Nov. 16, 2015

I heard this quote and it has really resonated with me.  Many days we do the same routine and follow our same habits because it is comfortable. Our students do not come to school for comfort, they show up to molded and prepared for the future.  

Good is simply not good enough anymore if we want to prepare today's students to be productive

citizens in our ever changing society.  I am heavy hearted about Paris and the responsibility that we as educators have to teach not only content but personal responsibility. It does not matter what a scholar's situation is outside of school, we have 7 hours a day to impact them. If you are still reading this- I hope you feel this same passion to move onto better & best because our scholars deserve it!

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

January 5, 2015

     As I begin 2015, I am rested and feel thankful for many things. One thing I am thankful for is the opportunity that I can take a deep breathe and REFOCUS on the goals (personal and professional) that I need/want to grow in. Continue to read this article to see how we can pass that REFOCUS onto our students as well.  (click on link)

HELP STUDENTS START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT!

Try these strategies and tactics to help students get off to a good start for the second half of the school year.