Week of February 5

Thursday Thoughts February 5

 

 

 

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to stop by the FCS Technology Competition at Centennial High School.   The things that students are currently doing with technology simply amaze me.  I think many of the students (especially the high school kids) could work for Google right now.   I can't begin to imagine the kind of world we will live in within the next 10 years.  More importantly, I can't imagine the type of jobs that will exist when our students graduate from college.  I don't pretend to know what education should look like now in order to prepare students for the future. I'm the principal so I guess I should, but I don't.  Do I think personalized learning makes sense....absolutely!   Do I know the best way to accomplish it in elementary school....not yet.  But, what I do know is that we don't have the luxury to teach students the way we have always done it.  We are doing the right work at Medlock and although change is hard and messy and often confusing, our ability to implement change effectively is a trait that sets us apart from other schools. 





Staff Spotlight

This week I would like to shine the spotlight on Nancy Trenkner.  Nancy goes above and beyond to serve students and teachers.  Nancy is vital to the operation of the Media Center.  She is often working with the parent volunteers, reading to classes and pulling resources for teachers.  After school I have seen Nancy walking the hall searching for iPads that have not been returned. I often chuckle when I see her emails stating that "Dr. Seuss" is down.  I know that this is no laughing matter because it refers to the copier, however I can only imagine Nancy wrestling with the machine in order to get it up and running for staff use.   This week, Nancy even helped us out on the front desk while still managing her responsibilities in the Media Center.  Nancy we appreciate your dedication to the students and staff of Medlock Bridge.

 

 

 

4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking Skills

Establishing A Growth Mindset As A Teacher: 9 Statements Of Affirmation

 by Terry Heick    12/06/2013

Establishing A Growth Mindset As A Teacher: 9 Statements Of Affirmation
by Terry Heick

The ability to change is among the least-appreciated professional characteristics of a teacher.
This is especially true as education systems react to both external pressure, and internal instinct to change into something closer to truly progressive learning environments.
As I was reading through Jackie Gerstein’s Education 3.0: Altering Round Peg in Round Hole Education, several slides stood out to me (one was the focus of a post earlier this week) including the image above, which offers statements teachers can use to both affirm the need for change, and “coach” themselves into a mindset for both change, and hopefully growth. (Number 5 is probably worthy of another post entirely!)
While teachers are constantly admonished to change, there is very little dialogue as to what that kind of change looks like, exactly how to go about making that sort of change in the face of local expectations, and maybe most critically, what kind of “internal coaching” a teacher might start with to establish the kind of thinking position of mindset that promotes fluid change.
You can find Jackie on twitter here, and her (excellent) blog here.

9 Statements Of Affirmation For Teaching (& Coaching) A Growth Mindset
1. I can use technology to make both my own and my students’ learning richer.
2. I can risk trying new learning activities
3. I can bring my and my students’ passions into learning activities.
4. I can make one small change at a time in my learning environment.
5. I can let go of my need to control all variables.
6. I can find ways to change even under adversity.
7. I value my relationships with my students (even over content).
8. I can network and connect with others for resources, assistance, and support.
9. I can make a difference in students’ lives.
Establishing A Growth Mindset As A Teacher: 9 Statements Of Affirmation; image attribution Education 3.0: Altering Round Peg in Round Hole Education from Jackie Gerstein

 

 

Technology Tidbits

 

http://www.watchknowlearn.org/-  Tons of videos that can serve as great hooks for your lessons or tutorials for any subject.  The videos can be filtered by subject, topic and even age group. 

 

News & Notes

Our Seed Fund Proposal has been approved by the Area Superintendent and is moving forward to the next phase of approval.  As a reminder, we are asking for two separate concepts:

 

1.  Improvements to the Science Force Classroom to transform it into more of a STEM lab.  We are also seeking to hire a full time designated facilitator (teacher) who can work together with teachers and students to enhance the core content curriculum with lessons that incorporate a more problem/project based model. Cost: $95K

 

2.  Transformation of our existing Kindergarten through 5^th grade classrooms into flexible learning spaces thus fostering a more collaborative classroom environment.  We are in need of furniture that can easily be moved to accommodate group work and that promotes the many different learning styles of elementary students.  Cost: $110K

 

I will keep you posted on the final approval amount for both concepts.  Keep your fingers crossed!