OSP Connected
February 2020-Office for School Performance-Volume 36
Message from Dayle
Purpose!
It sounds like this: "I don't know why I am in that class anyway..." or "It's not like I'm ever going to use that..." or "I can get a job now doing _____ so why do I have to come to school?" or worse, "I don't know what I am doing after high school so I might as well just not go...."
What's the solution? Teach electronics in kindergarten? Expect 4th graders to choose a career path? Maybe. I think there are a lot of great things we could do but these two are especially important:
- Talk about careers as you teach. Connect careers to learning. Everyone will have some career in their lives. Some require college, some training and some you can step into right after high school. Expose your students to careers they may choose from especially ones they may not have heard of. All careers are important but giving our children choice is moral imperative.
- Reflect to your students what they are good at doing and what seems to bring them joy. I have realized for many of us, this is natural in our home environments but some families don't share those insights and as educators we all see children in different ways. Never miss a chance to let students hear that you notice their talents. "Jasmine, you really explained that scientific lab to your classmates well. I hope you are thinking of a career in agricultural or medical sciences" or "David, you were so patient with the kids in our buddy class. Maybe a career in counseling or education is for you".
All our students have natural talents, skills, passions and strengths. Helping them see those traits and the vast array of careers that are correlated, just may be the purpose they need to see in their educational journey.
HSD Focus 2019-2020
INSTRUCTION: Structured Student Talk
Structured student talk provides students with a gradual release model that increases the amount of student talk in order to give them the opportunity to deepen their understanding of new learning. Research states that in the traditional classroom, students spend two to four percent of class time talking about their learning. Structured student talk is essential for English Learners (ELs) no matter what level they are in their proficiency. It is key in acquiring the automaticity of the academic language. When structured talk is done correctly, it allows for students to have a space where they can practice academic language in a low-risk environment that in turn builds their confidence and knowledge. If one of your biggest barriers is the fear of “letting go” by allowing students to talk, start by modeling the routine you want them to follow. Then, have them practice for a short time and add additional time as they start feeling comfortable with the routine. We invite you to browse this Structured Talk article form EL Achieve to gain ideas on how to implement/refine Structured Talk routines in your lessons.
CLIMATE AND CULTURE: ACEs
ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) have made their way into the mainstream over the past couple of years, even showing up in a segment that Oprah did for 60 Minutes. And because ACEs have a profound effect on children, the concept has been taken up in the world of education. Approaching education with an understanding of the physiological, social, emotional, and academic impacts of trauma and adversity on our students is driving changes in our systems. However, these changes are not coming without misconceptions. To read more about what Trauma Informed Care is and is not written from a principals perspective, click on the article link HERE .
CAREER & COLLEGE READY: FAFSA/ORSAA Night
Hillsboro School District FAFSA/ORSAA Completion Night When: Tuesday February 18th 6-7:30 p.m. Where: 2850 NE Brookwood Pkwy, Hillsboro, OR 97124 What: FAFSA/ORSAA Info Presentation followed by FAFSA/ORSAA Completion Workshop
At the Workshop, you will receive support with: ● Creating your FSA IDs ● Creating your FAFSA or ORSAA accounts ● Entering all necessary information to file the FAFSA or ORSAA ● Sign and Submit FAFSA or ORSAA electronically or by paper Please bring the following: ● SSN of Student and Parent/Guardians who have one ● Tax Returns from 2018
If a Student or Family is in need of Transportation: If you need transportation to the event please connect with your School to Career Specialist at your high school. CHS - Scott Kellar, GHS - Jennie Hall, HHS - Melissa Pendergrass, LHS - Allen Kopp Childcare: Family-friendly, childcare will be provided Light snacks will be provided. Raffle prizes offered throughout the evening!
See English Flyer or Spanish Flyer for ALL Information!
Classified Summit 2020
Language Arts Adoption Update
Language Arts Leaders,
Last night the Community Curriculum Advisory Committee (CCAC) voted to recommend our language arts adoption proposal to the Board. On February 25, the Board will hear our proposal and enter into a 30-day review process. Here is an executive summary of the language arts adoption proposal.
Over 200 teachers and community members participated in developing our guiding principles, piloting materials, and sharing input on materials, assessment, and professional development needs. Thank you all for your participation and commitment to HSD students! If you would like to explore the process from 2018 to the present, please take a look at our website.
A number of factors informed our plan. We analyzed student data K-12. We evaluated our current literacy program and practices, including dual language, foundational skills, and English language development needs. When surveyed as to which set of materials teachers preferred for meeting student needs, 51% said Maravillas/Wonders, 37% said American Reading Company (ARC), and 17% said they would defer to the language arts team. With this feedback, combined with our determination that Maravillas/Wonders most completely met our guiding principles, and that Maravillas/Wonders was the most cost-effective, we have determined to move forward with Maravillas/Wonders as our core materials adoption for K-6 language arts.
We know that in a process like this, a number of our colleagues will be disappointed and would have preferred ARC as our core materials recommendation. If there is one area where ARC seemed to “outperform” Maravillas/Wonders in our pilot process, it would be the variety of book titles available to meet students at their reading levels across a wide variety of topics and genres. As we look ahead, we will work with McGraw-Hill, other publishers, and our local library system to increase access to rich, multilingual, culturally sustaining, and challenging texts in the classroom and at home. Your feedback has established this as a clear priority.
Our plan includes developing a clear, efficient system for reading assessment and intervention on behalf of students who struggle using best practices. It also includes an investment in training and planning time for teachers.
We will keep you informed as the process continues. We hope to begin professional development and materials purchasing this spring.
Thank you again for your leadership and commitment to our students,
Travis
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!
Learn What's Next...
Follow this link to a new (1.6) #TechForward>> digital magazine focused on your Google Drive.
Coffee Conversations - 321 Insight (Episode # 14)
FREE On-Demand Training! In this episode of Coffee Conversations, Dr. Will Henson explains the benefits of using 321 Insight. Training videos are quick (typically just 5 minutes long) and provide real-life examples and models of how to support students with a variety of tricks and tools. Email us today if you don't have your own account yet - log in and look around at the awesome videos on topics including power struggles, self-care, trauma-informed responses, and so much more. You can also check in on the weekly blog by Dr. Henson himself or find articles that support the learning. Don't miss out on this amazing resource right at your fingertips!
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