Where will we begin?
Take some time to think about the answers to these questions...
Where are your strengths and your needs according to your assessment data?
What is going "right?"
What about attendance? What makes kids want to come to school?
How would you describe your school's culture?
What instructional strategies are you using?
When do teachers see evidence of success?
What is going "right?"
What about attendance? What makes kids want to come to school?
How would you describe your school's culture?
What instructional strategies are you using?
When do teachers see evidence of success?
What did you learn from your answers? Looking at data is the first step. Looking at what you are doing "right" in the classroom, everyday, however, is probably the most important step any administrator can take when attempting to improve a system. Figure out what is working and amplify it!
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See gains like never before! As we build a common language and philosophy of instruction, your students will know what to expect as they move from classroom to classroom and progress through each grade level. Your teachers will function as a true Professional Learning Community as they make instructional decisions based upon student data in a manner that is fresh and new to your system.
School Improvement work improves your culture! Watching your system progress over time is encouraging to those who are working within that system. (In all of my years in education, school improvement work is probably the most rewarding work I have ever experienced.) As soon as teachers see evidence of success, the culture within the building is energized. I have worked in schools where sports teams start winning championships, the debate team advances their standing, office referral decrease considerably, and the students begin winning essay and poetry contests within one year of engaging in improvement work. When school improvement work happens, it is done with a positive attitude of caring and support. No one is out to "change the world!" We always begin by honoring the teacher's present work. |
Working as a Learning Community
"Professional learning that increases educator effectiveness and results for all students
occurs within learning communities -committed to continuous improvement, -collective responsibility, and -goal alignment." Learning Forward (2011) What does it look like when we work together?Together, we will decide what your main focus will be. Once we decide on the research-based strategies your teachers need, I begin with a professional learning session followed by some classroom modeling or coaching.
The teachers call the shots! The teachers determine what they need and the pace at which we progress! I usually conduct some walkthroughs together with the administrator so we know what to look for and the teachers know that the administrator understands the research-based strategy, too. Then, we let things simmer for a week or so while teachers continue to practice their adapted instructional behavior. Then, I come back to celebrate our progress and teach you something new! This type of professional learning is sustainable and produces results! |