Wolcott's Weekly "What's Up"
D68 Office of Teaching & Learning Update 11.7.2013
Quotes to Note
"The greatest impact on learning is the daily lived experiences of students in classrooms, and that is determined much more by how teachers teach than by what they teach."
- Wiliam, Dylan (2011-05-01). Embedded Formative Assessment
"When the level of challenge is low and the level of capability is high, the result is often boredom. When the level of challenge is high and the level of capability is low, the result is generally anxiety. When both are low, the result is apathy. However, when both capability and challenge are high, the result is “flow."
- Wiliam, Dylan (2011-05-01). Embedded Formative Assessment
F.O.C.U.S.ed on the Success of All Learners
Dylan Wiliam, the world's foremost authority on formative assessment, is one of my favorite authors. In his book, Embedded Formative Assessment, Wiliam tackles one of the greatest misconceptions in education today; that formative assessment is a process and not a type of assessment. Wiliam explains how any assessment can be used for summative purposes (assessment OF learning) and any assessment can be used formatively (assessment FOR learning). He then explains by saying, " An assessment functions formatively to the extent that evidence about student achievement is elicited, interpreted, and used by teachers, learners, or their peers to make decisions about the next steps in instruction that are likely to be better, or better founded, than the decisions they would have made in the absence of that evidence."
As I reviewed my notes and highlights of the book, I couldn't help but make the many connections between the process Wiliam describes and our F.O.C.U.S. acronym- further validation we are onthe right track to providing a world class education that allows all leaners to be successful.
Below you will find a link to several quick videos Wiliam was asked to produce that further explain his research, findings and beliefs.
- Wiliam, Dylan (2011-05-01). Embedded Formative Assessment
Upcoming Professional Development
- November 13 Advanced Chromebook Training @ PDC CANCELLED
- November 13 W.E. 13 Planning w/Tarah Tesmer @ PDC
- November 14 AM: Second Grade Math Meeting @ PDC
- November 14 PM: First Grade Math Meeting @ PDC
- November 15 Gifted Education Seminar (GES) Training @ PDC
Please Note: As always, staff will receive an e-invite from Kim for each event.
Curriculum Updates
As we continue to write and enhance our curriculum, we have a number of dates scheduled below. Please feel free to attend any of the scheduled meetings.
- November 12th 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM @ PDC (Math)
- November 14th 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM @ PDC (Math)
- November 16th 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM @ PDC (Math)
- November 19th 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM @ PDC (Math)
- November 21st 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM @ PDC (Math)
- December 2nd 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM @ PDC (JJHS Exploratories, Art & PE)
- December 3rd 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM @ PDC (JJHS Exploratories, Art & PE)
- December 4th 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM @ PDC (JJHS, SS, Math & KDG)
Please Note: Staff attending full day curriculum writing will receive an e-invite from Kim.
PARCC Updates
Field Testing:
- Late last week Cathy received an updated list of schools who will be part of the Field Testing in late March/ early April. I have been in contact with state assessment officials to determine the exact impact this will have on us.
- ALL SCHOOLS AT THIS TIME WILL BE PILOTING SOME ASPECTS OF THE TEST.
- Once Cathy and I receive official word from the state on what grades at each school will be taking each test, I will let you know. Stay tuned for further details.
Sample Questions:
I believe Lenore Johnson shared the link below with all principals in DuPage. Feel free to share the new sample test item link with teachers in your weekly/daily newsletters. The more they see where we are going, the easier it will be for us to build a road to get there.
W.E. 13- Thanks!
I want to thank all of the administrators and teachers who have signed up to present at W.E. 13. It is awesome that you are taking this opportunity to show your instructional skills to staff and to support Tarah's vision for this new event. We are making great strides as a district and as a team and this is another example of our progress.
Principal "To Do' List
- Send Greg date of Playworks Consultation Meeting with Playworks Rep (Due by 11/12)
- Send Greg update on amount of time given to non-certified staff to complete GCN Training so Tarah can plan accordingly for W.E. 13 (Due by 11/12)
- Set up meeting with Greg to discuss 7 Keys implementation & your building's progress for 45 minutes during the week of November 18th. (Due by 11/12)
Reflect/ React/Retool
Take a minute and look at the brass hose nozzle on your desk.
Reflect. Reflect on your leadership efforts this first quarter. How is your FOCUS?
React. React to your reflection. How do you feel about those thoughts? Are your efforts having the impact you desire?
Retool. What can you retool or improve to move to your building to the next level?
Greg Wolcott
Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
Woodridge School District 68
Email: wolcottg@woodridge68.org
Website: www.woodridge68.org
Location: 7925 Janes Avenue, Woodridge, IL
Phone: 630-967-2035
Twitter: @TeachLearn68
Dylan Wiliam
"By formative evaluation we mean evaluation by brief tests used by teachers and students as aids in the learning process."