Friday, January 30, 2015

Instructional Friday Focus

Every Friday I send an email to the whole staff that contains tips for best practice instruction, a peek at the Danielson framework for teaching Teacher evaluation rubric and resources for the staff.  I also include an inspirational quote and shout-out's to that week's learning leaders.  I've been thinking about these emails and realizing that they are similar to what I would want to blog about each week anyway, so I've decided to start cross-posting them here.  HT to Jeff Zoul for the inspiration on the weekly emails.

Here was the message I sent this week.  Any feedback is appreciated!

Dear Bison Colleagues,
Happy Friday!   As we close out another week at Buffalo Grove HS, I am focused on the topic of self-determined learning, aka Genius Hour, aka 20% Time aka Passion-Driven Classroom.
Teach and Learn with Passion!
Teaching and Learning Quotes:
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.” —Aristotle

Danielson Framework for Teaching reminder:
There are 4 domains, 22 components and 76 elements that are considered aspects of a teacher's responsibility as documented through empirical studies.  The 4 domains are:
1. Planning and Preparation
2. The Classroom Environment
3.  Instruction
4.  Professional Responsibilities

Looking at Domain 3: Instruction
3a:Communicating Clearly and Accurately
Here's a peek at what "distinguished" looks like for 3a :
Teacher’s oral and written communication is clear and expressive, anticipating possible student misconception.

Strategy/Tool to Try: (thanks to ITF Jeff Vlk)
Bison Learning Leaders:  
  • Our Fine Arts staff and students for putting on a beautiful tribute to the Harlem Renaissance 
  • Our FAST planning team and the Lit Lab for their intro to freshmen "Is DNA Your Destiny"
  • The continued work of the ITF and DTC's to support our integration of Infinite Campus 
Keep up the great work, Bison!  Happy Friday! 

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