In the introduction, Schmoker tell us that there are three things that are essential in reforming education. What we teach, how we teach, and authentic literacy are the three componenets that with our complete "focus" will help propel our students. We need to keep our focus on the these three things and ignore all other initiatives and programs. Another great thing he notes is that each of these needs to be implemented, but not necessarily perfectly. He claims that either way we will see success.
I think we have done a great job over the last 3 years in keeping a focus and not letting other things get in our way. What is our next step with this? Do you guys think other things have gotten in the way? Do most teachers understand our focus? Getting back to writing in our content areas will help firm up our focus.
I think our gradual release lesson design (how we teach) helps us keep a clear focus. It's what we have focused a lot of time and energy on. We need to continue to make sure everyone is implementing the lesson design. Getting back to writing in the content areas is a key piece to authentic literacy that I know was lacking in my class.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jen. I think that the focus on how we teach has been very clear in the building. I think it is very important to continue modeling exactly what each component of the lesson plan design should look like. I also agree that the “what we teach” and “authentic literacy” have been the lacking components in the last year. With a basically brand new staff – it makes sense that we’ve lost our focus on these elements. I feel like our new organization of WIN and how we will do data teams will help us all add the component of authentic literacy in every content area.
ReplyDeleteAs I mention in my post for chapter 1, I think (esecially the new) teachers have an idea of what our focus is, but they are not necessarily clear. I don't think we - as a team - we necessarily clear this year either! We all had some curriculum shifts this year, so that right there was confusing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Becky that we lost some focus this year. With staffing shifts, learning new curriculum, added responsibilities... things kind of snowballed (leading into some of the discipline problems 2nd quarter). Those are all things that were in our way this year. What was good is by the end of the year the grade level teams were flowing better and discipline/management was better. This coming year we have a lot better understanding of were our focus is going to be AND the newbies have a year of experience under their belts. These things combined with experience of Nurtured Heart will help us get off to a good start to the year. We just need to build on that authentic literacy piece...
ReplyDeleteWe need to determine/define "what we assess", "how we use assessment" and "authentic assessment". I believe that will help hold us accountable for the other three!
ReplyDeleteMarianne