My two primary goals for my GAME plan involve meeting with other teachers to see how I can utilize resources we have at our school.
My first goal is to learn more about the online program called Compass and create accounts where students can individually work on improving their reading proficiency. I have set up a meeting with a colleague who uses this program in her intervention classes, to discuss how she uses this with her students. During this meeting I would like to address how she manages the data she receives from this program and get ideas about how I can best use student data to inform my instruction. Currently this program is only being used with intervention classes (10-12 students per teacher) and I am curious to see how she feels the management would change if this was being used with all Integrated Studies classes (60 students per teacher). After this meeting on Tuesday of next week I would like to get student accounts set up by the following Friday.
My other goal is a long term goal of creating an “open library” where students, parents, and community members can come access community resources 2 nights a month. I have already spoken to my principal and a few of my colleagues about this plan and they have all been supportive of this vision. I would like to spend the next couple weeks doing a little research to see how other schools have created a “community center.” Using ideas from these resources I will then prepare a plan to share with my principal to see if we have the funding/support from the district to make this happen.
Hi Katie, I liked your idea of creating an “open library.” I know one of the goals of most districts is establish and foster relationships with community members. I am curious as to what you have in mind, with regards to community/resources. I hope you will continue to share this information as you develop your GAME plan. I can learn vicariously through you. Thanks Jennifer Robichaux
ReplyDeleteAs I learn a lot from you as well. I have enjoyed your insights as we have moved through this program together. Our district (like many) has a goal of establishing connections by increasing community involvement within our schools. A colleague and I started tossing around the idea last year of an "open library." Our vision is currently in the "works" but we were thinking about opening our library to parents, students, and community members from 6-8 in the evening 2 nights a month. During this time parents could come in and sign up for an e-mail account, check student grades on our online gradebook and make connections with local community organizations. We were thinking of inviting representatives from our local public library, interfaith clinic (free medical and dental for low income families), and catholic community services, as well as a few other local organizations. We were thinking our school could be a place for those families who may not have internet access at home to use our technology learn more about local programs that could help improve the lives of our students. It is still a work in progress and we are hoping to have some more of the details hammered out before the end of the year so we can hit the ground running next fall.
ReplyDeleteIf you have any suggestions of other organizations or ways we could utilize this time it would be greatly appreciated!
Katie
Katie,
ReplyDeleteThe "open library" option is awesome. Many families in my district do not have access to internet, so this would be a great idea to ensure their involvement with their students. Often times parents are not aware of their student's grades. In secondary settings it can be really tough to contact every parent about their student's progress, so the online portals for grade books are great. I also like your idea of general community involvement. Bringing in community resources and partners is a great idea. Those families in need of help may not know where to go or may be too embarrassed to ask for help.
Our ELL teacher runs an adult class once a week for migrant parents. This is a resource these parents may not otherwise have, so it is great for them, but also as a connection between the school and the community.
- Curt G.
Katie,
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of that compass program. It sounds like a terrific way to increase student literacy! I am sure it would be quite different to have 60 students working on this program instead of the ten or so that normally work on it at a time. However, I believe it will still work for your students.
How exciting is it that you are trying to start a community resource center! I think this is wonderful. I know of a school in my area that does something similar. They open the school up for literacy nights where they have their book fair going on. Students are able to come in the school and play games that are all based off of different books. For example, the school just recently had a Dr. Seuss night and one of the games they played was “Horton hears a what?” This game is just like telephone where one person whispers a sentence into another’s ear and the sentence travels around the group. There were quite a few games like that. The night ended with a reading of one of Dr. Seuss’ books. Maybe you could do something similar.
India
Thanks those are some great ideas. We could also see if there are elementary teachers who want to partner with us to come and lead elementary activities or book talks. I like it . .
ReplyDeleteKatie,
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea of developing and implementing a community center or oopen library. The community is a huge part of our school and they should be able to be involved. Many kids go home to houses which is not an environment which they can be successful. If the school could offer this too the students and parents I think it would raise student learning levels and parental support. I make sure that the parents of my students are informed about what is going on im my classes. I feel that if the parents are keptt up to date they willl not be hounding the student or the teacher. I have created a website so that I can kept whoever updated and I also use it as a resource for my students. I have all kinds of information on it for them to download including all handouts I use in class. Good luck with your research and implementation. I admire your courage to get this started at your school.
Ben