Parent-Teacher Conferences

 

While this is round 2 of virtual conferences (with the option of being in person, if requested), there are still challenges with effective communication during a Google Meet. Seeing examples of their child's work is often a highlight of conferences for parents, and definitely a useful tool for teachers. Listed below are some ideas for sharing work at virtual parent-teacher conferences, when you can’t just slide a folder across the table.

• Use a document camera. Don’t try to just hold up a paper to your webcam; that’s frustrating for everyone. Instead, use screen-sharing and a document camera to look at student work.
• Prepare a slideshow. This is more work in advance, but older students can help. Have them build a Google Slideshow of their work, then add in any you want to share as well. This is a terrific way for them to take ownership of their learning and progress.
• Scan and email. If you only have a couple of pages you’d like parents to see, scan them in and send them via email before the conference starts.
• Send work home. Make copies of any work you’d like parents to see, then send it with students before conferences. This way, you’ll both have copies of the work in front of you when you talk. Don’t skip the “making copies” step so the original doesn't get lost!

Let me know if there's anything I can do to support you with parent/teacher conferences -

Sue

Data Roll Throughs - Winter 2021

 

Upcoming Data Roll Throughs

We will be having our grade level data roll throughs, starting this week and running into next week.  The purpose of the roll throughs is review data points we have this far, and make sure we're providing the best instruction to every Houlton student. 

According to Data Driven Instruction (ASCD), we have built strong practices in all of the areas that support a high level of student learning.

Culture

As indicated by our staff survey, Houlton's rating of a Culture of Educational Excellence is in the 95%ile.  That sets the stage for an attitude of success, and identifies the importance of collaboration on data analysis and strategies for improving student learning.

Assessments

We have the benefit of several district supported data points, as well as formative assessments and teacher observations, that align to and support our district standards.

Analysis

Through our data roll throughs and grade level PLCs, we are able to look at the overall performance of the class, as well as individual student strengths and areas for growth.  Utilizing the expertise of the data roll through team allows us to get to a deeper level of analysis is critical for determining next steps in the classroom.

Action

Collecting and analyzing student data is important but only becomes meaningful when combined with effective action.  

Here are the documents each team will need to update before our virtual meetings (I will add data links soon!):

Kindergarten (January 29th, 1:20)

1st Grade (February 1st (8:00)

2nd Grade (January 28th, 8:00)

3rd Grade (February 4th, 8:00)

4th Grade (January 29th, 11:30)

5th Grade (January 29th, 10:30)

Thank you for your continued dedication to our culture of educational excellence!
Sue

Communication

 

The Importance of Communication

Having strong communication skills aids in all aspects of life - from professional life to personal life, and everything that falls in between.  All transactions result from communication, so good communication skills are essential to allow others and yourself to understand information more accurately and quickly.

With our conversation about norms this past week, our continued conversations about building connections with students, and the upcoming conversation about the staff survey results (to include communication), this week's Blog is about the importance of communication.

Things that support strong communication:

Listening

It's important to practice active listening - pay close attention to what others are saying, and clarifying anything that is unclear by rephrasing or questioning to gain a greater understanding.

Open-mindedness

In situations where you disagree with what someone else has to say, it's important to sympathize with their point of view rathe rthan simply try to get your message across.  Respect the opinion of others and build an understanding of their perspective when they don't agree with you.

Respect

Respecting what others have to say and acknowledge them is an important aspect of communication.  Being respectful can be as simple as paying attention to what they ahve to say, using the person's name, and not being distracted.  Be respecting others, the other person will feel appreciated, which will lead  to a more honest and productive conversation.

Tomorrow's staff meeting will review the staff survey results from this fall, with communication being an area that we will find ways to strengthen.  I encourage you to think of ways we can continue to develop strong and effective communciation throughout our building - with both students and staff.

Learning Targets

 

While I recognize that Learning Targets are not a new concept, I'd like to take time to refresh our thinking on their use and purpose!  With the many other things demanding attention this year, some of our "best practices" have been overrun.  As I've been in classrooms, learning targets is one thing I haven't seen utilized as much as we have in the past, and I've identified it as an area that can benefit from a "refocus" in our instruction (classroom, specialist, interventionist). I shared this information with the SMART team last week, and Lori will be working with PLCs on Tuesday to continue the discussion with teams.  Specialists - please reach out to Lori with any questions/support.

When we think about Learning Targets, a reminder that:

• Teachers need to reflect on what they want their students to KNOW, LEARN, DO and SHOW in order to plan and deliver effective instruction and learning opportunities.
• Students must understand what they are to know, understand, and be able to do BEFORE learning takes place! It is part of setting the purpose for learning and helps students focus on what is important in the reading/or lesson.

A Learning Target can take from “five seconds to five days” depending on:

• Complexity of the knowledge, skill, reasoning or product

• the overall importance in the curriculum (level of mastery, continuum of learning)

• Students – age, abilities, prior experience and cognitive development.

• Formative Assessment results

Lori will have conversations during Tuesday's PLC time about the use of Learning Targets to:

• clearly identify and maintain focus on objective, at the beginning-middle-end of lesson
• clearly identify purpose for student learning (rationale)
• formatively assess instructional objectives to determine next steps

And finally, utilizing FPC in identifying and explaining the purpose for the reading lessons.

Welcome, 2021!

 

A quick welcome back to school!  I hope your break was the perfect balance of fun with family and friends, rest, and relaxation - WELL DESERVED!

This year, more than ever, is a great time for a fresh start....

January - a Fresh Start 

January is a time for setting resolutions and readdressing goals. It's also a good time for a fresh start. Even when things are going well, January is a good time to refresh everyone's memory of how their classrooms work. January provides an opportunity to make changes without upsetting the delicate balance of the classroom routine, making improvements to classroom management and teaching styles without causing student distress. Below are a few tips to help you take advantage of this "fresh start."

Treat the first day/week back after vacation like the first day/week of the school year. 

Take some time to go back over your expectations for student behavior and procedures. Your students are in a frame of mind that lends itself to change. Re-train students about your classroom procedures. If students do not follow the expectations, it’s important to refresh students’ memories by insisting that they meet your expectations or follow the procedure correctly.

Take a fresh look at your attitude toward your students during the previous semester. Continue that positive and uplifting attitude. Although you might have challenging students, remember that your attitude determines the overall attitude of your class. When you face your students with a positive attitude, they will ultimately reflect that positive attitude back to you.

Take advantage of this one time in the middle of the school year when you can make large-scale changes, achieve positive benefits, and get a fresh start!  Have a great week back!!

 

from Education World, 2021