Thursday, December 10, 2015

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.


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

The Gradual Release of responsibility model:


Recent archive of #COLchat on Twitter:


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! 
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Thursday, December 3, 2015

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.
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:








Happy coding! Keep up the great work, Bison!  Happy Friday! 
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Thursday, November 12, 2015

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)

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






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
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Friday, October 30, 2015

Instructional Friday Focus: Social Media for Professional Learning

Dear Bison Colleagues,
Happy Friday!  As we close out another great week at Buffalo Grove HS, I am focused on the topic of social media for professional learning.  Happy Halloween!

Teach and Learn with Passion!

Teaching and Learning Quotes:
"Just as we teach our children how to ride a bike, we need to teach them how to navigate social media and make the right moves that will help them. The physical world is similar to the virtual world in many cases. It's about being aware. We can prevent many debacles if we're educated."
Amy Jo Martin
"When you've got 5 minutes to fill, Twitter is a great way to fill 35 minutes" - @mattcutts

“LinkedIn is for the people you know. Facebook is for the people you used to know. Twitter is for people you want to know” ~ Source unknown

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)
Crowdflik a free app that allows a group of people observing the same event from multiple perspectives to combine all their photos or video footage together.  Users can edit the media clips together into a video containing multiple viewpoints or perspectives of the same event.

Instructional Focus:  
District 214 November Tweet Calendar:

Links:






Bison Learning Leaders:  
  • The Dean's office for all the support they provide to students and staff

Keep up the great work, Bison!  Happy Friday! 
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Friday, October 23, 2015

Instructional Friday Focus: RtI

Dear Bison Colleagues,
Happy Friday!  As we close out another great week at Buffalo Grove HS, I am focused on the topic of Response to Intervention.

Teach and Learn with Passion!

Teaching and Learning Quotes:
“We should seek to be fellow students with the pupil, and should learn of, as well as with him, if we would be most helpful to him."
- Henry David Thoreau

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 
1d: Demonstrating Knowledge of Resources
Here's a peek at what "distinguished" looks like for 1d :
Teacher seeks out resources for teaching in professional organizations and in the community, and is aware of resources available for students who need them, in the school, the district, and the larger community.

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

A dream for Teachers doing research based projects.

Save all of the interesting articles, videos, cooking recipes, song lyrics, or whatever else you come across while browsing. With one click, Instapaper lets you save, read, and manage the things you find on the Internet. Instapaper syncs the articles and videos you save so that they’re waiting for you on all your devices - iPhone, iPad,Android, or Kindle. You can read anything you save, anywhere and anytime you want, even offline!

Instructional Focus:  
Response to Intervention, or RtI as we call it in education, is defined by the National Center on Response to Intervention as follows:
"RtI integrates assessment and intervention within a school-wide, multilevel prevention system to maximize student achievement and reduce behavior problems.  With RtI, schools identify students at-risk for poor learning outcomes, monitor student progress, provide evidence-based interventions, and adjust the intensity and nature of those interventions based on a student's responsiveness."


​
Check out these sites for more resources:





As educators, we all play a role in the RtI process, whether it is helping to identify a student in need of an intervention, communicating with counselors and the PST team or implementing best-practice Tier I interventions/safety nets in the classroom to support struggling students.  

Here is the link to our Tier I interventions:

​

Bison Learning Leaders:  
  • The cast and crew and faculty who were involved with The Taste of Sunrise fall play last week - what a heartfelt performance!
  • The many, many teachers who's classrooms I've visited this week  - your commitment to the growth and education of our students is above and beyond!  I look forward to seeing more of you in action over the next few weeks!
  • To the RtI Dynamic Duo of Tim and Milan - seeing the impact that your hard work and commitment to our student success and your partnering with the rest of our teachers and student services to ensure success for all is amazing!
Keep up the great work, Bison!  Happy Friday! 
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Friday, October 16, 2015

Instructional Friday Focus: Classroom Management and behavioral management

Dear Bison Colleagues,
Happy Friday!  As we close out another great week at Buffalo Grove HS, I am focused on the topic of classroom management and behavioral management.


Teach and Learn with Passion!

Teaching and Learning Quotes:
"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all."
- Aristotle
"The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg -- not by smashing it."
- Arnold Glasow
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)
Questia is an iOS app that allows you to quickly find credible books, scholarly articles and topics for your research papers. You can read full-text books and articles within the app and save what you are reading for future access in a project folder


Instructional Focus:  

The 2×10 strategy: a miraculous solution for behavior issues?

The  2×10 strategy is simple: spend 2 minutes per day for 10 days in a row talking with an at-risk student about anything she or he wants to talk about. There’s no mystery to the reasoning here, of course–the strategy builds a rapport and relationship between teacher and student, and lets the child see that you genuinely care about him or her as a person.
http://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/2014/10/the-2x10-strategy-a-miraculous-solution-for-behavior-issues.html?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=socialnetwork


Bison Learning Leaders:  
  • The Art teachers and Sandy for such a classy opening of our beautiful, professional, new Art Gallery.  If you haven't been down to it yet, go check it out!
  • The teachers, staff and students involved in the Fall play "The Taste of Sunrise"-- Break a leg!
  • Our RtI, Lit Lab and PST team for their continued work ensuring success for every BG student in Tiers II and II Response to Intervention.  Teachers: Keep up the great work you are doing in Tier I in your classrooms to support the entire RtI structure!
Keep up the great work, Bison!  Happy Friday!
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Friday, October 9, 2015

Instructional Friday Focus: Differentiated Instruction

Dear Bison Colleagues,
Happy Friday!  As we close out another great week at Buffalo Grove HS, I am focused on the topic of differentiated instruction.



Teach and Learn with Passion!

Teaching and Learning Quotes:
“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
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 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)

Instructional Focus:  
Differentiated Instruction is the key to successful teaching and learning.  There are countless ways to differentiate a lesson.  Whether you choose a variety of grouping or offer students choice in the way they display their learning - everyone benefits when students are better engaged through differentiated strategies.

This link is to a PLETHORA of differentiation resources...check one out and give it a try!


Differentiation Strategies:



Bison Learning Leaders:  
  • Student Council and Blue Crew for planning a fantastic, fun-filled Homecoming week!
Keep up the great work, Bison!  Happy Friday! Happy Homecoming!!
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Friday, October 2, 2015

Instructional Friday Focus: Homework

Dear Bison Colleagues,
Happy Friday!  As we close out another great week at Buffalo Grove HS, I am focused on the topic of homework in the context of assessment for learning.


Teach and Learn with Passion!

Teaching and Learning Quotes:
"Decades ago, the American Educational Research Association released this statement: “Whenever homework crowds out social experience, outdoor recreation, and creative activities, and whenever it usurps time that should be devoted to sleep, it is not meeting the basic needs of children and adolescents.” It is the rare school that respects the value of those activities—to the point of making sure that its policies are informed by that respect. But some courageous teachers and innovative schools are taking up the challenge."  Alfie Kohn: The Homework Myth

    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)
    This video, made by another D214 ITF, shows students how they can use the "Reminders" App on their iPad as an assignment notebook. 




    Instructional Focus:  
    I've read The Homework Myth by Alfie Kohn and wanted to share some resources in the Friday Focus.  I only ask that you reflect on your own homework assignments and policies and make sure that they are aligned to your instructional goals and to the current research and best practice for students and families.
    Here are two resources about "Fair vs Equal" in assigning HW:

    :



    Here is the transcript for a recent #ILEdChat which was also on the topic of Homework: https://storify.com/kdruben/iledchat-9-7-15-homework

    Some other good links to read regarding homework:





    Bison Learning Leaders:  
    • The Art teachers and Sandy for organizing the opening of our new Art Gallery next Friday!
    • The Pro Start students for a wonderful first Bison Grill
    Keep up the great work, Bison!  Happy Friday! 
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    Friday, September 25, 2015

    Instructional Friday Focus: Student Feedback in Standards Based Learning

    Dear Bison Colleagues,
    Happy Friday!  As we close out another great week at Buffalo Grove HS, I am focused on the topic of the role of feedback in standards-based learning.


    Teach and Learn with Passion!

    Teaching and Learning Quotes:  
    Some thoughts on ed tech...
    “It is important to remember that educational software, like textbooks, is only one tool in the learning process. Neither can be a substitute for well-trained teachers, leadership, and parental involvement.” – Keith Krueger
    “Any teacher that can be replaced with a computer, deserves to be.” – David Thornburg
    Danielson Framework for Teaching reminder:

    You probably know the basics about FfT, but let me summarize:  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
    Component 1f: Assessing Student Learning
    Here's a peek at what "distinguished" looks like for 1f :
    Teacher’s plan for student assessment is fully aligned with the instructional goals, containing clear assessment criteria and standards that are not only understood by students but also show evidence of student participation in their development. Teacher’s students monitor their own progress in achieving the goals.

    Strategy/Tool to Try: (Thanks to ITF Jeff Vlk)
    Tips for Google Chrome


    Instructional Focus:  
    Standards-based learning resources.
    Some of you might be aware of #SBLChat, a Twitter chat focused on the topic of Standards-based learning.  In case you missed it (ICYMI)  here is the link to the transcript for this week's chat, the topic was "Feedback: Fuel for Learning": https://storify.com/garnet_hillman/sblchat-9-23-15-feedback-the-fuel-for-learning?utm_medium=sfy.co-twitter&awesm=sfy.co_p0wiS&utm_campaign=&utm_content=storify-pingback&utm_source=t.co 

    For those of you that have never participated in a Twitter chat, I strongly encourage you to try one out....start with your subject area or another area of interest and just "lurk" for a while.  Then, when you are comfortable, hop in and join the conversation!  Here is a link to all the education Twitter chats from Cybraryman's website: https://docs.google.com/a/d214.org/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AiftIdjCeWSXdDRLRzNsVktUUGJpRWJhdUlWLS1Genc#gid=0
    Of course you are always welcome at #ILEdChat (Illinois Ed Chat) on Monday night's at 9pm :)
    Other Feedback resources:

    Bison Learning Leaders:  
    • Our SBL Pilot Trailblazers who will meet for the first time in October to begin sharing and wrestling with the many nuances of evidence-based grading and standards based as we begin to explore these topics
    • Our Assessment staff for successfully engaging over 100 more students than last year to participate in the PSAT in Oct, serving as a chance for juniors to qualify for the NMSQT!
    • PLC leaders who are supporting the essential work of all teachers this year as we focus in the identification of standards-based learning targets and creating common assessments.
    Keep up the great work, Bison!  Happy Friday!
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    Thursday, September 3, 2015

    First Friday Focus of 15-16!

    Bison Colleagues,
    Happy Friday! I hope your first week and a half back at Buffalo Grove HS was happy and productive.  I enjoyed getting to see you all during the opening days and greeting our students together at the first day assembly.  I also enjoyed getting to visit many of your classrooms this week and look forward to many more such visits.  From my visits, it is obvious that BGHS is staffed with outstanding educators who are committed to making kids' futures bright!  Thank you for all the work you do to make their dreams a reality each and every day.

    Each Friday (or Thursday evening, actually) again this year I will email all staff an Instructional Focus memo (this one is longer than typical).  I know how busy you are and how many emails your receive every day and week.  I certainly understand if you do not get around to reading each of these, but wanted to stay in touch on a weekly basis about the important topic of instruction.  Each week I will simply share resources related to best practice instruction.  In addition, I will include a favorite quote or two, some Danielson Framework tips and a strategy/tool to try in the classroom.  I hope these weekly emails are helpful to you in a small way.

    Have an awesome Friday and...

    Teach and Learn with Passion!


    Teaching and Learning Quotes:
    "I've come to a frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom.  It's my personal approach that creates climate.  It's my daily mood that makes the weather.  As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous.  I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration.  I can humiliate or heal.  In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or dehumanized."  - Haim Ginott

    "What makes a school great has very little to do with how rich or poor the students are or the curriculum that's taught.  It has very little to do with special programs, expansive playing fields, huge endowments, snappy uniforms, celebrity alumni, or whether a school is wired to the Internet.  What makes a school great is a feeling, a feeling shared by the entire staff that their particular school is special.  the feeling that their school really belongs to them."  -- Phillip Manna

    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
    3d: Providing Feedback to Students
    Here's a peek at what "distinguished" looks like for 1b :
    Teacher’s feedback to students is timely and of consistently high quality, and students make use of the feedback in their learning.

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

    10 Chrome Extensions That Make Your Life Easier

    The Chrome browser is a blank canvas and Chrome Extensions are the paint that can make it into a work of art. Much like shades of paint, there are tens of thousands Chrome Extensions to choose from, making it hard to find the essentials you need to improve your web browsing experience.


    Instructional Focus:
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