Post #23 IFRs, More Illuminate Reports, Ready for Rigor Framework

Although it's already the end of a long first week back from vacation, I hope that all of you had a good break and are ready for this next stretch of prime teaching/learning time. I have been loving being back in schools this week and actually dread snow days that will interrupt a productive stretch... Speaking of snow days, bad weather is forecast for this weekend, Saturday activities are cancelled. 

East Boston EEC Principal Appointed

Please join me in congratulating Rhiannon Varmette for officially being appointed the principal of the East Boston EEC, effective immediately. See announcement here. 

IFRs

I had the pleasure of attending the Tynan and Hale IFRs this week. Opening up our schools for scrutiny among peers is just as important as de-privatizing our classrooms. Using look-fors related to the instructional focus, being transparent with staff about the urgency to close opportunity gaps, and improving outcomes for all students is the the right work! We are all at different places, and we have room to grow. The Tynan and Hale have demonstrated they have a mindset of continuous learning and continuous improvement. Bravo!

If you have not already done so, please send me an invitation to your IFR. I will accept if my schedule allows or respond with a note with regrets. Thank you!

More Illuminate Reports by Network

We discovered some problems with our original reports where some schools/grade levels were omitted. I have re-run the reports and included all grades peer comparisons that include the standards. Interim 3 ELA has opened already, so I feel silly continuing to share these knowing that in a few weeks, there will be another round of reports. However, I heard that these are useful, so I will continue to share. Thanks for the feedback.

Updated Network 6 ELA Interim 2 by grade level
Updated Network 6 Math Interim 2 by grade level

Network 6 ELA Interim 2 by grade, includes standards (folder)

Transferring Learning from Winship PD to PLC Planning

I had the pleasure of observing after school professional development at Winship last month where the staff was working on the CRT and the Brain Ready for Rigor Framework Information Processing section. I love the bullet point to provide students authentic [brain/neurologically-based] opportunities to process content on planning Ignite, Chunk, Chew, Review. Using this with one of the principal leads to plan helped us design a PLC session that gave leaders more time. Igniting (getting the brain ready), chunking (giving just enough content) and allowing ample time to CHEW is so important. When you visit classrooms, are students spending their time CHEWING?

Want to know more? Click here for an interesting read.

School Leader Applicant Performance Days

Potential candidates came on February 25 and another group will come for a performance day on Monday, March 4.

QSP Progress/Diversity Hiring Goal

Friendly reminder - Mary Driscoll sent a couple of requests this week. 

1. Please go to this link to provide brief information on progress on your QSP based on interim data points. 
2. Earlier this year you received your diversity staffing report and a description of the process by which you would be setting a hiring goal for the Spring 2019 hiring season. You also received a link to a google form where you were asked to record your hiring goals. A new workbook you are going to receive from OHC contains information about an additional report that will help you further refine your hiring goals. If you have already submitted your goal, thank you! You do not need to take any additional actions based on this new report unless you want to make changes to your goal. If so, please contact your Academic Superintendent who can enter the revised goal information for you.