Principal's Pride Page
Keeping you Informed
"Oh the times, they are a changin'..." (Part Two)
Hello All,
Last week, the focus of the newsletter was on how the Common Core State Standards and increased technology integration have changed traditional teaching and learning. This week, we're going to explore what some of those changes look like.
Data Driven Instruction and Flipped Learning:
A tremendous emphasis has been put on the use of Data Driven Instruction, or DDI. This is a step-by-step systematic approach used to improve both classroom learning and overall school improvement. The three fundamental steps of DDI are assessment (what is happening), analysis (what does it mean), and action (what are we going to do about it).
At the classroom level, this requires teachers to create performance tasks that show us what our students know and are able to do. This allows teachers to identify any gaps in learning and, in turn, make sure that we’re closing those gaps. The DDI model has been cited as one of the most important factors in helping all students achieve success.
A mode of instruction that readily allows for DDI is the flipped classroom. Many teachers at Red Jacket have been implementing such a model in their own classes. Basically, the flipped classroom inverts traditional teaching methods, delivering instruction online (or outside) of the physical classroom, thereby moving "homework" into the classroom. For example, a student might watch a lecture at home at their own pace. The student then has the opportunity to engage with classmates and the teacher in online discussion groups.
What educators have found is that with the flipped classroom model,the most fundamental aspect of a lesson, namely the acquisition of an overall concept (known as creating schema), now takes place in the classroom with the assistance of the instructor. This is a way for students to receive more instructional support, which has been shown to not only increase performance but decrease off-task behavior as well.
I've only given the broad brushstrokes of these concepts, so if you'd like to learn more you can use engagny as a useful resource for both parents and students.
As always, thank you for your continued dedication to the success of our schools.
Mark Your Calendars
- 10/28: Picture day make up.
- 10/31: Wayne-Finger Lakes Cross Country Championship Meet. 10 AM at Red Jacket.
- 10/31: Class D Sectional Semifinal vs. Bishop Kearney. 1 PM at Webster Thomas HS.
Contact Information
Email: Samuel.Martina@redjacket.org
Website: www.redjacket.org
Location: 1506 State Route 21, Shortsville, NY, United States
Phone: (585) 289-3966
Twitter: @RJHSPrincipal
A note from State Education Commissioner Elia
The New York State Education Department has launched an online survey that will allow New Yorkers to provide detailed feedback on the State's English Language Arts (ELA)/Literacy and Math Common Core Learning Standards for prekindergarten through grade 12. Teachers, administrators, school board members, parents, the business community, and anyone with an interest in the future of our schools should participate in the review.
The survey, which can be found at www.NYSED.gov, allows respondents to review and comment on any ELA and math standard for any grade level. The survey will be open until November 30, 2015, and the results will help inform changes made to the standards. An advisory group - made up of stakeholders, particularly teachers, school administrators, and parents - will review the survey results and recommendations and present suggested changes to the standards.
Thank you in advance for participating in the survey.
Sincerely,
MaryEllen Elia
Commissioner