One theme that was thread through many of our conversations was RtI and our perceived proficiency in literacy. More than a few of you stated that you felt comfortable with teaching reading, but needed to improve upon a tiered model of instruction in math. This is great news! We are looking for ways to challenge ourselves and move forward. If I may, I'd like to challenge you further to think about what level of tiered instruction is the most important. Last year, almost everyone I asked said Tier 3. If we want to build capacity amongst ourselves, we need to remember that Tier 1 is the most critical tier of RtI. I'd also like to challenge you to take another look. Possibly you think you are better at teaching reading because that is where you are most comfortable. So as we continue our journey in the land of RtI, I have news to share.
As I have briefly mentioned, we are recipients of the MTSS grant known as the TPP (The Partnership Project) through the MA DESE. Cove School, Briscoe Middle School, and BHS are involved as well as the Special Education Department. The reason we have been chosen is because of the work we are already doing with RtI. This is an opportunity for us to be supported on the road we are already on - and that is really great news!
Professional Development activities and opportunities we MAY participate in include:
- On-line and face to face courses (Ex. MA Focus Academies - 4 teachers already signed up!)
- Intensive technical assistance
- Summer institutes
- Leadership academies
- Conferences
- Coaching and mentoring
- Train the trainer activities
- Professional Learning Communities
- Instructional Rounds
More information to follow, but keep in mind as we move forward this is a support and not more to add to your already full plates. : )
Calendar Check
Monday September 30th: Data Meetings Grade K-4: Grade 5 TBD
Wednesday, October 2nd: Elementary Principal Meeting @Centerville 10:00
Thursday, October 3rd: Literacy DSAC Meeting 9-11:30 in Stoneham: Fire Prevention (See Pat's Newsletter)
Friday, October 4th: K GLM @ 1:10
Monday October 7th: Grade 3 GLM @1:10
Wednesday October 9th: Staff Meeting @ 2:30 in the library
Thursday October 10th: Curriculum Night 5:30-7:00: PTO Meeting is rescheduled to Oct 17th
Friday Ocotober 11th: Early Release: Time Allotted for SMART Goals for all teams
Articles Worth Reading
9 Things You do NOT Need to be Happy via Marc Chernoff @marcandangel
It's Not About You! via The Nerdy Teacher @thenerdyteacher
10 Ways to Make the Rest of the Day Amazing via Marc and Angel Hack Life @marcandangel
You Can Be More Successful By Being More Optimistic Everyday via @ToddWhitaker (includes a video)
Recent PARCC Assessment Up-Dates via @Wowzers
Videos Worth Viewing
The Significance of Grit
Elyse Eidman on Writing in the Digital Age (Writing Project)
Hi-
ReplyDeleteI think we have our latest educational buzz word - grit! It is in the subtitle of a book that is being discussed at the Brookwood School next Tuesday night. Although, it is obviously not a new concept - its on the Charlie Brown cartoon in the teachers room!
Margy, I completely agree...I see it everywhere now...maybe the researchers are just realizing what teachers have always known about the importance of character development to promote academic success. I just read the 9 things you don't need to be happy and it got me thinking about how busy our days become. I feel blessed that my default setting is happy but I am guilty of getting caught up in the business of the day and find myself worrying about yesterday and obsessing over tomorrow and forget all about today. Luckily our little friends in school snap us back to reality with their jokes and antics and staff members like Mary Smith who reminds us to JUST BE! I love that message. I found a similar message in the happiness article. You are right here, right now, with what you have, breathing. Enjoy it. You’ve got nothing to do today except to smile.
ReplyDeleteI love that Mary reminds us to "Just Be". How true..I hope many staff members will read the happiness article. : )
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