Is your school/division/worksite a good school/division/worksite or an effective school/division/worksite (pick one)? Provide several characteristics noted in this chapter.
I believe my school is an effective worksite. Some of our strengths are we are student-centered, have a positive school climate which promotes student learning, and we involve of shared ideas and leadership. We also are in tune with our community from fundraisers to local area programs. I believe to be the "perfect school" one has to see his/her school as good and effective. I feel that we as educators know that we can say we are a good school, but when we display how effective our school and its surroundings are shows our willingness to reach all children. I believe to be a good educator one has to have effective teachers and programs. Israel Easter
My worksite is definitely an effective worksite. We are very student-centered (it's what we do), have high expectations of ourselves as well as of the teachers and administrative staff we work with, focus on providing support and helping schools create supportive peer groups for their students as well as for each other. We also personalize all we do; it's not a case of one size fits all in southwest Virginia, so we collaborate with the school to provide assistance unique to their needs and population.
My home school is an effective worksite. I believe that actions speak louder than words and in my school the achievements are easily observed. Everyone there works together towads common goals and strives to conquer adversity that stands our way. The school is also aligned with the community in where partnerships has been formed to provide the best education for every student possible. There is a sense of pride in what we do and the school community as a whole expects sucess. zack dotson carroll co-hort
I think that my school is an effective work site. We definitely use creative problem solving. The entire school joined together to get our Math SOL scores up, and used creative thinking and collaboration to do so. The staff also involve parents and community with the school. Departments will hold parent nights at the school and teachers are constantly making telephone calls home, involving the parents. We also focus on making our classes academically rich with inquiry-based learning and teaching across core areas. -- Jennifer Campbell
I believe that my school is an effective worksite. Things there are geared for the students to be successful. Many different people help a number of students during the day for them to get the resources they need. Everyone works together for the betterment of our students from the youngest to the oldest. Many different grade levels and departments spend time in a collaborative effort to improve student’s performance, and attitude about what we are doing. It is a great place to students because it is so efficient. Jason Morris
I believe that my school is an effective worksite. We are all about the students and their successes. For some students – the successes may be smaller than for others, but every student is challenged, and we are there to help them rise to the occasion. From our RTI program to teachers working with students during planning, exploratory, or P.E., we try to address the needs of students and see that those needs are met. We as a staff work together, knowing that the end result depends on us all. If our students are successful, then our school is successful. We not only work closely with each other, but we work well with parents. For example, we utilize our school’s Student Assistant Team (SAT) by inviting parents in to talk about student issues. At least one administrator is present, a counselor, the parent(s), teachers, and the student is invited in as well. By the end of the meeting, clear goals for everyone - including the student - are on the table, and a plan of action is set in motion. We are not afraid to think outside the box and to try new things. If they work, great; if they don’t, we go to plan B. There are numerous other ways that support my thinking when I say I believe that my school is an effective worksite. Movita Utt
I feel we are an effective worksite. We have the students as our first focus. In our classroom we have various programs that comes in and works with our students that need extra help. This is an example of how we are an effective worksite. The students success is our number one focus. We have programs in which we ask our community to participate and be a part of. This is important for our internal and external communities to work together for the benefit of our students success. This is another example of how our school is an effective worksite. Jamie Cain
I feel our school is definitely an effective worksite. Our teachers are continuously monitoring the progress of our students collabratively. We have incorperated a challenge class into our school day to remediate students who did not meet proficiency on their benchmark tests, while giving others the opportunity for enrichment programs. We also run Saturday school for those who need the little 'extra' to pass their SOL and EOC tests. We also provide commmunity support throughout the year, where students get to work with members of the community and community agencies to meet specific goals of the school. These opportunities that our students have, have played a major role is the success of our school.
I believe that our school is an effective worksite. We make an effort to serve all students. We have a well rounded academic program. I think that what makes our school the most effctive is that we have a positive school climate. We have a sense of order and purpose with an environment of encouragement. We work together to help ensure the success of each child.
I feel our school is definitely an effective worksite for many reasons. Our school comes together to help each other no matter what the situation is. We are a school that takes part in our students and we always try to do what is the best for the kids. Our school involves the community and conducts activities that parents can participate in. The teachers are student centered and take in student welfare as a top priority. Our school shows pride within any thing we do. We also share our vision and mission with our kids and what we would like them to accomplish.
I also feel that my school is an effective worksite. My school is always making an effort to serve all the students that are at the school. My school also has a well-rounded academic program that appropriately monitors student progress and provides feedback. The teacher evaluation system is used to help teachers improve their skills. Staff members at my school do not accept defeat. Instead they turn their problems into challenges, design solutions, and implement them into practice. Their is also a partnership between the school and the community. Everyone works together to make sure we are doing what is best for the students. Amy Woodard
I believe that my school is an effective workstie. We are constantly doing things to promote the success of all of our students, whether through academics, parent-involvement activities, field trips, or fun days. We have a positive atmosphere created by our staff that in turn creates a positive attitude in our students. We work together to achieve success in our core subject areas, are always looking for new ideas, and cooperatively work to build achievement across grade levels. Samantha Reed
My worksite is definately effective, our SOL score and record of high achieving proves it. Scores are just a result of all the work that the staff put in throughout the grade levels. Each year we have a different focus at faculty meetings to go along with the regular aspects of a faculty meeting. Our princial always encourages us to continue our ouw education and almost every teacher in out building has a master's degree. We "get it done" at our school.
I feel my school is an effective school. We are a very student-centered school where the needs of the students are fore front in any decision that is made. Our principal is always implementing instruction/programs that promote student learning and achievement. This requries staff development to be very important in the school. I belive my principal also tries to implement shared leadership among the teachers and staff as a way of getting them involved in the school and helping everyone feel as though they are important to the entire school. This creates a very postive school climate, which is only stormy on occasions. We have a lot of invovlement from parents and the community which helps us offer many programs to students as well. One area I would like to see us improve on is fostering creative problem solving esp. among students. But in order for this to become a part of daily life, teachers and principals must practice it as well. I belive that there are many teachers who try to do this, but the stress of state standards sometimes takes away from their motives.
I am fortunate to work in a student centered learning environment that promotes student learning and believes it is imperative to have a positive school climate that involves parents and the community. Although I would like to see more staff development for teachers (there is plenty for administrators)I think my school division holds more characteristics of an effective than good school division.
My school fits many of the criteria of an “effective” school. The school is largely student centered. Student needs are almost always number one. We have addressed the need of an “academically rich program” by changing the schedule to allow an increased focus on a more simple curriculum. Teachers and administrators are continually looking for ways to design lessons that promote student learning. We have employed a variety of creative problem solving techniques to deal with both unique student needs and the struggle to my AYP goals. Upon review of the text I can see areas that we need to continue to work on as we become more of an effective school. Thanks, Marlin
In my school it is odd that for every criteria of an effective school we meet some requirements but not all. For example, for "Effective Schools Are Student Centered" our school certainly has student welfare as a high priority, but we lack support networks for students that aren't special education. Another example, for "Effective Schools Provide Instruction that Promotes Student Learning" we have systems in place to help with academic problems and differentiation is alive and thriving, but I don't think we set very high standards as evidenced by the apathy of many of my students. The only two we are right on target with creating academically rich programs and practicing shared leadership through decentralized discipline and committee decision making.
My school is an effective school. We provide an enriched curriculum and have been AYP accredited for the last 2 years. We are student centered. We provide lots of remedial tutoring, our school parent program, our individualized approach. We have a very positive school climate. Everyone gets along great, we do things together and we take care of each other in the difficult times of our lives. We involve parents and the community in many activities to plan for the future, to set goals, and to share in successes. These are just some examples of how we are an effective school. Angie Cornett
My school is an effective school. We are student centered and we offer academically rich programs. We have a great school climate that is totally positive. Our administration ensures there are lots of opportunities for quality staff development. My school involves parents and the community more than any other school I have been a part of. We have guest readers, people doing presentations, mentors coming in for lunch. Lots of involvement. Jacob Leonard, Carroll co
I believe our school is an effective school. We are definitely student centered. Our motto being "Every Student Counts." We offer tutoring, have up to date technologies (SmartBoards in every class), teachers teach with the expectations that all studnets will succeed. Our school has one of the best climates I have ever worked in. Everyone is on everyone's side, always willing to help. We have continuous staff development and involve parents and the community in many ways. I also believe there is a shared leadership where the principal and the teachers collaborate to enhance student learning. Christy Sparks
My school is an effective worksite. Radford maintains small class sizes in terms of other Universities. The faculty is very engaged with the students as evidenced by the fact that students and faculty publish together. Further, there is a high expectation for the students and consistent standards. The leadership is aggressive for the school and there is collaboration amoung the staff and faculty.
I have to agree with Amy Woodard. Our school is very effective because we provide all types of internal community services to help all of our students reach their own potential. We also work closely with external community agencies to provide those students and families with community resources available. We have many special rpograms at our school and as a result our teachers are very flexible in providing individual student needs. Our staff monitor student progress and adapt their instruction as student needs change. All of our teachers are involved in staff development opportunities that are provided for their grade level. Misty Zyvoloski
I believe my school is also an effective school. I think all effective schools demonstrate success in students which is shown by the SOL test. Our school is involved in the community. Our principal works hard to ensure that needed supplies are available to accomplish our goals. I also agree with Kim when she discussed expectations. Our principal holds high expectations of us as we do with our students.
I believe that my school is effective. We have SOL scores that are not only above benchmark but are increasing. There is a sense of community and collegiality among teachers and staff. Relations with the greater community is also strong. When schools are meeting both the "stated" needs and the actual needs of students, I consider it an effective school. Rusty
At first glance, you will notice many practices our school does to be considered practices of an effective school, but if you take a closer look, you will see that we are not making AYP. That is because we have not had a reality check and realized we are not an effective school, we are simply a good school. I do not believe we are student centered. People in the building say they are doing something for the students, but they end up being the focus of the event. We are struggling to find programs to meet the needs of all of our students, especially our black students. Our faculty completed a survey a year ago, and one of the questions was “Do you believe all students can learn?” We had only 90% of the staff say yes. I think we are striving to have a positive school climate, but there are problems between teachers that are obvious to students. Not every classroom is a work-centered environment; teachers are on the computers and cell phones too much to focus on student learning. Several teachers have made the comment that they cannot figure out how our “Teacher of the Year” was ever voted Teacher of the Year. We do have lots of staff development, but teachers seem to be always trying to get out of participating in it. In certain grade levels, parent volunteers are no longer used because of issues between parents and teachers. We are working towards becoming an effective school with conduct and academic achievement, and all that involves. Unfortunately, because there is so much to work on, it is a slow process; that I believe might take a couple more years. When things change, I think our AYP results will be different and that will be the result of being an effective school. Melissa Gillie
My school is an effective school. We are student-centered because we have student "helpers" in the classrooms and a walking club to help them get fit. My school has a positive climate. The staff is friendly and get along well. This has also been reflected in the student surveys and the fact that my school has had the highest attendance in the county for several months. Finally, we have shared leadership because of our discipline committee and the fact that we collaborate about students during our monthly A-team meetings. Shelly Goad
Going through the characteristics mentioned in the chapter, my conclusion is that my school is an effective institution. It portrays every characteristic mentioned yet, like every school, I found certain areas that needed more support but overall my workplace seems to be a very effective and student centered school.
I believe my school is an effective worksite. Some of our strengths are we are student-centered, have a positive school climate which promotes student learning, and we involve of shared ideas and leadership. We also are in tune with our community from fundraisers to local area programs. I believe to be the "perfect school" one has to see his/her school as good and effective. I feel that we as educators know that we can say we are a good school, but when we display how effective our school and its surroundings are shows our willingness to reach all children. I believe to be a good educator one has to have effective teachers and programs.
ReplyDeleteIsrael Easter
My worksite is definitely an effective worksite. We are very student-centered (it's what we do), have high expectations of ourselves as well as of the teachers and administrative staff we work with, focus on providing support and helping schools create supportive peer groups for their students as well as for each other. We also personalize all we do; it's not a case of one size fits all in southwest Virginia, so we collaborate with the school to provide assistance unique to their needs and population.
ReplyDeleteMy home school is an effective worksite. I believe that actions speak louder than words and in my school the achievements are easily observed. Everyone there works together towads common goals and strives to conquer adversity that stands our way. The school is also aligned with the community in where partnerships has been formed to provide the best education for every student possible. There is a sense of pride in what we do and the school community as a whole expects sucess.
ReplyDeletezack dotson carroll co-hort
I think that my school is an effective work site. We definitely use creative problem solving. The entire school joined together to get our Math SOL scores up, and used creative thinking and collaboration to do so. The staff also involve parents and community with the school. Departments will hold parent nights at the school and teachers are constantly making telephone calls home, involving the parents. We also focus on making our classes academically rich with inquiry-based learning and teaching across core areas.
ReplyDelete-- Jennifer Campbell
I believe that my school is an effective worksite. Things there are geared for the students to be successful. Many different people help a number of students during the day for them to get the resources they need. Everyone works together for the betterment of our students from the youngest to the oldest. Many different grade levels and departments spend time in a collaborative effort to improve student’s performance, and attitude about what we are doing. It is a great place to students because it is so efficient.
ReplyDeleteJason Morris
I believe that my school is an effective worksite. We are all about the students and their successes. For some students – the successes may be smaller than for others, but every student is challenged, and we are there to help them rise to the occasion. From our RTI program to teachers working with students during planning, exploratory, or P.E., we try to address the needs of students and see that those needs are met. We as a staff work together, knowing that the end result depends on us all. If our students are successful, then our school is successful. We not only work closely with each other, but we work well with parents. For example, we utilize our school’s Student Assistant Team (SAT) by inviting parents in to talk about student issues. At least one administrator is present, a counselor, the parent(s), teachers, and the student is invited in as well. By the end of the meeting, clear goals for everyone - including the student - are on the table, and a plan of action is set in motion. We are not afraid to think outside the box and to try new things. If they work, great; if they don’t, we go to plan B. There are numerous other ways that support my thinking when I say I believe that my school is an effective worksite. Movita Utt
ReplyDeleteI feel we are an effective worksite. We have the students as our first focus. In our classroom we have various programs that comes in and works with our students that need extra help. This is an example of how we are an effective worksite. The students success is our number one focus. We have programs in which we ask our community to participate and be a part of. This is important for our internal and external communities to work together for the benefit of our students success. This is another example of how our school is an effective worksite. Jamie Cain
ReplyDeleteI feel our school is definitely an effective worksite. Our teachers are continuously monitoring the progress of our students collabratively. We have incorperated a challenge class into our school day to remediate students who did not meet proficiency on their benchmark tests, while giving others the opportunity for enrichment programs. We also run Saturday school for those who need the little 'extra' to pass their SOL and EOC tests. We also provide commmunity support throughout the year, where students get to work with members of the community and community agencies to meet specific goals of the school. These opportunities that our students have, have played a major role is the success of our school.
ReplyDeleteI believe that our school is an effective worksite. We make an effort to serve all students. We have a well rounded academic program. I think that what makes our school the most effctive is that we have a positive school climate. We have a sense of order and purpose with an environment of encouragement. We work together to help ensure the success of each child.
ReplyDeleteI feel our school is definitely an effective worksite for many reasons. Our school comes together to help each other no matter what the situation is. We are a school that takes part in our students and we always try to do what is the best for the kids. Our school involves the community and conducts activities that parents can participate in. The teachers are student centered and take in student welfare as a top priority. Our school shows pride within any thing we do. We also share our vision and mission with our kids and what we would like them to accomplish.
ReplyDeleteCory Hawks
Carroll County Cohort
I also feel that my school is an effective worksite. My school is always making an effort to serve all the students that are at the school. My school also has a well-rounded academic program that appropriately monitors student progress and provides feedback. The teacher evaluation system is used to help teachers improve their skills. Staff members at my school do not accept defeat. Instead they turn their problems into challenges, design solutions, and implement them into practice. Their is also a partnership between the school and the community. Everyone works together to make sure we are doing what is best for the students.
ReplyDeleteAmy Woodard
I believe that my school is an effective workstie. We are constantly doing things to promote the success of all of our students, whether through academics, parent-involvement activities, field trips, or fun days. We have a positive atmosphere created by our staff that in turn creates a positive attitude in our students. We work together to achieve success in our core subject areas, are always looking for new ideas, and cooperatively work to build achievement across grade levels.
ReplyDeleteSamantha Reed
My worksite is definately effective, our SOL score and record of high achieving proves it. Scores are just a result of all the work that the staff put in throughout the grade levels. Each year we have a different focus at faculty meetings to go along with the regular aspects of a faculty meeting. Our princial always encourages us to continue our ouw education and almost every teacher in out building has a master's degree. We "get it done" at our school.
ReplyDeleteShane Reed CC
I feel my school is an effective school. We are a very student-centered school where the needs of the students are fore front in any decision that is made. Our principal is always implementing instruction/programs that promote student learning and achievement. This requries staff development to be very important in the school. I belive my principal also tries to implement shared leadership among the teachers and staff as a way of getting them involved in the school and helping everyone feel as though they are important to the entire school. This creates a very postive school climate, which is only stormy on occasions. We have a lot of invovlement from parents and the community which helps us offer many programs to students as well. One area I would like to see us improve on is fostering creative problem solving esp. among students. But in order for this to become a part of daily life, teachers and principals must practice it as well. I belive that there are many teachers who try to do this, but the stress of state standards sometimes takes away from their motives.
ReplyDeleteMelissa Ogle
I am fortunate to work in a student centered learning environment that promotes student learning and believes it is imperative to have a positive school climate that involves parents and the community. Although I would like to see more staff development for teachers (there is plenty for administrators)I think my school division holds more characteristics of an effective than good school division.
ReplyDeleteMy school fits many of the criteria of an “effective” school. The school is largely student centered. Student needs are almost always number one. We have addressed the need of an “academically rich program” by changing the schedule to allow an increased focus on a more simple curriculum. Teachers and administrators are continually looking for ways to design lessons that promote student learning. We have employed a variety of creative problem solving techniques to deal with both unique student needs and the struggle to my AYP goals. Upon review of the text I can see areas that we need to continue to work on as we become more of an effective school. Thanks,
ReplyDeleteMarlin
In my school it is odd that for every criteria of an effective school we meet some requirements but not all. For example, for "Effective Schools Are Student Centered" our school certainly has student welfare as a high priority, but we lack support networks for students that aren't special education. Another example, for "Effective Schools Provide Instruction that Promotes Student Learning" we have systems in place to help with academic problems and differentiation is alive and thriving, but I don't think we set very high standards as evidenced by the apathy of many of my students. The only two we are right on target with creating academically rich programs and practicing shared leadership through decentralized discipline and committee decision making.
ReplyDeleteMy school is an effective school. We provide an enriched curriculum and have been AYP accredited for the last 2 years. We are student centered. We provide lots of remedial tutoring, our school parent program, our individualized approach. We have a very positive school climate. Everyone gets along great, we do things together and we take care of each other in the difficult times of our lives. We involve parents and the community in many activities to plan for the future, to set goals, and to share in successes. These are just some examples of how we are an effective school. Angie Cornett
ReplyDeleteMy school is an effective school. We are student centered and we offer academically rich programs. We have a great school climate that is totally positive. Our administration ensures there are lots of opportunities for quality staff development.
ReplyDeleteMy school involves parents and the community more than any other school I have been a part of. We have guest readers, people doing presentations, mentors coming in for lunch. Lots of involvement.
Jacob Leonard, Carroll co
I believe our school is an effective school. We are definitely student centered. Our motto being "Every Student Counts." We offer tutoring, have up to date technologies (SmartBoards in every class), teachers teach with the expectations that all studnets will succeed. Our school has one of the best climates I have ever worked in. Everyone is on everyone's side, always willing to help. We have continuous staff development and involve parents and the community in many ways. I also believe there is a shared leadership where the principal and the teachers collaborate to enhance student learning. Christy Sparks
ReplyDeleteMy school is an effective worksite. Radford maintains small class sizes in terms of other Universities. The faculty is very engaged with the students as evidenced by the fact that students and faculty publish together. Further, there is a high expectation for the students and consistent standards. The leadership is aggressive for the school and there is collaboration amoung the staff and faculty.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Amy Woodard. Our school is very effective because we provide all types of internal community services to help all of our students reach their own potential. We also work closely with external community agencies to provide those students and families with community resources available. We have many special rpograms at our school and as a result our teachers are very flexible in providing individual student needs. Our staff monitor student progress and adapt their instruction as student needs change. All of our teachers are involved in staff development opportunities that are provided for their grade level. Misty Zyvoloski
ReplyDeleteI believe my school is also an effective school. I think all effective schools demonstrate success in students which is shown by the SOL test. Our school is involved in the community. Our principal works hard to ensure that needed supplies are available to accomplish our goals.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Kim when she discussed expectations. Our principal holds high expectations of us as we do with our students.
I believe that my school is effective. We have SOL scores that are not only above benchmark but are increasing. There is a sense of community and collegiality among teachers and staff. Relations with the greater community is also strong. When schools are meeting both the "stated" needs and the actual needs of students, I consider it an effective school.
ReplyDeleteRusty
At first glance, you will notice many practices our school does to be considered practices of an effective school, but if you take a closer look, you will see that we are not making AYP. That is because we have not had a reality check and realized we are not an effective school, we are simply a good school. I do not believe we are student centered. People in the building say they are doing something for the students, but they end up being the focus of the event. We are struggling to find programs to meet the needs of all of our students, especially our black students. Our faculty completed a survey a year ago, and one of the questions was “Do you believe all students can learn?” We had only 90% of the staff say yes. I think we are striving to have a positive school climate, but there are problems between teachers that are obvious to students. Not every classroom is a work-centered environment; teachers are on the computers and cell phones too much to focus on student learning. Several teachers have made the comment that they cannot figure out how our “Teacher of the Year” was ever voted Teacher of the Year. We do have lots of staff development, but teachers seem to be always trying to get out of participating in it. In certain grade levels, parent volunteers are no longer used because of issues between parents and teachers.
ReplyDeleteWe are working towards becoming an effective school with conduct and academic achievement, and all that involves. Unfortunately, because there is so much to work on, it is a slow process; that I believe might take a couple more years. When things change, I think our AYP results will be different and that will be the result of being an effective school.
Melissa Gillie
My school is an effective school. We are student-centered because we have student "helpers" in the classrooms and a walking club to help them get fit. My school has a positive climate. The staff is friendly and get along well. This has also been reflected in the student surveys and the fact that my school has had the highest attendance in the county for several months. Finally, we have shared leadership because of our discipline committee and the fact that we collaborate about students during our monthly A-team meetings.
ReplyDeleteShelly Goad
Going through the characteristics mentioned in the chapter, my conclusion is that my school is an effective institution. It portrays every characteristic mentioned yet, like every school, I found certain areas that needed more support but overall my workplace seems to be a very effective and student centered school.
ReplyDelete