Weekly Coaching Communication
Make it a great day -- every day!
11-15 January 2016
On the Standards Front . . .
The ONE-POINT RUBRIC eliminates the need for circling different levels and the arduous task of fleshing out four levels of learning for each criterion -- it only describes the criteria needed for proficiency.
A quick review of the different types of rubrics and downloadable templates of each can be found in Cult of Pedagogy's article, "Know Your Terms: Holistic, Analytic, and Single-Point Rubrics," posted on May 1, 2014 by Jennifer Gonzalez. Each of the different types of rubrics has its purpose and benefits, however, when working with Standards-Based Learning, the key is to give specific feedback to the students. A holistic definitely does not provide specific feedback and, although the analytical is more specific, it creates other problems of "'tweeners" and the limitation of students' abilities to go above and beyond or narrows their shortcomings.
The ONE-POINT RUBRIC allows for teachers to quickly assess whether the student's work is proficient. A simple check in the criterion's box under the proficient column indicates the student has worked at the level of learning necessary to be considered proficient. If not, a brief comment in the "Below Proficient" column will direct the student's revision, or, if exceeding the expectation, a brief note of evidence as to how the student went above and beyond indicate to the student your recognition of that level of learning.
No "'tweeners," no arrows, and no long drawn out comments. A one-point rubric provides specific feedback, and the placement of the comment directly indicates a student's level of learning.
For further reading, consult Gonzalez's earlier post "Show Us Your #SinglePointRubric,"
posted on February 4, 2015. A few of your colleagues have inquired and used one-point rubrics already. If you are interested in building and implementing such rubrics, please let me know, and I can help you or connect you with a colleague.
Quick Clicks
Website (Tools to Use or Peruse)
Suggested Reading
How To Motivate Reluctant Learners (Mastering The Principles Of Great Teaching Series) (2011)
Robyn R. JacksonWhile many motivational theories work well for students who are willing to at least play the game of school, they seldom address what to do about students who are completely uninterested in—or even out-and-out hostile to—classroom learning. Here’s a how-to guide that gives you the steps you need to motivate these resistant students. Rather than suggesting elaborate reward systems or a never-ending scheme of creative tricks, Robyn R. Jackson draws from the well of her teaching wisdom to show you how to
- Determine what investments you need students to make in your classroom.
- Shape your classroom to make it more likely that students will make those investments.
- Identify and address the reasons why students aren’t investing in your classroom.
- Invite students to invest in your classroom and sustain their investment over time.
Trending Tweet
Matt Townsley @mctownsley Jan 6
ICYMI: I curated a top 10 standards-based grading articles list, to be shared w/educators & parents http://mctownsley.net/top-10-standards-based-grading-articles/ … #sblchat
25 retweets 19 likes
Quotation of the Week . . .
"If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try."
-- Seth Godin, writer and entrepreneur
With the upcoming change of semesters, I know many of you are looking ahead (and forward to) new classes, yet others are still working to stay afloat in this current semester. Eventually, the inevitable will happen and new classes will be on your slate. No matter how seasoned of a teacher you are, some butterflies and anxiety may arise; however, we all know that the discomfort we feel indicates we care, we are vulnerable, and we are growing.
If you follow me on Twitter, you will have noticed that I'm posting daily tweets to @CPUSchools and often use #makethechoice. I want to offer daily encouragement to our school district to make choices that will push you out of your comfort zone. As an instructional coach, I feel I can offer these temptations and nudges because I do so with the promise to support you and work with you in these endeavors that may make you uncomfortable or even scare you.
The new semester has its own challenges, but our district goals for literacy, Standards-Based Learning, and collaborative structures definitely offer opportunities to get scared. If you're interested in making the choice for a change, no matter how small or how big, please, seek me out and let me partner with you for support. You never know, it might be a good thing. #makethechoice
Coaching Schedule -- see Google Calendar for specific "Busy" times **schedule subject to change**
Monday, 11 January
- Serve Teachers & Students
- Classroom Observations
- Research & Resources
Tuesday, 12 January
- SBL Council 7:30 Meeting @ High School
- Serve Teachers & Students
- Model Write Tools I/E Planning
Wednesday, 13 January
- DTL Meeting 12:30 @ High School
- Serve Teachers & Students
- Classroom Observations
- Research & Resources
Thursday, 14 January
- Professional Learning @ GWAEA Blended Learning -- ALL DAY
Friday, 15 January
- IC Team Mid-Year Summit w/ Program Leads -- ALL DAY
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