Mid-Year SLO Meetings

Staff,

Here are a few reminders regarding SLO meetings. The late start is set a side for teachers to complete mid-year SLOs, and I would like to meet with as many SPED and specialists teachers on this day who are ready (reserve a time through Sue). Classroom teachers can sign up for a time to review SLOs on Thursday through Sue too.

The Day 6 on Thursday, February 11th is also available for Mid-Year SLO reviews. Teachers and specialists can schedule a 15 minute meeting with me on this day through Sue. All teachers on cycle for evaluation need to schedule an in person mid-year review. Teachers/Specialists not on cycle can choose to meet individually, meet as a team (if team members have similar SLOs) or can submit mid-year SLO electronically. Remember to save and notify for your Mid-Year SLO instead of submitting because this is the same form you'll use for the End of Year review. All SLOs need to be saved and notified by the end of the day on Thursday, February 4th. Don't forget to attach your updated data as a file within your Mid-Year SLO Review Document.

 

 This week's Day 6 is focused on progress monitoring our interventions. Please meet in Mrs. Lindstrom's classroom on Wednesday, February 3rd for these meetings.

Mid Year Reflections

Mid-year Reading Reflection

January is a great time to be reflective on student growth and our actions to support this growth. A reminder that the these two Day 6s:  January 26 and February 11 are times classroom teachers can meet with me to review mid-year SLOS. The February late start can also be used to complete your mid-year SLO, and I'd like to meet with as many specialists and SPED teachers as I can on this day. Classroom teachers who are ready to review your mid-year SLO with me on Tuesday, please save and notify the Professional Goal Setting Review document within mylearningplan on Monday. This will let me know you area ready. Specialists and SPED teachers who are ready to meet on the late start, please sign up for a 15 minute time between 8:00-10:30am on February 4th with Sue. 

Next Monday I will be kicking off "I Love to Read" month by reinstating catching students reading in February. If you would like to help me call, I will be getting a calendar up in the office so you can sign up. The commitment would be a 1/2 an hour for as many nights as you'd like to help me.   

Below are some FAQ regarding our reading assessments and the January assessment window. Remember to have all your students' instructional reading levels updated in the third F+P assessment within Skyward by the end of the day on Friday, January 29th. 

1.  Why do we need to update levels?
Maximize growth for all students.
Ensure we are instructing all students at their INSTRUCTIONAL Level.
Ensure students are reading at their INDEPENDENT Level.
Determine interventions and extensions needed.

2. When should we formally assess students?
Formally 2-3 times per year, and every student must be assessed formally in the spring window from April 11- May 6 for Title identification purposes.

This can be done during...
Your literacy block (including TARGET Time) and other times when you are available:  second recess, Junior Achievement, Art Adventure, etc.

Remember, depending on the grade level, everyone has at least a full day sub day to formally assess students.  Please code it PD Building and put F & P assessment in notes to admin. 

3. Can I move students without a formal assessment?
Yes, you can use running records, the comprehension checklist, Rigby, and your professional judgement from your guided reading anedoctal notes/observations. 

4. Who assesses students with an IEP for reading?
Collaboratively assess students whenever possible so you can have a conversation about how you can best support this student.

5.  What are our monthly expectations for INSTRUCTIONAL reading levels (month one is September, month ten is June)?

6.  What are the expectations for determining INSTRUCTIONAL Reading Levels?

7.  Where do I record scores?
Within Skyward, there are hardcopies of the directions posted on the bulletin board in the copy room across from the office.

8.  What do I do if kids have not grown in their reading?

• Reflect on Tier 1 Guarantees- Are these happening?  If not, how can I ensure that these are happening?

More Resources on Growth Mindset

Staff,

Ironically last week, Kim Osterhues' Willow River blog focused also on growth mindset. She shared several resources I thought you may be interested in and could potentially use with your students. Also one item of business for the week, there will be no staff meeting on Tuesday because of your Day 6 team choice time.


Growth Mindset and Steve Jobs

Challenges Grow Your Brain

Nemo, Just Keep Swimming

Ormie

Sesame Street: The Power of Yet

PPG and Growth Mindset

Staff,

I hope you all had a wonderful winter break, and I look forward to having you and all of your students back tomorrow. 

As I mentioned in my email prior to winter break. The Day 6 protocol below is focused on the professional practice goals (PPG) you created at the beginning of the year in your teacher professional goal setting plan found in step three within mylearningplan.  

Classroom teachers complete this protocol with your team, and special educators please build time into your Day 6 agenda to discuss the protocol. All staff can decide to complete this on your regularly scheduled Day 6:  January 4th, or if you prefer, you can complete it during your common planning time on Tuesday. I know some of you may want your planning time to transition back on Monday. 

Kara, Kelli, Chris S., Patti, Kristi and Emily V you can do this protocol individually (or with a group if you collaborated on making your PPG) and turn in the protocol to me. Below is a link to the protocol. Copies of the protocol were put in the following mailboxes prior to winter break:  SMART Team members, SPED members and specialists. 

https://docs.google.com/a/hudson.k12.wi.us/document/d/1W7HmYhDQs6vQ6wElXcPqiec_OO-s396gY9CgyyhYyW0/edit?usp=sharing

Also, over break I read a very good article from NPR regarding mindset instruction in schools. Growth Mindset Instruction  It is an interactive article with some useful resources.  The article also highlights what mindset instruction is and isn't with some specific examples. One of my big take aways was the types of mistakes that students can and can't really learn and grow from. Here is a diagram illustrating this idea. I felt the timing of this article was good while you revisit your PPGs and SLOs mid year.