Week of October 15

Thursday Thoughts October 15

 

Can you believe that it is mid October!  I almost let this month get away without recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness.  According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that over 1.6 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed this year with over 200,000 of those cases being Breast Cancer.  Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the U.S.  I am sure that each of us knows someone or has a loved one that has battled with the disease.  Often when I get engrossed in my daily problems and self proclaimed woes, I have to take a step back and count my blessings.  I think about so many people who are fighting real life and death battles.  As we continue through the month of October, I hope you will take the time to reach out to a friend or loved one who is going through this fight or remember and reflect on someone who lost their battle.  Please consider wearing some pink apparel and professional jeans for the next two Mondays in October.    

 

  

Staff Spotlight

This week I would like to shine the spotlight on Megan (Creel) Rios. Megan is in her 2nd year as a second grade teacher and recently accepted the responsibility of grade level chair. We know that serving as grade chair is time consuming and adds extra tasks to one's plate.  So it is highly commendable that Megan stepped up to take on this role while she is still learning and adjusting to the curriculum herself.  In addition, Megan has a couple of new teachers on the grade level.  Ensuring that these teachers know what to do and when to do it can be overwhelming for even the most seasoned grade chair.   Even though Megan has taken on more responsibility, she has not forgotten that student instruction is her number one priority. She is working hard to add rigor to the Reading/ELA block.  If you get a chance, be sure to ask her about green light questions vs. red light questions.  Megan, thank you for what you are doing for students and staff.  We appreciate you!





Personalized Learning

Leigh and Krista McBride have been talking to teachers about the TIM (Technology Integration Matrix).  Below please find the link to the matrix. 

http://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/matrix.php

What is the Technology Integration Matrix?
The Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) illustrates how teachers can use technology to enhance learning for K-12 students. The TIM incorporates five interdependent characteristics of meaningful learning environments: active, constructive, goal directed (i.e., reflective), authentic, and collaborative (Jonassen, Howland, Moore, & Marra, 2003). The TIM associates five levels of technology integration (i.e., entry, adoption, adaptation, infusion, and transformation) with each of the five characteristics of meaningful learning environments. Together, the five levels of technology integration and the five characteristics of meaningful learning environments create a matrix of 25 cells as illustrated below.

What is the history behind the tool?

The Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) was developed to help guide the complex task of evaluating technology integration in the classroom. Basic technology skills and integration of technology into the curriculum go hand-in-hand to form teacher technology literacy. Encouraging the seamless use of technology in all curriculum areas and promoting technology literacy are both key NCLB:Title II-D/EETT program purposes. The Inventory for Teacher Technology Skills (ITTS) companion tool is designed to help districts evaluate teachers’ current levels of proficiency with technology and is also used as a professional development planning and needs assessment resource. The TIM is envisioned as an EETT program resource which can help support the full integration of technology in Florida schools.

What is in each cell?

Each cell in the matrix will have a video (or several videos) which illustrate the integration of technology in classrooms where only a few computers are available and/or classrooms where every student has access to a laptop computer.

How should the Technology Integration Matrix be used?

The TIM is designed to assist schools and districts in evaluating the level of technology integration in classrooms and to provide teachers with models of how technology can be integrated into instruction in meaningful ways. It is the Department’s intent that the TIM be used in the context of comprehensive technology planning and EETT program accountability.

What do you mean by "technology tools"?

Descriptions within the Matrix frequently refer to "technology tools" and their use in teaching and learning. On this site, this term includes computers, laptops, mobile devices, websites, interactive whiteboards, online tools, videos, recording devices, and software. While we are aware that a simple pencil is a technology tool, within the context of the Technology Integration Matrix, we are concerned with the use of digital tools.



Habitudes- (Growth Mindset)

 

Looking Ahead

Milestones school score reports are scheduled to come in around early November. If they come in prior to grade level duty days, 3rd-5th grade teachers should prepare to review them and have discussion on the duty day.   I will send correspondence as I receive it regarding the specifics of this year's test.  It warrants repeating that this year is a promotion/retention year for 3rd and 5th grade reading and 5th grade math.  More information to come.