Messages from Dr. Kasmarick
Why don't we have school today? Perhaps you heard this question yesterday. The answer? It was the teachers turn to learn!
Staff from both Richards and Cumberland spent the day in our building, learning as a full group as well as in small groups by grade level and department. The day included an exploration of the new elementary report card (information here) and the kick off of goal work of two kinds:
Student Learning Objectives (SLOs): year-long, specific, and measurable learning goals for students. At Richards, these goals are developed by grade level and departmental teams, typically targeting a set of academic standards in which students in each grade level have great opportunity to grow. This year, all grade level SLOs will focus on growth in reading as impacted by intentional and carefully monitored small group instruction.
Professional Learning Goals (PPGs): year-long, specific learning goals for educators. At Richards each fall, all teachers use the Charlotte Danielson Framework for Teaching to complete a self-assessment, helping them to identify opportunities for learning and growth. This year, all grade level PPGs will align with our district focus of literacy assessment. Coaches who have been trained in creating standards-aligned, authentic, and reliable assessments will lead teams in developing and refining tools in both reading and writing over the course of the year. These tools will strengthen not only the feedback provided to learners, but also the ability of teachers to target instruction to each learners' needs. Exciting work!!
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