The Inquiry Teacher's Corner
October 9, 2023
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Professional learning is teacher directed professional learning that is facilitated and led by the teacher. The desired learning activities are based on data collected during classroom rounds, teacher and student interviews, and student achievement data. The learning activity is focused on instructional practices and the school improvement goals, but the learning structure is differentiated and addresses job-embedded needs of the professional. Professional learning involves collaborative discussions around a topic or problem of practice with a team of educators who may or may not be in your grade or content area. It is an opportunity for educators to direct their professional learning on their classroom needs - instructional and procedual - provides educators the chance to expand their knowledge base. FDR Academy is moving towards a “learner-centered” view of teaching, which is a growth-in practice model - professional learning , job-embedded(Martin et al., 2015, p.8). Educators are not expected to do anything new or different except discuss what is happening in your classrooms, what needs to happen and how you are going to achieve your goal. True professional growth can only occur when teachers are able to have meaningful discourse with other teachers to grow themselves professionally.
References
Martin, L. E., Kragler, S., Quatroche, D. J., & Bauserman, K. L. (Eds.). (2015). Handbook of Professional Development in Education: Successful Models and Practices, PreK-12. .
Weekly Model Focus
Reflection & Goal Setting
Now that all of the baseline testing is over, have you considered teaching students how to set goals and plan for success? FDR Academy students are expected to explain where they are academically and where they are attempting to go. Goal setingt encourages students to persevere and strive for success. Unfortunately, many of them don't know what success looks like or how to achieve their ultimate goal - so we have to teach them. I suggest that the classroom teachers model how to set, plan and monitor a goal. The model should be a simple goal that is short-term and easy to monitor. I know you are busy but try carving some time out of your day this week to walk students through the goal setting process. An academic and behavior goal are always a good place to start. Remember to checkout the resources linked in this newsletter and the resources shared by Principal Turner.
What is Reflection? Reflection occurs when students receive constructive feedback about their work or a task, then use that information to make modifications or improvements. When planning out tasks or activities, providing students with structured time or routine to provide feedback, then allowing them time to make adjustments is an effective strategy to demonstrate Academic Mindset - students demonstrate that they care about their work. Also, encouraging students to go back and make changes is an educational habit and skill that is needed on state assessments.
Resources
Goal Setting Hook
Try a thinking routine - "See, Think, Wonder" with students before discussing goal setting!
Happening Around FDR Academy
Lesson Planning
A number of people have asked for resources related to effective lesson planning. Our goal is to provide you with a professional learning activity for you to be reflective in your practice. I am attaching some lesson plan formats that you can modify to meet your classroom needs.
SHOUT OUTS!
Thank you to Mrs. H. Brown & Mr. W. Smith for providing voluntary professional development. I am grateful for you stepping up to help the FDR Learning Community!!