At this point in our journey I should see all of the components to the Workshop model and so I am really focusing on the Guided Reading and/or Strategy Groups that teachers are holding during the work period. I am also looking to see how technology is being used to deepen learning experiences for students. There are also so many things about the work that I don't get to see in an hour so I ask teachers to leave out the following things for me to review:
- the lesson plan (we don't have a specific form for this - it is whatever the teacher needs to teach from - the plan has to work for them)
- data/safety net notebook (this looks different in everybody's room but houses any diagnostic screening and/or FCAT data as well as some evidence of assistance being provided to at risk students - sometimes a copy of the PMP, etc...)
- parent communication tool (newsletter, blog site, website, etc...)
- 3 sample assessments (could be formative or summative work for one student or several)
- grades (record of student progress)
- a list of professional growth activities (in a school this size it is hard to keep track of all the things teachers are doing - this really helps)
- an example of how instruction is being differentiated (this looks different based on teacher preference - sometimes it is a conference log, anecdotal notes, record of group work, etc...)
- 3-5 student planners (i love being able to write to parents about what their kids are learning in class, it also helps me see if there is someway I could support the teacher with a student or parent)
So starting Monday, if you can't find me, I'm in a classroom. I'm watching the finest teachers in the world implement their craft at superior levels to the most wonderful students a principal could ask for. I can't wait!!!
Risk... Care... Dream... Expect...
5 comments:
Thank you for the list of what you want to see. It helps us know what to expect when you come in!
-Karen Morris
We are very excited to have you come and visit our classroom in December. We will have everything ready for you to see!
Laurie and Julia :)
I can't wait to show off my very bright and talented students, I am very blessed. By the way, I loved your book selection, Grace for President, for this month's Book of the Month.
Get some rest this weekend another journey begins next week. Good Luck with observations! I am excited to showcase what I do with my students.
Wanda Lankford :)
This leaves me with two major thoughts.
One, I am glad that you are you, because I cannot imagine that there is another skipper anywhere that would voluntarily go through all of this each year in order to help out the crew. We really are lucky.
Two, I am so glad that I am NOT you. I would crack, and I am a pretty hard worker.
"Thanks" really does not cover it...
T-Cubed
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