End of Semester Reflection

As we approach the end of our first semester, it is a great time to reflect and begin to ponder proficiency based progress.  Proficiency based progress is the second core cell in the personalized learning honeycomb model.  It will be the focus of our work next year.  The intent of this cell is to consider how can students show the knowledge and learning they have gained through a means that supports their learner profile and styles.  The formal definition from the Institute of Personalized Learning is:  Proficiency-based progress and supporting standards represent what learners are asked to master. Standards provide clear targets for learning and help to drive intermediate learning targets and expected outcomes. This component articulates what learners will learn, how deep or broad the learning will be, and how it will be demonstrated and measured. Learner progress toward the standards is based on growing mastery, not seat time.

Importantly, learning progress does not have to follow a single path: where practical, students are given choices regarding the sequence of learning, specific standards-aligned content and skills to learn, methods and resources to employ, and even how to document and assess learning. Regardless of the approach learners take, standards are challenging and compelling, and meeting them will prepare students both for future learning and for later success in academic, professional, and personal life.

At this time as you give finals, grades, and final markings on our standards based reporting tools, consider how you might shift your assessment practices  and reflect on if they are exemplifying what learners will learn, how deep or broad the learning will be, and how it will be demonstrated and measured.  Do students have the ability of choice in demonstrating what they have learned?  How might we add that choice for students?  Take time to reflect and think about the possibilities for a different manner to assess learning.  For more information please see this website:  http://institute4pl.org/index.php/our-model/core-components/proficiency-based-progress/

Staff Video Challenge

Research shows that this time of year is always the staff slump in education.  We are hoping to really inspire and excite you to show your Kaneland Pride!  This has been our hashtag for most of this year, but now it is time to bring it to life.  We are hosting a Staff video Challenge the next few months.  All you need to do is grab a recorder/phone and show your Pride!!  Here are the submission guidelines:

• This is an optional challenge for staff
• Videos must be submitted by April 2nd at 4pm to Sarah Mumm at 10358@kaneland.org
• Staff may use the longer lunch time on March 2 or April 2 for video preparation
• Videos should be no more than 3 minutes in length
• The videos need to exemplify your Kaneland Pride
• Videos need to be done professionally since students may be viewing them for fun at some point
• Staff may choose to submit individually or as a team, a team may consist of any staff in the district, you do not need to only submit with your school staff
• Videos need to be submitted in one of the three categories:  drams, action, and humor
•  All videos will be revised by a judging committee who will select the top 3 in each category, drama, action and humor
• The judging committee will use a rubric with 4 criteria to determine the top 3 submissions in each category: use of theme, use of technology, time, and creativity 
• Once the top 3 in each category are identified, each school will host a viewing party of the 9 videos and staff that want to vote do so through a google doc to determines top winner in each category
• Prizes will be awarded to the winning team for each category in later April

We look forward to seeing the creativity in our staff and showing your Kaneland Pride.  If you have any questions please contact Mike or Sarah.  Have fun!

K-5 Math Grade Entry

As some of you may have noticed, we can now see all math sections with your own personal Tyler log in.  You may now use this to enter your math student grades instead of having to use the grade level log ins.  We hope this will be easier for all.  No matter which way you choose to enter grade, the parents will see them.  Happy grading!