From the Desk...12/5/2011

Long time…no write.

Well, hello again.  We got through the first trimester.  We have our first pieces of data on how our students are learning and how we are teaching.  I had some GREAT conversations on Friday with some staff.  We need to do two things today for this afternoon’s staff meeting.

1.       I want a copy of your pre/post data from your trimester exams showing all of your students grades and growth.

2.       Bring another copy of your data and trimester test to the staff meeting today to have a data conference. (I will explain then)

As we move forward into the next trimester, I am hoping that the data you received will help you reflect a bit (Domain 4a) on how you might change things up in the classroom.  

·         Are my students learning what they are supposed to be learning? 

·         Are my objectives clearly explained and reflect what will be tested on the end of the trimester exam?  

·         Are my students showing substantial growth on assessments and is this a true reflection on my teaching? 

·         Am I assessing their understanding of the key standards and are they showing MASTERY of my content?

·         If my class average on a classroom assessment is below 80%, am I going back and re-teaching the missed concepts and then re-assessing?

·         What am I doing to help my struggling learns that are not showing growth or mastering my material?

Onsite Title Review:  Wednesday is going to be a BUSY day.  That is the day of our Title I Onsite Review – OUR TITLE AUDIT.  Be prepared to see many people walking around checking things out.  Be prepared to have one of the auditors stop by your room, ask you a few questions (not sure what they will ask), and/or want to meet with you.  There really is not anything I can say to prepare us for this audit/onsite review.   We just need to make sure that we have our ducks in a row regarding data collection.  If you have our “Pacing Guides” that are supposed to be in the main office area, please make sure that those get returned by Wednesday morning.  Thank you.

Building Issue: Please make sure nothing is stored on or in front of the uninvents.  Plants should be kept at least 3 feet away so that no water leaks (ha, I know, water leaks) get spilled onto them because that have a computer inside of them.  If you have questions on this, please see Tim.

23 Things:  Welcome to 23 Things Teachers Need to Know About Web 2.0! The course officially begins today - Monday, Dec. 5th, but you may start any time.   
             
Begin your learning adventure by going to http://resa-23things.blogspot.com. Read the Welcome page, then click on FAQs, and Tips for Success at the right and read those pages. When you've done that click on "The 23 Things" on the right and begin with Thing 1. Be sure to bookmark the site as you will be returning to it regularly throughout the course. 

             
You have until February 17, 2012 to complete all 23 Things -- sounds like a long time, but it goes by quickly, so don't delay getting started. Each Thing should take about 1-2 hours to complete. The Things are divided into topic areas, and while you may move at your own pace, we recommend completing one topic area each week. 

             
In Thing 2 you will create a blog and then post to it each time you complete another Thing. Be sure to submit your blog name and address in Thing 2, and then we'll read your blog to monitor your progress. Please make sure to include the Thing number in the title of each post to make tracking easier. Blog posts should reflect your learning and insights, and while we don't expect a dissertation, we do expect thoughtful reflection and active participation. Single-line posts or those that show lack of participation are insufficient and will be denied credit (we will email SBCEU instructions toward the end of the course).   
             
If you have questions, contact Pete Marabeas, Michael Moore, or Jason Gribble. You can also send an email to Carol Mayer, Wayne RESA 23 Things Facilitator, at 23things@resa.net   We will do our best to help and encourage you along the way.    
             
Have fun, learn a lot, and enjoy the ever-changing world of Web 2.0!    

Message from Brian April: Principals, we need your assistance in speaking to your staff members about their personal use of appliances in classrooms.  We have noticed an increase in this use and it is concerning from both a utility/cost perspective as well as for safety reasons.  Please help us to discourage the use of these personal appliances. 

                My take on this:  Adapt, improvise, and overcome.  Share the wealth.  Coffee – one pot per floor or join Jill’s coffee club.  Refrigerators – again, one per floor or wing.  There is a fridge down in the teachers’ lounge.  Microwaves, really?  I am not sure what else we would have in the rooms.  If anything, unplug your stuff over the weekend or when not in use. 

Weekly Calendar:

Today: 3:05 – Staff meeting, 3:40 – PBiS Meeting in the conference room

Tuesday: 6:30 – KAB meeting (note time change)

Thursday – Note Band concert change

My Schedule for the Week:                           Out of the office

Today: 1:00 – Observation, 3:05 – Staff meeting, 3:40  - PBiS meeting – All day – Scheduling Child Studies

Tuesday: 7:30  - WWTP, 9:15 – Observation, 1:10 – Pre-eval, 2:00 – Pre-Eval, 6:30 – KAB

Wednesday – All Day – Onsite Title Review

Thursday – 7:30 - 9:00 W.C.M.S.P. Meeting, 9:15 – Observation, 2:00 – Observation

Friday – 8:15 – Observation, 9:30 – 11:00 - Meeting

Have a great week.  Stop by if you need anything.