Nov. 2, 2015

At U-CAN this past week, this great resource was given out to one of your team members.  We spent time going over the well formatted one-page reading strategy ideas.  One thing that I LOVE about this book is that it shows you an example.  Each strategy is cross referenced by levels, skills and genre.  That makes this a great resource for Social Studies and Science as well!  Take a look at the example for younger students but keep in mind there are over 300 strategies in this book. This is a perfect resource so go to when you are trying to differentiate for all levels.  Please take time to examine this resource in your next team meeting.  If you would like time to look through it together, please email me and let's set up a time.

Oct. 26, 2015

WE CAN…IF…

As our first round of Achievement Data meetings ends, I feel teachers battle with two things:

1. How do I help my students academically?

2. How do I address the factors I can’t change?

Let’s look at the first one. “The Why Behind RTI” states that: “Targeted Instruction + Time = Learning

Because learning styles and instructional needs vary from student to student, we must provide each student with targeted instruction—that is, teaching practices designed to meet his or her individual learning needs. We also know that students don't all learn at the same speed. Some will need more time to learn. That is the purpose of RTI—to systematically provide every student with the additional time and support needed to learn at high levels.”

Secondly, I know in my heart that you desire to meet the needs of your students. That becomes overwhelming when you literally think of the INDIVIDUAL needs of the scholars that you cannot change. Eric Jensen states that economically disadvantaged students’ deal with 4 issues:

· Emotional and social challenges.

· Acute and chronic stressors.

· Cognitive lags. (RTI & sound helps address this!)

· Health and safety issues.

Overwhelming not only because of the needs that you cannot address but also because of time constraints. “Kids raised in poverty are more likely to lack—and need—a caring, dependable adult in their lives, and often it's teachers to whom children look for that support.” Students need consistency and dependable relationships in which to succeed.

WE CAN be successful with any student IF we provide these 2 things to our scholars. Please discuss the needs of your students with your team so every scholar feels this dependable, consistent support.

References:

The Why Behind RTI http://goo.gl/YC23

Teaching with Poverty in Mind, by Eric Jensen http://goo.gl/nh0nOY

May 11, 2015

At our recent Reading Workshop training taught by Amy Henderson, an OC Taylor 3^rd grade teacher, she shared an app called CONFER.  This app allows you to set up your class, share it with colleagues, and make anecdotal notes. 

One of the features that impressed me was the ability to group students. Delivering support to Tier 2 & 3 students is very crucial to the their growth and this is a viable way to track by documenting the success and weaknesses to drive your instruction and to use at parent conferences/ASC/RTI meetings. 

The app is $24.99 and when you see the features it has, I think you will LOVE it. 

February 2, 2015

This I Know for Sure

Lisa’s Ode to Oprah

As we journey through this year together, I know everyone feels stretched more than ever.  If you are like me, I can get bogged down in the “process” or the requirements of teaching.  When this happens we lose our footing on WHY WE TEACH.

So as we are conducting Achievement Data meetings and completing benchmarks we again are reminded that students don't all learn at the same speed. Some will need more time to learn. This aligns with all of our beliefs. We have to address their GAPS by providing targeted instruction in small groups (RTI) over time that will result in LEARNING. 

Don’t let the GAPS overwhelm you when students have many.  By addressing one GAP at a time, I promise the students make gains!!!! Sometimes you are just too close to it to see the great strides you are making.

This is my Oprah moment:

”Targeted Instruction + Time = Learning”…this WE know for sure!!

We teach so all students can learn.

I will help you find your focus for RTI groups…email me and let’s set up a time to work together.

Check out this GREAT article: The Why Behind RtI - Educational Leadership