An update as we approach the end of the first quarter; Our every Wednesday's early outs for professional development come quickly. It is sometimes hard to plan for but I believe is good because we are meeting frequently and regularly. Our focus has been on Standards Based Education. Our goal is to make sure the student's grade is a true reflection of learning in each Core Standard. As a middle school and high school staff, we are developing a new grading scale. It will be based more on descriptions than percentages. You may see a number system but it will equate to the traditional A,B,C,D and F for now. We are also working on developing common grading guidelines. Common grading guidelines have two main purposes. One is that every teacher and class would be grading exactly the same. Currently each teacher can decide what goes into a grade and how they grade. The second is that by limiting what goes into the grade, we are making the grade as accurate as possible. Now the grade may contain some non-academic factors such as extra-credit, effort, behavior, late work and other factors that when added to or subtracted from the grade distorts the meaning of the grade. I believe we can do a better job of communicating progress to students and parents. Also, if we are using classroom grades to monitor students then they must solely be based on academics and linked to standards. We are in the beginning stages of researching Standards Based Education.
We have been looking at student data and working on interventions when students are struggling. We have started a Student Tutor Program where older students have agreed to help younger students with assignments in all areas. I am monitoring that program during "Flex Time." Flex Time is a 30 minute period built into the schedule every day but Wednesdays. It's purpose is for teachers and students to have time during the day to get together and make up work, get help, read or simply use the time to finish assignments. We will keep looking at ways to help every student be successful.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
New Year - New Focus
As a new school year begins there is always a feeling of excitement. We said good-by to the graduates and will welcome the 9th grade and the new students. For me it is about getting things ready for the teachers and students. I update and make changes to the handbooks and create agendas for the first of many meetings. I reflect on how things went last year and make adjustments where needed. My decisions are always based on doing "what is best for kids." I enjoy reading books about educational leadership strategies. The books I read focus on schools who are very successful and have implemented strategies that increase student achievement. The last couple of years my passion has been learning all I can about Standards Based Education. I believe we can do a better job of instructing, assessing student learning and reporting student progress. Adopting a Standards Based approach will allow us to do that. That will be one of the initiatives we will be working on this year. A second initiative that will be put in place will be the development of Collaboration Learning Teams. Our staff will learn and practice collaboration techniques with the main focus being on increasing student achievement. That is what we will be doing on the Wednesday early outs. The collaboration will involve discussions about student data and Standards Based Education. Four questions will serve as framework for all of our professional development and discussions this year;
1. What is it we want all students to learn - by grade level, by course, and by unit of instruction?
2. How will we know when each student has acquired the intended knowledge and skills?
3. How will we respond when students experience initial difficulty so that we can improve upon current levels of learning.
4. How will we respond to students who have already learned it?
These questions come from the book "Whatever it Takes." We will begin with question three and develop a much needed organized system of support. I challenged the parents at the 9th grade orientation to ask us these four questions throughout the year. I will broaden that challenge to all parents. I would like you to ask staff and myself these questions when discussing your child's progress and current status. We are just beginning to address these questions but I hope to have quality responses to all four by the end of the year. You can also ask about Standards Based Education and our Collaboration Learning Teams. I am very excited to begin work on these initiatives but it is always about achieving the desired results, which is giving every student the best chance possible to be successful. We will do Whatever it Takes to make this happen.
1. What is it we want all students to learn - by grade level, by course, and by unit of instruction?
2. How will we know when each student has acquired the intended knowledge and skills?
3. How will we respond when students experience initial difficulty so that we can improve upon current levels of learning.
4. How will we respond to students who have already learned it?
These questions come from the book "Whatever it Takes." We will begin with question three and develop a much needed organized system of support. I challenged the parents at the 9th grade orientation to ask us these four questions throughout the year. I will broaden that challenge to all parents. I would like you to ask staff and myself these questions when discussing your child's progress and current status. We are just beginning to address these questions but I hope to have quality responses to all four by the end of the year. You can also ask about Standards Based Education and our Collaboration Learning Teams. I am very excited to begin work on these initiatives but it is always about achieving the desired results, which is giving every student the best chance possible to be successful. We will do Whatever it Takes to make this happen.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Message to Parents-Handbook Clarifications
A message to Parents and Guardians;
Last week I spoke to the students and staff
about some points of emphasis I identified as needing some attention. All of
the topics discussed were in the handbook already. I simply clarified how I was
going to enforce the current language and stated that I was going to become
less lenient. I was being proactive and felt that was the best way to explain
my expectations. The examples I used came from Pride of Iowa Conference Schools
and other school handbooks.
When thinking about making changes, I always
use the analogy of what do I want visitors to our building to see and hear, and
the feelings they take away from the visit. Thinking about that analogy, I felt
uncomfortable and believe things needed to be tightened up. I could have waited
until next year but after some serious consideration, I decided not to wait.
I will use common sense when enforcing the
dress code policy. I will also side on being more strict than lenient. I feel I
have been lenient, but was not getting the desired results. Dress codes are
very difficult to define. I will do my best and I will always be honest with
students and parents about my expectations. I will not spend much time with
students who are going to test or push the boundaries with these policy
clarifications. They will either change their clothes or be sent home. When
speaking about appropriate dress, I think this statement clarifies the
question: IF YOU THINK
THAT THERE MIGHT BE SOME QUESTION ABOUT WHAT YOU WEAR BEING INAPPROPRIATE, DO
NOT WEAR IT.
As educators, maybe the most important
lesson we can teach students deals with citizenship. As citizens we will always
have rules to follow. They may change depending on whether it is federal, state
or local. We have rules for the workplace and there are rules for school.
Sometimes we may agree or disagree but there is a process to follow when we
disagree. Choosing to break a rule then argue with the consequence is not the
lesson we should be teaching our students.
I hope I have your support as we work to
prepare our students for post-high school and to be great citizens.
Points
of Emphasis Summary
This is what was explained to the students
and staff.
The points of emphasis are;
Tardiness -
Explained the current handbook language and
explained that it will be enforced as written.
Public display of affection
-
Defined as holding hands, kissing, hugging,
sitting or standing extremely close to one another, or provocative touching. These
rules apply to the school grounds and activities.
Dress Code -
Shorts/skirts may be worn only if they are
roughly mid-thigh length or longer and not too revealing. Spandex is not
considered appropriate for outerwear because of being too tight. Any clothing
containing shoulder straps will need to have a minimum of two inches of width
and not too revealing to be considered appropriate. Tube tops, tank tops and
halter-tops must be covered by another shirt. No hats, caps, sweatshirt hoods
and sunglasses can be worn during the school hours which is defined as the
warning bell to the end of school bell. Wearing pants or shorts with holes or
tears above the knees and are too revealing are not allowed. Clothing that is
too tight is inappropriate for school. Shirts must be long enough to meet the
beltline. No undergarments can be visible. No shirts with double meanings. Mesh
or see through shirts that are too revealing are not allowed.
Profanity - number one priority.
Teachers will address the language with the
student and send me an email stating you spoke to a student. I will then record
it. Multiple offenses will lead to detentions.
Detentions
They will be tightened up and current language enforced. This
may involve loss of extra-curricular participation if not served within the
first 48 hours.
Detention
Guidelines
Visiting
or talking to other students, sleeping, having food or drinks while assigned a
detention is not permitted. Students are to bring work to do or bring something
to read. Cell phones can only be used with permission. Computers can be used
for educational purposes only and with permission. Failure to comply with the
rules or supervisor will result in another detention.
Monday, December 17, 2012
First Semester Ends!
As I am writing this we are on our last week of school before winter break. The first semester has gone by very fast. I am learning the student's names and now know quite a few. I have attended multiple events and activities. It is very busy but I have really enjoyed the first half of the school year.
I have been working hard to learn how things are done here. I have kept a close eye on the curriculum and how students are doing with it. I have interviewed about 24 students simply talking to them about their education and academics. I will use that information to help in my decision-making. The staff began talking about Standards Based Grading this month. It is simply in the discussion stages at this time. I hope to continue to move forward with that concept. I believe one area of focus should be on checking for understanding and slowing down. I believe we need to take more time to make sure all the students understand before moving on or at least making sure students do not fall too far behind and have plenty of support. I have spoken to quite a few parents and I am always willing to help if I can. All of us working together is critical. I am looking forward to the second semester. I hope to address areas that need some attention. We never know what the future may bring. My goal is to make Nodaway Valley High School a place full of great experiences for everyone. I realize I will make mistakes but will try to learn something from every one. I will always keep asking "is it best for kids"when faced with tough decisions. I will also focus on the people not the programs. Have a great holiday and feel free to contact me anytime.
I have been working hard to learn how things are done here. I have kept a close eye on the curriculum and how students are doing with it. I have interviewed about 24 students simply talking to them about their education and academics. I will use that information to help in my decision-making. The staff began talking about Standards Based Grading this month. It is simply in the discussion stages at this time. I hope to continue to move forward with that concept. I believe one area of focus should be on checking for understanding and slowing down. I believe we need to take more time to make sure all the students understand before moving on or at least making sure students do not fall too far behind and have plenty of support. I have spoken to quite a few parents and I am always willing to help if I can. All of us working together is critical. I am looking forward to the second semester. I hope to address areas that need some attention. We never know what the future may bring. My goal is to make Nodaway Valley High School a place full of great experiences for everyone. I realize I will make mistakes but will try to learn something from every one. I will always keep asking "is it best for kids"when faced with tough decisions. I will also focus on the people not the programs. Have a great holiday and feel free to contact me anytime.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)