Setting the Stage for Student Learning

Monday will be our 18th day of school and instruction.  At this time, we should be more familiar with our students and students are becoming familiar with classroom and school-wide expectations.  As we immerse ourselves with strong instructional strategies and meaningful instruction for students, let's discuss planning resources and the function of learning targets.  As you click on links below, please remember they are linked to your JCPS Google accounts.

Today, I also emailed all homeroom, special area, ECE, and ESL teachers a coaching document, exclusive for you that you, Jones, and I will use as we all work to grow our core instructional program this school year.  This document will be used for ongoing feedback and reflection.  The first observation window opens September 15th.  Please remember your professional growth plan and Student Learning Focus (see last week's blog post) is due to me on a signed E2 by Friday, September 14th.  I will email a blank E2 for your use.  Last, I am working with our new teachers to create their professional growth plans at 4PM Monday (9/10) in room 104.  Anyone who needs assistance is invited to attend. 

Planning Resources

As we continue with planning for our three-week learning cycles and learning mastery, I want to be sure you are aware of and using the following resources to support purposeful planning.

• Literacy and Math workshop instructional frameworks:  A copy of each was placed in your mailboxes last week.  
• Here is a link to a short video on how to access and use the district curriculum frameworks, divided into four modules (appropriate for each 9 week grading period).
• Here is the link to the district curriculum frameworks
• Here is the link to the deeper learning website

Learning Targets

Please take time to review information pertaining to using learning targets in daily lessons.  This presentation discusses a high leverage model for creating purposeful targets to drive student learning.  Learning targets are meant to drive daily instruction and let students know what they are expected to learn in EACH lesson and how they are expected to demonstrate their learning (how you will MEASURE learning).

Sense of Urgency

I need everyone to be aware that we have no time to waste.  

• Students should receive bell-to-bell instruction with minimal down time.  
• Please adhere to your schedule as this allows predictability that is crucial for building routines and creating a safe space for students.
• Every homeroom teacher should have a read-aloud book, article, poem, etc. that you incorporate into daily instruction.  Choose a higher level text/item than your grade level, exposing students to higher level items -- this is a great way to incorporate culturally diverse topics and current events.
• Homeroom, Special Area, ECE, and ESL teachers should all collaborate to support student learning.  We have students who are learning English and who in general are learning to read. Incorporate pictures, videos, and concrete examples to help students make connections to their learning.
• Every student at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School will gain at least a year's worth of growth this school year.
• Engage students and parents in discussion regarding academic progress and  what students need to grow academically.  Leverage goal setting.

I can't wait to see what students are learning in your classrooms this week.  Have a productive week!  Be sure to check the living calendar and daily updates.

***Open House is Tuesday from 6:00-7:30 PM.  It is the expectation all will attend to meet with our families and welcome them into your classrooms***  There will be no faculty meeting.