Persistence and Our Response

 

You Matter

    The blog is an explanation and an appeal for you to think about our work together at Bloomer.  This week you will answer the Panorama Survey but before you do that please read through this and meet with me.  You will have time after 3 to complete the survey.   You have done so much to support testing or proctoring during testing which is why I want to give back a little and let you take a deep breath.

You need a break. 

You have had one thing after another arriving in your inbox for the past year.  The job is demanding and I am a principal that works with you to build Bloomer into a school of excellence who is also demanding.  It isn't easy and comes with many challenges and wonderful celebrations.  This week I want to take the time to listen and share.  Tomorrow you will come for a 10 minute conversation with me during the school day.  We will discuss Bloomer and where it's going in the next year.  I also want to have a collaborative feedback conversation about you and what you need.  

However, prior to meeting I felt it was important to share and analogy and explanation.  I would like you to imagine a beach on the ocean.  You are on the shore watching the waves and contemplating getting in the water in this scenario.  My reflection of the  metaphor is that the waves are the work with kids.  It's persistent and never still like the waves. In addition, you work with a principal who is also always in motion. I work to be relentlessly respectful as I'm respectfully relentless, like the ocean waves.  

In addition, there are outside forces that can make the waves larger.  Storms from other locations or the wind blowing also influence the waves.  We need to realize that the wind and storms can make the water look intimidating and overwhelming.  I want you to know that I work to control the wind and protect your work from the external forces that influence your teaching.  You have the opportunity to seek support through the leadership team and your PLC.  Yet, I am your sounding board.  When you feel the wind is dramatically influencing your day I will work to control it. 

Finally, we can't forget the beach.  You and your team are there.  Some are close to the water others are backing away.  The key is supporting one another as you navigate the waves.  Again, your leadership team representative is there to share your ideas and to give input on changes.  Additionally, it is my obligation to watch the beach and support your through feedback and encouragement so you feel comfortable in taking risks.  It is my job to remind you of your effectiveness.  We are a team at Bloomer and I'm confident that you have other people who are also supporting you as you stand on the beach. 

Here are a few things to consider as evidence before you respond to the survey:

• Your input is valuable.  Your voice is heard when decisions are made through your leadership team member's participation.  They meet twice a month and have information or decision making items on the agenda.  It's shared with you through the bulletin.  We will be looking for your input again as we think about staffing and classroom placement for next year.
• Feedback:  These last two weeks have been atypical with testing and days without students.  Feedback is shared with you through the blog, daily message, highlights, and PLC.  You are valuable and it is an important part of my job to share either directly or collaboratively
• Culture:  Our student support team is dedicated to working with you to keep kids in the right frame of mind to learn.  When kids aren't they are there to support.

You may think it a bit forward to be sharing this blog on the eve of the survey. Maybe it is.  However, as one of you told me last week "you always know where I stand."  

I stand with you!

 

Getting it done

 

Plan the Work and Work the Plan. This one liner is the best advice to be successful which means higher achievement and safe and engaging classrooms.

Last week Bri and I spent two days looking at implementation os math in two buildings. Here are a few highlights that we consistently saw and correlated to the highest achievement or growth on MAP tests. 

1. Clarity in learning intention and success criteria during all points of the workshop.  This was most obvious at Bloomer and was noted by those observing.  It was foundational in every classroom. The precision of language helped students learn and lesson move efficiently.
2. They read the lesson and implemented it.  The designers of the math tool specifically designed the lesson to be quick paced.  Each lesson has a numbered list to implement.  The point is to move through each quickly, especially if it is during whole group.  Pacing is key.  Don't get bogged down in each item.  You won't fit everything in during your math workshop.
3. Know the standard and use the vocabulary.  Again, this has been provided for you so if you aren't as comfortable with the math you can use the cards provided.  Consistently using academic vocabulary sets high expectations and allows kids knowledge and access to the standard.
4. Every Workout Every Day.  When thinking about number corner please read through the suggested routines needed each day.  Be efficient and make sure you use the 20 minutes for number corner sufficiently.
5. Implement workplaces every day.  These are designed with a sprained approach and are meant to reinforce the learning of the module.  Differentiation and choice was a hallmark in the most successful classrooms.  Fortunately for you the District has hired a consultant who has put together choice boards, assessment materials and other lesson materials found in the box you receive each month.  You don't have to do to the extra time of 'making' everything.  It's been done for you.
6. Talk Moves and Math Journals were used throughout the lessons.  They lift engagement and allow kids to learn and do with the teacher during whole group lessons.  

    Overall, the consensus around the work at Bloomer was that there was clarity and consistent use of learning intentions and success criteria in every classroom. Katie and Carol used it during work places(Katie) and had them posted (Carol).  Nearly every classroom has the learning intention posted.  I'd say our visitors learned a lot from you about specificity in success criteria and how that guides learning.  Additionally, they noticed how well-behaved and engaged our students are.  They said we are a well-oiled machine which impressed them.  There wasn't one classroom where kids were not glued to the learning.  Finally, they were blown away how quickly we are improving with math implementation.  The most obvious point was implementation of workplaces.  In the fall it was an area of improvement and this time a highlight.  

Sure we have further to go but your work to implement properly and efficiently.  The result?  We grew by 5% from fall to winter.  

Let's keep it up!  You are getting it done.