Educational Excellence
As we continue our journey with the growth mindset, why is a
differentiated, responsive classroom important to a growth mindset
culture? If an educator views a child through a deficit lens, then that
child will not be given opportunities to grow unless she is in a responsive
classroom. Deficit thinking is a practice of making assumptions about a
child’s ability based on perceived deficits or because of economic status.
Differentiation is “responsive instruction”. Differentiation is the way a
teacher responds to a student’s needs so that each student is challenged at the
appropriate level. Differentiation is key to help students “level up” as
described in our Promise 2 Purpose district shared vision.
You (Kuehnle teachers) want to be responsive to the
potential in all of your students. Your belief in being responsive is
reflective in our Kuehnle Core Vales: We believe in a shared
responsibility for supporting the success of each student. We believe all
decisions should be data-driven and based on what is best for children. We
believe that every student is special, unique, and capable of learning.
So ask yourself these questions:
·
Do you know how to effectively differentiate/be
responsive to the needs of your students?
·
What instructional structures are in place to
guarantee a responsive learning environment?
Here’s what Mary Cay Ricci says in Mindsets in the
Classroom are the steps to have a responsive, differentiated
classroom.
1.
Preview and Pre-assess:
finding out what students know about a particular skill, concept, or topic
before planning for instruction. (This could be done in a math or reading
station with a Pre-test.)
2.
Curriculum Compacting:
an instructional strategy that streamlines grade-level curriculum by
eliminating content that students have previously learned.
3.
Flexible grouping:
pre-assessment and compacting are necessary components when creating flexible
small groups in the classroom. Teachers may find that, after pre-assessment, no
student needs compacting, that all of the students how enough understanding
that they would benefit from taking less time and eliminating material.
Some students have no gaps to fill and already have a deep understanding.
Some students are ready for enrichment while others need small group
teaching/re-teaching. Flexible grouping/guided group is key to
the growth mindset.
4.
Acceleration and Enrichment:
Acceleration-moving faster through content, allowing students who have already
mastered content or who master content quickly to move on and “level up”.
Enrichment-learning with great depth and breadth; going deep and wide into the
content.
5.
Formative Assessment:
checking for understanding during the learning process in order to modify
instruction to improve understanding; this is an assessment FOR
learning.
6.
Summative Assessment:
assessment OF learning that typically occurs at the end of a unit of
study.
Eric Jensen (guru of the brain), author of 2005’s Teaching
With the Brain in Mind, pointed out that “Research on brain maturation
clearly indicates that the commonly mandated policy of ‘everyone on the same
page on the same day’ makes little sense”. This statement supports both
differentiation and grouping (guided groups) with a growth mindset.
Intentional Instruction
Collaborative Community
Nurtured Heart Praises for our Kuehnle Core Values
Hello Teachers & Staff!
Remember, the goal of NHA language is to make it your own. Here are some ideas of how to tie NHA with our Kuehnle Core Values. These are some ideas of how we can get really specific with our recognitions because remember “Good Job” isn’t enough. It’s junk food. One idea could be to focus on only one thing...for example, educational excellence, and begin to notice and recognize all the greatness you are seeing.
Educational Excellence:
I see the way you are paying attention to detail and I appreciate that skill.
I notice you are using your time well and accomplishing a lot.
You are being marvelous in how you are showing perseverance.
I like how you are making a hard task look easy.
I see your determination and the effort you have made.
Your writing has made others feel good.
Excellent use of logic.
Intentional Loyalty:
You are bringing out the best in others.
I like the way you are having consideration for others.
You are being like sunshine to others.
I really like how you are respecting yourself and others.
You have shown a real awareness in sensing the needs of others.
Collaborative Community:
I love the way you are choosing to be cooperative.
You are being very successful by using good teamwork.
You are being courageous to break away from the pack and do the work in a way that’s true to yourself.
I appreciate the collaboration and helpfulness you are contributing to your group.
*Staff Shout Outs*
- Our 5th Grade teachers are using Lead4ward strategies and enjoying their students engaged in learning while having fun!!
- Shout out to all the math teachers for exhibiting Educational Excellence by participating in a book study during this very busy time of year.
- Super STAAR Katie has been rockin' and rollin' with STAAR prep! Kudos and thanks for all you do! You are a ROCK STAAR!
