OSP Connected
May 2020-Office for School Performance-Volume 39
Message from Dayle
This online experience is strange. Being in online meetings most of the day is draining. I am simultaneously tired and also wanting to be able to be active. And, as much as I have always thought working from home would be great, perhaps it’s not right for me as I am finding I get a lot of energy from interacting with people.
My other big “ah-ha” is I have more bias than I thought. Being able to peer into people’s homes gives you new insight into their lives. Some folks do their work at the kitchen table while managing their babies and children’s needs. Others have nice offices or large framed art on their walls. Some have spouses that bring them coffee, or have dogs on their laps and others spend a lot of time sitting outside alone. With each window I find myself catching my own biases about what is normal or good. I have to stop myself and let it be what it is- just someone else’s lived reality- and remember to just respect and honor the differences.
As you also are peering into students’ lives I encourage you to think about your thoughts and potential biases. Our students deserve our respect and our interest in who they are as a person, child and student. Interrupt your thoughts of preference and judgement. Help use your lens to facilitate a classroom of respect, honoring of difference and accepting everyone- even when that classroom turns out to be little boxes on a screen.
Thank you for caring for our children!
HSD Focus 2019-2020
INSTRUCTION: Synchronous v. Asynchronous Learning
As we have settled into distance learning over the last few weeks, many conversations have popped up about synchronous versus asynchronous learning. Synchronous learning is real time interaction between teacher and students, like on Google Meet or a phone call. Asynchronous learning is without real time interaction, like email, Google Classroom messages, screencastify videos, etc.
In a recent article in Education Week, Mark Lieberman addressed the question, When and how often during the school week do my students need to see me? Lieberman and other experts provide these guiding philosophies when answering the question:
Don’t go overboard with synchronous teaching.
Asynchronous learning allows flexible pacing.
Give parents (and students) clear direction.
Synchronous learning can be informal.
Choose the best modality for different subjects and lessons.
Asynchronous doesn’t mean absent.
Teaching is different for the time being.
CLIMATE AND CULTURE: Developmental Relationships
“Young people are more likely to grow up successfully when they experience developmental relationships with important people in their lives. Developmental relationships are close connections through which young people discover who they are, cultivate abilities to shape their own lives, and learn how to engage with and contribute to the world around them.”
Even in the unusual circumstances we find ourselves currently in, community connections and relationships are essential. Consider the Search Institute's Developmental Relationships Framework as you navigate establishing and maintaining engaging connections with students virtually.
CAREER & COLLEGE READY: New World of Work & Post Secondary Supports
Our industry partners asked, and HSD answered. While our local business community appreciates the skills our students have as they enter the workforce, they have identified a need for continued focus on professional skills. In partnership with NWRESD, we have begun piloting NWOW (New World of Work) curriculum in some of our courses. This curriculum has been well received by teachers and students. The content focuses on supporting students in developing their skills in: Adaptability, Self-Awareness, Digital Fluency, Communication, Collaboration, Empathy, Analysis/Solution Mindset, Resilience, Entrepreneurial Mindset, and Social/Diversity Awareness. As a next step, we have expedited the preparation of this content to present to our CTE Advisory committees this Spring. We plan to make this content available for distance learning ASAP. Anyone who would like to explore this open source curriculum can check it out at https://newworldofwork.org/. Another exciting development is the connection our secondary NWOW curriculum has to CASEL (Collaboration for Academic, Social, and Entrepreneurial Learning.) CASEL is launching in our elementary schools to support skill development around the following character traits: Self Awareness, Self Management, Responsible Decision Making, Relationships, and Social Awareness. While this work is in its early stages, we are really excited to consider how explicit instruction around these skills will greatly enrich the lives of our students, and be a tangible benefit to industry as our students graduate and enter the workforce.
Post Secondary Supports During School Closure:
During these unprecedented times, we believe it is crucial to continue to support the class of 2020 and 2021 in their postsecondary plans. One resource to share that has valuable information for students, families and educators is Oregon Goes to College. This one stop resource has grade level checklists, a section titled Corona Virus and College, National Decision Day information (moved to June 1), financial aid information, and more. Please share information from this site using your Google Classroom and other platforms that your school community uses to access information.
Family Engagement During School Closures
This is a great article to keep in your toolbox as we engage with our students and families during distance learning.
Elementary Language Arts Adoption
Tech Teach Grow
Our Purpose
This digital magazine is intended to support educators with technology integration in the classroom. Our hope is to provide HSD staff with tech integration ideas, info and updates via quick digital media easily accessible at your convenience. Everything we share should work with your current HSD tech.
Want a different result? Try something new!
Your Digital Support for Distance Learning
Follow this link to a new (1.12) #TechForward>> digital magazine focused on Chrome Canvas and Digital Whiteboard.
Coffee Conversations - Home Instruction (Episode # 17)
In this edition of Coffee Conversations, Hope Sarafa explains home instruction and how she supports students unable to attend school. Reach out to student services if you have any questions!
Google Professional Development Opportunity
G Suite Fundamentals - Fast Track PD
We are excited to announce our district’s participation in Google for Education’s new PD initiative: G Suite Fundamentals - Fast Track PD. If you’re interested in learning how to use Google tools in the classroom, and/or if you want to become a Google Certified Educator Level 1, sign up for the program here.
What can you expect if you register?
Over the course of 6 weeks, you’ll receive an email each Monday morning from the Google for Education team highlighting content from the Teacher Center, and sharing exam preparation tips and hints.
This condensed PD program will help you:
- get familiar with G Suite for Education tools and their classroom application
- understand how Google tools can make your life easier
- prepare for the Google Certified Educator Level 1 exam