Week 14: Forward Focus

 Celebrate Success! 

 Pursue High Standards! 

Carol Englemann decides to go Flipped Classroom:

 Find a Way-- Exhaust Your Resources! 

Collaborate with Colleagues:

Click HERE to access the Professional Development BINGO sheet, which includes ideas to meet PEER REVIEW requirements. (Accessible only within WDMCS Google domain.)

Use THIS LINK to submit  your 1/2-day with an Instructional Coach or PD/CF (goes to Bill Bird for approval):  Make sure when you put it into Subfinder to use the "REASON" (not code)--DEMO TCHR VISIT

Classroom Strategies:

1. Get to Know Your Teachers, Kids: "...when teachers and students know they have five things in common, relationships and educational outcomes both improve." 
2. Tips from Dr. [Robert] Marzano: review how building relationships, student choice, and other factors can foster an engaging classroom
3. NCTE's "What Do We Know About Assessment?" (click for full resources): 

1. Multiple assessments are needed for an accurate portrait of the academic achievement of all students.

2. High-stakes testing may be detrimental to student learning and motivation.

3. Assessments need to take into consideration both traditional components and elements that may be different for 21st century student work.

Week 13: Bricolage

 Celebrate Success! 

 Pursue High Standards! 

Lisa Irey & her DECA students are making history in 2015!
Click here to learn more.

 Find a Way-- Exhaust Your Resources! 

Collaborate with Colleagues:

Use THIS LINK to submit  your 1/2-day with an Instructional Coach or PD/CF (goes to Bill Bird for approval):  Make sure when you put it into Subfinder to use the "REASON" (not code)--DEMO TCHR VISIT

Click HERE to access the Professional Development BINGO sheet, which includes ideas to meet PEER REVIEW requirements. (Accessible only within WDMCS Google domain.)

Questioning Strategies:

1. Hypothetical Questioning:

Link to Article

2.Who is Asking the Questions? Read the article by Alfie Kohn

Week 12: Milestones and Mindsets

 Celebrate Success! 
Staplin Performing Arts Center Dedication
Below are images from the outstanding performances.  
Click here to view the entire Dedication. 

 Pursue High Standards! 

Growth Mindset: Embracing Challenge, Overcoming Obstacles 

 Find a Way-- Exhaust Your Resources! 

Collaborate with Colleagues:

Use THIS LINK to submit  your 1/2-day with an Instructional Coach or PD/CF (goes to Bill Bird for approval):  Make sure when you put it into Subfinder to use the "REASON" (not code)--DEMO TCHR VISIT

Visualize Fresh Ideas:

1. The Flipped Learning Toolkit (video series): What is a flipped classroom? Learn the basics here.
2. STEM Everywhere (video series): "Explore STEM education in settings beyond the classroom walls, and see how opportunities to learn science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are all around us."
3. Game-Based Learning (video series): "Intrigued by game-based learning, but not sure where to begin?... tips and tools for bringing them into your own practice."

Week 11: Interaction & Productive Struggles

 Celebrate Success! 
Mixing it up

 Pursue High Standards! 

"The most successful math programs encourage student interaction." 

(Slavin, Lake, and Groff, "Educator's Guide- What Works in Teaching Math?")

See how Mary Whitaker and Tami Loge use this to students' advantage!

 Find a Way-- Exhaust Your Resources! 

Take advantage of your 8 hours (2 half days) to work with an 
Instructional Coach, PDCF, or go visit a Demonstration Teacher:

• Use THIS LINK to submit to Bill Bird for approval: Make sure when you put it into Subfinder to use the "REASON" (not code)--DEMO TCHR VISIT 

Classroom Management ideas:

1. DO YOU HAVE A CLASS CLOWN? Consider this approach.
2. CELL PHONE ISSUES? Here's how a Colorado professor handles it.

Week #10: Movement, Moles, and Materials

 Celebrate Success! 

 Pursue High Standards! 

KATHY BECKMAN-  AP Chemistry celebrates Mole Day.  May the Mole be with you!

     

 Find a Way-  Exhaust Your Resources! 

from Wednesday's PD:

1. Minimizing the Grading Load: instructional practices to get feedback but reduce the paper load
2. Moving Activities: ideas to use student movement to educational advantage
3. How Do You Know They Get It?: methods for gathering immediate feedback of student understanding
4. "Exhaust Your Resources": teaching videos, activities, management strategies, content specific ideas, etc.
• ADDED: OpenEd resources including videos and materials aligned to Core, NGSS, and Elective courses

Week 9: Student-Centered Snapshots

 Celebrate Success! 

 Pursue High Standards! 

      WELCOME TO THE DIGITAL AGE!      

     

 Find a Way-  Exhaust Your Resources! 

1. Think Globally: Connection to other classrooms
2. Student Centered Classrooms: Ways to get started

MoveMENT, ManageMENT, & AssessMENT (Week 8)

 Celebrate Success! 

TRYING NEW APPROACHES:

 Pursue High Standards! 

Does this EVER get old? ExcellENT!

     

 Find a Way-  Exhaust Your Resources! 

MOVEMENT/OUT-OF-SEAT

1. Movement and Learning from Eric Jensen's  book,  Teaching with the Brain in Mind. "The first evidence of a linkage between mind and body was scattered in various proposals over the past century (Schmahmann, 1997). Today, the evidence has become a groundswell, and most neuroscientists agree that movement and cognition are powerfully connected."
2. New Evidence That Standing is Better Than Sitting in the Classroom "...students may be far better off standing while they work, both from a health perspective and a learning point of view.'"

MANAGEMENT

Pinterest: Classroom Management Tips. From how to manage cell phones to ways that teachers sabotage their own management, this source has great quick-hitting information.

ASSESSMENT

Quick Rubric. Easy, fast rubric creator, good for tasks, projects, exit slips; about any assessment!

Week 7: Culturally Responsive Interaction

 Celebrate Success! 

Cultural Awareness:

 Pursue High Standards! 

 Cultures, Interaction, and Growth at Valley:  

     

         Phil Peters discusses inter-cultural experience.                                    Students J.J. Kapur & Paige Marshall 

                                                                                                                   discuss cultural interaction.

 Find a Way-  Exhaust Your Resources! 

Considering Diverse Perspectives? Here are some articles to help: 

1. "Anti-Racist Classroom"- A good starting-point a for teachers to consider. While it doesn't address all differences (religion, socio-economic status, etc.), it's a good place to begin.
2. "Preparing for Cultural Diversity: Resources for Teachers" - This article has great resources and links attached.  All teachers could benefit by the ideas presented.

Week 6: Community of Involvement

 Celebrate Success! 

Homecoming Edition- Staff SPIRIT:

 Pursue High Standards! 

 Authentic Learning at Valley (click the name to see details):  

ANNIE PACKER- Physical Education is offering a new fitness track focusing on accessibility and practicality for students. 

CALLIE KANE discusses use of a simple set of colored sticks to arrange seats, create groups, and facilitate student discussion:

 Find a Way-  Exhaust Your Resources! 

Thinking about projects? Here are some options:

1. Editable Project Rubric: from Unsatisfactory to Distinguished in categories regarding Concepts, Habits of Mind, Craftsmanship, and more; adjustable for point inclusion; adapt to suit your needs!
2. Mid-Project Rubric Review (video): Geometry class uses Collaborative Group Work, Writing to Learn, and Questioning to get students to see where they are and where they want to go. "They're not going to get a mid-project rubric review from a college professor, so if they don't keep themselves on track, nobody's going to do it for them."
3. Edutopia's "Project-Based Learning" page: numerous sources, videos, and discussion links

WEEK 5: Personalized & Authentic Learning

 Celebrate Success! 

Helping students find their way:

 Pursue High Standards! 

 Authentic Learning at Valley (click the name to see details):  

CAMERON GALE and GREG HUDSON- 20 International Journalists visited American Heritage and AP World classrooms.  Students learned about a variety of world cultures.

GARRETT HAWKINS -Incorporating "Gradual Release and Responsibility" to empower students in their learning.  He is also collaborating with DALE ERIKSON on a differentiated reading lesson.

 Find a Way-  Exhaust Your Resources! 

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Article: Top 10 Secrets of Successful Classroom Management

5 Essentials for Basic Classroom Management (Education World)

Classroom Management for Dummies: 10 Solutions for Misbehavior

Week 4: Goals in Authenticity

 Celebrate Success! 

Students at work:

 Pursue High Standards! 

 Authentic Learning at Valley (click the name to see details):  

PAMELA WALSH- Authentic investigation activity gets Journalism students moving!

KRISTEN FRIEDRICHS uses SMART goals and goal reflection in her classes.

 Find a Way-  Exhaust Your Resources! 

1. Keeping Teachers in Mind.  This article explores how coaches can support teachers and explains the importance of a relationship between coaches and teachers to promote Growth Mindset.
2. Keeping Students in Mind. This article emphasizes the importance of the relationships teachers build with students.  
3. Managing Larger Class Size: "If you've found yourself with larger class sizes, or you're a new teacher still grasping the often overwhelming experience of one..."

Week 3: "Get Busy Living"

 Celebrate Success! 

Getting in Stride with Growing Our Minds:

 Pursue High Standards! 

 GOAL SETTING at Valley (click the name to see details):  

DAVID MAXWELL looks to improve educational equity and increase student school involvement.

HEATHER HOPE's goals drove media center changes and look to increase online presence.

 Find a Way-  Exhaust Your Resources! 

This week, a psychological focus:

1. Teachers Nurture Growth Mindset in Math: read how teachers use "open tasks" and "normalized failure" to get students to integrate math concepts. Related: Dr. Carol Dweck shows and explains the research behind the Growth Mindset approach.
2. Growth Mindset on Pinterest: great resources presented visually for your perusal.

¶  SPECIAL: Former Cyclone Jeff Woody's profound insight into former Hawkeye 

Tyler Sash's death and the perception of self. A personal "must read."

Goals in Action

 Celebrate Success! 

The "Grit" of Excellence:

 Pursue High Standards! 

 GOAL SETTING at Valley (click the name to see details):  

ERICA WHITTLE, new associate principal, aims to build relationships an know names.

KARL GOLDSMITH & SARAH KNOKE use pre/post-test data to adjust class pace & instruction in Chemistry.

PIET VAN DER MEER, Spanish teacher, uses formative observation and interaction to drive oral exam proficiency.

 Find a Way-  Exhaust Your Resources! 

Here are some great places for ideas, utility, and support materials:

1. YouCanBook.me: "An easy way to schedule Parent-Teacher Conferences"
2. Achieve the Core on Pinterest: "Find, steal, and share free Common Core tools. For teachers, coaches, school and district leaders. Assembled by Student Achievement Partners."
3. Beyond Parent-Teacher Conferences: Building Connections That Last: tips for communicating with parents during conferences and beyond
4. New Teacher Survival Guide: Parent Teacher Conferences (video)

The Valley Way: Doing Well, Getting Better

 Celebrate Success! 

GREAT COMMUNITY BUILDING:

 Pursue High Standards! 

 GOAL SETTING in action (click the name to see details):  

CHRIS DORFF, first-year Special Ed teacher, plans goals for student behavior and performance.

BEN BALDUS uses pre-tests and reflective journals to adjust instruction.

TIM MILLER ties his goals to the building goals and district professional goals

 Find a Way-  Exhaust Your Resources! 

Here are some great places for ideas and support materials:

1. Edutopia, the George Lucas Educational Foundation's site that offers teaching tips and successful approaches through articles, blogs and videos, which can be sorted by grade level and content.
2. The Teaching Channel: "a thriving online community where teachers can watch, share, and learn diverse techniques to help every student grow." Like Edutopia, many successful resources, especially the videos."
3. OpenEd: K-12 Formative Assessments, Homework, Videos, Lesson Plans.

Glad to Be Back!

It's always great to be at Valley, and we hope that your endeavors from June to the present put you in the same mindset. As for the coaches, we've decided to take on our version of the Growth Mindset and make some changes to the presentation of the blog:
1.   First, we are going to offer more "quick strike" resources and helpful insights. There should be little to no need to scroll down the page to view the extent of the offerings; extensions of ideas will be offered through hyperlinks.
2.   Next, the information will be categorized in the four key aspects of "The Valley Way":

Celebrate Success

Pictures, videos, interviews, and anecdotes of classroom advancements 

and achievements will be posted in this segment, always at the top 

Pursue High Standards

(Themes for Professional Focus) 

insights into our collaboration efforts (e.g. goal 

setting, instructional strategies, assessment etc.) 

Exhaust One's Resources 

links to relevant resources on The Valley Harvester

Find a Way!

basic tips, questions to consider, and inspirational stories regarding the persistence 

and perseverance needed to be a successful teacher driving student achievement

3.   Last, we will offer varied voices and insights from the five coaches. In an effort to reach more people, we will vary the offerings from week to week. 

We look forward to working with you as much as we have enjoyed the work we have already done in our first year. May you start off well and keep getting better!

Teaching Passion

  As we near the end of the school year we can fall into a glut of negativity as certain things are really annoying to us on school day #179 that may not have been on day #1. We've tried a few good, and not so good, district initiatives. We need to create finals and study guides, and finish up grading on top of it. We've tried multiple interventions with a student, and his/her negative behaviors persist. Some mystery co-worker keeps taking the last cup of coffee from the pot and not brewing more! (editorial on coffee pot emptiers here) 

  While I hesitate to call it summer "vacation" because many of us stay just as busy with coaching responsibilities, summer school, second jobs, kids, classes, and conferences, the idea of summer is what keeps us going. Many of us even have countdowns on the board or we post "days until summer" on our twitter feeds. 

  Did you go into teaching so that you could have summers off? Probably not. So why perpetuate the myth a lot of the public holds?

  As we progress to the 2015/2016 school year, I urge you to shift focus to the why as an educator. Why DID you go into teaching? Why do you get excited when you are teaching certain things?

Build some new parameters that you are comfortable with and trust the students to explore their why as well. Project Based Learning (PBL) really focuses on this, but I am by no means asking you to jump right into having a PBL classroom next fall. Instead, I am asking that you pursue letting students apply some of their passions to your curriculum.

  Maybe you can recreate the excitement you had/have for becoming a teacher for a student in helping him/her to find something they are passionate about as well. If we are creating a classroom where doing the safe thing is always the right thing, we are encouraging our students to always go the safe route. If our classroom encourages interweaving things students are passionate and excited about, we will be encouraging our students to take risks and to continue to pursue their passions into adulthood. 

*"Have you ever met an adult who doesn’t like their job? I’ve met many. And it’s not necessarily their fault, our system produces many adults who failed to have a chance to find their passion through schooling and instead found that the best way to get by was to keep getting by…" (Re-Inventing School With Choice by AJ Juliani)*

LIFE LESSON: NO CLASSROOM NEEDED

As we know, many complex lessons don't involve standards and assessments. Here's one I recently experienced, and I hope time allows greater understanding of the big ideas:

My family visited a home this weekend humble in comparison to what we know. It was a tight space-- furniture cluttered the 5-room building, making any navigation difficult. As I sat down, I noticed several coasters on the coffee table, each depicting an eagle, an American flag, and “God Bless America.” I looked up and saw a worn, bare spot on the ceiling where water had done some damage. Duct tape striped a few openings. A little Yorky tried to lick our faces throughout the visit. Time was short-- a trek out to the Prairie Meadows casino for the weekly drawing awaited the host. Somewhere in the recesses of my mind’s ear, John Mellencamp’s “Pink Houses” seeped in.

The conversations were forced, but certainly tried. We learned of the burdens of ex-cons. There was no doubt as to the source of the problem; that was clearly accepted. No driver's license, the required classes, and mandatory hardline phone pulled relatives and others into the problem: chauffeuring, added bills, food, shelter, and external issues incurred.

And there's winners, and there's losers

But they ain't no big deal

'Cause the simple man, baby, pays the thrills, the bills,

The pills that kill

We also learned of retired relatives with health limitations. Retirement has been rough on the couple. A lifetime of low-wage labor jobs left little to live on, and an eviction ensued. The eviction turned them to sleeping in a car until they were allowed to bunk in a local auto parts store (when it worked out, and not during business hours). A marginally reliable vehicle didn't always get them to the store by closing time, which meant missing medications and the ensuing swelling of the legs. Destiny, apparently, the stronger prescription.

The big drawing time drew nearer and we collected to leave. I hung my head, trying to comprehend the gravity of these situations. I was thankful for what I have and what I've been given, but as I looked down, there it was again: “God Bless America.”

Little was said on the drive home. The enigma of the coasters proved a brain twister.

Affect and Effect

I am fortunate to observe many wonderful teachers and their lessons through this position. Sometimes, the best lessons are what happens in the moment, the unexpected reaction of what students say, write, or do. Inevitably in humanities courses, the theme of “Man’s Inhumanity to Man” emerges, which has varying effects within kids: callused, empathetic, confused, and quiet-reserved, quiet-reflective, quiet-shut down, verbal-reactionary, verbal-interrogative, verbal-sarcastic/caustic; predictably unpredictable.

Last week I watched a teacher perform a close reading of a Vietnam era text. Man’s Inhumanity to Man was a central premise. I couldn't help but notice that most of the class was indifferent about the person-to-person cruelty, but when it came to a soldier’s cruelty to an animal, the room went flat silent. Clearly, this was upsetting to several kids. The obvious psychological questions: Why? Why do people fairly well accept malice among people but reject it between humans and animals? Do we expect one but not the other?

10 images to share at your next faculty meeting (Justin Tarte)

It made me appreciate the reception I get from my little dog when I come home (dancing, smiling, pawing; the devotion of an animal is wonderful),  but it also made me step back and recognize the many positive experiences I’m afforded by the many people in my life: family, colleagues, kids, coaches; seemingly infinite in number and affect. I've been fortunately surrounded by good people all my life. Of course there’s a mother’s influence, but teachers along the way have made long-term impacts. With both Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10) and Teacher Appreciation Day (Tuesday, May 5) coming soon, it seems appropriate to show some love to the mommas and the teachers. Their influence (affect) and resulting impacts and change upon me (effect) are not forgotten. Here are a few thoughts to consider for those that affect us and for ourselves and the good we can do:

1. Mother’s Day Roundup: Tips, Lessons, and Activities (Education World)

2. My Life-Changing Teacher

3. For your consideration:
• Kids’ Thoughts on Student Engagement
• What I Learned from Teachers Who Inspired Me (Simon Hauger)...

• & what he's done with it: Sustainability Workshop