Mid-winter is a super productive learning time in most school environments. Yes, the weather outside can be dicey depending on what part of the country you reside in. But inside classrooms students and teachers should be humming along and in a really strong learning mode. Routines have been set, expectations should be clear and attainable and students should have a good understanding of what they are learning and why.
As a teacher and principal, I was always happy when holiday festivities had been celebrated and we could get back to the priority of interesting and impactful school days. So let’s think about some of the hot button topics percolating in the education world as we start 2018 and questions we want to explore! #educatewell…
Student Standardized Testing:
When to start?
How often to test?
How is your child’s curriculum affected?
How does the school use this data to impact their teaching/curriculum/support services?
How else is the school evaluating your child’s academic growth?
Personalized Learning:
How do teachers personalize your child’s learning experience within the classroom?
What are the benchmarks utilized?
How and in what format are the students evaluated?
How well does the school know my child?
Technology:
What is the right balance for technology usage in the classroom?
Is it helpful or a detriment for older students to have their phones in the classroom?
Are our students being taught responsibility with these new digital tools and platforms?
Rise in Stress/Anxiety/Depression:
How is social-emotional learning being addressed at different levels at school?
Is the school using a set curriculum such as Responsive Classroom to develop effective social skills?
Is their additional training happening for teachers and families respectively?
Those are just a few topics that come to mind! Another topical question is how are we authentically working with children and young adults in and out of the classroom to promote respect, inclusiveness and understanding? Learning to be a good, caring person starts from day one. We have a lot to dig deeply into this new year on Principal’s Notebook! Cheers to a strong new year in the education world!
GO EAGLES!
Laine