First Training-Shared Learning

I attended my first Shared Learning event this week.  I was able to see what the Learning Packets looksed like and talk to the developers.  One of the developers, of the Metacognition Packet, is located at my own Regional Professional Development Center.  I learned a lot about organization of a workshop from her.  I can see why she gets many accolades from her colleagues.

My wonderings that I left with have much to do with the state's coordination of effort.  As a principal, I participated in Professional Learning Communities, Data Teaming, Collaborative Teaming and Positive Behavior Intervention Support (any many others) tranings and it is frustrating to have these offerings but not have them coordinated.  For example, the Collaborative Work data team protocol is different from the Data Teams and the PLC data team protocols.  If these are all the State's efforts, shouldn't there be some coordination of the efforts?  As a principal, I would try to synthesize what I learned and create what I felt was the best combination of the different protocols.  It would be wonderful if the state would tell us what is the preferred method.

One of my favorite moments, besides the networking, was the sharing out of each RPDC of their goals and activities for the year.  I am going to be using these as a way to reach my schools, too.  I loved seeing how the work is moving throughout the state.

Dawn Cook chatting with other CW staff, looking at our Action Plan for the year.

New Adventure-Post Retirement

I officially retired from Missouri public schools on June 30, 2014.  On July 1, 2014 I put another hat on my head, that as the Project Director for the Heart of Missouri Regional Professional Development Center on the University of Missouri campus.  I am excited to remain a part of public education and am eager to share information on the Collaborative Work project with districts in Missouri.  My focus is on school districts in Lincoln County, which is fairly close to my home in St. Charles.

The month of July I will be training on the Collaborative Work project.  I have been handed a large, 6" binder full of materials that have been shared with previous Project Directors and I have spent much of my time reading the lessons and about the CW project.

About the CW project, it was developed under a grant from the US Department of Education, to the Missouri Department of Education.  Materials and methodology was created by professionals using the work of John Hattie, and specifically on five overview topics and four specific teaching/learning practices.  The four practices are assessment of capable learners, effective feedback, reciprocal teaching and spaced v. massed practice.  I am familiar with the first three, but the last one I will be doing a bit of homework!

The over arching topics are collaborative data teams, implementing with fidelity, developing and using common formative assessments, and using data to make decisions about teaching and learning practices.  Internal coaching rounds out the topics.

My first three days have been spent READING and READING and READING the many developed learning packages that are in existence.  I love reading so this is a great thing but I can feel my eyes starting to think they've done enough for today.  

I love the CW process as it has teachers working with their actual lessons in a day-to-day manner with the state standards.  It incorporates formative assessment, data team processing, instruction, and post assessment.  LOVE IT!  This is what made my heart go pitter patter as a principal.  Love this process.

I am eager to meet with my districts and see how I can help lead teachers through this process, increasing achievement for all.  I am impressed with the work they have already done.

Air Can Move Objects

Students in Dr. Mazzei's classroom learn that air can move objects.  First graders learn that even though we can't see it, air can do many things.  Today, the perfect weather gave this teacher the right moment for flying kites.  Good planning on the teacher's part allowed this to happen.  Thank you, Dr. Mazzei, for having flexible learning plans that allow you to take advantage of the teachable moment!

Teacher of the Year-East Elementary

Congratulations to the East School Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Kymn Shepherd!  We are so happy for her at East.  Mrs. Shepherd has been a teacher at East since the building opened.  We wish her luck in the district competition!

Kindergarten Presents to the Board!

Each month the Board of Education asks a specific building to provide a program for the board members.  It is a fun chance to show our board what our students are doing in school.  First graders presented information about the flag in the fall and kindergarteners are telling board members about writing. 

Their stories were delightful, and you can tell by the faces of the Board that they were having a great time as well!

January Fun!

This photo says it all!  Now, if we can get through without much more snow...

Christmas and Holiday Activities at East

We are busy with the holiday season at East.  Students kicked off the holiday season this year by having our first grade Christmas concert on December 3.  The students did a wonderful job as usual, thank you to Mrs. Cluck!