OSP Connected
October, 2017-Office for School Performance-Volume 12
Message from Dayle
When I was a child, "Whole Language" was all the rage and I don't recall any real lessons in any of the five components of language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics). My first true instruction in semantics or grammar was in high school when I was studying German. And, like many of you, when I took Systematic ELD and Constructing Meaning, it sent me into cold sweats because I realized how much grammar I didn't know. As a math and science teacher, how was I supposed to teach language?
Here's what I finally settled on. My students need me to scaffold their language through tier two vocab, sentence frames, structured academic discourse and direct teaching of language. Without it they won't have access to the learning and they won't be successful in my content. So I decided to try. I'm not great at it. I don't always have the correct level or rigor or perfectly describe and refer to the part of speech I should be teaching. But I am getting better.
Just try! You will improve over time too. Our students are counting on us!
HSD Focus 2017-2018
INSTRUCTION: Language and Rigor
1. Do you have a daily language objective that teaches students the language they will need to be successful in your classroom task? Here's a resource on how to write language and content objectives
2. When you ask students to "pair share" or "talk to a neighbor", what does that look like? Who is talking and what are they saying?
It is essential that you first teach what the interactions look and sound like. And, it's even more imperative that all kids are participating. Our kids who need this practice the most are often the ones who have mastered not taking the risk and practicing the language required. Walk around! Keep a clip board handy and monitor your students. Don't allow the "opt out" of a partner share!
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS: Greet Me!
Building relationships is key to student success. Students said "I need more help with assignments and in class" more than any other topic. Check out this great resource, Help Me (If you choose presentation mode, it is easier to get the videos to run.)
I don't want to insinuate that staff aren't helping. Indeed I think staff are working extremely hard to help students. I do think, however, we can all learn how to help students more effectively and this goes two ways: we can teach students to ask better questions and advocate for themselves and we can build up skills in our approaches to supporting our students especially our students who need us the most!
Check out the video to learn more!
CAREER & COLLEGE READY: Starts in Kindergarten
Kindergarten? Really?
Yes! Here's the top three reasons "college and career ready" is important to every grade including kindergarten.
1. Our students need to be introduced to the world of possibility. This should happen daily with teachers helping students see how what they are learning shows up in the real world. Refer to the HSD College and Career poster and show students the world's possibilities. (Link)
2. Students are creating their identities about who they are and aren't in our classrooms and school spaces. What messages can you reflect back to them about their natural talents and efforts toward areas that interest them? Believe in them!
3. Each year students need to learn the standards in order to stay at or above grade level so all doors are open to them post graduation. Some students need a little more here or a little more there but all need to learn grade level materials.
This summer, our PK-6th summer migrant/dual staff connected their units to the career and college pathways. The college and career focus helped hook and engage students and allowed them to see how the work they are doing in school will open doors to careers that tap more of their interests and skill strength areas. Our 4-6th grade students have had inconsistent attendance in previous years but this year we had the best attendance ever!
Attendance Monitoring
We all know the first step in learning is showing up to learn! When students aren't attending, a caring adult making a call can make a difference.
The call however, can be intimidating and hard for us to want to do. Here are some scripts you may find helpful: Phone Call Scripts. But, the most important thing to remember in these calls is that everyone wants to know their child (or they) matter and they are missed when absent from school. Start with a heart of care and you can't go wrong!
Wonderful Third Wednesdays (WTW)
Wednesday, Oct 18, 2017, 04:00 PM
Raymond Arthur Brown Middle School, Southwest Cornelius Pass Road, Hillsboro, OR, United States
Classified Professional Development
1. ParaSharp 3-2-1 Insight: An online training option with modules you can choose for your own needs and learning.
2. Wonderful Third Wednesdays (sessions)
3. Academic Seminars at your school are optional trainings if you have time in your schedule to attend.
4. Professional development funds that can be accessed as employees through Human Resources.
5. On demand/department requested training. For example, a school has a student experiencing Autism and many of the staff members do not feel they have the skills to meet the student's needs. Through their teacher or principal, they can request training.
6. Our district PD calendar: HSD PD Calendar