THE SKY NEEDS STARS
NUDGE: ROBERTS MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLUME 27
One thing I want to share with all my doers and achievers is when you arrive at your sweet spot of teaching or even in life, please be cautious not to be obsessed with what is next. I am not saying not to think about all the possibilities that lies ahead of you. As a matter of fact, you should start creating action steps that are needed to help push you forward into growth. Here is where I want to lead you this week, I do not want you to miss the “now”. If you obsess about what is next, you will miss what is needed in the now. In other words, you might ultimately sacrifice the now by focusing on what you don't have.
What is in the "now" that is so important? In the now (present) you can find clues that will expose your strengths and weaknesses, which is key for exponential growth. You have to be willing to look for the trail of clues that will help you become more self aware. Some of us get so caught up with saying, “when I get my next job”, that we forget that we can lead right where we are at. Many of us are so obsessed with the next, that we lose sight of the beauty in today.
What do you need to focus on “now”? Now is the time to pull small group instruction to help our students who are struggling. Continue to daily check for understanding to get real-time data. There is nothing like the present moment to utilize sentence stems which ultimately leads our students to higher order thinking. We are in the 9th inning in our school calendar, which means now is the time to hustle.
As the leader of this campus, I need to plan for the future. Part of my job is to forecast and anticipate the next, but I never want to lose sight of the joys of this school. I have wonderful teachers who are fixing and editing the stories of kids. I have a work family that are doers, innovators, and designers that show up despite the excuses. I personally come to work each and every day excited about working with you. Thank you for making this campus home!
I will be at a Principal Workshop today, Monday, and Tuesday. Nothing will be different because I am leaving you in capable hands. I am still a phone call away, so please do not hesitate to call me if needed.
Jorly
Where in the world is Del RIo?
Frank modeling in small group!
Polo filling gaps and giving feedback to push students toward mastery!
Thank you Mr. Garcia for organizing a trip to the University of Texas in Austin for our ACE students! They attended workshops targeted forward future career aspirations and got to follow the Longhorn Band to the UT Tower! What an AMAZING experience!
Del Valle assisting to clarify for students!
Luis Salazar representing RMS at the PISD Spelling Bee!
Mauricio meeting kids where they are and pushing them forward in small group!
Purucker engaging students and giving clear expectations!
Thank you Mrs. Ramella for organizing a digital chat with author Kwame Alexander for our Aviators!
T-TESS 2.4 Differentiation
AS WE WALK THROUGH YOUR CLASSROOMS WE WILL BE FOCUSED ON T-TESS DIMENSION 2.4: DIFFERENTIATION (THE TEACHER DIFFERENTIATES INSTRUCTION, ALIGNING METHODS AND TECHNIQUES TO DIVERSE STUDENT NEEDS), ARGUABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IN PERSONALIZING SMALL GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION.
“High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation.” As we walked through classrooms focusing on Achieving Expectations, it is evident that you believe our students can succeed; however, these expectations are not a self-fulfilling prophecy. High expectations is something you do, not just believe. Every instructional decision must be consistent with high expectations.
Beginning Monday, as we walk through your classrooms we will be focused on T-TESS Dimension 2.4: Differentiation (The teacher differentiates instruction, aligning methods and techniques to diverse student needs), arguably the most important step in personalizing small group and individual instruction. Differentiation is tailoring instruction, from planning to implementation, to meet individual student needs and maximize the acceleration of each individual student’s mastery. As you work towards our instructional focus, consider using real-time data to differentiate the content, process, product and learning environment in the classroom and Destination Time to meet the diverse needs of every learner, from SPED to GT.
Listed below are examples of evidence of Differentiation.
Adjusts Instruction for Student Needs
- Uses time flexibly so all students can demonstrate mastery of the objective
- Uses formative assessment to check for understanding (i.e. observation, exit ticket, checkpoint, etc.)
- Provides instruction at students’ individual instructional levels
- Varies the learning process based on student need (i.e. technology, teacher-led small group and independent instruction, etc.)
Monitors Quality of Student Participation and Performance
- Asks open-ended questions and encourages discussion
- Randomizes questions to hold all students accountable
- Asks questions before selecting students to respond
- Surveys student interests and learning preferences to motivate students
- Monitors on-task and off-task behavior of all students
Recognizes/Responds to Student Confusion or Disengagement
- Provides wait time to allow student processing time
- Intervenes at the moment of misunderstanding
- Reteaches or clarifies in response to individual student learning needs
Provides Differentiated Instructional Strategies
- Varies student grouping (i.e. homogenous, heterogeneous, partner, cooperative, independent, etc.)
- Provides choice in student tasks
- Allows student voice in product selection
- Challenges students demonstrating mastery of the objective to learn with deeper understanding
Monday
- TELPAS Testing in Computer lab AM Session 8:40 AM - 11:10 AM. PM Session 1:30 PM - 4 PM
- 5th STAAR ONLINE tutorials in MPR during AIR time
Tuesday
- STAAR Shirt orders DUE!
- Teacher Made Tuesday
- 5th STAAR ONLINE tutorials in MPR during AIR time
- TELPAS Testing in Computer lab AM Session 8:40 AM - 11:10 AM. PM Session 1:30 PM - 4 PM
PLC's
- 1st Period 5th Connect PLC
- 2nd Period 5th Traditional PLC - Reading, Sci, Math
- 3rd Period - Intervention PLC
- 4th Period - 6th Connect PLC- Sci
- 5th Period - 6th Traditional PLC -Sci/SS
Wednesday
- Bondy Boys Athletic Meeting in MPR 8:00 - 8:30am
- TELPAS Testing in Computer lab AM Session 8:40 AM - 11:10 AM. PM Session 1:30 PM - 4 PM
- Clubs
Thursday
- Spring Pictures taken during 1st period in the Red Gym
- 6th STAAR ONLINE tutorials in Room 105 during AIR time
- Complimentary Pizza in the Lounge during lunches
- TELPAS Testing in Computer lab AM Session 8:40 AM - 11:10 AM. PM Session 1:30 PM - 4 PM
Friday
- MindTrekkers 6th Grade
- Relay Incentive 5th Grade
- TELPAS Testing in Computer lab AM Session 8:40 AM - 11:10 AM. PM Session 1:30 PM - 4 PM