After each embedded group meets, one member needs to blog a reflection comment that summarizes the dialog that took place by the team during each period's meeting.
To reflect, click on the comment button below and add your reflection from your team.
Period 1: Todays conversation centered around the three key HSTW practices of high expectations, teachers working together, and extra-help. The group gave several expamples that are currently being utilized at Hickman that demonstrate our work in these areas. The group feels that additional focus should be given to providing extra-help for struggling students.
Period 3: Conversation revolved around HSTW emphasis on expectations, teachers working together, and extra-help. with regard to high expectations the group stressed scoring guides and increased h omework. It was also noted that a common complaint from parents was "not enough homework". It was also discussed to utilized various rubric construction sites (www.rubistar.com) to aid in rubric development. Teacher collaboration between departments and inter-departmentally. Methods of achieving this collaboration wer department meetings, lunch together, and "wikis". Tutoring was also stressed both with group sessions and individual student sessions. It was also mentioned that wikis and/or blogs were a "virtual" way to accomplish the same tasks, or at leas a supplement to the face to face contacts.
Period 4: High expectations: We are requiring our students to meet our high expectations. Failure is not an option. We are being very encouraging, supportive, and motivating. Establish norms/guidelines.
Consistency creates a more positive and successful learning environment. We have several professional development and department meetings. Co-teaching and common assessments.
We lack the resources to be as technology efficient as we would like. We have safe team, tutoring, kudor, student edge, and advisement. Teachers are willing to provide extra time and help weekly grade checks.
Period 5: Today we reviewed the High Expectations poster and Extra-Help posters. The data supports our assumption that high expectations and extra help makes a difference in student achievement. For the poster on High Expectations, goal #1, we use scoring guides, syllabus, and note rigor expected to achieve course objectives. For goal #2, we know about the tutoring program and many of us have committed to staying after school at least one day a week. For goal #3, our goal was not 1 hour/day, more like 20 min/day or 2+ hours/week. For goal #4, we have the hamburger page from Ms. Blunt. We are incorporating more guided reading and writing into our previous lessons. For goal #5, grades on assignments are accessible to students and parents through infinite campus. We did not see the poster for "Teachers Working Together". We like the time at PDC to meet teachers we would not normally interact with. Some courses benefit from the collaborative efforts of teachers that are able to have a common plan time. We all agree that "EXTRA-HELP", or one-on-one instruction is the ideal. We do not have a problem making after school appointments for individualized tutoring with motivated students; however, some students seem to want one-on-one instruction in stead of participate or cooperate in the classroom setting.
Period 7: The group discussed the High Expectation and Extra-Help posters. We were all agreed that collaboration, having high expectations, offering extra help make our students more successful. Our group wanted to also include the focus on literacy, specifically content specific literature. Teachers expressed the different ways in which they are planning to incorporate extra help, high expectations, and content literacy within our own classrooms. We also discussed the End of Course Exams and how getting ready for this test will look very different than what we have done in the past. The question also came up about the fact that parents do not have access to their child's infinite campus page.
Period 1 : This group discussed the ten key practices of the the HSTW initiative. Additionally, the group identified the three major focuses for HMHS for the current school year. The group was reminded what was on the agenda for the Advisement period this week. Information was also shared about teachers who would be participating in interviews with the HSTW Team that will be in the building this coming Thursday. Finally, all of the staff were encouraged to join PTSA, as HMHS has historically had the highest level of staff enrollment and participation in the school district.
Period 2: This group discussed the ten key practices of the HSTW initiative with Dr. Scully. Reminders were shared regarding the upcoming interviews with the HSTW visits. We identified the three main focuses of the building. We discussed the various responsibilities of this week's Advisement groups. There is a concern about where the "Scavenger Hunt" activitiy for the Freshmen Advisements is in the curriculum.
We discussed the ten key practices. The high expectations as extended to ID badge and pants as well as academically. We discussed how teachers need to be consistent about dress code policies by utilizing the time we have as teachers to work together. We also had a good discussion about work based study and how we need to use it as it pertains to relevance. We generally agreed that it needs to be broad and used by all. We talked about how teachers working in the private sector could be used to increase teacher knowledge of what relevance is.
In our PD embedded time, we discussed HSTW walk-throughs that were about to occur. Some high frequency topics included scoring guides, and high expectations. Also, a question...is the orange poster, Six Step Vocabulary Instruction, for US to see, or for students? Though as teachers we use the six steps frequently, how does it benefit students to see it posted? Or is it to benefit students?
It was also decided that it is the responsbility of ALL to raise MAP scores...though, are we even taking the MAP anymore? ;) Seriously, it is a concern of the staff to know what end-of-the-year assessments will be given to students, and what are the stakes associated with these tests. Can we get a clear outline of what courses and grade levels will be testes in March/April?
Advisory..................
Reminder-Personal PDP plans due to supervising administrator by Sept. 30, 2008.
Reminder-PTSA forms to Dr. Scully ASAP + $5.
The ADVISORY word of the month is RESPECT. We noted that we do not have easy access to computers for my student edge. Effort has been made to schedule time; however, the media center is very busy at this time. We were asked to check back at a later time.
High Schools that Work – Key Practices....................
Reminder:
• High expectations
• Program of study
• Academic studies
• Career/technical studies
• Work-based learning
• Teacher working together
• Students actively engaged
• Guidance
• Extra help
• Culture of continuous improvement
Closing the Achievement Gap – Marzano best practice....................
Reminder: Six Step Vocabulary Instruction
Do you have the orange poster up in your classroom? We all do.
Have you planned to implement vocabulary instruction in the first week? We started the first week.
What does student driven vocabulary acquiring means to you, what might it look like in your classroom? Student driven vocabulary acquisition occurs, when time is given to identify and define words that a teacher may use as a common term that is obviously not understood by the students. In other classes, students create Frayer Modles and graphic organizers for terms used in class. This helps them acquire a better working vocabulary.
Celebrate: ............................
What am I going to do to support our building need in raising MAP scores? Implement vocabulary building, reading and writing strategies in my regular lessons. Is this truly my responsibility? It is the responsibility of every teacher to support the building needs in raising MAP scores; however, it is part of the shared responsibility of our whole community that includes the students and their parents.
5th period PDC ++
Ask Annette McDonald if she can make avaliable the PDP examples notebook avaliable like she did for us last year. All the work done for us was greatly appreciated.!!!
7th Block: Discussion on the 10 Key practices, especially the 3 most important: high expectations, teachers working together, and extra help. Like 6th block we came, we saw, but was also rocked it out!
10/7/08 5th period pdc - The Three Elements of Effective Pedagogy are Instructional strategies, management techniques, and curriculum design. The research shows that the instructional strategy that makes the most impact on student achievement happens when students are taught how to identify similarities and differences.
10/7/08 5th period pdc - The teachers discussed the graphic organizers and comparison charts used to help improve identification of similarities and differences. We also discussed scoring guides we use for graphing, notebooks, and ethics. We also noticed that things we include like nonlinguistic representations and advanced organizers also made a significant impact.
NEED CLASSROOM POSTERS - IDEAS FOR BULLENTIN BOARDS - THINGS LAMINATED - SEE SMART BOARD - NORMAN CENTER @ CA ANDERSON BUILDING behind MANUAL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL - $2.00 per visit!!!!!
Discussed Classifiying - Created Effective Teacher Catergories.
Group chose to bring Marzano's text to our next several embedded meetings.
5th period pcd - 10/21/08
Advisory: Word of the Month - Responsibility
Best Practice-Marzano
Metaphors
page 2 line 6-Metaphores helpus explore ideas at deeper levels
Next week - analogies
Steps to creat a metaphor
1. id basic elements
2.replace words for specific things with words for more general things
3. find a situation to which this general pattern applies
-------------
Use of rubrics for creating metaphors
page 38 provides sample rubrics, the rubric is a self assessment process using the steps identified above
Effective teacher chart from Friday
organize | fair/consistant | content knowledge | relationships |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
known | fare to everyone | smart, up to date | friendly |
procedures | | | positive |
|clear managable | | |
lessons | policies | | frequent feedback |
are | | | |
important | | | |
& | | | |
have value | | | |
Hour 5 Metaphors, orchestra and chemistry do not often use metaphors. Biology can and does try to find ways to use metaphors with some of the curriculum. Similarities and differences however are noted on graphic organizer, music is the graphic organizer......... Embedding DOK whenever possible to fit the curriculum, science is working on DOK, current lesson plans are in notebook, daily plans are there as well. Failing students are notified, or work missed can be scheduled on Tues. and Thurs. tutoring weekly.
Hour 5 - reminders for next week
Pick up the friday focus this afternoon, don't forget parent teacher conferences.
Meals provided by the building administration.
5th period - analogies
don't forget to put the packet in your notebook
Reminder: Bring a piece of student work to the November 4th embedded session with an example of having used one of the four teaching strategies of similarities and differences. Teachers will share with colleagues their reson for choosing this particular strategy and perceptions of effectiveness based on formative assessment.
5th period PDC - Today we shared our student examples of Marzano strategies. Comparing with graphic organizer, Classifying with tables, Metaphore example: Muscles and Bones are levers. November word of the month is Self-discipline.
5th period PDC - No goals or agenda today.
Thanks to the SAFE TEAM for providing the STREE RELIEF massage yesterday. Greatly appreciated it!
Tensions are high today. Trying to keep kids calm has taken much effort today.
Keep Smiling!
5th period PDC - Summarizing Frames
Summarizing Frames are very useful because they have a defined structure. Using them with students can be very helpful because the pattern of required information is so predictable and repeatable. Today we looked at Definition and Argumentation frames.
--Definition
What is being defined?
To which general category does the item belong?
What characteristics of the item separate it from other things in the general category?
What are some different types or classes of the item being defined?
--------------------
5th period PDC
Word of the month - Kindness
Summarizing and Note Taking
Using the rules based strategy helps because a series of questions that the teachers provide to the students.
Focus on PROBLEM FRAME AND CONVERSATION FRAME.
Reminders --
Don't forget to do the internet survey.
Put Module 6 for Note Taking in your curriculum notebook.
You don't have permission to comment on this page.
Comments (26)
Brian Main said
at 2:27 pm on Sep 8, 2008
Period 1: Todays conversation centered around the three key HSTW practices of high expectations, teachers working together, and extra-help. The group gave several expamples that are currently being utilized at Hickman that demonstrate our work in these areas. The group feels that additional focus should be given to providing extra-help for struggling students.
teacher said
at 10:22 am on Sep 9, 2008
Period 3: Conversation revolved around HSTW emphasis on expectations, teachers working together, and extra-help. with regard to high expectations the group stressed scoring guides and increased h omework. It was also noted that a common complaint from parents was "not enough homework". It was also discussed to utilized various rubric construction sites (www.rubistar.com) to aid in rubric development. Teacher collaboration between departments and inter-departmentally. Methods of achieving this collaboration wer department meetings, lunch together, and "wikis". Tutoring was also stressed both with group sessions and individual student sessions. It was also mentioned that wikis and/or blogs were a "virtual" way to accomplish the same tasks, or at leas a supplement to the face to face contacts.
teacher said
at 10:56 am on Sep 9, 2008
Period 4: High expectations: We are requiring our students to meet our high expectations. Failure is not an option. We are being very encouraging, supportive, and motivating. Establish norms/guidelines.
Consistency creates a more positive and successful learning environment. We have several professional development and department meetings. Co-teaching and common assessments.
We lack the resources to be as technology efficient as we would like. We have safe team, tutoring, kudor, student edge, and advisement. Teachers are willing to provide extra time and help weekly grade checks.
teacher said
at 12:01 pm on Sep 9, 2008
Period 5: Today we reviewed the High Expectations poster and Extra-Help posters. The data supports our assumption that high expectations and extra help makes a difference in student achievement. For the poster on High Expectations, goal #1, we use scoring guides, syllabus, and note rigor expected to achieve course objectives. For goal #2, we know about the tutoring program and many of us have committed to staying after school at least one day a week. For goal #3, our goal was not 1 hour/day, more like 20 min/day or 2+ hours/week. For goal #4, we have the hamburger page from Ms. Blunt. We are incorporating more guided reading and writing into our previous lessons. For goal #5, grades on assignments are accessible to students and parents through infinite campus. We did not see the poster for "Teachers Working Together". We like the time at PDC to meet teachers we would not normally interact with. Some courses benefit from the collaborative efforts of teachers that are able to have a common plan time. We all agree that "EXTRA-HELP", or one-on-one instruction is the ideal. We do not have a problem making after school appointments for individualized tutoring with motivated students; however, some students seem to want one-on-one instruction in stead of participate or cooperate in the classroom setting.
teacher said
at 2:17 pm on Sep 9, 2008
Period 7: The group discussed the High Expectation and Extra-Help posters. We were all agreed that collaboration, having high expectations, offering extra help make our students more successful. Our group wanted to also include the focus on literacy, specifically content specific literature. Teachers expressed the different ways in which they are planning to incorporate extra help, high expectations, and content literacy within our own classrooms. We also discussed the End of Course Exams and how getting ready for this test will look very different than what we have done in the past. The question also came up about the fact that parents do not have access to their child's infinite campus page.
teacher said
at 7:59 am on Sep 16, 2008
Period 1 : This group discussed the ten key practices of the the HSTW initiative. Additionally, the group identified the three major focuses for HMHS for the current school year. The group was reminded what was on the agenda for the Advisement period this week. Information was also shared about teachers who would be participating in interviews with the HSTW Team that will be in the building this coming Thursday. Finally, all of the staff were encouraged to join PTSA, as HMHS has historically had the highest level of staff enrollment and participation in the school district.
teacher said
at 8:57 am on Sep 16, 2008
Period 2: This group discussed the ten key practices of the HSTW initiative with Dr. Scully. Reminders were shared regarding the upcoming interviews with the HSTW visits. We identified the three main focuses of the building. We discussed the various responsibilities of this week's Advisement groups. There is a concern about where the "Scavenger Hunt" activitiy for the Freshmen Advisements is in the curriculum.
teacher said
at 10:02 am on Sep 16, 2008
We discussed the ten key practices. The high expectations as extended to ID badge and pants as well as academically. We discussed how teachers need to be consistent about dress code policies by utilizing the time we have as teachers to work together. We also had a good discussion about work based study and how we need to use it as it pertains to relevance. We generally agreed that it needs to be broad and used by all. We talked about how teachers working in the private sector could be used to increase teacher knowledge of what relevance is.
teacher said
at 10:42 am on Sep 16, 2008
HideeHo from 4th period!
In our PD embedded time, we discussed HSTW walk-throughs that were about to occur. Some high frequency topics included scoring guides, and high expectations. Also, a question...is the orange poster, Six Step Vocabulary Instruction, for US to see, or for students? Though as teachers we use the six steps frequently, how does it benefit students to see it posted? Or is it to benefit students?
It was also decided that it is the responsbility of ALL to raise MAP scores...though, are we even taking the MAP anymore? ;) Seriously, it is a concern of the staff to know what end-of-the-year assessments will be given to students, and what are the stakes associated with these tests. Can we get a clear outline of what courses and grade levels will be testes in March/April?
teacher said
at 11:40 am on Sep 16, 2008
5th period, Tuesday PDC
Advisory..................
Reminder-Personal PDP plans due to supervising administrator by Sept. 30, 2008.
Reminder-PTSA forms to Dr. Scully ASAP + $5.
The ADVISORY word of the month is RESPECT. We noted that we do not have easy access to computers for my student edge. Effort has been made to schedule time; however, the media center is very busy at this time. We were asked to check back at a later time.
High Schools that Work – Key Practices....................
Reminder:
• High expectations
• Program of study
• Academic studies
• Career/technical studies
• Work-based learning
• Teacher working together
• Students actively engaged
• Guidance
• Extra help
• Culture of continuous improvement
Closing the Achievement Gap – Marzano best practice....................
Reminder: Six Step Vocabulary Instruction
Do you have the orange poster up in your classroom? We all do.
Have you planned to implement vocabulary instruction in the first week? We started the first week.
What does student driven vocabulary acquiring means to you, what might it look like in your classroom? Student driven vocabulary acquisition occurs, when time is given to identify and define words that a teacher may use as a common term that is obviously not understood by the students. In other classes, students create Frayer Modles and graphic organizers for terms used in class. This helps them acquire a better working vocabulary.
Celebrate: ............................
What am I going to do to support our building need in raising MAP scores? Implement vocabulary building, reading and writing strategies in my regular lessons. Is this truly my responsibility? It is the responsibility of every teacher to support the building needs in raising MAP scores; however, it is part of the shared responsibility of our whole community that includes the students and their parents.
teacher said
at 12:16 pm on Sep 16, 2008
5th period PDC ++
Ask Annette McDonald if she can make avaliable the PDP examples notebook avaliable like she did for us last year. All the work done for us was greatly appreciated.!!!
teacher said
at 1:08 pm on Sep 16, 2008
We came, we saw, we learned about the HSTW visit.
We feel refreshed in our knowledge.
6th block
teacher said
at 2:04 pm on Sep 16, 2008
7th Block: Discussion on the 10 Key practices, especially the 3 most important: high expectations, teachers working together, and extra help. Like 6th block we came, we saw, but was also rocked it out!
Debra Johnson said
at 11:22 am on Oct 7, 2008
10/7/08 5th period pdc - The Three Elements of Effective Pedagogy are Instructional strategies, management techniques, and curriculum design. The research shows that the instructional strategy that makes the most impact on student achievement happens when students are taught how to identify similarities and differences.
Debra Johnson said
at 11:48 am on Oct 7, 2008
10/7/08 5th period pdc - The teachers discussed the graphic organizers and comparison charts used to help improve identification of similarities and differences. We also discussed scoring guides we use for graphing, notebooks, and ethics. We also noticed that things we include like nonlinguistic representations and advanced organizers also made a significant impact.
Topic of Interest: 4 day work week articles, Wonder if it will happen in public schools, a private school in the Kansas City area will probably go to 4 day weeks next semester.
Kansas - http://www.kstatecollegian.com/1.756943
Utah - http://www.csemag.com/article/CA6581689.html , New York http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=725105&category=STATE
Kansas City Buisiness Journal http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansascity/othercities/albuquerque/stories/2008/10/06/focus1.html?b=1223265600%5E1710955&page=2
teacher said
at 9:09 am on Oct 14, 2008
10-14-08 2nd block -
NEED CLASSROOM POSTERS - IDEAS FOR BULLENTIN BOARDS - THINGS LAMINATED - SEE SMART BOARD - NORMAN CENTER @ CA ANDERSON BUILDING behind MANUAL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL - $2.00 per visit!!!!!
Discussed Classifiying - Created Effective Teacher Catergories.
Group chose to bring Marzano's text to our next several embedded meetings.
teacher said
at 11:30 am on Oct 21, 2008
5th period pcd - 10/21/08
Advisory: Word of the Month - Responsibility
Best Practice-Marzano
Metaphors
page 2 line 6-Metaphores helpus explore ideas at deeper levels
Next week - analogies
Steps to creat a metaphor
1. id basic elements
2.replace words for specific things with words for more general things
3. find a situation to which this general pattern applies
-------------
Use of rubrics for creating metaphors
page 38 provides sample rubrics, the rubric is a self assessment process using the steps identified above
Effective teacher chart from Friday
organize | fair/consistant | content knowledge | relationships |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
known | fare to everyone | smart, up to date | friendly |
procedures | | | positive |
|clear managable | | |
lessons | policies | | frequent feedback |
are | | | |
important | | | |
& | | | |
have value | | | |
teacher said
at 11:31 am on Oct 21, 2008
5th period sorry the chart didn't work to show columns
teacher said
at 11:22 am on Oct 24, 2008
Hour 5 Metaphors, orchestra and chemistry do not often use metaphors. Biology can and does try to find ways to use metaphors with some of the curriculum. Similarities and differences however are noted on graphic organizer, music is the graphic organizer......... Embedding DOK whenever possible to fit the curriculum, science is working on DOK, current lesson plans are in notebook, daily plans are there as well. Failing students are notified, or work missed can be scheduled on Tues. and Thurs. tutoring weekly.
teacher said
at 11:29 am on Oct 24, 2008
Hour 5 - reminders for next week
Pick up the friday focus this afternoon, don't forget parent teacher conferences.
Meals provided by the building administration.
teacher said
at 12:05 pm on Oct 28, 2008
5th period - analogies
don't forget to put the packet in your notebook
Reminder: Bring a piece of student work to the November 4th embedded session with an example of having used one of the four teaching strategies of similarities and differences. Teachers will share with colleagues their reson for choosing this particular strategy and perceptions of effectiveness based on formative assessment.
Debra Johnson said
at 12:36 pm on Nov 4, 2008
5th period PDC - Today we shared our student examples of Marzano strategies. Comparing with graphic organizer, Classifying with tables, Metaphore example: Muscles and Bones are levers. November word of the month is Self-discipline.
teacher said
at 12:40 pm on Nov 4, 2008
5th period - POWER WORDS: INFER, DESCRIBE, COMPARE, CONTRAST, EXPLAIN, SUMMARIZE....
Debra Johnson said
at 12:29 pm on Nov 18, 2008
5th period PDC - No goals or agenda today.
Thanks to the SAFE TEAM for providing the STREE RELIEF massage yesterday. Greatly appreciated it!
Tensions are high today. Trying to keep kids calm has taken much effort today.
Keep Smiling!
Debra Johnson said
at 12:36 pm on Nov 25, 2008
5th period PDC - Summarizing Frames
Summarizing Frames are very useful because they have a defined structure. Using them with students can be very helpful because the pattern of required information is so predictable and repeatable. Today we looked at Definition and Argumentation frames.
--Definition
What is being defined?
To which general category does the item belong?
What characteristics of the item separate it from other things in the general category?
What are some different types or classes of the item being defined?
--------------------
Argumentation Frame
Evidence-
Claim-
Support-
Qualifier-
----------------------------
Debra Johnson said
at 12:42 pm on Dec 2, 2008
5th period PDC
Word of the month - Kindness
Summarizing and Note Taking
Using the rules based strategy helps because a series of questions that the teachers provide to the students.
Focus on PROBLEM FRAME AND CONVERSATION FRAME.
Reminders --
Don't forget to do the internet survey.
Put Module 6 for Note Taking in your curriculum notebook.
You don't have permission to comment on this page.