September Readiness

September Readiness

I want to put out a 'list' (for lack of better term) of some things to keep in mind as we prepare for the upcoming school year.  This 'list' is by no means an exhaustive/complete 'all encompassing' list but only a group of ideas to help guide our collective efforts.  Like we have talked about many times, we are all individually extremely strong at what we do.  However, it is our collective strength that makes the most impact on our students.  As a result, we need to collectively be 'on the same page' to allow the 'big picture' to materialize.  Please allow this 'list' to help guide your September Readiness.

• Planning (i.e. long-range, unit, short-term)... intentional & purposeful professional facilitation of year long road map of learning is key to student achievement...What teachers do in the classroom is the #1 predictor to Student Achievement.  Some students come to us with less than others which only means we need to be more deliberate in our practice.
• School Supplies (student purchased supplies) - list out with June Report Card
• Data driven instruction - classlists, IEP's, most current data all provided by end of June.  Most Data has been inputted into the document in Google.  If you have 'lost' your link, please let me know and I will resend. 
• Early Intervention (Goal/Priority) - We need to do everything we can early on in a students career to insure then can read.  The majority of our school level support will be spent trying to achieve this goal.  The research is clear that students who are not at grade level by Gr 1/2 will probably never be there.
• Classroom teaching practices have definitely moved to focused small group instruction (i.e. Guided Reading/Math).  All kids learn at different levels.  You might like to take the Spec Ed model literally (i.e. IEP - Individual Education Plan).  Some students require the officially paperwork but all kids require the concept of individualized teaching.
• LSST 'blitz' first couple of weeks -  JK staggered entry, IEP 'touch ups' & Guided Reading schedules will consume our LSST's over the first couple of weeks.  The goal is to be in 'full swing' by the third week.
• Class schedule...has guided reading time this year.  You will be getting a template to fill in and submit with your regular class schedule.
• Student-led Conference - meta-cognition.  The only thing you need to begin with is some form of student portfolio for each student.  Our first Divisional Meeting will cover the 'next steps'.  If you have any questions, please ask.
• Math from a problem solving perspective.  Last year was great and we would like to continue our growth in this area.  Open & Parallel questions (see Marian Small resource).  Giving students an open/parallel question allows them to attack the problem at their level and showcase their math knowledge.  This allows us to meet them at their level and move them to the next level (i.e. the curriculum is a continuum) and thus meets a goal previously stated regarding Individual learning.