Researching and Writing

I have been working on a collaboration project and the research has brought me to a greater understanding of the work and time that is needed to really make collaboration happen and be successful.  The question becomes, how do we find the time to make it happen.  Collaboration happens in almost every work setting.  How do we find easy ways to maximize the power of two or multiple brains and talents to get one thing done.  The one definite I can tell you now is the first step - lose the ego!  More to come................

Long time, no blog.

It is time to get back to business with blogging. I had a wonderful conversation with some colleagues today and it inspired me to get back to writing and reflecting here.  I am always encouraging my teachers to reflect, and this has been a great way for me to do that.....so not it is time to practice what I preach.  Today's conversation centered around the needs of teachers and administrators and how we meet all of the mandates while exploring new initiatives.  Just that thought alone can make your head spin, but we manage to make it happen.  So now, more than ever, reflection is important!

Conferences

It was nice to see all of the parents who came out for Arena Style conferences over the last two days. So far, we have received very positive feedback from teachers and parents! 

PLC's and Pyramid of Interventions

What do we do when students don't respond?  What happens when our normal day to day instruction doesn't produce the results we were hoping?  As educators, we are faced with the fact that students (and adults in my opinion) learn differently and at different rates.  At times, this can create a divide in our classrooms which makes it difficult to meet the needs of all students.  So what do we do and where do we go?  In the PLC model, we consult with our colleagues and plan for when students don't respond.  Collaboration and intervention together are a very powerful tool.  This book highlights the use of the PLC model to provide intervention to students who may struggle with learning concepts and may need a bit more help in the classroom.  PLC's and implementing the pyramid of interventions has huge implications for positive change in schools centered around student learning and growth.  This book is a great read for anyone looking at either or both.

New Year

For those of you who have followed my blog, you know that I typically celebrate new year with the start of the school year.  I think most educators do.  However, this year I decided to celebrate New Year on the first day back to school at Williamsburg.  It has been a great start to the year, but change is never easy.  My resolution, let's make 2012 our year.  We started our year off with a breakfast celebration in the lounge and toasting teachers with sparkling cider and orange juice.  It was a great way to say welcome back and let's have a great year.  I am looking forward to the rest of this year, but eagerly anticipate our next full year together - to which the planning really starts this spring!!!