Friday Flyer - October 22, 2021

From Grace's Desk

Now that the first administration of NWEA Map is complete, we have district data that is sobering. These data tell us where we are and provide a baseline reflection of our leadership and the resultant teaching. Jodi has been crunching our region data, but my prediction is that our region is performing similarly to the district. If this is true, we must proceed with urgency. 

What does that look like? No excuses. Strong tier one instruction, belief in the genius and capacity of each student. Teach grade level curricula, follow the pacing guide, plan intentionally, focus on student thinking, engaging in content through reading, writing, speaking, listening every day, in every class. Pinpointing foundational skills and building up. An environment of high expectations - fast pacing as a warm demander. Not one wasted minute.

What do we need to do? The results are a reflection of our effectiveness. Look in the mirror, support, and then evaluate. No exemplary ratings unless students exceed growth and achievement projections. No professional teaching status if you have concerns. This is serious business.

I acknowledge that we are returning during a pandemic, the world is different, we have a staffing crisis. A teacher told me yesterday she cried every weekend during the first month of school because she forgot how to teach in-person. How brave of her to say this to me! Remember that our students have also forgotten how to "do" school. This is how kindergarten teachers feel at the beginning of every year and by January the children are well on their way to be ready for first grade. We have all needed to re-learn how to "do" school. 

It’s a Really Tough Time for Teachers: is a blog post that acknowledges that returning to in-person learning has been really hard. We have returned to a changed world with students who’ve also forgotten how to “be” in school. This blog from Teach Like a Champion provides some 15 minute modules on ways to reduce stress by being really clear about what we expect. It’s a great resource that acknowledges that the struggle is real. These modules are available free for the next four weeks and could be an antidote for some staff.

Please view these slides on the baseline "state of the district." The first slide below explains the quintiles. The following slides gives a picture of how our students are doing by race, English learner, and students with disabilities. I hope  that you will join me in being even more resolute about our work ahead. 

As a leader, where do you get your strength? Are you outraged by the data? Do you feel urgency? I'm resharing an excerpt from the blog post from Jon Saphier of Research for Better Teaching - The Courage to Lead. It takes courage to lead and it requires a forcefulness that is hard because we want to be liked. Courage can be developed. Courage can be learned. Here is the language of forcefulness:

Friday Flyer

Please pay special attention to items highlighted in yellow.