Why do you go??

This is one of my favorites from last night.

I have to admit.  I never miss the superbowl. 

I'm a reluctant football fan.  My dad loved the Vikings and the Huskers.  When I was a little girl I was forced to watch because I had to be there to hold the antenna so the reception on our TV would come in clearly.  I'm still reluctant and do my chores during the plays but I come to a hard stop for the commercials and halftime show.  It's why I watch.  Did you watch the superbowl?  Why did you watch?

"Why do they go?"  Why do kids come to school? 

The Why

The What

The How 

The Why

I would argue it's more than the requirement or a threat of an attendance plan. I think the majority of kids come to school because it's really the best place to be on any given day.  They get two balanced meals and a healthy snack.  They have a staff member who greets them at the door of the building and their classroom.  They are kept safe and fit. In addition, they experience friendships with their peers.  They come based on a relationship with you.  One of you is the reason a child comes each day.

Let's look at this chart reflecting on the percentage of kids that are currently coming to school 95% of the time.  This means that at the time this data was downloaded they had miss 5 or fewer days.  Students who are chronically absent—meaning they miss at least 15 days of school in a year—are at serious risk of falling behind in school.  Specifically, only 11% of these students have a chance to be proficient.

The What

Kids come to school because they receive high quality instruction and aren't bored learning.  You have been work on a safe and engaged classroom.  Remember engaged means that kids are working on the learning and know why they are learning.  This is done through the clarity of your learning intentions and success criteria along with an authentic learning activity.  

Please reflect on the two look fors that we use as a basis for feedback.  When you hit these consistently each day they will come to school.

Component		Environment	Student	Teacher
Learning Intention and success criteria		Learning  Intentions and Success Criteria are visible and are in student friendly language. They are clearly posted in a consistent area, where students know they can turn to.	Students can use the success criteria to determine if they met the learning target. Students can explain what they are learning  and  how they are successful.	Learning intentions are based on common core standards, stated in student friendly terms (icon/pictures) and referenced throughout the gradual-release lesson. Success Criteria are clear steps to achieving the learning intention, stated in student friendly terms (icons/pictures) and referenced throughout the gradual-release lesson. The application for strategic reading and math behaviors stated i,e “so that I can…”

Engagement

There are co-constructed charts around learning and routines.

Students are demonstrating classroom routines and procedures as it pertains to the particular activity/lesson. Students know what they are learning, not the activity.

Teachers will increase student engagement by facilitating the use of talk moves during all parts of the lesson. Teachers use their knowledge of knowing their students to engage them in things that interest them.

The How

We are working diligently to make the WHAT a reality at Bloomer.  In order for a high level of success we first need to get kids to come to school.  It starts with you!  How can you support our efforts?  Every single one of your efforts will make a difference.  We will begin a campaign this week and need your help.  You will have a role and it will matter.