Instructional Impact
December 11, 2019
Purpose
Helpful Links
Trimester 2 Assessment Calendar
Report Card Dates/Deadlines
ELA Minimal Standards of Instructional Practice
Click HERE to access our minimal standards of instructional practice for ELA and our balanced literacy approach.
ENTRANCE Tickets- ONE Multiple Choice Question
I recently attended the Illuminate Conference and attended a session where the presenter challenged us to move from using exit tickets to entrance tickets using ONE multiple choice question as this helps us to better understand student thinking.
Here are some key ideas to consider when creating the entrance tickets:
Waiting until the next day will help us understand what students were actually able to learn/retain with time away from the concepts as well as what misconceptions they may still have
The multiple choice question has to either
have multiple correct or partially correct answer choices OR
have truly attractive distractors, preferably that represent student misconceptions
Gather or sort information quickly (who/how many chose A, B, C, or D, etc.)- a clicker or similar technology would a great way
Teacher's role is to facilitate a discussion between students. Resist the urge to directly instruct. Let the students instruct one another. Some questions to consider (with any of the answer choices):
How do you suppose someone got to this answer? (Possibly create perspective different from their own)
What do you suppose they were thinking? Did they miss anything?
Can you show us?
How was your thinking similar or different to ____________’s thinking?
From the data she shared, this strategy was a major game changer for the school that used it. It led to deeper knowledge and understanding and improved assessment results. It promotes a culture of thinking!
Please note that this is ONE strategy. It doesn't mean the exit tickets shouldn't be used. They absolutely can be. Both entrance and exit tickets serve as formative opportunities. It all depends on what we want to know and, most importantly, what we plan to do with the information we get from the kids!
Fraction Rules that Expire!
Click HERE!
To reference the article that she mentions (13 Rules that Expire), please click HERE
Teaching Fractions for Understanding with Graham Fletcher (10 minute video)
Family Engagement
I am looking to start an action team who is interested in increasing family engagement when it comes to teaching and learning! I will be honest and say I do not have a set plan about this, but I do have some ideas. I'm looking to hold our first brainstorming session in January!
The key question I want to be able to answer is:
How do we engage families in learning and better help them understand what their children are learning, give them a window into our schools/classrooms, how they can support at home, and how can we help them improve their own skills?
Some of my ideas include game nights, math and literacy nights, videos (so many options), book study groups for families, etc.
If this is an area you are interested in, can you send me a quick email letting me know? I feel our first step will be to just get together and talk/brainstorm.
The SharingPYP Blog: Learner Agency in the Assessment Process: Does it Work?
This is a great blog to subscribe to!
Superintendent Throne's Podcast
Mr. Throne and Matt Johnson recently sat down and chatted with Oxford Leader's, CJ Carnacchio. Take a listen by clicking HERE!
Past Podcasts:
Better understand school financing- Check it out HERE!
Impending construction on M-24 that will begin next spring- Check it out HERE!
Engaging Families in Mathematics
The site includes tons of pictures that can be used as provocations to get students talking about what they see and what they notice! These would actually be great for classroom teachers too! Maybe a fun, quick addition to the Daily Routine. When I checked out the site, I was prompted to register and I received a free eBook that had some great prompts. I especially like this because it promotes multiple representation, talking about math, and subitizing skills!
NEW!! Michigan's Math Essentials
Mission:
Create a cohesive direction for mathematics education in Michigan
Develop a common understanding of how to strengthen early mathematics instruction across the state
Inform practice, professional learning, school improvement plans
Enhance existing instruction
Click HERE to view the essentials and learn more!
Michigan's Literacy Essentials
Our districts curriculum and instructional practice, including workshop instruction, helps to support and promote these Literacy Essentials!
This site offers EXCELLENT professional learning opportunities through videos and modules!
Teacher's College Reading & Writing Project (TCRWP)
Anita R. Qonja-Collins
Email: anita.qonja@oxfordschools.org
Website: oxfordschools.org
Location: 10 North Washington Street, Oxford, MI, USA
Phone: 248.969.5096
Twitter: @AnitaQonja