5-12 Building Leadership Team News
February 2018
BLT Members:
WBMS BLT Members: D Arp, E Brown, K McElhinney, K Franzoni, J Hart, V Soemadi
WBHS BLT Members: R Thompson, A Noelck, T Larson, K Gaster
(TLC Coaches invited as needed)
Student Performance/Data Review
Grade Level Team work: 5-12 Grade Level Teams entered Iowa Assessment data in the building electronic data boards. On February 21, grade level teams will complete adding the data (if needed) and respond to some "next steps" prompts.
Professional Development/PLC (SBG, PBL)
5-12 Personalized Learning: We reviewed formative assessment and were tasked to create triads for peer observation and feedback. We want to be INTENTIONAL and PLANFUL in using FA strategies and want to encourage trying a new technique. Instructional coaches will follow up with individuals who have not registered for a triad yet.
Curriculum Teams: We will be working in curriculum groups for five of our Wed. PD dates second semester. All teachers will participate in vertical alignment activities and content specific tasks. The BLT members will be seeking input from peers re: what's working and what's needed moving forward this semester. Overall, individuals reported being glad to have the time to work with content peers, review other grade level expectations and have instructional coaches to facilitate the work.
Leader in Me: Each building has identified representative for the secondary LEAD team (a.k.a. Lighthouse Committee). The LEAD team members are inviting 5-6 students per building to be on the LEAD committee as student representatives. The LEAD team will receive training on February 20th.
Technology
Management:
Bear Experience: Based on the December student survey changes were made to Bear Experience expectations. At the middle school level, students will initially check into the library then go to the individual teacher classrooms for assistance. At the high school level, the attendance requirements were changed. Mr. Bucknell reported that there has been a significant decrease in attendance. We will continue to monitor student success and make policy changes as needed.
All teachers are reminded that the best way to increase attendance is for the teacher to personally contact students and parents to arrange for students to attend the Bear Experience or meet with you during IS/Homeroom or another time.
High School Finals Schedule: The WBEA calendar input showed concerns from high school staff re: high school finals scheduled for the short day prior to break. The BLT members agreed that the current schedule is in the best interest of students. Teachers will need to design their finals to meet the available time frame. Additionally, general ed teachers can confer with the special education teachers if there are any concerns about students not having enough time to complete assessments.
School Calendar: The calendar that the WBCSD board reviewed on Monday (up for public review) includes: 1. Fall parent-teacher conferences will be one week earlier to avoid Halloween; 2. winter break from Dec. 22 - Jan. 3rd for faculty (PD on Fri. 4th); 3. J Term from Jan. 7-16 (8 days); 4. an early dismissal on Friday Jan. 11th.