interventions such as behavior charts or sensory motor activities means that teachers try them consistently over a period of time. Remember to give interventions the time they need. Data. We have a wealth of data, e.g., TPRI (Texas Primary Reading Instrument), DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Literacy Skills), curriculum based-measures, etc. Many educators do not like data because it symbolizes that teacher input is not valued and administrators only care about numbers. The truth is that we need to care about both! We cannot just use data when it works in our favor; we also need to use it when it does not work for us because it may provide us with important information. If we approach data-driven decision making with an open mind, data can tell us when interventions are not working for our students. Prep time. Use prep time wisely because it goes fast and there is never enough of it.The International Center can help teachers plan engaging lessons that will reach all types of learners. Reflective practice.“Research is fairly
conclusive that the successful teacher is a thoughtful teacher” (Glickman, 2003, p. 105). It can be a powerful feeling to leave each day, thinking about what went right and what needs improvement. Honest reflection means that teachers and administrators understand what went wrong during the day and know how to fix it. Also focus on what went right because teachers need to celebrate an effective lesson. Those are the lessons that make us realize how great it is to be a teacher. Administrators.Yes, administrators should be held accountable as well. “When the principal sneezes, the whole school catches a cold.This is neither good nor bad; it is just the truth. Our impact is significant; our focus becomes the school’s focus” (Whitaker, 2003, p. 30). International Center consultants are former or present teachers and administrators at the building, district, or state level and therefore understand good instructional practices.The consultants know what good instruction looks like because they observe great practices and
collect valuable ideas.The relationships we foster together will help build a better school community. Quadrant D learning.The International Center focuses on leadership, effective teaching, standards and curriculum, often for turnaround schools, through the use of needs assessments and strategic planning. Ravitch (2010) asks,“Why is the curriculum important? It is a road map. Without a road map, you are sure to drive in circles and get nowhere” (p. 236). In Quadrant D learning, students move from Quadrant A (acquiring) to B (applying), C (assimilating), and finally to D (adapting the information they are learning). We all know that when students take ownership of their own learning it becomes more relevant for them — the ultimate goal of Quadrant D. (To read the complete article, visit www.seenmagazine.us.) Peter DeWitt is the Principle of Poestenkill Elementary School in Averill Park, NY. He is also a consultant for the International Center for Leadership in Education. He can be found at www.petermdewitt.com.
Helping You Help Kids! Now available at
800-238-8433 www.bouldenpublishing.com
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his fun-filled, charmingly illustrated book is full of ideas and exercises to improve self-esteem and assertiveness and build emotional literacy. Children learn to listen and to talk about their feelings. They also learn how to handle themselves when they feel upset or overwhelmed by encouraging them to write or draw their responses to specific scenarios. “Valuable resources for building self-esteem and emotional stability. Highly recommended.” — The Midwest Book Review
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ngaging artwork and exercises illustrate aggressive “monster” and passive “mouse” behaviors, helping young readers identify these characteristics in themselves and in others. This book explores the “me” communication style, based on rights, responsibility and respect. It teaches healthy, non-violent conflict management skills that help kids stop being — or attracting — bullies. When youngsters learn how to assert themselves appropriately they gain self-esteem and safer, happier relationships.
Visit us at www.bouldenpublishing.com for more books, videos and other educational products. www.seenmagazine.us
SouthEast Education Network SPRING 2011
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