Educational Services Weekly Update
October 6, 2019
Relevant Research & Resources
Student Talk
When I visit classrooms I like to think about evidence of student learning. There are only two ways I know what a student is learning. One way is to see their learning via a written/visual product (not something they copied, but something they created). The second way is to hear their thinking as they speak. Student talk is a powerful opportunity for formative assessment. When we listen to students we hear what they know, what they think about, what they wonder, what their misconceptions are, and when they are silent.
I once had a consultant observe my teaching and give me this advice: If you ask your class a question, it must be important enough for all students to answer. Therefore, consider how all students can be given an opportunity to answer before calling on a volunteer. That could be a quick "turn and talk" or it could be an individual "stop and jot". Then, consider how you will call on someone. Will you call on a volunteer or a non volunteer? Again, if the question is important enough, everyone should be prepared to answer (and then to get support if needed).
Most elementary students are happy to talk most of the time. But by middle school, students begin to shut down, especially students who struggle academically. As you visit classrooms, I encourage you to reflect on when you hear student talk and what that talk tells you about student learning. I also encourage you to reflect on which students volunteer and which students do not speak unless required.
CELEBRATIONS & GRATITUDE!
KUDOS
* Thank you Lisa, Beth, and Jodi for hosting Board visits this week! We enjoyed seeing teaching and learning in action across your sites.
* Thank you to Glen for sharing the Mindful Education Summit link above. This looks like another great opportunity to expand our mindfulness resources!
* Thank you to Veronica for her amazing work on Operation School Bell! This was my first time attending this heart-warming event and Veronica's organization and coordination make this possible for our deserving students. Thank you to your school teams who supported as well!
Updates & Calendar items of interest
Please see below
Key dates for you:
- 10/8 - ILC - Bring resource to work on your data and your safety plan during the work session time!
- 10/15 - TRIADs
Know My Story/ Know Our Story -- 5 Facts about Us
Beth Cameron, Principal OPE
- I began my life in Bozeman Montana and moved to Minneapolis when I was seven because my dad’s career. I attended K-8th grade in Catholic school. I attended public school 9-12 and went on to the University of Minnesota.
- When I was a junior in college, I took a break and moved to Maui. I intended on spending the winter there but ended up staying for 2 and a half years. I got my real estate license and worked in investment real estate and property management. I returned to Minneapolis and finished my degree and went to work for Merrill Lynch.
- I moved to California in 1993 and started a family. I decided the corporate world wasn’t the best thing for motherhood, so I went back to school and got my teaching credential. I worked in the Vista Unified School District for 12 years as a teacher, a ToSA and a Program Coordinator. I am now in my 12th year in the Encinitas Union.
- I have two amazing adult children, Elliott and Madeline. Elliott lives in Washington and Madeline lives in Montana, so the Northwest is my favorite place to visit.
- I am a wanderlust and am always planning my next trip. I am leaving for Australia on 10/18 and getting on a Liveaboard to dive the Great Barrier Reef.
Educational Services
Email: amy.illingworth@eusd.net
Website: www.eusd.net
Phone: 760-944-4300
Twitter: @AmyLIllingworth