Descriptive Language vs. Quantifiable Language

As we continue to work on our proficiency tables, it is always helpful to have continued reminders about what it is we are looking for as far as table language is concerned. Below are some examples from tables that we would like to highlight. Again, we are looking for descriptive language in the proficiency-tables you create for your reported standards.

As you assess student work, other than a pencil and paper test, you will likely use some type of rubric to score that assessment. The language on the rubric is going to be quantifiable, which can be found in the columns on the left. We hope these are helpful as we continue to fine-tune our table writing!

6-12 Math Curriculum Review Update

The 6-12 Math Curriculum Review team met yesterday to discuss progress on our map writing, reported standards, and to look at possible resources for implementing our new maps. We had some difficult conversations on the scope of all the standards we teach, what are the must-teach reported standards, what do we simply need to "record" and communicate with parents, and what opportunities do we have to give up some of the things we currently teach. The team talked about the 21st-century type of mathematical skills necessary for our learners. Overall, it was a good conversation to have. This team has been very open and honest with each other and we are confident the new maps will meet all the diverse needs of our students.

We also heard presentations from 2 vendors, one of which shared some really unique resources that the team thought would be very beneficial should we go this route. We still have 3 vendors to meet with and then will look to bring back 2 or 3 for a more in-depth presentation on their products. Those meetings will be held in January or February when we return from Winter Break. If you have specific questions, please email me or ask you, representative, on the math review team.

Holiday Reading Anyone?

We hope you have all been reflecting on the keynote from IgKnight regarding work and life balance.  Please be sure to take some time this break and find your life balance in order to recharge.  After Dr. Caposey was here, we had the pleasure of reading his most recent book, #Fully Charged Systems,  and now want to extend that opportunity to some you. If you are the first 8 staff members to share a story of how you take time to recharge and find that balance with Sarah Mumm at 10358@kaneland.org, you can win a copy of his book.  Here are a few quotes from the book:

Have an honest conversation with your loved ones and peers, ask them "what are the 3-4 things you expect of me and how can I meet that expectation?"

 System efficiency and resilience increase when we proactively commit to and strengthen our mental and physical health.

Our success in the classroom is often determined by chemical reactions triggered long before we get there.  If we don't make time for mental and physical wellness in our system then we need to make time for anxiety, depression and disease. 


We hope you all have an amazing break and take time to find your balance.  We look forward to kicking off 2020 with excited, recharged, and rejuvenated staff!  See you January 6th!

Summer Job Option

Every summer we present numerous outdoor concerts and events at RiverEdge Park (right across from the Metra station and Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora).  And every summer we rely on friendly, outgoing and courteous workers to help us and our patrons.  Over the years we have had Educators and School Staff fill these paid positions. We are hosting a job fair on January 2.  Are you willing and able to share this information with your staff?  All the necessary information is online.

https://riveredgeaurora.com/jobs/

Enjoy your well-deserved winter break and I hope we see you at the job fair! Feel free to reach out if you have questions or if there is someone else I should contact.

SIP Mid Year Data

What a way to begin December.....with a HUGE celebration.  Thank you to all staff and students for the hard work of bringing intentional conversations and reflection to learner profile and proficiency based progress practices.  The hard work that all are putting to making connections for students between learner profile, reflection on learning needs, and the use of I can statements to clarify the purpose of learning is really paying off.  Our mid year data shows the following:

Learner Profile:  Goal 65% in level 2 and 3 by February 2020.
September data point: 47.5% in level 2 and 3
December data point:  72.3% in level 2 and 3
Currently our goal has already been met!  KUDOS to all!!



Proficiency Based Progress: Goal 65% in level 2 and 3 by February 2020.
September data point: 28.3% in level 2 and 3
December data point:  65% in level 2 and 3
Currently our goal has been met!  Kudos to all.


We are very excited about our progress this fall and look forward to the continued hard work and dedication to clarifying purpose for learning and bring reflection to students on how to learn best.  Keep up the amazing work!