Points of Pride
September 22, 2017
Instructional Focus:
Can you believe we are two weeks away from Fall Break?!?!
I wanted to take some time and provide an opportunity to reflect on how you conduct conferences, as well as, clarify my expectations.
- For starters, on standards-based grading, it's important that the grade you provide on the report card reflect where they are in accordance with the standard. For example, if the standard is to fluently read grade level texts, and you have a student that is not at the end of first quarter, the student should not receive a three. I have seen at other campuses that teachers will mark a three if they are "where they should be at the end of the first quarter." This is not how standards-based grading should work. The beauty is in the simplicity for parents to understand where their child needs help. During the first quarter, we would expect to see more ones and twos, but more growth in the future quarters.
- During your conferences, try to provide as much data as you can about the student. Especially in grades 4-6, don't spend much time on the report card (parents understand the A-F system). Your time might be best spent on reviewing ATI, STAR, or other classroom data that will explicitly show where their child is in relation to the standards. Put yourself in the parent's position? What information would you like to know?
- Provide evidence for any issues that you feel might be "touchy." As a tip, if it's bad news, leave your opinion out of it, and just present the facts-allow the parents to "fill in the blanks." I will also be available both days to attend if you need additional support.
My Expectations for Conferences
- Every parent will be signed up for a conference
- Every parent will walk out of their conference with a more clear understanding of where their child is academically, socially and behaviorally; tips will also be provided on how they can help improve any deficiencies
- In grades 4-6, any student with a "D" or "F" in any subject will have a conference. Even if the parent does not show up, we need to reach out and do it via the telephone. In K-3, any student that is in danger of retention, should have a conference. Do not let them opt-out.
- In grades K-6, any student that is "intensive" via the DIBELS screener will have a conference, regardless of parent attendance that week.
Lastly, conferences are a great opportunity to come together with parents for the good of our students. While we are the expert in "children," parents are the expert in "their child." Bringing those together is invaluable!
Welcome!!!
#FeelGoodFriday
Due to the large number of participants, I have decided that you all can wear jeans from now until Fall Break. This next week is Student Council Spirit Week (dress code appropriate shorts can be worn on Friday for dressing like students).
Lockdown Procedures...
Like I said, in the grand scheme of things, the most important things are getting as many kids to safety as possible, locking your door, and making sure no one can be seen.
If it was a real emergency, lights, windows, and cards are minor.
Some Pics from #FeelgoodFriday
Friday's Meeting
I have spent a lot of the weekend reflecting on it. What does this quote mean to you, and how can you individually put it into practice? For a jeans pass, send me a short email.
FYI, responding to my reflection questions are a great way to provide evidence that you are reflecting on your teaching practices (Domain 4, Standard 1) on your end of the year evaluation.
If this doesn't get you inspired for the last two weeks, I don't know what will.