While I am not presently working in a school, I work with many schools, and I would say that while many high school missions/visions emphasize core area 1 (collaboration/learning communities), in reality they are more closely aligned with area 3 (curriculum, instruction and assessment). I know this is not necessarily their intention, but with the rigors and rigidity of standards tests, much time is devoted to improving/maintaining scores - perhaps so that the other core areas might then be enhanced. Just an observation.
Our school motto is "Every Student Counts." I believe that fits both the Personalization and the School Environment core area and the curr/inst/assessmt area. For a couple of years now, we have met as a faculty at the beginning of the year to match each teacher up with 1-3 students who need a little extra TLC. We become their "school parent." We can sign their planners for them, keep up with their behavior plans, buy them ice cream on Fridays, give them a time out place or just a listening ear. Also, much of our staff development this year has been on differentiation. My grade level team has planned menus and projects that extend learning for all students based on their readiness and interests. I think we do a good job of making their learning personal and impactful. Instruction is varied, modified, and extended. Angie Cornett
I think that my school focuses on core area 3 (cirriculum, intstruction, and assessment) more than the others. All of the staff meetings I've been at for new teachers are about cirriculum and instruction - we've talked about everything from co-teaching to aligning cirriculum. In regular staff meetings, presentations are dominated by SOLs (assessment). As for core area 1, I don't think my school focuses at all on creating professional learning communities. We all stay in our little pods with zero encouragement to create a learning community. I think that my administrators would like to spend more time on core area 2 (personalization) by I think they're too overwhelmed by the size and diversity of our school to even think about how to make personalization a point among students or faculty.
I would have to agree with Angie on what she said. We are both working at the same school. I also thnk this year we there has been more of a focus on core area 3. We have had ongoing staff development on differentiation. It has been our goal to meet the instructional needs of all students. We have also analyzed test scores and provided remediation based on the results. Teachers have designed unit tests to model the SOL format and with the use of SmartBoards and other technology have found ways to improve student learning and achievement. Christy Sparks
I believe that the core area of personalization is currently most aligned with our school’s vision. Going into fall of 2009, my school will have just over 30 individual case loads being addressed by our new “in-house” case worker from Mt. Rogers. We have a number of students who just need that extra nudge or that kind “hello” during the course of the school day. For some, the only smiles they see or the only validations they receive are from school personnel.
Thinking back to just last year, I had three young seventh grade girls in my homeroom and one Family Preservation Services counselor traveled with them from class to class all day. During the day time was built in to have special group sessions with the four of them, and one-on-one time was also scheduled. The counselor worked with the three troubled teens on making better choices, evaluation the choices they did make, dealing with the consequences of choices, etc…She took the girls home with her and shopping; she worked on social graces; and guess what? When the girls began to work out problems in one, then another, and then another area of their lives, their academics began to improve. They never all became straight A students, but they showed tremendous academic progress and were promoted.
This year we have had three full-time counselors similar to this (aside from our regular guidance counselors) sitting in the classrooms and working with troubled or at-risk students.
This personalization has proven to be a positive addition to our school. The attention that these children need is provided without constantly taking the teacher away from the rest of the class. And, the attention they need isn’t garnered through the usual “negative” means.
Truly, I believe that at this point in time, personalization is the focus. The philosophy seems to be “take care of our students, and the students’ academics will take care of themselves.”
One, two, or five years down the road, this may change. Our need for three or four extra staff members working with students all day may come to an end, and our core area focus may shift. But right now, this seems to be a great part of the key that has helped our school to become so successful. Movita Utt
I believe core 3 best identifies my school and school district as well. There is a great deal of time spent on intruction and assessment and aligning each with the curriculum which are our SOLs. I think it is important to realize that whether we like it or not, our children are going to have to pass these tests in order for them to graduate. No it isn't fair, but it is reality and our system is doing all we can to insure our children have the best opportunities out there.
I believe core 1 best identifies my school. We are an alternative school and have students coming in and out all during the year, teachers are continuously modifying the curriculum to meet the needs of the students. Students are still responsible for the SOL's, however, some of these students may have been without educational services for as long as a year. We continue to work with their base school and any community organizations that help us get these students back on track.
Like several of the other posters on here, my school seems to focus on area 3. Area 3 does not really correspond with the mission statement of our school. However, I believe that the school leans toward area 3 due to a number of factors including SOL tests, not being accredited and the size of the school. While some students do receive more personal treatment, it is difficult to have a personal plan of progress for over 500 students and limited class offerings. Core area 1 is not really focused on at our school, teachers are not primarily given any leadership role, or if they are it is because the teacher took it upon themselves to lead. Hopefully, over time the school can have a balance of all 3 core areas. -- Jennifer Campbell
Currently at my school I think that our school's vision focuses mostly on area 2 Personalization. Many of the programs are designed with the individual student in mind. Many of the decisions that are made are based on the students’ needs and what is going to make them better. This would include socially as well as academically. The schedule is much less standard than most schools that is mainly because of time the student’s needs are being met. Teachers seem (for what I see) to have a personal sense of pride in what they are doing with students. I do think that is because the patience and professionalism of the administration. There are many people that help with various things to assure the most is being done for the kids. I also believe that the biggest ISLLC standard that is a part of our school is “The Big Picture.” This standard seems to go very well with our vision of personalization of our students and staff. Jason Morris
I believe Radford focuses on area 1 of Collaborative Leadership & Professional Learning Communities. In our situation, the President provides leadership through a vision, specifically the 7-17 Plan. With student government organizations, an active parents counsel, and the structure of the dpeartments and faculty, the school promotes student learning in an atmosphere of participation, responsibility, and ownership. Professors collaborate with others in the eudcation community and the school is a resource for the entire community. Finally a major goal of the 7-17 Plan is to promote diversity and expose students to a rich array of viewpoints.
Currently at school our vision focuses on personalization. Our programs are design to include individual needs of the students. Decisions being made in our school include the students and how to make them successful. We have programs that include outreach in the community. This give students some experience that normally they would not get to experience. Not only does our school focus on students academically but they also focus on students socially. When experiencing things socially it makes a student more successsful in the classroom. The students success is number one in our school. Jamie Cain
Out of the three main areas, I think personalization is more aligned with our school’s vision and mission. I believe that a more caring and mentoring approach serves as the lifeline for public schools. There are so many kids today with personal issues regarding homelife, social-economic status, or learning disabilities that cause so many problems in our schools. We have to reach them on a personal level and show them the respect and care that we have for them as not just students, but as individuals. I know at our school, they incorporated a mentoring program from an outer organization, Mt. Rogers, to work with children who have troubles at home, school, or other issues. I have seen from my own experiences how this has greatly affected their lives. Also, if you think back at your students and when you make personal connections with them, they tend to work harder not just for themselves, but for you as well. I am a firm believer in getting kids to learn we have to make it personal, real-life, and exciting. Israel Easter
I feel of the three core areas, the one I believe is most aligned with my school's current mission and vision is core area #3,curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Our mission statement is to maximize a student's potential in a safe learning environment by drawing on the resources of our community to provide students with enhanced skills, knowledge, and character so all students become responsible and productive members of society, but I feel we are focused on curriculum and assessment. Our school continuously strives to make progress with test scores through remediation, Saturday School, chalenge block, etc. We also make it mandatory for all students to take the Stanford 10 test in grades 1-11 to compare the progress each child makes from year to year.
I think that our school mission would best be represented by number two: Personalization. We work to ensure that each child is successful by personalizing all areas that effect education. We have to treat each child with respect and take the time to get to know their situations. I feel that both core areas 1 and 2 are a part of our school, but we improve on those areas my using the personalization of both our students and the staff. All students have different aspects in their lives that impact them, and as teacher we need to personalize our commitment to them so that they are successful and feel safe in the school environment.
My school's mission would best fit in core area 2: personalization. Our school focuses on the students and what is best for each student. We try to cater to each individual student's needs, talents, and strengths. Not only does my school dowhat is best for its students, it does it in a way that is beneficial for the community: we provide successful students who will be strong leaders in their communities. Our outreach programs all the community to be involved in our school. Since it is such a small school in a tight-knit community, that sort of personailzation is important. Samantha Reed
I believe that my school's (and principal's) vision and school mission are best represented by Breaking Ranks II's third area - Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. My school places great emphasis on the academic areas of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, although I do believe that over the past few years, science and social studies have taken a back seat to reading and math, but that's neither here nor there. Students must demonstrate success in these core areas before moving on. (Although at the 6/7 level there is no recourse, besides remediation, if student's do not achieve, so I believe there is a whole in the process somewhere.) Within the classrooms students are not grouped in rooms according to ability levels, but by mixing ability levels. (It is then up to the teacher within the classroom of how to group students for activities, unfortunately, this leads to grouping by ability level, b/c it makes it easy on the teacher, which I feel greatly hinders those who could learn better from heterogeneous grouping.) Teachers are encouraged throughout the year to create lessons and activities that engage and encourage students to learn. I believe the leaders in our school and district, emphasis less lecture (teacher-centered) lessons in favor of more student led activities that challenge and integrate technology whenever possible, not just for the teacher, but for the students to use as well. All teachers and students in the school have access to computers, webcams, video cameras, MP3 players, and podcasting equipment. All classroom teachers are highly qualified in the area in which they teach, especially in all SOL tested areas. Lessons are connected to real world experiences and sometimes real-world experts are brought in to emphasize this point. Students are rewarded on creativity, accomplishments, and improvements, not just on traditional success (A's in a class, or 600 on SOL. Assessments are beginning to take on a new form, instead of just tests and quizzes many teachers (encouraged by the principal) use project-based assessments and portfolios to demonstrate students achievement and success. In conclusion, I believe that my school's vision of "...providing a safe,caring environment in which students are actively engaged in lifelong learning" is continually enhanced through the leadership of our principal and the teachers within our school.
Woodlawn School's mission statement is “Striving for excellence today so students can succeed tomorrow.” Reading the mission does not clearly imply a direct connection to one of the three Breaking Ranks goals. However, when working in the school on a day to day basis it is easily understood the school's “mission in reality” is most strongly connected to the third goal: “curriculum, instruction, and assessment.” Woodlawn has struggled to meet AYP goals in the area of Math. As a result, an enormous amount of interest and attention has been dedicated to addressing several of the recommendations that fall under the third breaking ranks goal. Teachers are continuously encouraged to design “high quality work” that results in “acquisition of knowledge, critical thinking and problem solving skills.” It is believed that addressing this recommendation and others within this goal will be the quickest and surest way to meet AYP requirements. Thank you, Marlin Campbell
My school is totally focused on Curriculum, instruction, and assessment. While my school did not meet AYP there has been great emphasis put on instruction and teaching vocab the way the SOL is formed. The teachers use a variety of strategies within their teaching, in order to realate to students with disabilities and students that are hands on learners. However, i do think that Personalization is a big key to success within any school. I do beleive that our teachers do a good job getting to know the kids. Although, it can be hard when each teacher sees around 85 students per day
I feel that my school is committed to the third core value with curriculumn, instruction, nad assessment. The last several years we have started out the year by looking at the previous year's SPBQ's and making a "hot list" at our very first faculty meeting schoolwide. That allows everyone to see which students need every bit of help that we can give them even if its the cafeteria lady asking multiplication facts as they go thru the lunch line. I would say personalization is a pretty close number 2 with the smaller size of my school.
Of the three core areas, my school's current mission and vision is core area #3,curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Our mission statement is to maximize a student's potential in a safe learning environment by drawing on the resources of our community to provide students with enhanced skills, knowledge, and character so all students become responsible and productive members of society, but I feel we are focused on curriculum and assessment. O. We also make it mandatory for all students to take the Stanford 10 test in grades 1-11 to compare the progress each child makes from year to year. Jacob Leonard Carroll Co
My school is most closely aligned with core area 2-personalization. We have a monthly meeting about all of the children in our class. This meeting consists of our principal and any faculty person that works with the children in that class. We discuss any concerns, whether it is academic, social/emotional/behavioral, attendance, etc. that might be affecting the child. We come up with strategies to help this child during the meeting. We also look at any test scores during this meeting, so it is tied to helping the teachers improve in area 3 as well. -Shelly Goad
My school's current mission is most aligned with the third branking ranks goal. I work in a Reading First school and we are constantly having grade-level meetings on the kind of instruction we should be doing in reading. We also look at various assessments to make sure that the kids are getting what they need in order to be succesful. Not only do we have grade-level meetings that deal with curriculum, instruction, and assessment but we also have faculty meetings to talk about the results of other testing that has taken place. Pacing guides have been developed that we have to follow and the results of various types of testing are closely looked at. The other two areas are tied in some ot our school's misson, but for the most part our school is about curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
My home schools current vision reflects core area 3 curriculum, instruction, and assessment the most. We were the pilot school for new reading and math programs these past two years. So a lot of our time was spent on wokshops, meetings, and data reflections dealing with the changes. Our schools vision and mission was to accept and conquer the challenge of implementing these new programs in a successful learning enhaced manner. I must say that with the school year over and the county adopting these programs for every elementary school our staff should feel proud of achieving our goals because of the adversity that these programs presented.
I had to really think about this question. I believe my school staff members would like to believe we are all concerned with personalization. I am afraid we are most concerned with Curriculum, instruction and ASSESSMENT. We do have many programs to address individual needs but, our classroom accommodations, testing methods and focuss deal more with test scores than anything else. I don't agree that this is the way it should be, it is simply the way it is. I'm not saying the staff at my school don't care, they do care but there is so much emphasis on the accountability of all staff members. The rest of our focus at our school would be on personalization. Our staff is very caring and we have many programs in place for students who struggle with academic, social and home problems. we do not have the best school wide Collaborative leadership and professional learning communities. Most of our grade levels do their own thing.
I agree. These core areas really make you think. The components of each core quickly let you know that you are not where you need or should be. I believe our school is currently most aligned with 3, however there is a great push to move to 2. We do just enough.... to say we are doing it. That's what 3 seems to be. We have always had staff development related to curriculum,instruction and assessment. We just can't seem to get everybody on the same page that EACH child and their individual needs are important! Therefore, we missed AYP again. Melissa Gillie
I feel that my school is focusing on Personalization this year. We have started three programs greared to the individual student. First, at a faculty meeting every student was listed and the teachers put a mark by each student that we had some connectin with. The few students missing marks were picked up by silent mentors. Secondly, we have taken a close look at differentiatted learning styles to better meet the needs of each student. And lastly, we have begun intervention for "at risk" students by having meetings with thenm and community service orgs. to help identify and solve attendance problems. Rusty
I feel my school focus is primarily on curriculum, instruction and assessment. I don't feel it is the focus that most staff members choose, I feel most of our staff members would rather have the focus be in personalization. I feel all of the attention is on standards of learning because politics make that neccessary. If we do not meet the standards set for us by the state everyone is in the "hot" seat, politically. although all of the staff members do what they can to help individual "at-risk" students, assessment seems to be our main focus at this time. Misty Z
Giles shows characteristics of all three core areas yet with it being located in such a small rural area, community plays a significant role in both the students' lives as well as the faculty and staffs' lives as well. Personalization and the school environment tend to reflect Giles the most with the support that teachers are able to give the students everyday since there are limited number of them. Also, as mentioned, community plays a key role in student development due to the close-knit and supportive atmosphere that the area produces.
While I am not presently working in a school, I work with many schools, and I would say that while many high school missions/visions emphasize core area 1 (collaboration/learning communities), in reality they are more closely aligned with area 3 (curriculum, instruction and assessment). I know this is not necessarily their intention, but with the rigors and rigidity of standards tests, much time is devoted to improving/maintaining scores - perhaps so that the other core areas might then be enhanced. Just an observation.
ReplyDeleteOur school motto is "Every Student Counts." I believe that fits both the Personalization and the School Environment core area and the curr/inst/assessmt area. For a couple of years now, we have met as a faculty at the beginning of the year to match each teacher up with 1-3 students who need a little extra TLC. We become their "school parent." We can sign their planners for them, keep up with their behavior plans, buy them ice cream on Fridays, give them a time out place or just a listening ear. Also, much of our staff development this year has been on differentiation. My grade level team has planned menus and projects that extend learning for all students based on their readiness and interests. I think we do a good job of making their learning personal and impactful. Instruction is varied, modified, and extended. Angie Cornett
ReplyDeleteI think that my school focuses on core area 3 (cirriculum, intstruction, and assessment) more than the others. All of the staff meetings I've been at for new teachers are about cirriculum and instruction - we've talked about everything from co-teaching to aligning cirriculum. In regular staff meetings, presentations are dominated by SOLs (assessment). As for core area 1, I don't think my school focuses at all on creating professional learning communities. We all stay in our little pods with zero encouragement to create a learning community. I think that my administrators would like to spend more time on core area 2 (personalization) by I think they're too overwhelmed by the size and diversity of our school to even think about how to make personalization a point among students or faculty.
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with Angie on what she said. We are both working at the same school. I also thnk this year we there has been more of a focus on core area 3. We have had ongoing staff development on differentiation. It has been our goal to meet the instructional needs of all students. We have also analyzed test scores and provided remediation based on the results. Teachers have designed unit tests to model the SOL format and with the use of SmartBoards and other technology have found ways to improve student learning and achievement. Christy Sparks
ReplyDeleteI believe that the core area of personalization is currently most aligned with our school’s vision. Going into fall of 2009, my school will have just over 30 individual case loads being addressed by our new “in-house” case worker from Mt. Rogers. We have a number of students who just need that extra nudge or that kind “hello” during the course of the school day. For some, the only smiles they see or the only validations they receive are from school personnel.
ReplyDeleteThinking back to just last year, I had three young seventh grade girls in my homeroom and one Family Preservation Services counselor traveled with them from class to class all day. During the day time was built in to have special group sessions with the four of them, and one-on-one time was also scheduled. The counselor worked with the three troubled teens on making better choices, evaluation the choices they did make, dealing with the consequences of choices, etc…She took the girls home with her and shopping; she worked on social graces; and guess what? When the girls began to work out problems in one, then another, and then another area of their lives, their academics began to improve. They never all became straight A students, but they showed tremendous academic progress and were promoted.
This year we have had three full-time counselors similar to this (aside from our regular guidance counselors) sitting in the classrooms and working with troubled or at-risk students.
This personalization has proven to be a positive addition to our school. The attention that these children need is provided without constantly taking the teacher away from the rest of the class. And, the attention they need isn’t garnered through the usual “negative” means.
Truly, I believe that at this point in time, personalization is the focus. The philosophy seems to be “take care of our students, and the students’ academics will take care of themselves.”
One, two, or five years down the road, this may change. Our need for three or four extra staff members working with students all day may come to an end, and our core area focus may shift. But right now, this seems to be a great part of the key that has helped our school to become so successful. Movita Utt
I believe core 3 best identifies my school and school district as well. There is a great deal of time spent on intruction and assessment and aligning each with the curriculum which are our SOLs. I think it is important to realize that whether we like it or not, our children are going to have to pass these tests in order for them to graduate. No it isn't fair, but it is reality and our system is doing all we can to insure our children have the best opportunities out there.
ReplyDeleteI believe core 1 best identifies my school. We are an alternative school and have students coming in and out all during the year, teachers are continuously modifying the curriculum to meet the needs of the students. Students are still responsible for the SOL's, however, some of these students may have been without educational services for as long as a year. We continue to work with their base school and any community organizations that help us get these students back on track.
ReplyDeleteLike several of the other posters on here, my school seems to focus on area 3. Area 3 does not really correspond with the mission statement of our school. However, I believe that the school leans toward area 3 due to a number of factors including SOL tests, not being accredited and the size of the school. While some students do receive more personal treatment, it is difficult to have a personal plan of progress for over 500 students and limited class offerings. Core area 1 is not really focused on at our school, teachers are not primarily given any leadership role, or if they are it is because the teacher took it upon themselves to lead. Hopefully, over time the school can have a balance of all 3 core areas.
ReplyDelete-- Jennifer Campbell
Currently at my school I think that our school's vision focuses mostly on area 2 Personalization. Many of the programs are designed with the individual student in mind. Many of the decisions that are made are based on the students’ needs and what is going to make them better. This would include socially as well as academically. The schedule is much less standard than most schools that is mainly because of time the student’s needs are being met. Teachers seem (for what I see) to have a personal sense of pride in what they are doing with students. I do think that is because the patience and professionalism of the administration. There are many people that help with various things to assure the most is being done for the kids. I also believe that the biggest ISLLC standard that is a part of our school is “The Big Picture.” This standard seems to go very well with our vision of personalization of our students and staff.
ReplyDeleteJason Morris
I believe Radford focuses on area 1 of Collaborative Leadership & Professional Learning Communities. In our situation, the President provides leadership through a vision, specifically the 7-17 Plan. With student government organizations, an active parents counsel, and the structure of the dpeartments and faculty, the school promotes student learning in an atmosphere of participation, responsibility, and ownership. Professors collaborate with others in the eudcation community and the school is a resource for the entire community. Finally a major goal of the 7-17 Plan is to promote diversity and expose students to a rich array of viewpoints.
ReplyDeleteCurrently at school our vision focuses on personalization. Our programs are design to include individual needs of the students. Decisions being made in our school include the students and how to make them successful. We have programs that include outreach in the community. This give students some experience that normally they would not get to experience. Not only does our school focus on students academically but they also focus on students socially. When experiencing things socially it makes a student more successsful in the classroom. The students success is number one in our school. Jamie Cain
ReplyDeleteOut of the three main areas, I think personalization is more aligned with our school’s vision and mission. I believe that a more caring and mentoring approach serves as the lifeline for public schools. There are so many kids today with personal issues regarding homelife, social-economic status, or learning disabilities that cause so many problems in our schools. We have to reach them on a personal level and show them the respect and care that we have for them as not just students, but as individuals. I know at our school, they incorporated a mentoring program from an outer organization, Mt. Rogers, to work with children who have troubles at home, school, or other issues. I have seen from my own experiences how this has greatly affected their lives. Also, if you think back at your students and when you make personal connections with them, they tend to work harder not just for themselves, but for you as well. I am a firm believer in getting kids to learn we have to make it personal, real-life, and exciting.
ReplyDeleteIsrael Easter
I feel of the three core areas, the one I believe is most aligned with my school's current mission and vision is core area #3,curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Our mission statement is to maximize a student's potential in a safe learning environment by drawing on the resources of our community to provide students with enhanced skills, knowledge, and character so all students become responsible and productive members of society, but I feel we are focused on curriculum and assessment. Our school continuously strives to make progress with test scores through remediation, Saturday School, chalenge block, etc. We also make it mandatory for all students to take the Stanford 10 test in grades 1-11 to compare the progress each child makes from year to year.
ReplyDeleteI think that our school mission would best be represented by number two: Personalization. We work to ensure that each child is successful by personalizing all areas that effect education. We have to treat each child with respect and take the time to get to know their situations. I feel that both core areas 1 and 2 are a part of our school, but we improve on those areas my using the personalization of both our students and the staff. All students have different aspects in their lives that impact them, and as teacher we need to personalize our commitment to them so that they are successful and feel safe in the school environment.
ReplyDeleteMy school's mission would best fit in core area 2: personalization. Our school focuses on the students and what is best for each student. We try to cater to each individual student's needs, talents, and strengths. Not only does my school dowhat is best for its students, it does it in a way that is beneficial for the community: we provide successful students who will be strong leaders in their communities. Our outreach programs all the community to be involved in our school. Since it is such a small school in a tight-knit community, that sort of personailzation is important.
ReplyDeleteSamantha Reed
I believe that my school's (and principal's) vision and school mission are best represented by Breaking Ranks II's third area - Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. My school places great emphasis on the academic areas of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, although I do believe that over the past few years, science and social studies have taken a back seat to reading and math, but that's neither here nor there. Students must demonstrate success in these core areas before moving on. (Although at the 6/7 level there is no recourse, besides remediation, if student's do not achieve, so I believe there is a whole in the process somewhere.) Within the classrooms students are not grouped in rooms according to ability levels, but by mixing ability levels. (It is then up to the teacher within the classroom of how to group students for activities, unfortunately, this leads to grouping by ability level, b/c it makes it easy on the teacher, which I feel greatly hinders those who could learn better from heterogeneous grouping.) Teachers are encouraged throughout the year to create lessons and activities that engage and encourage students to learn. I believe the leaders in our school and district, emphasis less lecture (teacher-centered) lessons in favor of more student led activities that challenge and integrate technology whenever possible, not just for the teacher, but for the students to use as well. All teachers and students in the school have access to computers, webcams, video cameras, MP3 players, and podcasting equipment. All classroom teachers are highly qualified in the area in which they teach, especially in all SOL tested areas. Lessons are connected to real world experiences and sometimes real-world experts are brought in to emphasize this point. Students are rewarded on creativity, accomplishments, and improvements, not just on traditional success (A's in a class, or 600 on SOL. Assessments are beginning to take on a new form, instead of just tests and quizzes many teachers (encouraged by the principal) use project-based assessments and portfolios to demonstrate students achievement and success. In conclusion, I believe that my school's vision of "...providing a safe,caring environment in which students are actively engaged in lifelong learning" is continually enhanced through the leadership of our principal and the teachers within our school.
ReplyDeleteWoodlawn School's mission statement is “Striving for excellence today so students can succeed tomorrow.” Reading the mission does not clearly imply a direct connection to one of the three Breaking Ranks goals. However, when working in the school on a day to day basis it is easily understood the school's “mission in reality” is most strongly connected to the third goal: “curriculum, instruction, and assessment.” Woodlawn has struggled to meet AYP goals in the area of Math. As a result, an enormous amount of interest and attention has been dedicated to addressing several of the recommendations that fall under the third breaking ranks goal. Teachers are continuously encouraged to design “high quality work” that results in “acquisition of knowledge, critical thinking and problem solving skills.” It is believed that addressing this recommendation and others within this goal will be the quickest and surest way to meet AYP requirements. Thank you, Marlin Campbell
ReplyDeleteMy school is totally focused on Curriculum, instruction, and assessment. While my school did not meet AYP there has been great emphasis put on instruction and teaching vocab the way the SOL is formed. The teachers use a variety of strategies within their teaching, in order to realate to students with disabilities and students that are hands on learners. However, i do think that Personalization is a big key to success within any school. I do beleive that our teachers do a good job getting to know the kids. Although, it can be hard when each teacher sees around 85 students per day
ReplyDeleteCory Hawks- Carroll County Cohort
I feel that my school is committed to the third core value with curriculumn, instruction, nad assessment. The last several years we have started out the year by looking at the previous year's SPBQ's and making a "hot list" at our very first faculty meeting schoolwide. That allows everyone to see which students need every bit of help that we can give them even if its the cafeteria lady asking multiplication facts as they go thru the lunch line. I would say personalization is a pretty close number 2 with the smaller size of my school.
ReplyDeleteShane Reed CC
Of the three core areas, my school's current mission and vision is core area #3,curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Our mission statement is to maximize a student's potential in a safe learning environment by drawing on the resources of our community to provide students with enhanced skills, knowledge, and character so all students become responsible and productive members of society, but I feel we are focused on curriculum and assessment. O. We also make it mandatory for all students to take the Stanford 10 test in grades 1-11 to compare the progress each child makes from year to year.
ReplyDeleteJacob Leonard Carroll Co
My school is most closely aligned with core area 2-personalization. We have a monthly meeting about all of the children in our class. This meeting consists of our principal and any faculty person that works with the children in that class. We discuss any concerns, whether it is academic, social/emotional/behavioral, attendance, etc. that might be affecting the child. We come up with strategies to help this child during the meeting. We also look at any test scores during this meeting, so it is tied to helping the teachers improve in area 3 as well. -Shelly Goad
ReplyDeleteMy school's current mission is most aligned with the third branking ranks goal. I work in a Reading First school and we are constantly having grade-level meetings on the kind of instruction we should be doing in reading. We also look at various assessments to make sure that the kids are getting what they need in order to be succesful. Not only do we have grade-level meetings that deal with curriculum, instruction, and assessment but we also have faculty meetings to talk about the results of other testing that has taken place. Pacing guides have been developed that we have to follow and the results of various types of testing are closely looked at. The other two areas are tied in some ot our school's misson, but for the most part our school is about curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
ReplyDeleteMy home schools current vision reflects core area 3 curriculum, instruction, and assessment the most. We were the pilot school for new reading and math programs these past two years. So a lot of our time was spent on wokshops, meetings, and data reflections dealing with the changes. Our schools vision and mission was to accept and conquer the challenge of implementing these new programs in a successful learning enhaced manner. I must say that with the school year over and the county adopting these programs for every elementary school our staff should feel proud of achieving our goals because of the adversity that these programs presented.
ReplyDeleteZack Dotson Carroll Co-hort
I had to really think about this question. I believe my school staff members would like to believe we are all concerned with personalization. I am afraid we are most concerned with Curriculum, instruction and ASSESSMENT. We do have many programs to address individual needs but, our classroom accommodations, testing methods and focuss deal more with test scores than anything else. I don't agree that this is the way it should be, it is simply the way it is. I'm not saying the staff at my school don't care, they do care but there is so much emphasis on the accountability of all staff members. The rest of our focus at our school would be on personalization. Our staff is very caring and we have many programs in place for students who struggle with academic, social and home problems. we do not have the best school wide Collaborative leadership and professional learning communities. Most of our grade levels do their own thing.
ReplyDeleteI agree.
ReplyDeleteThese core areas really make you think. The components of each core quickly let you know that you are not where you need or should be. I believe our school is currently most aligned with 3, however there is a great push to move to 2. We do just enough.... to say we are doing it. That's what 3 seems to be. We have always had staff development related to curriculum,instruction and assessment. We just can't seem to get everybody on the same page that EACH child and their individual needs are important! Therefore, we missed AYP again.
Melissa Gillie
I feel that my school is focusing on Personalization this year. We have started three programs greared to the individual student. First, at a faculty meeting every student was listed and the teachers put a mark by each student that we had some connectin with. The few students missing marks were picked up by silent mentors. Secondly, we have taken a close look at differentiatted learning styles to better meet the needs of each student. And lastly, we have begun intervention for "at risk" students by having meetings with thenm and community service orgs. to help identify and solve attendance problems.
ReplyDeleteRusty
I feel my school focus is primarily on curriculum, instruction and assessment. I don't feel it is the focus that most staff members choose, I feel most of our staff members would rather have the focus be in personalization. I feel all of the attention is on standards of learning because politics make that neccessary. If we do not meet the standards set for us by the state everyone is in the "hot" seat, politically. although all of the staff members do what they can to help individual "at-risk" students, assessment seems to be our main focus at this time.
ReplyDeleteMisty Z
Giles shows characteristics of all three core areas yet with it being located in such a small rural area, community plays a significant role in both the students' lives as well as the faculty and staffs' lives as well. Personalization and the school environment tend to reflect Giles the most with the support that teachers are able to give the students everyday since there are limited number of them. Also, as mentioned, community plays a key role in student development due to the close-knit and supportive atmosphere that the area produces.
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