IGKNIGHT 2017

It's getting to be that time of year again!  Sarah and I are looking for people who are interested in presenting at IGKNIGHT 2017!  This year we will be joined by George Couros and representatives from the Institute for Personalized Learning who will also facilitate sessions.  In addition, several of our surrounding districts have contacted us with requests to bring groups of staff.  We are hoping this will be an incredible day of learning, collaboration, and networking for all involved.  If you're interested in facilitating a breakout session, please click this link and provide us with an overview of your idea by September 22nd.  We will then reach out to those who will be presenting with more information!

Most Likely to Succeed

We are excited to announce that Kaneland will be hosting several screenings of the Award Winning Film Most Likely to Succeed--the story of how one high school's vision for personalized learning is impacting students.  We would like to invite staff, students, and community to join us to screen the film and engage in conversation groups about what matters most to students today and what our reactions to the film are!

Screenings will be held September 7th at 1:00 and 3:30 at Meredith Middle School and on September 12th at 6:30 at Harter Middle School.  Please contact Dr. Sarah Mumm or Mike Rice with questions.

Connecting and Collaborating with Your Coaches

This year EC-5 is excited to welcome four Instructional Coaches to our staff.  We are excited to build a team of eight EC-12.  So you may be thinking, how can I work with the Instructional Coaches, what's their role?  The coaching postion is to support instruction and provide job-embedded professional development to all staff.  Coaches are excited and ready to work with staff in innovating, risk-taking, trying new instructional techniques or working on continuous improvement of instruction in your classroom.  Many of you are used to having coaches in your building and already have begun working with them.  For those of you who might be new to working with coaches or are just looking to get started...here are a few things that would be a great ways to begin to connect and collaborate with your coach:

1. Bring concepts and research of personalized learning to life in your classroom 
2. Ask them to watch a lesson and provide you with feedabck
3. Try a new strategy or technique by co-teaching with them
4. Try something out of your comfort zone on the Legacy, Differentiated, Individualized, and Personalized spectrum
5. Design opportunities to use and reflect on their Learner Profile

These are just a few ideas to get you thinking.  Please reach out and connect with your coach today!  If you would like to set up time with a coach, stop and see them in their office or their Coaching Corner, email them, or at the K-5 level you can use this coaching request form.  We are looking forward to a great year of learning for all!