"I suggest that 6th grade students read a variety of literature with understanding and fluency; read independently for enjoyment and for information; clearly communicate ideas through writing; utilize writing conventions; listen and speak effectively; and use multiple sources to extend learning."

"I want my students to take away a sense of accomplishment."

"Every year, students need work on building their critical thinking skills."

"Reading comprehension, reading comprehension, and more reading comprehension!"

"They need to learn where and how to find information, and to learn how to get along with others and feel successful."

"Writing paragraphs correctly is so difficult for 6th graders."

"I want them to realize that reading is fun and that it opens many doors."

"I want my students to be motivated to read for enjoyment and for knowledge."

"One of the biggest obstacles for 6th graders to overcome is the fear of failure in writing."

"Our 6th graders need to be able to create meaning from text."

"They have the most difficulty coming up with anything from their own imaginations!"

"They definitely have some trouble understanding the parts of speech."

"Elements of fiction"

"Differences in genre types"

"Content and skillsÑas well as the ability to find answers for themselves."

"We need more computers in the classrooms."

"To instill a love for reading is the most important goal of all."

"Éto enjoy reading all kinds of materials."

"It is disturbing to note their lack of interest in our beautiful earth."

"The most difficult for my students to grasp is parts of speech."

"They really need to gain an awareness of the numerous resources available for reading and learning."

"Most difficult: application of literary elements away from the context in which they see them."

"We need Web sites that integrate content area subjects."

"Students come to me with an extremely weak vocabulary (basic vocabulary, not curriculum-based). They are unable to respond to many questions because they don't know what it is asking."

"Drawing inferences!"

"Due to the fact that NCDPI has just put out the proposed math curriculum changes for the new 2003, I would strongly recommend that those Major Concepts/Skills be addressed. Don't forget the Skills to Maintain."

"My students are the weakest in fraction concepts, mental math, patterning, and measuring, in both U.S. customary and metrics."

"In creating lessons, I would recommend that you target the multiple intelligences of students. Most students do not prosper with worksheet-type problems, if they are on a paper or a computer. Try to focus on the seven or more different ways students can learn."

"In schools, computers are a patient tutor for students who need some review and confidence. Create wonder, inspire thinking, and encourage learning so richly deserved by our students in North Carolina."

"My 6th graders consistently score low in measurement and algebraic expressions."

"Fractions really give them a hard time."

"Word Problems!!!"

"Fractions and percents are very difficult for 6th graders."

"They enjoy math games that teach."

"Problem-solving!!!! Using logic!!!!"

"They need to be able to apply math concepts to everyday skills."

"My students seem to always score low in geometry."

"My kids score low in the inactive mathematics portion of the EOG. Their basic skills seem to be lacking."

"It is very important that students feel comfortable enough to ask questions until they come to a full understanding."

"They have the most difficult time showing all their work."

"Pre-algebra is very difficult for our concrete learners."

"Always score low on fractions."

"Students need to be able to think through problems without calculating using their fingers."

"Students always need help with multi-step problem-solving, following directions and writing in complete sentences."

"Most important: confidence, better work habits, note-taking skills, asking questions until they fully understand, to enjoy learning"

"Most difficult: showing all work, studying at home, asking questions and getting the right answers"

"Most important: to be able to perform the skills taught for that day."

"Most difficult: critical thinking"

"Consistently score low on calculator inactive"

"Geometry and measurement"

"We could use interactive games that help students work with measurement."

"Any Web site design should include 6th grade pre-algebra skills."

"6th graders need to understand and apply the scientific process."

"Children need hands-on science experiments that match the curriculum. They need to see other kids doing experiments."

"Science is investigating!"

"Use humor when working with Science and experiments, use easy-to-follow directions, and lots of pictures. Create experiments that lead students to answer key science questions. You know- use the Bill Nye style!""

"Sixth- and seventh-grade teachers, because of their world-wide focus, stress differences in culture. I want my students to be responsible, productive and caring citizens of North Carolina, the United States and the world. I feel that it is important that students learn about role models that have had an impact on history and realize that ordinary people can make a difference."

"Students need to know how to find answers for themselves and to think critically."

"A very popular theme with 6th graders is Middle Age castles."

"Knowing where they live!"

"Map-reading using latitude and longitude"