Improving Behavior in the Classroom

Last week I had two separate interactions with Chris Strop after her counseling conference and Judy Green around an article regarding supporting our students who struggle behaviorally. The theme from the article Judy shared and a session Chris attended was the power of praising students for the desired behaviors we're looking for.

It was a good reminder to me on why we strive to give five praises for every redirection:  whether this is through verbal cues in the classroom, acknowledgement tickets around the building or celebration reports.  These are all things we do to give feedback, and can lead to positive changes in behavior.

 The week before spring break can be a hard one for students when getting ready for this transition, and it is a great time for us to also ramp up our praise around "the behaviors we want to see." Below is a link to the article Judy shared with me, and there will be acknowledgement tickets in your mailboxes tomorrow. Here's to a great week learning and and your final day of conferences!

Improving Behavior in the Classroom

Conference Preparation

With parent/teacher conferences starting on Thursday, this is one of your opportunities where you can make positive connections with parents regarding their children and their learning. I thought the following blog entry, even though meant for new teachers, has some wonderful reminders in thoughtfully framing your communication during conferences:  Conference Planning Tips

I mentioned at a staff meeting after fall conferences regarding some things I wished I would have reminded you all about prior to conferences. The main concept I'd like you to keep in mind is the sandwich approach for conference planning and communication:  start with something positive (strengths), continue with areas you'd like the child to grow in and end the conference coming back to something positive about the child. 

A good rule of thumb is to talk about students the way you would want someone to talk about your own child. I know this is a stressful time planning and preparing for conferences, but you'll all do wonderful. Thanks for all you do getting ready to share your students' growth     
with their families!   

PBIS Thank You and Badger Exam Practice

Staff,

I wanted to thank you all for you help with the PBIS bowling incentive this past week. Especially the office staff communicating with parent chaperones and Kristie's and Chris' help chaperoning two of the days. It turned out to be an event where students were engaged, physically active and had a lot of fun!

What a difference a week has already made regarding the information shared with you about the Badger Exam. Evidently because of some glitches with the exam, WI DPI has decided to not use all of the features. As a result, the test this spring WILL NOT be adaptive, but it will still be computerized and interactive for students. Also, with Governor Walkers' just released 15-17 budget proposal, the Badger Exam may be eliminated starting next school year. To find out more about these most recent changes, feel free to read the following article. Scaled Back Badger Exam

With so much up in the air, it is even more important we only focus on strong core instruction and students getting exposed to the format of the test this year, seeing that it may not be in be in existence in Wisconsin next year. A reminder that teachers proctoring the exam will meet in the media center computer lab on Tuesday at 8:05am to take the ELA practice exam. Kelli will be available this week during Day 6 for 3rd-5th grade teachers to support ways students can be exposed to the format of the test leading up to the testing window.

Unfortunately, I'm sure there will be more changes to come from now until the test is administered, and I am sorry you have to put up with this ambiguity.

The Badger/SMARTER Balance Exam: April/May

Our staff meeting this Tuesday will be an introduction regarding The Badger Exam for all staff. At the Tuesday, February 10 staff meeting, 3-5 grade teachers and special education teachers supporting this exam, will take the practice test together in computer lab 118.

Two weeks ago our Elementary Literacy Facilitators and Instructional Coaches received some front loading on the exam, and our TLA members will also be receiving information on February 12 regarding ways to support students and staff involved in this exam.    

Here's some highlights from the information the ELFs and Instructional Coaches received.

• This is the state assessment for grades 3-5. 
• This spring is a baseline, we don't want to switch to "test prep." What we are currently doing to strengthen our core in reading/writing is on the right track.
• There were two needs identified:  preparing teachers to administer the test and preparing students so they are familiar with the format used in the new assessment. 

The English/Language Arts Team came up with some suggestions for student preparation.

1. Students should have experience reading text on a screen. Thus the reason behind last week's post.
2. Students should be given directions to complete independently.
3. Students should experience listening to nonfiction. 

What can we do to prepare students?

• Have students use the practice test to get familiar with the interface NOT grade specific questions. Students should become acquainted with features such as scrolling,  reading text on a computer screen, split screen and some of the available tools (highlighting or note taking). 
• Students should also become familiar with reading on a device, identifying text evidence and explaining their thinking through writing. 

What can we do to prepare ourselves?

• The following 15-16 minute Badger overview should be watched by principals and tests administrators. Badger Overview
• For intermediate teachers, the February 12 Day 6 will be collaboration time with Kelli Hedlund on ways students can read and respond on devices making them comfortable with the Badger Exam format.