SAM Principals Focus on Principles of Learning
Last week, ISN shared information about the School Administration Manager (SAM) Project that places SAMs in schools to handle the management duties of the principal so that the principal can focus on instruction. The project provides instructional coaching training and ongoing support to SAM principals through the Kentucky Leadership Academy. The instructional coaching program is based on 18 principles of learning, which are focused on building and supporting teacher efficacy. Principle of Learning #1 states that learning-centered teachers teach toward clear learning goals.
The principle of clear learning goals examines the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage time and instruction in a classroom. A clear learning goal must have two essential parts: content and the level of thinking/doing. If both the content and the level of performance (thinking/doing) are not included in the lessons, the full potential of a goal cannot be realized, and student understanding does not occur.
For example, if the content is addition of fractions, teachers also have to determine the level of performance expected of students. The performance could be to identify fractional expression, explain addition of fractions in their own words, solve fractional problems or even to diagram the steps to solve a fractional problem. It also could be a combination of these applications with vastly different levels of performance, but they all concern the same content, addition of fractions. High-quality instruction includes both content and levels of performance.
Just as clear, specific nouns indicate content clarity, clear, specific verbs indicate performance clarity. Teachers, who have goals that include verbs such as work on, cover, hit on or deal with cannot assess the learning. Verbs such as create, chart, compare or describe can be monitored, and the learning can be measured for understanding. Examples of clear verbs can be found within the Kentucky Department of Education’s Combined Curriculum Document.
Annual ISN Meeting Update
The annual ISN meeting scheduled for September 11-12 has been rescheduled due to conflict with the release of NCLB scores. This also includes the PDC update training. Both have been rescheduled for November 29-30. If you have made room reservations at the Galt House for September 11, those reservations have been transferred to November 29. However, if you need to cancel the reservation, you will need to contact the Galt House Hotel at 800-THE-GALT or 502-589-5200. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you have questions, please contact Judy Littleton.
Back to School Night
New and experienced teachers alike often dread hearing these words: Back to School Night. Being prepared for the event can make the experience informative for the parents and enjoyable for the teachers and school staff.
Setting the tone for the evening is crucial. The date, time, parking information and specifics about the schedule of the event should be included in the announcement. Greeting parents and students at the door creates a welcoming environment. Teachers’ rooms should be clearly labeled and room directions easy to follow. Public address background music and refreshments also create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Parents are one of the biggest assets in improving student achievement, and Back to School Nights give schools a grand opportunity to put forth that first positive impression.
District Achievement Gap Coordinators
Last week’s newsletter included a listing of the District Achievement Gap Coordinators’ assignments. Due to a problem during transmission of the newsletter, the link malfunctioned for some. To access the list, click here.