the RAH
September 28 - October 2, 2015
from J-
My learning with some of you will continue this next week. I'll be at Fremont & Sherwood on Monday. Tuesday will include Gray, Harrison Jeffries, Mann & McBride, and Thursday I'll be at Portland, Sunshine & Twain. Please let me know if there are specific times you would like me to avoid or that work better for you.
from Bret-
Delta 9 met this week and presenters included Rick Emling with Transportation and Jill Palmer and Dave Whitham regarding the Assessment Calendar. Your peer representative will be sharing information from the discussion soon.
If I were leading a building that was not an IGNITE site, my primary concern would be “What can I be doing now to get my teachers ready for when IGNITE comes to us?” Discussing options for student choice and flexibility in learning, reconfiguring learning spaces, and studying project based/inquiry based learning are all viable options. Many teachers need guidance on where to start and encouragement to go slow. Someone I follow on Twitter shared this short article about launching an inquiry based classroom (http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/09/21/10-tips-for-launching-an-inquiry-based-classroom/). Additionally, here is another short article highlighting the notion that good classroom instruction will never trump technology (http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/09/30/8-ways-to-prioritize-learning-when-using-technology-in-the-classroom/). Both are quick, easy reads that might serve as conversation starters at leadership team meetings or professional learning days.
We’ve had some questions about School Action Plans (SAP). We have purposely delayed this so you could focus on growth plans with your staff. It is not time to give some love and attention to your SAP. Attached is the form you will use to document your school’s SAP. SAPs are due to me via e-mail by October 13th.
Official Count
Duh moment...
Take stock-
Library Clerical clarification
Some questions have surfaced about our library clerical staff. Library clerical job duties should be focused on learning commons specific tasks such as shelving books, check in and out of materials, paperwork and organization tasks within the learning commons. Extra duties that may be assigned beyond their role in the learning commons remove them from being able to complete those tasks and may put them in the position of supervising students. The qualifications required for the clerical position at hire do not include certification and therefore they should not be responsible for the direct supervision of students. For example they should not be teaching classes, but they can provide support to a certified staff member who brings their class to a learning commons.
This is a liability issue, and we want to ensure our staff and students are placed in the appropriate supervisory situations. If you have any questions, please connect with J or Melody Netzer.