Elementary Principals across the district received some in-depth training on Learning Targets. Generalist Coaches from the secondary and elementary levels shared research regarding the power of posting daily learning targets for students to see and reference. Robert Marzano, guru on the research that supports "Best Practices" notes that:
"The number one research-based strategy that significantly improves student learning is (the posting of):
- clear learning targets
- specific, measurable assessment criteria"
How are your Learning Targets looking? Are they:
- posters of the GLEs or
- lists of skills or activities, or
- targets that are clear and measurable for that day's learning?
Here's an example:
Math - Today I will understand and write multiples of 10.
Literacy - Today I will read a 3rd grade passage outloud with 94 wcpm.
Science - Today I will draw and label a diagram of the science experiment in my journal.
Notice the examples are written in 1st person form - teaching learners to take responsibility for their own learning! More to come on this important Best Practice!
Morale - Taking Care of Each Other
Did you know March is the longest educational month of the school calendar? There are no breaks, no holidays, and no 3-day weekends. Here's where our perseverance meets character. Different than in year's past, we are facing unprecedented uncertainties about the 09-10 school year. Each of us is at a different place on the spectrum of school survival for different reasons. That being said, our students need us to hopeful and fully present for their learning right now. Please be mindful of each other as you exchange ideas, vent frustrations, and express concern or worry. As always, Susan and I are available to help in any way. And when we hear how things will shake out in the budget and with HR changes, we'll let you know.
Grandparent's Days - February 23, 24, & 25
We have RSVPs from about 300 Grandparents! Thanks to our wonderful PE teachers, we will 'dress up' half the gym with tables and decorations. Grandparents are welcome to eat in your classroom if you want to show case the learning environment. (One little glitch is that we only have 16 tables - every table in the district is being used for Science Fairs...bummer!) Grandparents will sign in when they arrive, a 6th grade runner will come and get the student of the grandparent, and off they go to eat lunch. Thank you in advance for your patience and flexibility as we welcome important guests from our community.
March Gladness
Are you doing anything special with our students to give back to the community? If so, please see Susan so it can "Get Counted" for the good work happening across our district.
REACH/SEED - Honoring Cultures Diversity Celebration
If you have questions about using your grade level's materials be sure to ask a colleague well before the display date of March 2. See last week's posting for more details.
March Conferencing
Avoid surprises - plan on conferencing with every child's parent if there are progress concerns. Intermediate students who have SLPs, any student who is not making adequate progress, or students with at-risk behaviors should be scheduled for Spring Conferences. Please be proactive in preparing for these dates:
- March 11 Eval/Conferencing
- March 18 Eval/Conferencing
- March 25 Eval/Conferencing
Report Cards - note these important dates
- Feb 27 TAC Opens for Report Data Entry
- March 13 Principal Review and Comment on Report Cards
- March 18 TAC Closes for data input & final copy report cards printed
- March 19 Trimester 2 Ends - Report Cards sent home via Students
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