the RAH
February 24-28, 2020
from Mike & J
Fairness seemed to be the hangup. In my mind, however, I believe fair inherently means treating students...and adults...differently. Fair means leveling the playing field so individuals can be successful where they currently are. There is a different level of accountability for a student or staff member who have already proven themselves proficient or at mastery level and our accountability for them; that is fair to do. There is a different frame of reference when helping the same individuals learn to become proficient. It would not be fair to hold someone who is not proficient, who is struggling, to the same level of accountability as that of someone who has reached the desired level. I believe, too often, that fairness blurs the lines of differentiation.
As you go about this week, think of ways that we can apply this with staff. You have staff members that are 7-8 months into their education career, and others are mid-career, and others that are 20+ years. You may have first year educators that are masters of relationships, and experienced staff who are all about the content. Regardless of experience: fair means treating people differently. It is high expectations that are the non-negotiable.
May this week match the level of leadership & expectations that you set!
-J
APPLY NOW: SPS Access Class--Limited Spots Available for Tenured Teachers
For SPS Tenured Teachers: Apply now for a chance to participate in the Leadership Springfield SPS Access Class on April 7-8, 2020. Thirty six tenured teachers district-wide will be selected to attend. Apply for a spot in the class between February 18 - March 3, 2020.
Why Should You Consider SPS Access?
The learning opportunities provided to educators in SPS provide deep content and instructional knowledge to support students in our system. However, the teaching profession is one that is constantly evolving and requires new skills and connections to fully meet both the academic and social-emotional needs students. The SPS Access Class is designed to bring heightened awareness to the Springfield community, opportunities to build connections with those beyond the classroom walls, and resources and partnerships that better serve and equip our students to be more productive and contributing members of our community.
What Can You Expect from SPS Access?
Your SPS Access Class will be a fast-paced exploration of our community over two days. We will be visiting 8-10 locations, touring behind the scenes at several area businesses, meeting with key community leaders and more. Please prepare to spend a significant amount of time each day walking as well as sitting listening to speakers and actively engaging with your classmates. You will leave your vehicle at our first stop each day and be shuttled by Fisk Transportation to each session. We will return you to your car at the conclusion of each day. Meals, snacks and bottled water will be provided. We will begin each day at 8am and end at 4:30pm. Participants will be expected to complete the entire class to graduate the program.
After the application window closes, application essays will be scored during an initial review. Following that first round of selection, the 36 final teachers will be selected by random lottery through Leadership Springfield and notified by March 10. Funding for the SPS Access Class is generously provided by Springfield Public Schools, Foundation for Springfield Public Schools and Wells Fargo.
Updates from Learning Support
Academic Status & Growth check
A quick review of the Elementary Academic Scorecard shows the following:
Status-
K-5 Reading Status has increased 0.5%
K-5 Math Status has decreased 1.4%
Growth-
K-5 Reading has increased 0.5%
K-5 Math has increased 1.1%
It is exciting to see positive movement in 3 of 4 areas, and I am confident that our work in mathematics will come to fruition. Please ensure you take a moment to see how your students are doing, celebrate as appropriate, and guide to excellence.
Ready Set Supply 2020
Leaders:
It’s time to start planning for Ready, Set, Supply 2020. Lisa Searles and I met with some of our partners this week and feedback from that meeting is here.
We are asking that you connect with your partner(s) by April 1, 2020 to begin to discuss school supply needs. School Supply lists you create with teachers should also be forwarded to Lisa (lrsearles@spsmail.org). Additionally, please be specific on the supply lists noting the total number of items you are requesting and what school supplies partners will be donating.
As you know, Ready, Set, Supply is just a small part of what partners do for schools. We encourage you to engage with partners in other ways to support your school.
Let me know if you have questions-
Bret Range