Weekly Coaching Communication
Make it a great day -- every day!
25-29 January 2016
On the Standards Front . . .
1. Map your curriculum into student friendly learning targets.
- We called these PODs (Purpose of the Day) -- PODs are based on the unwrapping of the standard.
- Consider the levels of learning on your proficiency scale.
- Write your rubric with the PODs/learning targets in mind.
3. Rethink the way you assess.
- Formative FEEDBACK is integral for student success at a proficient level of learning.
- Summative assessments results should not be a surprise to you or the student.
4. Track grades by learning targets, not assessment.
- Use the rubric for feedback on student progress toward learning targets and the levels of learning on a proficiency scale.
5. Stop grading homework.
- Homework is practice and should not be graded -- it's an opportunity for feedback.
6. Choose your "flavor" of SBG.
- The work we did on Monday, 18 January, has helped to shape this decision. The proficiency scale template has been updated to reflect a scale with a 2.5 and was shared with you.
7. Communicate confidently and positively.
Stewart closes the article with an acknowledgement of Matt Townsley's curated top 10 SBG articles list which I offered in the 11-15 January Weekly Communication.
Quick Clicks
Website (Tools to Use or Peruse)
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Suggested Reading
"5 Fantastic, Fast, Formative Assessment Tools" by VICKI DAVIS @COOLCATTEACHER'S PROFILE
You should never be surprised at test scores if you are using formative assessments. Davis offers some of her favorite formative assessment tools she uses to ensure her students are making progress towards proficiency.
Trending Tweet
Wes Welty @weswelty 2h2 hours ago
Well-delivered feedback allows Ss to identify their "Not Yets" and grow. Love all of these, esp #5!
The link provides several articles about feedback. If you are not an ASCD member, not all articles are open; however, if there is one locked you want to read, please let me know and I will access it for you.
Quotation of the Week . . .
During training last week with the New Teacher Center (NTC), the idea of "Dispositions" or "habits of the mind" was offered. Three key practices were offered to help delineate what effective teachers do for a positive disposition:
1. Reflective -- teachers are open to feedback from colleagues, students, and families; seek opportunities to grow professionally; and take responsibility for their students' learning.
2. Persistent -- teachers hold high expectations and believe that all students can learn. They persevere in solving complex issues of practice, care deeply, and are committed to their students.
3. Curious -- teachers ask questions, inquire, and experiment in an effort to reach every student. They are willing to take risks and try out new ideas or strategies if they think it will help their students.
I'm not sure if these three practices are what Plutarch had in mind, but the words that a teacher offers while reflecting, being persistent, or exploring curiosity will definitely show character. The deeper we proceed into Standards-Based Learning and Grading, the more reflective and persistent we will need to be.
It is my hope that your curiosity will grow as you continue to implement and practice. The key is that you must allow yourself to be willing to take the risks and be lenient with yourself when things do not work as you had planned or hoped. When your curiosity is challenged, turn to your reflection to see your growth; then, turn to your persistence and move forward with your practice.
Your disposition is only as positive as your words, and the trident of reflection, persistence and curiosity give you three avenues to practice positive character. Using the trident is your choice, but it is an invaluable tool. #makethechoice
Coaching Schedule -- see Google Calendar for specific "Busy" times **schedule subject to change**
Superintendent Interviews this week!
Monday, 25 January
- IC/ADMIN Meeting 9:00 AM @ HS w/ Wooldridge, Libolt & Popenhagen
- Proficiency Scales w/ Leete 11:10-12:10 @ HS
- Serve Teachers & Students
- Classroom Observations
- Research & Resources
Tuesday, 26 January
- 9:00-12:30 Secondary MTSS @ GWAEA w/ Libolt, Winterhof, McNeill, Burkhart & Popenhagen
- Serve Teachers & Students
- Classroom Observations
- Research & Resources
Wednesday, 27 January -- Staff Meeting 7:45 AM @ Art Room
- Serve Teachers & Students
- Classroom Observations
- Research & Resources
Thursday, 28 January
- Serve Teachers & Students
- Classroom Observations
- Research & Resources
Friday, 29 January
- IC/Principal Weekly Meeting 7:30 AM @ HS Office w/ Libolt & Popenhagen
- IC Team Meeting
- Serve Teachers & Students
- Classroom Observations
- Research & Resources
Click on the link to access prior weekly communications.
Contact Information
Center Point - Urbana CSD
Email: epopenhagen@cpuschools.org
Phone: 319-849-1102+91015
Twitter: @Epopenhagen