Success Criteria for a Professional Learning Community Meetings

I originally started writing this blog as a way of synthesizing and reflecting. That is exactly what this article is, and as a result it is my very best drafty thinking at this time; I’m ideating rather than producing a polished piece of writing….

We know that using I Can Statements and Success Criteria help maximize learning. When we explain and make visual what students are aiming to do and what success will look like, we empower and motivate students. They know what to focus on. When PLCs collaborate to develop I Can Statements and Success Criteria based on grade-level standards, we ensure vigorous learning that is coherent across classrooms. Adult Learners benefit too from knowing what success looks like. In this post, I want to synthesize some of what I have learned about what effective teams do in their PLCs to accelerate student learning.

Continue reading “Success Criteria for a Professional Learning Community Meetings”

Providing Effective and Empowering Feedback

Change is a certainty in the field of education. Like all professionals, teachers are learners, striving to increase impact on student learning: as we know more, we do better. In a time of large system change, such as with a new curriculum, it is essential to focus on teacher practice. High quality instructional materials are key to student learning, and the teacher is the most important factor to student learning. Teachers are the people who nurture classroom community and student relationships in order to learn student’s strengths and fund of knowledge; teachers use this knowledge to provide high quality instructional practices to bring a curriculum to life for students.

In this post, I want to discuss feedback and how feedback is important for growth. I need to receive feedback from colleagues, students, and families in order to do better. I also need to self-reflect in order to provide myself feedback on what is working and what needs to change. Read more for suggestions on how to give feedback to students, self, and colleagues, in service to student growth.

Continue reading “Providing Effective and Empowering Feedback”

Creating Meaningful and Productive PD

My latest Edutopia article, just in time for a week of providing professional learning to my amazing colleagues! As I approach next week, I am grateful for all of the highly effective presenters I have the privilege of working with and learning from.

Creating Meaningful and Productive PD

Self-Regulation Practices for Teachers and Students

My fourteenth article with Edutopia was published today:

SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL)

Self-Regulation Practices for Teachers and Students

Using these strategies regularly can help elementary school teachers ensure that their rooms are inviting and productive.

July 16, 2024


 

DOK = Depth of Knowledge

As students engage in learning tasks it is important that teachers provide both surface and deep learning. We begin with opportunities to build background and find out what students already know. Then students collaborate and work independently on tasks that require increasing complexity. One way to think of this complexity is with Webb’s Depth of Knowledge (DOK). In this post, I will focus on DOK especially in primary reading.

Continue reading “DOK = Depth of Knowledge”

Mindfulness for Teachers

I’m reading Patricia Jennings’ book Mindfulness for Teachers: Simple Skills for Peace and Productivity in the Classroom. The content is important every day of the school year, but as we approach the last nine days at my school I find it even more meaningful. The only thing I can truly control is myself, and if I can show up for my students and colleagues in a way that shows I am 100% present, I truly believe this can be the best end of the year yet!

Continue reading “Mindfulness for Teachers”