Standards-Based Classrooms - Components

An appropriate essential question - it aligns to the standard and can be used to guide instruction.

A word wall supports instruction in a standards-based classroom. It should be current and referred to often.

Would you consider your classroom a model for standards-based instruction?

As we prepare to begin our monthly Step 2 Achieve training, I'd like you to reflect on what I consider to be the foundation of standards-based instruction - the classroom.  While our training will focus primarily on teacher behaviors, the following list details classroom elements that are necessary to support standards-based instruction.  How many of these elements have you already incorporated???



• Word walls
• Standard and essential question posted
• Student work with commentary displayed
• Flexible seating and/or grouping
• Instructional bulletin boards/visuals



Our goal? 100% implementing 4 out 5 elements.

We can do it!









What is your vision?

Symbol of the American WestMustang horses were honored in 1971 by the US Congress with the title of "living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West, which continue to contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people."

In grade level meetings this week, I shared a vision for building school community and moving toward schoolwide policies and practices.  When I stated the feeling of operating as "3 schools in one," I noticed many nods in agreement.  So, I thought I'd recap my vision here, and ask that you would comment and share your thoughts for moving forward.

• A schoolwide discipline plan to proactively address student behavior.
• To support consistency, not decrease grade-level autonomy
• Redevelopment of our school's mission and vision statements.
• To more clearly state our collective philosophy of education
• Strategic plan for the design of our hallways (G,D,E,F and Connections).
• Because the look and feel of a building matters

What will Hopewell Middle School look like in 5, 10, or 20 years? It is up to us to decide.

Some make it happen, some watch it happen, and some say, "What happened?"
- Anonymous

Friday, September 9th - Preparing for Curriculum Night

How do you establish a positive classroom climate?

Curriculum Night 9/12 and 9/13

If you're like me, the approach of Curriculum Night stirs up excitement, but also stress and anxiety. Combat the stress by spending time mentally preparing for the evening.  I found a great website with some very helpful strategies for preparation and presentation: http://teachersnetwork.org/dcs/backnigh/overview/

The following do's and dont's can help you get started...

•  DO be in your room at least 15 minutes before families arrive. Use the time to relax, relate, and release!
• DON'T forget your name tag, and be sure to introduce any co-teachers or additional staff members who work with you.
• DO prepare a sign-in sheet. Consider emailing a "Thank You" note to your attendees.
• DON'T go over your allotted time.
• DO be sure to write or provide your contact information and times you are available to meet with students and/or parents.
• DON'T engage in conversations about individual students. Ask parents to contact you for a conference if they have concerns.
• DO remember to smile and enjoy your evening.

AND....

• DON'T forget to wear jeans on the day following your Curriculum Night!

The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.

Have a wonderful weekend!



Friday, September 2nd - This is your holiday!

Do great minds really think alike? That's what I've heard!

Important Dates, Reminders, and Other Stuff...

• Respect for Self, Respect for Others, Respect for School - It's a Hopewell thing, right? We are all responsible for ensuring that students understand the meaning of this motto. Students are using their agendas, and generally being respectful towards each other.  Let's not forget about the overall school environment, as well. Please be sure to review expectations for behavior during locker times and monitor students during class changes. Ask them to pick up trash left behind, particularly in the hallways, and share your expectations for behavior after they are dismissed from the cafeteria.
• Clubs - It's time for us to get our extra-curricular on! If you haven't already done so, please submit your updated club info to Liz Pyke byt the end of the day on Tuesday.  Also, we are still in need of a sponsor for Tumbling/Gymnastics, Ladies of Hopewell, Anime, and Science Club.  Also, two students approached me with a desire for drama club. Let me know if you're interested.
• Curriculum Night - You should have already seen the tentative schedule for Curriculum Night. Yes, it will be a looooong day. Please feel free to wear jeans on the day following your Curriculum Night.

Thanks for another great week. This Labor Day weekend, be sure to celebrate YOU!

"Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country...Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."





Monday, August 29th - "How was your weekend?"

 What are you doing to get to know your students? These days, I'm enjoying lunch with

some very special students I met on G-Hall.

Build Relationships

Teachers build relationships with their students by showing that they care about them, and by learning about their lives, dreams, and challenges. This is a key element of helping students motivate themselves. Numerous studies have shown that caring relationships with teachers can help build resiliency (the capacity to persevere and overcome challenges) among children. By learning about student interests, teachers can also help connect what is being taught in the classroom to students’ lives and discover their short-and-long-term goals.

The paragraph above is an excerpt from "Helping Students Motivate Themselves," by Larry Ferlazzo.  The full article will be placed in your mailboxes (be sure to file it in your Step 2 Achieve binder).

I'd like for you to consider your success as a teacher, reflecting on the years when an initially challenging student turned out to be one of your favorite.  Most likely, the turning point for that student was the moment that you, as the teacher, took an interest in who that student was outside of the classroom.  Perhaps it began with a question as simple as, "How was your game?" or as I heard in the hallway this morning, a positive comment to a student on his new haircut.  Making the connection now provides you with a foundation upon which you can build all year.  Not sure where to start, how about, "How was your weekend?"

        

The Fundamentals - Monday, August 22nd

The first week of school is behind us. What does this mean in your classroom? Are students aware of the policies, procedures, and expectations? Would your students know how to answer these questions?

• How is homework collected?
• How do I find out what I missed when I'm absent?
• Am I allowed to chew gum?
• What should I do if I need extra help?

Don't assume students will know what to do. According to Harry Wong in The First Days of School, "A well-managed classroom is a task-oriented and predictable environment...Both teacher and students know what to do and what is supposed to happen in the classroom."

Is your classroom a task-oriented and predictable environment? Please post your best practices for establishing classroom routines with colleagues....

Have a great week!

Happy Friday, August 19th

Whew! The first week of school is behind us! Let's see how long we can keep the momentum going...positive attitudes, smiling faces, and big ideas. Thank you to everyone for going the extra mile this week. Your patience, flexibility, and team work truly made for a successful start.

As you have heard, 2 of our teachers have earned Master Teacher certification! This outstanding accomplishment was recognized at the Thursday evening board meeting. I was like a proud mom taking pictures and overflowing with excitement! Congratulations to Robin Berlin and Mark Poole, as well as Jillian Harris, who is still near and dear to Hopewell!

Finally, thanks so much for the feedback over the last few days. We want to continue to tweak our practices and implement policies and procedures that will ensure the absolute best educational experience for our students. This cannot be done without honest and open dialogue, and your input is critical.

I wish you all a safe and restful weekend. You have certainly earned it.

Plan for gradual improvement, not spectacular leaps...A slow and steady stream of water will, in time, erode the hardest rock."

-Dr. David Campbell