CSHS Weekly Bulletin
March 28-April 2, 2016
Video as a Tool for Self-Reflection
In October, our teachers who are part of the CSISD Teacher Leadership Academy and Coaching Crew launched a new technology tool for our campus: the SWIVL. The original intent in ordering these for our campus was to use them as a means by which a coaching cycle could become easier. For example, if partners had the same conference period, they could record themselves and share videos. While SWIVLs definitely help with logistical issues in coaching peers, I have loved talking to teachers on our campus who have been brave enough to watch themselves teach after recording themselves with a SWIVL, especially those who are frank enough to report what they realized was happening in their classrooms they didn't notice.
The first step in recording your classroom for self-reflection is overcoming how hard it is to watch yourself on video, but we all have to get passed that. Suddenly, every odd gesture, wardrobe imperfection, voice shift, and accent jumps out from the computer screen. Therefore, I have a challenge for those who want to take a step toward watching themselves on camera: shift the lense toward the audience. Our ultimate goal for the coaching initiative is to improve student learning outcomes, so instead of focusing on every move you make as a teacher in the classroom, look at what your students are doing and saying to each other during the lesson. Be Bold. Be Brave. Use a SWIVL to see what the kids in your room are up to when you are teaching. What do their faces tell you about their comprehension of the lesson? Are they engaged? How do you know?
If you are ready to use the SWIVL, or try it again, here are a few resources for you. This is the original presentation made by our TLA teachers about using a SWIVL, which is a good refresher on how to use the technology. Earlier this month, the Coaching Crew was able to attend training with instructional coaching guru Jim Knight. He has wonderful resources he has created that will be used as we move ahead with coaching. Among them is this reflection form to use after watching your students on video after you have taught a lesson, and when you are ready, here is a reflective tool to use when watching yourself.
If you choose to accept this challenge, please let me know how it goes. I can't wait to hear how shifting the lense impacts student learning on our campus!
Have an amazing week!
Tiffany
Need help getting your room test ready?
Please submit this form if you'd like NHS students to help get your room "test ready" on Monday afternoon. Please submit the form by Monday at 12:00 noon so I can organize the students before they arrive.
Please do NOT submit this form if we are NOT using your room for English I and II testing this coming week. Use the Room Use sheet from test training to see if we're using your classroom.
Thanks!
Randi
Sending Work to ISS
Teachers, when you receive an ISS notification for one of your students, please send work at your earliest convenience for your student to complete. If the student is in ISS for multiple days, please send work for the duration of their ISS consequence.
Also, please know that the amount of work sent down for a normal class period traditionally gets completed quickly because of lack of complete understanding or students finishing it swiftly because they have nothing else to do. Consider adding additional resources (textbook, online video or tutorial) to help fill in any gaps where your classroom instruction would have explained the assignment.
Register for April 6th Staff Development
Your department chairs will let you know how your department will use the time that afternoon.
Student Registration Calendar
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Walk Throughs
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Upcoming Events
4/4 District UIL Academic Meet @ Consol
4/4 Cougar Club General Membership Meeting
4/5 Spring Picture Day in ELA Classes
4/5 Lady Cougar Softball vs. Rudder
4/5 Cougar Baseball vs. Caney Creek
4/5 Pre-UIL Choir Concert
4/6 StuCo Faculty Chili Cookoff
4/6 Waiver Meetings 12-12:30 PM & 5:30-6:30 PM
4/7 Waiver Meetings 12-12:30 PM & 5:30-6:30 PM
4/8 Morning Activity Schedule for Tornado Drill
4/8 End of 5th Six Weeks
4/12 AP Testing Pre-Administration
4/12 Lady Cougar Softball vs. Huntsville
4/12 Cougar Baseball vs. Rudder
4/13 Track & Field Varsity District Meet
4/13 AP Testing Pre-Administration
4/15-16 HOSA State Meet @ Galveston
4/15 Lady Cougar Softball @ Consol
4/16 Area FFA Contest @ CSHS
4/18 College Prep Night
4/19 UIL Choir Concert
4/19 Lady Cougar Softball vs. Bryan
4/19 Cougar Baseball vs. Huntsville
4/21 Honor Graduate Meeting
4/21 SkillsUSA Banquet
4/22-23 UIL Academics Regional Meet @ Magnolia
4/22 Cougar Baseball @ Consol
4/26 Cougar Baseball @ Livingston
4/27 CSISD Education Foundation Hall of Fame Dinner