Instructional Friday Focus: Digital Literacy

Happy Friday!   As we close out another week at Buffalo Grove HS, I am focused on the topic of digital literacy.

Teach and Learn with Passion!

Teaching and Learning Quotes: 

"It's not about technology, its about literacy!"  adapted from Angela Maiers during a workshop I attended yesterday.

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 1: Planning and Preparation

1b: Demonstrating Knowledge of Students

Here's a peek at what "distinguished" looks like for 1b:

Teacher demonstrates thorough knowledge of students’ backgrounds, skills, and interests, and uses this knowledge to plan for individual student learning.

Strategy/Tool to Try: (thanks to ITF Jeff Vlk)

Works on the iPad too for those limited on space. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhxazQ2wn6Q&feature=youtu.be

Instructional Focus: Digital Literacy  - ways for students to join the 1% that creates content on the web every day! 

http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/ten-digital-literacy-resources-teachers.shtml

http://www.thrively.com/classroom?referrer=https://www.google.com/

http://nepris.com/

The Daily Create: http://daily.ds106.us/about/

Keep up the great work, Bison!  Happy Friday!

Instructional Friday Focus: Shadow a Student project

Dear Bison Colleagues,

Happy Friday!   As we close out another week at Buffalo Grove HS, I am focused on the topic of school through students' eyes

Teach and Learn with Passion!

Teaching and Learning Quotes: 

“The first step in the acquisition of wisdom is silence, the second listening, the third memory, the fourth practice, the fifth teaching others.” —Solomon Ibn Gabriol

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 1: Planning and Preparation

1c: Selecting Instructional Goals

Here's a peek at what "distinguished" looks like for 1c:

Teacher’s goals reflect high-level learning relating to curriculum frameworks and standards; they are adapted, where necessary, to the needs of individual students, and permit viable methods of assessment.

Strategy/Tool to Try: (thanks to ITF Jeff Vlk)

For those of you that have been using Google Sheets, there are few new/hidden features that you may have missed. 

Check out the video here.

http://vlkthetechguy.blogspot.com/2016/03/merge-and-unmerge-cell-data-in-google.html

Instructional Focus: School Through Students' Eyes

As some of you may know, I spent the entire day on Thursday of this week shadowing one of our students.  I attended all of her classes, exercised with her during PE, rehearsed for the Orchestra concert, took notes from her lessons and worked through her assignments together.  The day was absolutely amazing (and exhausting).  Not only did I get in WAY more steps that I usually do ;), but I was cognitively tired too!  My brain isn't used to switching so quickly between subjects.  I found myself wanting to stay beyond the bell for some classes and keep working through the task at hand.  Other times the bell was a welcome relief to my anxiety for a class that was way out of my academic comfort zone (*cough* *cough* BC Calculus) 

However every single class was a unique learning environment in which several things were made clear to me as a BG student for a day:

• BGHS teachers care deeply about their students. (I already knew this, but it was nice to see in action throughout the day) 
• The variety of subjects and experiences throughout the day made the day exciting and interesting
• PE provides an essential role as not only health and fitness, but an excellent reboot to face more hours of traditional academic challenges
• The desks are VERY uncomfortable - it's nice to be able to get up and move throughout a lesson
• By 8th period, everyone, students and teachers, is tired.  Let's all be extra nice to each other by then
• We are heavily tech dependent and when the network is slow or the tech fails, learning suffers and folks get frustrated
• The periods go by quickly (and not just because it was a late arrival day)
• It's really important to leave time for discussion and thinking.  Remember that "wait time" when asking questions
• The learning that stuck the most wasn't "right from the textbook"
• Hands-on learning is fun
• A sense of humor goes a long way for students and staff.  So does a smile :)
• Our students are awesome and unique
• So are our teachers

More thoughts to come in future posts...  here are some links about the shadow a student project.  I will be shadowing again soon!

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/feb12/vol69/num05/Stepping-into-a-Student's-Shoes.aspx

http://shadowastudent.org/

https://vimeo.com/149355407

Bison Learning Leaders:

Our OCE and Principal's award winners!

• Bruce French
• Steph Ramos
• Tim Podulka
• Tim Kosiek
• Jeff Bott
• Kris Grever
• Sherry Heart
• Christina Lopez

Keep up the great work, Bison!  Happy Friday!

Instructional Friday Focus: English Language Learners

Dear Bison Colleagues,

Happy Friday!   As we close out another week at Buffalo Grove HS, I am focused on the topic of helping English Language Learners excel! (a special thanks to ASCD Express for the resources today!)

Teach and Learn with Passion!

Teaching and Learning Quotes: 

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 1: Planning and Preparation

1b: Demonstrating Knowledge of Students

Here's a peek at what "distinguished" looks like for 1b:

Teacher demonstrates thorough knowledge of students’ backgrounds, skills, and interests, and uses this knowledge to plan for individual student learning.

Strategy/Tool to Try: (thanks to ITF Jeff Vlk)

https://www.remind.com/

Remind 101  offers teachers a free, safe and simple way to instantly text students & parents. Teachers, coaches, or administrators can send reminders, assignments, homework, assessments, or motivational messages directly to  students' & parents' phones. Including: regular text messages, voice clips and attachments. You can also schedule texts. Messaging is safe because phone numbers are kept private

Tip: Use Remind daily to brief parents on whether their children did well in class and what their homework is for the night. 

Instructional Focus: Helping ELL's Excel! (thank you ASCD Express)

Scaffolding Instruction:

http://www.ascd.org/ascd-express/vol11/1112-williams.aspx?utm_source=ascdexpress&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Express-11-12

Helping Long Term Learners Get Unstuck:

http://www.ascd.org/ascd-express/vol11/1112-jewell.aspx?utm_source=ascdexpress&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Express-11-12

Setting Clear Learning Purposes (this one has a great video, too)

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/feb16/vol73/num05/Setting-Clear-Learning-Purposes-for-ELLs.aspx?utm_source=ascdexpress&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Express-11-12

Inspecting Ideology (a look in the mirror)

http://www.ascd.org/ascd-express/vol11/1112-kappus.aspx?utm_source=ascdexpress&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Express-11-12

Keep up the great work, Bison!  Happy Friday!

Instructional Friday Focus: Best Practices in Grading and Assessment

Dear Bison Colleagues,

Happy Friday! This is our first Friday Focus of 2016!  As we close out another great week at Buffalo Grove HS, I am focused on the topic of best practices in grading and assessment.

Teach and Learn with Passion!

Teaching and Learning Quotes:

I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint—and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you."  Oprah Winfrey

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 4: Professional Responsibilities

4a:  Reflecting on Teaching

Here's a peek at what "distinguished" looks like for 4a:

Teacher’s reflection on the lesson is highly accurate and perceptive, citing specific examples. Teacher draws on an extensive repertoire to suggest alternative strategies.

Strategy/Tool to Try: (thanks to ITF Jeff Vlk)

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/learnist-worlds-knowledge/id826591175?mt=8

Description

Learning is social. Learnist is a knowledge social network. Save and share everything you're learning from around the web with a couple of clicks from your iOS device. 

Instructional Focus:  Best practices in grading and assessment.

Here are some grading and assessment resources and articles:

http://teaching.uncc.edu/learning-resources/articles-books/best-practice/education-philosophy/assessing-student-learning

http://www.cybraryman.com/grading.html

http://cybraryman.com/assessments.html

https://pearsonati.wordpress.com/2015/01/06/this-i-believe/

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/courageous-conversation-andrew-miller

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/new-era-student-assessment-bob-lenz

http://www.cmu.edu/teaching/assessment/howto/basics/grading-assessment.html

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/nov11/vol69/num03/Finding-Your-Grading-Compass.aspx

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/feb08/vol65/num05/Effective-Grading-Practices.aspx

As we wrap up semester 1 and look forward to semester 2, this may be a good opportunity for us to examine and reflect on our grading and assessment practices.

Bison Learning Leaders:   

• The teachers who are enthusiastically stepping up to support the Jan 25th inservice day plans
• Everyone who is going above and beyond to help support student learning and success leading up to finals

Keep up the great work, Bison!  Happy Friday! 

Instructional Friday Focus: Creating a Culture of Learning

Dear Bison Colleagues,

Happy Friday!  As we close out another great week at Buffalo Grove HS, I am focused on the topic of creating a culture of learning.

Teach and Learn with Passion!

Teaching and Learning Quotes:

Nine tenths of education is encouragement.
- Anatole France

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 2: The Classroom Environment 

2b: Establishing a Culture for Learning

Here's a peek at what "distinguished" looks like for 2b:

Students assume much of the responsibility for establishing a culture for learning in the classroom by taking pride in their work, initiating improvements to their products, and holding the work to the highest standard. Teacher demonstrates a passionate commitment to the subject.

Strategy/Tool to Try (thanks to ITF Jeff Vlk): 

Snagit

For those of you wishing to do more "Flipped" classroom lessons there is a Chrome Extension called "Snagit" that will allow you to create presentations and upload them right to YouTube.

Although the video shows me only using it with Google Slides, it can be use with just about anything on your computer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Texh9051KAk&feature=youtu.be

Instructional Focus:  Culture of Learning

Here are a few articles and resources about how to create a culture of learning in your classroom:

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/promoting-a-culture-of-learning-terry-heick

The Gradual Release of responsibility model:

http://reading.ecb.org/downloads/itb_GradualRelease.pdf

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/finding_common_ground/2014/06/are_you_creating_a_culture_of_learning.html

Recent archive of #COLchat on Twitter:

https://storify.com/leanneb217/colchat-culture-of-learning-monday-dec-7-9pm

https://storify.com/ToddBloch/miched-11-11-15-building-a-culture-of-learning

Bison Learning Leaders:  

• The fabulous Winter concerts
• The FAST team for planning "Is DNA Your Destiny" for the freshmen
• The Students services and advisory teams supporting Adopt a Family

Keep up the great work, Bison!  Happy Friday! 

Instructional Friday Focus: Coding and Programming

Dear Bison Colleagues,

Happy Friday!  As we close out another great week at Buffalo Grove HS, I am focused on the topic of coding and programming in honor of Computer Science Education Week Dec 7-13

Teach and Learn with Passion!

Teaching and Learning Quotes:

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” —Robert Louis Stevenson

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 2: The Classroom Environment 

2c: Managing Classroom Procedures

Here's a peek at what "distinguished" looks like for 2c:

Classroom routines and procedures are seamless in their operation, and students assume considerable responsibility for their smooth functioning.

Strategy/Tool to Try: (thanks to ITF Jeff Vlk)

Sphere 360°-Great for Art or Photography Students

Step into the future of photography. Record key moments - and immerse yourself in new ones - like never before. See Paris from a hot air balloon, feel the energy from the American ldol stage, and hold onto your raft as you approach Hubbard Glacier. With Sphere, your device is a movable window you control.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tourwrist/id335671384?mt=8

Instructional Focus:  Coding!

Many of you have participated in Hour of Code activities this week.  But it doesn't have to stop there!  Coding can be incorporated into ALL subjects.  Here are a whole bunch of free resources to help you and your students get started:

http://code.org/learn

http://scratch.mit.edu

http://www.alice.org/index.php

https://blockly-games.appspot.com

http://www.codecademy.com

Happy coding! Keep up the great work, Bison!  Happy Friday! 

Instructional Friday Focus: Restorative Justice in Schools

Dear Bison Colleagues,

Happy Friday!  As we close out another great week at Buffalo Grove HS, I am focused on the topic of Restorative Justice.

Teach and Learn with Passion!

Teaching and Learning Quotes:

"And restorative practices aren’t just for discipline; they are also essential to high-quality teaching and learning. These restorative principles apply to learners of all ages and abilities: that learning builds social capital and a sense of community; that students feel connected to the group and responsible for each other’s learning; that students feel empowered to come up with their own learning activities." ( http://www.iirp.edu/pdf/IIRP-Improving-School-Climate.pdf) 

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 1  Planning and Preparation 

1e: Designing Coherent Instruction

Here's a peek at what "distinguished" looks like for 1e :

All of the elements of the instructional design support the stated instructional goals, engage students in meaningful learning, and show evidence of student input. Teacher’s lesson or unit is highly coherent and has a clear structure.

Strategy/Tool to Try: (thanks to ITF Jeff Vlk)

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/screen-time/id401258730?mt=8

Screen Time is a simple app that allows you to set limits on the amount of time children use an iPhone or iPad. Set a time length, press start and pass it to you children. After the time expires, a series of audio, visual and on-screen notifications will discourage your children from using the device until you enter the correct passcode.

Instructional Focus:  

Restorative Justice

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/restorative-justice-resources-matt-davis

http://restorativejustice.org/restorative-justice/about-restorative-justice/tutorial-intro-to-restorative-justice/

​http://www.weareteachers.com/blogs/post/2015/04/03/restorative-justice-a-different-approach-to-discipline

http://www.rethinkingschools.org/archive/29_01/edit1291.shtml

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/04/education/restorative-justice-programs-take-root-in-schools.html?_r=0

https://www.sccgov.org/sites/pdo/ppw/SESAP/Documents/SCHOOL%20RJP%20GUIDEBOOOK.pdf

Bison Learning Leaders:

• Everyone who helped with the Veterans Day table and video and field trip yesterday
• Joanna Marshall for presenting at the Engage 2015 Conference for D214 last Sat and helping to educate our parents and community about instructional technology http://www.engagetechconference.org/
• The Deans who are working to incorporate best practices in discipline and incorporating restorative justice into our discipline practices here at BG