We have increased our time for professional learning this year. Collaboration and professional development increase the quality of instruction and this time has been used to continue and sustain our focus on increasing academic achievement for all of our students. Additional time for professional learning allows us to improve our craft as we carry out the mission of the district: "Engage all students in learning a challenging curriculum delivered through quality instruction."
In a recent study*, the authors found that effective PD that has these characteristics:
- It goes beyond one-shot presentations and is sustained over time.
- The content is anchored in the standards, content, curriculum, and assessments being used by teachers.
- It involves teachers in analyzing students’ work and group discussion.
This release time is well structured to
maximize teaching and learning. Teacher leaders are particularly important in facilitating this process, and we have many great examples of this at Southeast Polk.
Delaware teachers collaborating on the design of productive group work tasks.
Teacher leaders from the Gradual Release Cadre creating model lessons.
Spring Creek teachers discussing authentic literacy tasks that support meaningful learning.
The Iowa Core Leadership team designing professional development to implement at their buildings.
.JPG)
* “Shaping Professional Development to Promote Diffusion of Instructional Expertise Among Teachers” by Min Sun, William Penuel, Kenneth Frank, Alix Gallagher, and Peter Youngs in Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, September 2013 (Vol. 35, #3, p 344-369)
Bullying Prevention Summit
Southeast Polk continues their efforts to provide safe and supportive schools. We will be taking a team of more than 30 educators and students to the 2nd Annual Bullying Prevention Summit on November 4th in Des Moines. At the summit we’ll hear from Iowans and national experts, including young people, about how students and adults can make a difference. It is encouraging that Southeast Polk and many Iowa schools - and their communities - have launched anti-bullying campaigns. Let’s continue to build momentum for change. This is a challenge we can meet.
“I see what is right with you, despite your struggles. And I believe what is right with you is more powerful than anything that is wrong.”
The message communicated by a teacher, counselor, nurse, bus driver, school secretary,
or volunteer that makes the difference to a student, quoted in “Havens of Resilience” by
Nan Henderson in Educational Leadership, September 2013
Tech Tool of the Week--Padlet
Looking for ways to check for student understanding and feedback? Padlet is a tool that can help you do this.
Padlet allows you to add stickies to the board. You can place text, videos, weblinks, documents and images into your stickies.
Padlet allows you to add stickies to the board. You can place text, videos, weblinks, documents and images into your stickies.
Looking for more ideas?
Try it out!
No comments:
Post a Comment