Sipley School Weekly Howl
Week of Monday, October 9, 2017
Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated failures. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.
Calvin Coolidge
Learning Targets vs. Learning Targets and Success Criteria
The "O" in FOCUS is operating with clear targets in place. A "good target" has two components- learning target AND success criteria! When students know what success looks like, they have a much better chance of hitting the target. Making the target visible to students versus sharing the educative mumble jumble type of target is best. Check out this visual.
Feedback that is FUELED
I was fortunate to observe a teacher meeting 1-1 with each student to review a post-assessment. The teacher helped the student make connections between their writing and the rubric, along with how writing can be improved. His feedback was FUELED!
Focused
Uplifting
Edible
Lean/Low Threat
Enacted (time will tell if the feedback will be enacted upon)
Descriptive
Focusing on Teaching the Whole Child
As I met with classroom teachers in Data Review meetings, we talked about the importance of teaching the whole child, the heart of our school improvement plan. Teachers shared evidence of teaching the whole child. Here is what I learned:
- Teachers are more consistent in the use of Second Step.
- One has a morning question that is a growth mindset question that allows students to share their personal life/thoughts a bit.
- CHAMPs is being implemented.
- We have seen improvement in hallway, lunchroom, and classroom expectations.
- Passion periods are being done.
- One teacher does a "Goods from the Weekend" where students share what they did over the weekend.
- Teachers are reporting that they are seeing students helping each other more.
- Kagan Teambuilders and Classbuilders are being done.
- Newsletters, See-Saw, Smore, DoJo, and Twitter are used to communicate with parents.
- Positive notes and phone calls are going home more than in the past.
- One teacher is doing a Global Read with other classes around the world.
- Reteaching behavior, as needed.
There is an overwhelming feeling of empowerment among our teachers. They are working with a high level of confidence in themselves.
Thanks to everyone for keeping our School Improvement Plan on our minds when planning, when focusing our work, and especially, in moments of difficulties.
A Glance at the Week Ahead
Monday - No School
Thursday - Follow a Monday Schedule - Though it is a Monday Schedule, we will NOT have DEB
Friday - I will be out of the building
Monday the 16th - Fun Run - See the schedule Damon sent