CE Sneak Peak
Weekly Focus Newsletter
Growth vs. Fixed Mindset
On Wednesday, the decision was made for our campus to evacuate. Before I left campus that day, I reflected on the systems that were put in place and the sense of urgency displayed to get everyone out of the building efficiently and safely. I began to think, do we have that same sense of urgency in the classroom?
Respectively, our instruction data shows that we have been doing well with our students. However, what's our next step? What does it take to get to the next level? Urgency doesn't mean that our classroom is a stressful, rigid place full of drill and skill activities. Can learning be fun? YES! Teaching with a sense of urgency is purposeful teaching. It's making every instructional moment count. And that makes an impact on student learning. I believe that the difference between going with the flow and creating a sense of urgency in the classroom is tied to our mindset. I was able to observe this as we lined our students up, transported them to KHS, and then made sure they were safe, fed, and ready to go home for the day. Our mindsets were those of protecting, nurturing, and calming. We embraced this challenge and saw this obstacle as a path to make sure our our goal of making sure our students were safe at all times was mastered. What if we could instill this type of mindset throughout our campus?
This type of mindset I am referring to is called a growth mindset. Carol Dweck (2008), psychologist, defines growth mindset as "students understand that their talents and abilities can be developed through effort, good teaching and persistence. They don't necessarily think everyone's the same or anyone can be Einstein, but they believe everyone can get smarter if they work at it." In contrast a fixed mindset is when, "students believe their basic abilities, their intelligence, their talents, are just fixed traits. They have a certain amount and that's that, and then their goal becomes to look smart all the time." When students have a growth mindset, they take on challenges and learn from them. Our students face challenges each day, whether it's socio-emotional or intellectual. The skills and strategies we provide to our students will help develop the mindset that they can do whatever it is they put their mind to (remember, this is also in our campus mission). So how do we began to develop a growth mindset on our campus? Below are a few strategies to consider within your classroom:
1. Think about setting achievable micro-goals to encourage students’ consistent, incremental progress. Small wins repeated over time can lead to a growth mindset (and increased confidence!). We're already off to a start. We will be doing this with our student data folders and we also have classroom data walls showcasing our students' growths.
2. When students succeed, praise their efforts and strategies as opposed to their intelligence. For example, "It was a challenging assignment, but you stuck to it and got it done. Good job!"
3. Help students focus on and value the process of learning. Without this emphasis on learning, students will often base self perceptions of intelligence and worth to grades received, promoting a fixed mindset. While grades are important, the value of learning should be prioritized. Student self reflection is a great way to focus on the value of learning.
4. Design classroom activities that involve cooperation and collaboration. Research suggests that students are more motivated and successful when working in groups. Students feel a sense of responsibility to the group to try their best, and thus will experience the positive feedback loop of effort and success, encouraging the development of a growth mindset. Be sure to assign roles for group members.
This week Ms. Gonzalez and I will continue coming around this week during walk throughs and looking at the alignment of the daily objectives to district curriculum and student activity. Let's make another week count!
Mrs. Young
Sun, Moon, and Earth
AVID Parent University
1st student to sit in the Principal's Chair
100% staff attendance on Friday, 9/16/2016
Please join us in the teachers' lounge on Friday, September 23, 2016, from 7:00 am - 7:30 am for Flap Jack Friday. Let's continue to "go for gold" in our daily attendance, as well. See you then!
All Hands on Deck
All Hands on Deck
YOU take the cake
Weekly CE Student Attendance Rate -98.42%
1st place -3rd grade - 98.66%
2nd place - 5th grade - 98.49%
3rd place - 2nd grade - 98.48%
Special shout out to 1st grade who had 100% attendance on Friday, 9/16/2016. Keep up the good work everyone!
PLC This Week
- Discussion of Reading, Writing, Math, and Science curriculum and instruction ~ presented by Ms. Roeder and Mrs. Sylvester