Pages

Monday, July 30, 2012

Learning Goals and Scales


The flawed notion that progress happens in leaps and bounds is an organizational curse.  Real progress starts and ends with teams committed to taking ONE STEP AT AT A TIME, TOGETHER.  ~ Unknown
As we begin implementation of the new evaluation instrument and the integration of strategies from The Art and Science of Teaching in our classroom instruction, I thought it might be helpful to share how teachers are approaching the idea of learning goals and scales.  I realize that this is a significant shift and I want you to understand that I see this as a "process" that will take time to perfect.  Remember, we are trying to hit a home-run, fifty feet at a time.    

There are a number of ways that you might approach the posting of a scale.  The picture above is an example of a scale, on a small whiteboard,  in Mr. Kidder's science class.  This scale is set-up to monitor/assess student progress related to the following learning goal:

Students will be able to describe the composition of the Earth's interior.

You will notice that most of the wording in the scale can be used for multiple learning goals (text written in black marker).  The information specific to this particular learning goal is written in a different color -- this is the information that will change from one learning goal to another.

Again, this one way you might go about addressing a posted learning goal and scale in your classroom.  Please feel free to share your ideas, or alternative suggestions in the comments to this post.  

One step at a time...together.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Modeling Our Core Values

Each person must live their life as a model for others.  ~ Rosa Parks

As we move into our second week of school, I would ask that you continue to demonstrate deliberate decision making and consistency in addressing issues that are critical to upholding the core values we are emphasizing within our school community.  Many of the issues/concerns that we see on campus, and in our classrooms, can be directly related to one, or more, of the five core value.  Please seize upon opportunities to discuss these points with our students and help them develop connections between their actions and the "greater good" for our school community.


I would also encourage you to consider that, as educators, one of the most powerful things we can do is  model the actions, behaviors and enthusiasm we expect of our students.  It is imperative that we assume the role of leaders when it comes to the values we emphasize -- ensuring that our actions are consistent with our words.  This is not an easy task.  It requires focus, deliberate practice, and constant reflection.  It also requires that we admit when we mess-up, and that we do what is necessary to make things right.

This week, as you interact with our students and parents:

  • Be approachable
  • Be patient
  • Be engaging
  • Be encouraging
  • Be mindful of your instruction
    • What is the purpose?
    • Is it a good use of time and resources?
    • Is it in the best interest of students?

Have a great week and work diligently to ensure that each one of our students does the same!


Friday, July 20, 2012

You Are a Difference Maker!

What's your superpower?
cc flickr photo by Krissy.Venosdale
As we prepare for the arrival of our students, I hope you will take a few quiet moments to put aside lesson plans, forget about administrative tasks, and consider our purpose (as a school, and as individual educators): we must attend to the academic, social and emotional needs of each one of our students.  Our educational system asks a lot of teachers, and unfortunately, in times when we are spread too "thin," it is difficult to maintain our focus on the best interest of kids.  That is why it is so critical that we take time for reflection, deliberately considering how we maintain student centered practices on our campus and in our classrooms.

When our students walk through the front gates on Monday morning, please remember that you are a difference maker!  The small gestures you make to welcome students, and demonstrate an interest in their lives, will have an impact.  There is tremendous power in a smile, a handshake, or an encouraging word.  In the coming year, you will have opportunities to build confidence where it hasn't existed, develop connections that have never been present, and generate hope for students who's academic careers have been marred by hopelessness.  All of these are truly super powers!

During yesterday's training, the presenters shared the following quote - a powerful reminder of our ability to make a difference (either positive, or negative).
I’ve come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom.  It’s my daily mood that makes the weather.  As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous.  I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration.  I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal.  In all situations, it is my response that decides whether crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or de-humanized.  ~ Haim Ginot
You should all be proud of the profession you have chosen, the hard work you do on behalf of our students, and the determination with which you address challenges.  In the first few days/weeks of school I challenge you to really get to know your students, share a little about yourself, develop meaningful connections, and make decisions based upon what is best for kids.

Thank you for all you do for our school community...your efforts are noticed, and appreciated!

by J. Delp

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Welcome Back!

It was great to see everyone this morning.  I know that the summer break always goes by too quickly, but I hope you are excited about the opportunities that a new school year brings.  As we focus on our theme for the school year, Creating Connections, I would like to personally challenge you to stretch yourself professionally.  Try some new things in the classroom, work to develop a professional learning network, and model the process of learning for our students.

Please feel free to review this morning's "kick-off" presentation, or watch the videos again.  You may also view the meeting agenda and notes using this Google Doc link.  If you have questions, please ask. 



Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Creating Connections: Every Student Matters


cc image by Krissy Venosdale
Eventually everything connects - people, ideas, objects.  The quality of the connections is the key to quality per se.  ~ Charles Eames
As most of you know, this will be the inaugural year for the Willis Connections Class - intended to allow us the opportunity to get to know our kids and ensure that every student on our campus has at least one advocate.  There is no shortage of evidence to indicate that school connectedness is linked to improved grades, higher test scores, diminished behavioral issues and reduced drop-out rates.  While relationships alone are not sufficient, there is reason to believe that without meaningful connections, the effectiveness of our teaching - and student learning - is dramatically reduced.

There are many strategies we can implement to develop closer connections with our kids, but perhaps the most important thing we can do is model the attitude, behaviors, and passion for learning that we expect from our students - even when we are met with challenges.

To that end, during the 2012-13 school year, we will be focused on learning together and building a connected community.  Our goal will be to continue our academic progress while placing a renewed emphasis on the development of positive relationships: student to student, teacher to teacher, student to teacher, student to school, and school to community.  We will work tirelessly to uphold the following statement:

Willis is a place where everyone has equal worth...and lots of it. 

As the adults on our campus, we must believe this to be true, and we need to be certain that our daily actions reflect this core value.  Stay positive.  Treat colleagues with respect.  Work diligently (as a school community) to model the process of learning for our students.

Our time is valuable and there is no shortage of “new” programs and initiatives that require our attention.  In addition to the school initiated Connections Class, we will be working with a new teacher evaluation instrument, a new student information system, and the common core standards.  Accomplishing all of this without the help and support of others would be overwhelming, but working TOGETHER - sharing knowledge, experience and encouragement - will pave the way for sucess.  This school year, we will be streamlining our meeting process and distribution of information, allowing for an increased amount of time to work collaboratively and learn TOGETHER.  We will carefully consider our actions, mindful of the three reflection questions introduced last year: (1) What is the purpose? (2) Is it a good use of time and resources? (3) Does it serve the best interest of students?

As I have said before, the Willis staff is special - we are difference makers.  Perhaps the greatest thing we can do for our students, enroute to an enhanced learning experience, is create connections and empower them to believe in themselves.
Kids who think they are going somewhere behave differently than those who believe they are going nowhere.  ~ Pedro Noguera