there is a problem, but then I have no way to inform the user that this change was made. I don't need to know the user beyond their temporary screen name, but I would very much like to respond directly to them. To thank them when they are positive or offer a rebuttal when they are harsh. Its frustrating because I know I could reclaim users if I could only let them know I had made changes based on their direct feedback.

2. iOS App Store Interface
The iOS App Store Interface makes it hard for users to go to the actual website of the app or company. Its displayed along with the company name, but the link is not active. By refining this interface just a little users could be encouraged to communicate more openly with the developers thereby improving the experience for everyone without the need for feedback flames. If they do have a valid complaint or suggestion often their review comment is too vague and requires clarification, which as described in the previous point cannot happen.

3. Old Reviews
A number of my apps have been in the store prior to Apple changing the review policy of prompting the user for a review when they delete an app. The reviews go back several years and many versions. I would like to see a better break down of reviews over the previous versions and dropping off entirely for reviews that are over 18 months old. This would give users a more accurate evaluation of the current and most recent versions of an app.

4. iOS Dominating
By far the majority of traffic to my web site is by iOS devices. I suspect this is also the case when users purchase apps. They are more likely using the mobile App Store over the desktop. Refining the mobile iTunes experience with the suggestions above would make the process of purchasing (consumer) and maintaining (developer) the apps much easier.

I love developing for the iOs platform, and with a few changes like those described above it can be even better, for users and developers!

Richard de los Santos

House iAds

A short term solution to the iAd fill-rate problem is to allow developers to enable house ads. Simply fill the iAds with ads for our other apps. This will generate profit for Apple and developers while at the same time giving developers a chance to promote their apps. Unfilled iAd requests serves no one.

I can understand that Apple wants to have some control over the ads, but since they already approved the apps there is no other oversight required. Auto-generate a banner from the icon or screen shot and fill those unfilled banners.

This would also give Apple a way to block out other advertising networks since many developers roll over to back-up advertising networks when iAds fail to load. House iAds would keep developers in-house with regards to ads and revenue.

At the very least Apple should fill the empty requests with ads for their own products (iWork, Apple Store, Remote, etc...) and give developers an incentive to ignore other networks.