Master of Science in Low Vision and Blindness program at Illinois State University (EC - 12)

 Please see this link regarding a master degree program through ISU for Low Vision and Blindness.

Report Cards Go Live this Week! (K-5)

 Thank you for all your hard work at Parent Teacher Conferences.  There has been so many great informal feedback statements made by community members.  We do know they are long nights for all staff, thank you!  Please remember that all report card grades need to be entered by Wednesday at midnight.  The system will be locked down on Thursday to prepare for the Friday release. Exploratory classes do need to post overview of learning on Canvas by Friday since there are no grades this trimester.    

Curriculum Chats P.E. (K-5)

  This week a P.E. Curriculum chat was held.  The following were topics discussed:

-The State is looking into the requirement of the required 3 or 5 days per week P.E. requirement.  Initial discussions.  Currently it is something we are on and off compliance with at K-5 over the years. 

-The ROE Compliance visit will take place in January.  Sarah will request a few PE sample lessons over the next month. Some topics may include:  Fitness testing, and health topics, and new this is is vaping and e-cigarettes.

-Discussion on the response to the Exploratory community survey.  It was posted on social media last night.  Sarah will be checking the response rate this Friday and checking with the committee for ideas of how to reshare later in the month.  

The next Curriculum Chat will be held on Wednesday with Art staff.  Here is the recurring link.  

Writing Assessment K-5 (K-5)

 Please remember the writing process for this year has shifted and writing should be assessed at the end of each genre.  Pre-assessing writing may take place as part of the writer's workshop process, but is not required to be recorded formally.  Please take a moment to check out the writing assessment information shared here.  We have updated the assessment document to include frequently asked and answered questions.  Always remember we do use the Lucy Calkins Units of Study Tool for our Writing practices as well unless you have met with your Administrator and have exhibited proficiency on the writing delivery table and discussed other tools that work for your instruction.  It is an expectation that Writer's Workshop is the practice for all students in your classroom for writing this year.  If at any time you need support in writing practices please reach out to your Instructional Coach for support.   

Full Day Kindergarten Planning Team Volunteers (K-5)

 The State of Illinois has mandated by the 2027-2028 school year, every school district will offer full day Kindergarten to all students.  In order to begin the process that will outline the steps to consider the shift to full from half day and extended day, Kaneland would like to begin to form a review team that will meet twice during this Spring semester during the school day to begin the outlining possible steps.  This team will outline the process that will be furthered over the course of next two school years (25/26 and 26/27).  Members of the initial process outlining team will not be required to continue in the formal planning over the next two years but may have the option to continue.  If you are interested in taking part in the initial planning team please email Sarah Mumm to express your interest.  In order to limit the number of subs, it is suggested that 1-2 reps per schools participate.  There will be ample feedback opportunity for all stakeholders in the coming years on this process and during this initial outlining of the process.  We look forward to starting the discussion of this expansion to full day Kindergarten by 2027.       

6 - 12 World Language Review (6 - 12)

Members of the middle school and high school World Language team met to review their curriculum. Materials were reviewed to better support the needs of the revised scope and sequence of the units of standards. The team will be requesting that the future meeting include sales reps for the preferred materials.

6 - 8 Exploratory Review (6 - 8)

Representatives of the 6 - 8 exploratories met for their second curriculum review. The meeting began with Nikki Larsen, from KHS, discussing the PaCE framework. The team discussed exploratories offered at the 6 - 8 level and how these support, or can be modified to support, the six pathways at KHS. The team reviewed a potential change in the sequence of 6 - 8 exploratory options, and it was agreed upon that the proposed new schedule allows opportunity for students in the 8th grade to have a computer-based class. The team revised some class descriptions to more accurately articulate those classes. Revision to the health class was discussed and there is the potential for a future recommendation to the school board. A list of materials, subscriptions, and other items was generated to review at the next scheduled meeting.

5 Fast Facts about Personalized Learning (EC-12)

 5 Fast Facts about Personalized Learning

1. Personalized learning is an embedded philosophy across all Kaneland schools. The Ten Tenets of PL in Kaneland are defined in this document.

2. All staff are charged with employing PL tenets with intentionality, based on learner needs.

3. The flexible learning environment at IgKnight Academy (KIPLA) allows for the deepest implementation of the Ten Tenets of Personalized Learning in Kaneland. This Tenets in Action document speaks to the different levels of implementation across the district.

4. Personalized learning has been linked to increased motivation, engagement, confidence and academic achievement in students. 

5. In personalized learning, learners serve as resources in their own learning.

Here is an example of a learner’s role in goal setting.

IgKnight Academy (KIPLA) Talking Points for PT Conferences (2nd-9th)

This post was shared a few weeks ago. We are re-sharing as a reminder for conferences this week.

With parent-teacher conferences just around the corner, we wanted to share some IgKnight Academy talking points with all staff. Should you receive questions during parent-teacher conferences, or if you have a student you feel would be a good fit for IgKnight Academy, please use this document to guide your discussions. 

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE IGKNIGHT ACADEMY TALKING POINTS 

 You are also welcome to direct any parent questions to Laura Garland, 10166@kaneland.org

Curriculum Chat (K-5)

 This week a KPASS Curriculum chat was held.  The following were topics discussed:

-Options for administering IAR and pros and cons for the timing of the test that best suits the student experience

-Open viewing and vetting of materials for math and next steps for the math review team

-Learning Stars pilot for IAR happening at KST 

-KPASS review through EAC will be happening soon, please be ready for review and data collection on the process of departmentalizing 

Next week there will be no chats due to Parent Teacher Conference Day.  The next Curriculum Chat will be held on November 13th with PE staff.  Here is the recurring link.  

Math Curriculum Review Joint Statement (K-5)

 Today the Math Curriculum Review team met for the next full team meeting.  The following were tasks from today’s work:

• Teams spent time in grade levels further making suggested edits for proficiency tables, math assessments, and grade level vocabulary.

• The teams then met vertically K-3 and 3-5 to share common vocabulary and structures for learning to assist in the process clarity across grade levels.  

• In the afternoon the team members took time to brainstorm ideas for must do and may do learning structures in math, review the math delivery table expectations for math, began to review supported tools to teach our curriculum outlined on our tables, and reviewed the current math assessment guidelines document.

• The team is planning further small group sub time to take more dedicated time to review print and online samples from various vendors. 

• Our next full group meeting will take place January 27, 2025. 

If you have any questions about the progress of the review work please do not hesitate to reach out to any of the members in attendance today:  Stephanie Unger, Taylor Setterlund, Samantha Maurer, Jill Hardekopf, Rachael Wilson, Kathy Jurasek, Maada Kosky, Erin Eickman, David Argabright, Jennifer Bovee, Lissy Bradford, Linda Norton, Alexis Martin, Jeremy Berger, Nancy Meisenger, Tricia Nugara, Molly Santana, Heather Fortcamp, Liz Orman, Julie McCombs and Sarah Mumm. 

Last Chance to Connect! Raffle Coming Soon! (EC-12)

 The Puzzle Connection Competition Fall Raffle is coming soon!  We have had 128 connections made across the district so far!  Submit your connections by the end of November to be part of the raffle for the first semester! 

Level of Connecting and Committing 

Activity

Evidence of Connection and Commitment

Raffle Entries if Completed

WAY: Who Are You- 1 entry 

There is always a “WAY” to make someone’s day!  Research and identify the person that holds the position you randomly selected.  Send them a note, email or quick text to make their day.  No response or interaction is needed, just a supportive message to them.

Submit who you connected with and sent a supportive message to and the job category they hold to Education Service Department   

WIL: What I Learned- 3 entries 

Where there is a “WIL” there is a way.  Email, text, call the person and share a bit about yourself and ask them about what they do for our students in Kaneland.  

Submit a WIL, what I learned from reflection that includes three things that you learned about the person and how they are committed to our students. To the Education Service Department 

WHY: We Hear You- 4 entries 

“WHY” not actively listen and learn from each other?. Connect and discuss your why with your randomly selected job category person. Create a visual or snap a picture together showing how your whys connect to each other.   

Submit your visual or picture to Education Service Department 

WWF: We Want Feedback- 5 entries 

Let’s get electrified with some feedback.  To earn 5 entries, you and the chosen partner will share a teaching video, lesson or go observe each other and use the feedback delivery table to co-construct feedback around learning for each other. 

Submit a summary of what one thing you may want to shift in your practice based on your peer’s feedback.

WIMS: Walk In My Shoes-6 entries 

On a “WIM” go and visit the randomly selected job category to see for yourself their job. Take a half day sub to shadow and observe in the person’s classroom or job area.  While you are there, consider how what they do daily connects to what you do.

Submit the date of your observation along with three things you learned during the observation to Educational Service Department

IAR Survey K-5 (K-5)

 As we get closer to the start of the IAR season beginning, we would like to reflect on our current practices of embedding tools and showing our students how to use them in our content areas.  Please take a moment to take a pre-survey that reflects on how you might have explicitly shared IAR tools during instruction with students in the past using this link.  Please take this survey prior to November 1st. 

First Trimester Assessment Feedback: Math and Word Study (K-5)

 Now that we are coming to the end of the first trimester, it is a good time to reflect on our two new local (type 2) assessments.  Please take a moment to submit your feedback using this google form for the word study and math assessment.  At the end of this first year we will make final edits for both assessments in order to validate the final assessment for future use.  Other edits are being collected for math through the Math Curriculum Review Team as well. 

Student Panel, Secondary (6-12)

During the monthly meeting with the secondary level administration, a student panel provided perspective regarding topics such as the change to traditional grading, how to access support when they are academically struggling, and how they receive feedback from their teachers.

The students reported that they thought the return to traditional grading was going well. They were happy with the variety of opportunities they had to earn a grade. They also noted that they liked the different types of assignments that they had.

Students indicated that they relied on email to communicate with teachers, but that they also felt comfortable approaching them one-on-one. In terms of feedback, they felt that the best feedback they received occurred in a small group or one-on-one setting. When asked about proficiency tables, they noted that these are mostly utilized in large projects.

Curriculum Chats 2-3 (K-5)

 This week the the Curriculum Chat was held with 2nd and 3rd grade.  The following topics were discussed:

-Supply list updates and encouraging staff to complete the survey by classroom prior to December 1st

-IAR discussion of data.  Data will be released next week.  We will be building a more robust focus on IAR and the ability of students to show what they know on the test this year and future years.

-Report cards are ready for data entry.  Please be sure to note if a students has been engaging in MTSS targeted co-teaching intervention. 

-The team took time to discuss other math pilot opportunities coming up in November and December.

The next Curriculum Chat will be next Wednesday at 8:05 with KPASS using this link. 

 

IgKnight Academy Talking Points for PT Conferences (2-9)

With parent-teacher conferences just around the corner, we wanted to share some IgKnight Academy talking points with all staff. Should you receive questions during parent-teacher conferences, or if you have a student you feel would be a good fit for IgKnight Academy, please use this document to guide your discussions. 

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE IGKNIGHT ACADEMY TALKING POINTS 

 You are also welcome to direct any parent questions to Laura Garland, 10166@kaneland.org

Tier 1 Behavior Document (EC-5)

This great resource is being used at one of our elementary buildings to ensure consistency in Tier 1 behavior structures. It's a great reminder for all! This LINK provides a more clear copy than what appears here.

Tips for Preparing for Parent Teacher Conferences (EC-12)

 As we turn to a new month and Parent/Teacher Conferences are upon us, we wanted to share a few tips from Edutopia and ASCD to best prepare for a positive and successful parent conference session!  We hope they may help in your planning.  Please reach out to any Administrator for any support you will need in planning or during a conference.  

Plan ahead: Create a schedule and plan to address important topics. 

Review student work: Provide visual examples of student work to help parents understand their child's learning. 

Communicate regularly: Keep communication open with parents to reduce miscommunication. 

Be positive: Share at least one positive trait about each student, such as a character trait or academic trait. 

Make a list of questions: Consider what you want to make sure to ask the family that you may want to know. 

Collaborate on action plans: Work with parents to find ways to work together. 

Address concerns with empathy: Be understanding when addressing concerns. 

Listen actively: Actively listen to what parents have to say. 

Create a welcoming environment: Make the conference a welcoming space for parents, they may be very nervous to come into the classroom or school.

Start with positive feedback: Begin the conference with positive feedback welcome or story. 

Educator Advisory Council (EC-5)

 This week the EAC met for the monthly meeting.  The following topics were discussed:

The team took one final look at the goals and voted to approve the goals for the 2024-2025 school year.

The supply list was discussed. The goal is for this list to be set for the next five years. Some items that are going to be ordered in bulk will require classroom teachers to fill out a Google form so that supplies are allocated appropriately.  This survey is due by December 1st and will be posted in the blog this week. An emphasis was made that we do not send home any unused supplies.  If you have any extras, work with your principal to have it stored in a building storage space.  A few questions will be followed up regarding the option to add possible supplies if one is deleted and clarification on the purchase of headphones and the involvement of the technology exploratory.  We will follow up with EAC members once we have further guidance on these answers.  

The team took time to gallery walk possible ideas, misconceptions, and marketing for personalized learning and IgKnight Academy.  Please note that parents may be getting an email before conferences based on their child scoring higher on an interest survey.  Please encourage them to reach out to Laura Garland, schedule a tour, or use the talking points to share options for learning. STAFF REQUEST TO VISIT KIPLA FORM

The committee worked in small groups to review the staff feedback on MTSS, SIP goals, and the Feedback goal.  Each small group shared the identified questions, celebrations, and reflections with the committee.  Look for a summary of these responses in the curriculum connection.

Supply List Revision (K-5)

 This month EAC has been working on revising the supply list for next school year and shifting our practice to school/grade level common supply lists with some cross district consistency among lists.  We are working through EAC in order to remain consistent within a range of supplies on our list but vary among the amounts to better meet the needs of our educators in the classroom.  Please make sure your grade level turns in to Sarah Mumm or links into the EAC agenda for October your proposed supply list by December 1st.  Proposed edits may include an deletions or reductions in the amounts requested from the current lists, but may not include additional supplies.  Also in order to complete the planning for items we have removed from the supply list and plan bulk orders for next year, each classroom teacher is asked to submit a response to this supply list survey by December 1st for their individual classroom.  Thank you in advance for assisting with this process.  

Student Panel (K-5)

 Today we had a student panel with students at KSS. The panel discussed proficiency.  The following was shared:

What ways do you show proficiency in your learning?

Practice at home and meet with your teacher

I study at home because you want to get good grades

You can sign up for conferences and and meet and talk about proficiency with her and show it on a table

We can sign up for a conference and show work and then go back and do more work and can do more questions and then 

I work with my teacher on writing and work on details

How do you use a proficiency tables in your learning process?

You can use a table to check progress 

Sometimes I go into a teacher’s room and look at the table to see if I have things right 

It can help you by reading it and see what I have wrong and then go back and check my work 

I can use it to check my work 

We can check our work with a teacher on the table and talk with a partner as well and see how our work has been with the table

Sometimes the teacher tells me I am closer to getting it than I think I am 

3 means proficient, 1- means I might not have it yet

Curriculum Chats K-1 (K-5)

 Curriculum Chats took place today with K-1 staff.  Thank you to all that were able to attend.  The following was discussed.  

-Update on the BOE proposal for tonight on early entrance to Kindergarten procedures.  We will also be discussing in a future BOE meeting a proposed fee for the process as well. 

-Reminder for KIDS assessment for Kindergarten data entry to be complete in the next two weeks, make all attempts prior to parent/teacher conferences. 

-Report cards will be available on Monday for entry and are due by midnight on 11-13

-We are collecting parent feedback at conferences on the new book fair vendor and on exploratory programming, please help encourage families to take those surveys for us 

-EAC topics coming up and open seats for K-1.  We will be discussing supply lists at this meeting.

-Math pilot meeting will take place on October 28th at 8:05 at KMAC Room 203.  Please make all attempts to attend. 

Next week we will have a 2-3 focused chat.  Here is the recurring link.  

Report Cards Are Opening Monday (EC-5)

 K-5 Report cards on Infinite Campus will be open to enter grades starting Monday.  Please log in and make sure you can see your rosters and see the students you need to assess.  In order to best support you in the report card process, please use the report card guidelines to assist your process.  All report card information should be completed and entered for every student by Wednesday November 13th at midnight.  If you need any assistance please reach out to Sarah Mumm or an Instructional Coach.    

Exploratory Review Update (K-5)

 This week the Exploratory Team met for a half day of review committee time to continue to our review work.  The team took time to briefly discuss the PACE framework from the State of Illinois, review the feedback submitted from staff on our current programming, and begin to discuss possible non-negotiables for learning structures.  The team began to draft a timeline and ideas to collect feedback from students and parents over the next month to review at our January meeting.  Please be looking out for the feedback surveys we will be sharing for parents at parent/teacher conferences and help our teams encourage families to complete and shared feedback.  Thank you to all committee members for the open sharing and dialogue at our sessions.    

Special Education Eligibility Update (EC-5)

 Over the course of last year we have spent time reviewing the process of looking at Special Education Eligibility through MTSS and local assessment processes.  This first trimester we have continued this similar process.  As we enter into the second trimester, we would like to begin to review our process and the documents (flowcharts) based on experiences and make revisions as needed for next year.  We will be asking SPED and MTSS staff to pull student case studies that have taken place this Fall that we can use as an example to walk through how the process went for the revision updates.  If you have a student case study that you would like to submit for this process, please contact Sarah or Fran.  

MTSS Philosophy Updates (EC-5)

 Over the past two weeks there have been multiple meetings that have discussed MTSS philosophy and updates.  This year we are make many attempts to improve transparency on the philosophy and practice of MTSS.  Please remember the following keys to our success:

-Packaged intervention materials should not be used in full since MTSS uses co-teaching that connects to the core classroom.  The materials used for intervention should mirror and be flexible to the classroom instruction.  Past intervention tools, such as LLI kits, may not be used in full but the texts from the kits might be used in guided reading as an additional intervention through station or parallel co teaching.  

-Although we do not formally use tier 2 and 3 language, we do focus on providing through co-teaching additional intervention time at a targeted level (fromally tier 2) and intensive level (tier 3) for students.  This time in co-teaching should be above and beyond time from core instruction provided by the classroom teacher.

-MTSS Co-Teachers should not solely instruct tier 1 classroom instruction only.  They may assist and co-teaching during core instruction but they should also provide additional time of intervention in co-teaching for students. 

-Guided Reading should be taking place in every classroom for all students at least 2-3 times per week for 10-15 mins. 

-We should not be giving a student a consistent accommodations for assessment for a long period of time beyond a unit of study without considering 504 actions or further formal documentation of the accomdation need. 

Please see any MTSS Co-Teacher, MTSS Coordinator or Sarah Mumm with any questions on any of these key philosophies shared. 

LAST DAY to register for IgKnight Conference TODAY (EC-12)

 IgKnight Registration is closing TODAY! All staff must register prior to October 16th at 4:00pm (this was extended to today for us to publicize one last time in the blog).  Please use this link to select your sessions prior to the closing of the system.  LINK

IgKnight Conference Registration Closes Soon (EC-12)

 IgKnight Registration is closing soon! All staff must register prior to October 15th.  Please use this link to select your sessions prior to the closing of the system.  LINK

Common Feedback One Session (EC-12)

 Over the first trimester the goal for all staff was to engage in the first common feedback one.  The emphasis of that session was to understand the feedback process with students and the types and levels of feedback.  Below is a visual that will assist all staff in seeing the three levels of feedback and a quick check on the foundation of each of the nine types.  Please reflect over the course of the month what level of feedback you are engaging in with your students and how you might co-construct with the use of  questioning at a higher level in order to engage and empower the learner to drive their learning journey. 

Curriculum Chats with MTSS and SPED (EC-5)

Curriculum Chats took place today with MTSS and SPED staff.  Thank you to all that were able to attend.  The following was discussed.  

-Reminders that the small group dyslexia team is meeting again coming up in November.  No state movement on the requirements of this process at this time

-MTSS Co-Teacher meeting met the other day and had great discussions.  We will be following up with CHESS and Coordinators.  We are looking to add a google form for co-teachers to request possible pull out. 

-We discussed the need to share the essential focus of SPED and MTSS and build capacity of our community, internal stakeholders and external stakeholders.  

-We reviewed the discussion of SPED staff also assisting, when groups allowed and are focused on similar needs, MTSS students.

-The team discussed how to now over support and allow students to show the level of support they need to be successful and scaffold off support in order to determine the intervention level or eligibility lefel needed for long term learning. 

-The team took time to discuss looking at tools in the future for SPED and Gen Ed as we complete Curriculum review processes. 

Next week we will have a joint K-1 chat and begin the cycle over again. Here is the recurring  LINK

Comprehensive Literacy Plan Review (EC-12)

 Today the Comprehensive Literacy Plan Review Team met to begin the review of the State of Illinois Plan.  The following were tasks and updates from the team:

• The team reviewed possible timelines and updates on the review of the 7 components of the plan

• Grade span groups took an initial review of practices aligned and not aligned to evidence of the plan from the State of Illinois, to meet the expectations in each of the 7 components

• The plan is currently adopted in Illinois but no implementation matrix has been approved for public schools at this time

• The next steps for the full committee include:

• Considering options for further detailed assessment, self-assessment and auditing of our current practices

• Further outlining specific detailed discussions around specific practices that the State does not recommend and how they fit into our Kaneland practices 

• Begin a more detailed review of data literacy and formative assessments

• Further explore the concepts of data literacy and digital literacy 

The team plans to meet in early December to further the next steps in the planning work.  Please feel free to ask any of our members follow up questions.  Thank you!

Members Present in October:

Sarah Mumm, Pamela Hart, Kylie Modaff, Kathy Jurasek, Kelly Johnson, Jessica Bloomquist,Jessica Parker, Liz Orman, Samantha Maurer, Stephanie Unger, Sara Fisco, Terra Pyfer, Kate Atkins, Shannon Shanahan, Jessica Ahlmann, Rachael Walker, Katie Reilley, Liz Land, Alicia Hardy, Stacie Salzman, Mary Knepp, Chris Sears, Jenelle Mance, Nancy Meisenger, Melanie Chambers

3 Ways to Use Proficiency Tables (k-12)

Teachers across Kaneland are leveraging proficiency tables to drive instruction and foster student growth. Here are 3 of the most common uses of tables, as observed on recent learning walks. 

1. Student Self-Reflection and Goal Setting- Students are empowered to actively drive their own learning when they are given opportunities to self-reflect on their current level of proficiency within a standard, and to set personal goals for their next steps in learning. 

2. Communicate Learning Expectations to Students- High levels of clarity within learning experiences  are associated with increased motivation, increased achievement, and improved self-regulation skills in students. 

3. Drive Feedback Conferencing- Proficiency tables support levels 2 and 3 of the Feedback Typology. They provide the foundation for discussions around learning progress, gaps in learning, and the construction of new knowledge. 

Curriculum Chats Exploratory (K-5)

  Curriculum Chats took place today with Exploratory staff.  Thank you to all that were able to attend.  The following was discussed.  

-Feedback on the process of exploratory review cycle

-The process of horizontal collaboration time on IgKnight

-The PR of our amazing exploratory activities and events

Next week we will have a MTSS and SPED chat.  Here is the LINK

World Language and Exploratory Curriculum Review (6 - 12)

At the secondary level, there are two areas up for curricular review this school year. One is high school world language, and the second is middle school exploratories. Through this process, teachers will be reflecting on units of study, specific learning targets, and their proficiency tables. This work has been designed to identify areas of improvement within the scope and sequence of current class offerings.

In September, the high school world language department met to review their units of study. Because the Spanish I offering at KHS aligns with the middle school offering of Spanish, a member of the middle school was in attendance for the review. World language is in a unique situation as it will become a graduation requirement in 2028 and the department will not have another opportunity to review their curriculum prior to this state level change.

The team met diligently and is on track to improve the offerings for our students in both Spanish and French courses. This week, the middle school exploratory teachers will meet to engage in a similar process.

Exploratory Curriculum Review Follow Up and Feedback Need (K-5)

 The Exploratory Curriculum Review Team met for the first of many meetings to begin the work of reviewing topics, units of study and needs in the Exploratory content areas.   During the first meeting the team developed a staff survey to collect feedback on possible topics and learning content for future Exploratoires.  K-5 staff please take a moment to complete this survey  prior to October 10th.  This survey is essential in giving feedback on the learning needs of our students and to help the committee make next steps decisions. If you have any questions at all feel free to reach out to a committee member listed below.   

Laurel Scigouski

Patricia Barton

Sadie Stark

Jennifer Madsen

Colleen Grigg

Kimberly Nelson

Jessica Dixon

Gail Payton

Brandon Fox

Jamie Holubecki

Amanda Nelson

Tracy Mazurkiewicz

Mary Kunstman

Carrie Svihlik

Carleen Gregg

Sarah Mumm

Laura Garland

Samantha Maurer

Stephanie Unger

Suzanne Satterfield 

Mentoring Roadmap Check-Ins (EC-12)

Mentoring Roadmap Reminder~ Year 1, 2, and 3 teachers- be sure to schedule your October check in with your Instructional Coach. The October mentoring roadmap coach check-in topics are below.

Year One: Participate in a coaching cycle, or "coaching lite" if it is the first cycle
Year Two: Reflect on personal collaboration cycle needs. Establish collaboration cycle based on identified personal needs.
Year Three: Reflect on personal collaboration cycle needs. Establish collaboration cycle based on identified personal needs.

Rubrics vs. Proficiency Tables (EC-12)

A frequently asked question is how do proficiency tables and rubrics differ. Some key differences can be found below.

Proficiency Tables

• focus on one learning standard
• describe what various degrees of proficiency look like for that one standard
• show the progression of learning within a standard
• increase clarity for student and teacher about what proficient learning looks like
• reinforce common language around a standard 
• can be used to drive formative feedback for learning

Rubrics

• describe how a product will be assessed
• are used to grade and outline multiple criteria for a specific learning product
• are not typically related to just one learning standard but incorporate performance on multiple standards 
• shows the level of achievement attained within a learning product but not learning progress within each aspect
• typically used as a summative assessment of learning

New Escape Room Coming! (EC-KIPLA)

 We are excited to announce the new escape room will be up and running very soon.  Please see the options for dates if your grade level section or team would like to attend.  Reach out to set up a reservation with Sarah Mumm at 10358@kaneland.org.  Escape Reservations 

When making a reservation consider the following:

-Half or full day? (half day is 1.5 hours and full day is 9:30 to 1:30)

-Register and collaborate with FVCC student sessions (when available) 

-Register and collaborate with KIPLA student panel (when available) 

-The room is set up to have 3 students as bankers that will need to have strong addition skills; the room begins with 5 small groups plus the banker small group. 

Feedback Types (EC-12)

 Recently at an Ad Team meeting, we took time to create a clearer version of the 9 types of feedback broken into the 3 levels.  Please feel free to post around your room and use with students during feedback conferences.  Thank you Mrs. Aversa! 

IgKnight Registration Now Open (EC-12)

 Welcome to the IgKnight Conference Registration.  We are excited for an amazing conference on November 25th.  Registration is now open through October 10th at 4:00pm.  Please log on using the link below to create your schedule.  Please note what you have registered for or save the link to your phone or device.  All staff are responsible for pulling up and following their own schedule on the conference day.  Reminder that any staff member who has not registered as of October 11th will only be allowed to select from sessions on the conference day that have openings.  Please register early!  Thank you and see you in November! 

Registration link:  https://igknightconference2024.sched.com/

Feedback Connections Competition (EC-12)

 WOW!  Kaneland staff have been busy connecting this Fall. We already have over 66 connections made so far as a district.  Please remember to reach out to a person with the job category from your puzzle piece from the first day and connect any of the ways listed below!  Good luck and keep connecting. 

 WAY: Who Are You

There is always a “WAY” to make someone’s day!  Research and identify the person that holds the position you randomly selected.  Send them a note, email or quick text to make their day.  No response or interaction is needed, just a supportive message to them.

Submit who you connected with and sent a supportive message to and the job category they hold to Educational Service Department 

1 entry 

WIL: What I Learned

Where there is a “WIL” there is a way.  Email, text, call the person and share a bit about yourself and ask them about what they do for our students in Kaneland.  

Submit a WIL, what I learned from reflection that includes three things that you learned about the person and how they are committed to our students. To the Education Service Department 

3 entries 

WHY: We Hear You 

“WHY” not actively listen and learn from each other?. Connect and discuss your why with your randomly selected job category person. Create a visual or snap a picture together showing how your whys connect to each other.   

Submit your visual or picture to Education Service Department 

4 entries 

WWF: We Want Feedback

Let’s get electrified with some feedback.  To earn 5 entries, you and the chosen partner will share a teaching video, lesson or go observe each other and use the feedback delivery table to co-construct feedback around learning for each other. 

Submit a summary of what one thing you may want to shift in your practice based on your peer’s feedback.

5 entries 

WIMS: Walk In My Shoes

On a “WIM” go and visit the randomly selected job category to see for yourself their job. Take a half day sub to shadow and observe in the person’s classroom or job area.  While you are there, consider how what they do daily connects to what you do.

Submit the date of your observation along with three things you learned during the observation to Educational Service Department

6 entries 

KDAB Delivery Table (EC-5)

 Please note the KDAB Delivery table, also found in the MTSS Guidelines for this year, to review the expectations of KDAB practices.  If your team has embedded these practices into other times of collaboration and have met with your School Admin, you may not need to attend the schedule KDAB morning meetings as a team.   

Collaborative Inquiry Joint Statement (K-5)

 - The team met for the first collaborative inquiry meeting on September 25, 2024 from 1-3 p.m. at KMAC. Members held introductions. 

- The team established the purpose for the year’s collaborative inquiry group.

- The first activity was a walk-around where the team discussed the impact our work is having on student learning. The team looked at classroom observables, data observables, staff observables, student observables, and what is holding us back. These observations will be taken back to CHESS and discussed to build the next steps. 

- The team broke up in work stations, rotated through stations and reflected on how to be a transformative team, creating wonderings through data, using data to make an impact, writing and reading across content, defining what excellence means for us in Kaneland, and ways to incentivize staff this year. All reflections will be used throughout the year to determine the next steps.

- Next, the team discussed this year’s work and signed up for small-group committee work to do the bulk of this year’s work through small group-committee collaboration. Small groups planned out their meeting times to work on their own. 

- Our next full-team collaborative inquiry meeting will take place in the last week of February or the first week of March. 

Kaneland Connects Commitment Team (EC-12)

 At the most recent Kaneland Connects Commitment Team Meeting we asked the team to share a few grows and glows.  We wanted to share our glows with all staff.  The grows will be itess we discuss for next steps at our future meetings.  

Our Fall 2024 GLOWS:

-Have seen more communication come through direct from MTSS teachers at K-5

-Kudos to KBK MTSS staff for the excellent start of the year communication

-I think KIPLA is a HUGE glow.  You’ve taken all the practices and expectations and put them together in one school and it is working well

-Students reflect on personal learning needs lot more this year than ever

-Students can self-assess and defend their learning more now than ever

-K-5 SBG  love the number scale

-So glad we changed 6-12 SBG

-The opportunity to meet and share was great tonight, thank you

-Kaneland staff are really open to listen

-1:1 commitment is overall very proficient and I feel this reflects how far we’re coming with tech

Our next Commitment Team meeting will take place in January. Thank you to the staff that were able to attend and engage in the conversations.  

IgKnight 2024 Offerings (EC -12)

Each year, Kaneland offers a day of professional learning through the IgKnight session. As learners, you are able to guide your focus for the day. The signup will go live on October 1st at 6am. Sessions fill-up quickly so please register as soon as possible. The list of opportunities have been linked here.

Curriculum Chats (KPASS ELA)

 Curriculum Chats took place today with Third Grade staff.  Thank you to all that were able to attend.  The following was discussed.  

-Looking for feedback on word study assessment and how to best use the data three times this year.  Please note when it appears in the blog to submit feedback. 

-Comprehensive Literacy Review Team EC-12 meeting this week for the first time.  Action on the progression at the state level has stalled a bit.  

-Concerns on the MTSS RFAF

Next week we will have a MTSS and SPED chat.  Here is the LINK

Formative vs. Summative Assessment (EC-12)

 Across education, and within our own learning spaces, there is an ongoing debate between the merits of formative vs. summative assessments. Both serve an important purpose in learning.  

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT:

• includes the continuous day-to-day assessment.
• is used to gauge and explore students’ understanding of a topic.
• helps to guide instruction and feedback on learners’ progress.
• is assessment for learning, in that it impacts current learning.
• Examples include exit slips, questioning/dialogue, homework, etc.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT:

• is more formal and periodic, rather than informal and continuous.
• is conducted at the end of a learning cycle, block, or unit.
• serves to summarize student's learning.
• is often compared to a standard benchmark.
• is considered assessment of learning.
• serves to validate formative assessment information.
• Examples include- tests, reports, final papers and projects, etc.

**If formative assessment is continually carried out, then the results of summative assessment shouldn’t yield any surprises.

Kaneland to Host- Immerse & Inspire: Learner-Centered Practices in Action (EC-12)

We are excited to be extending our collaboration with the Institute for Personalized Learning by serving as a host district for learner-centered site visits. The program, called Immerse & Inspire: Learner-Centered Practices in Action is described by I4PL as "a two-day practical, immersive, and hands-on look at learner-centered education. Engage with stakeholders, interact with learners, and participate in collaborative design sessions directly on site to gain valuable insights to apply to your own learning spaces. This experience is meant to connect you with educators and leaders who are committed to innovative teaching methods in a district that is navigating the process of systems-wide implementation and expansion." 

The first visits will take place in late October, and include stops at KBK, HMS, and KIPLA. If you have a learner-centered practice that you would like to have showcased during the visit, please reach out to Laura Garland at 10166@kaneland.org 

More information about the visits can be found HERE. 

Curriculum Math Review Committee (K-5)

 This week kicked off the Curriculum Review Committee for K-5 Math.  This year will be the year of working on the written curriculum, vetting tools, possible pilots, and possible purchase of tools to support our written curriculum.  The team spent most of our first day on the following tasks:

1.  Getting organized for our 10 to 12 month review process

2. Meeting in grade level teams to work on cross checking and revisions to math content language, expectations and standards

3. Holding discussions on expectations in learning for math

4. Establishing a list of edits for PBP tables, math continuum, math assessment, and report cards

The next steps for the team will be to meet for the full K-5 committee on October 28th from 9:30 to 3:00.  The team will focus on the following at the next meeting:

- Review of assessment practices and math assessment 

-Further discussion of grade span edits

-Initial review of tools to support our written curriculum  

  

How To Resources for Parents (EC-12)

 Now is the time as parents and students have settled in to the learning process to share a reminder of the great resources available to our families on our website.  Please take time to share this link in any parent communication and on your current parent information page.      

LINK

First Meeting of the Kaneland Commitment Team 2024 - 2025 (EC - 12)

As part of Kaneland Connects, the district hosts a commitment team that meets on a quarterly basis. The team comprises members of the community, distinct and building level administration, teaching, and support staff. The first team meeting of the 2024 - 2025 school was held at Kaneland Meredith Academic Center (KMAC) on Tuesday, 9/24. Topics discussed included:

• Review of the Five Commitments

• District Communications Overview

• Development of Community Goals

As part of the district’s focus on teacher to student feedback, the parents on the committee were asked to consider the following questions prior to the next meeting in January:

• What written feedback has your student received?

• What types of written feedback have you received as a parent about your student’s learning?

• What verbal feedback have you heard or your student shared?

• Has your student shared anything about participating in feedback conferences?

Compliance Check: Mandated Units of Study (K - 12)

Each year, the department of Educational Services is required to complete an audit of mandated units of study that occur within the K - 12 setting. This is done during the first semester of the school year. Sarah and James will be working with building principals and, when necessary, contacting teachers directly regarding when and how certain required units occur. 

So that we are all on the same page, we are not looking for anything new. We are completing compliance work documenting that the units of study have been designed and embedded within the context of a class, course, unit, etc.

IgKnight Conference Registration (ec - 12)

 The IgKnight conference is being held a KHS on 11/25. You will have opportunity to design your professional learning by registering for sessions on this day. Registration will open on October 1 at 6am. Please look for an email to sign-up for your IgKnight conference.  

Student Panel (EC-5)

 Today we has our second panel of the school year.  The following were student voices statements shared:

What types of feedback have you engaged in so far with your teacher?

The teacher shared that I am a pretty good student in her class

The teacher shared what I might do next in learning 

When I was younger it was a lot of good jobs and now it is more specific feedback on what I need to work on and changes to make

She gives me feedback on my writing and what to change

I learn what I do wrong or right in my work

My teacher shares how they care about me

My P.E. teacher shares tips on how to do better on skills

My teacher breaks down skills when I am struggling

My teacher uses positive statements

My teacher shared challenges and strengths

I get chances to share what I am doing well in my work and sharing why I think that is going well 

What types of feedback do you find beneficial to promote next steps in learning?

When I get feedback I take notes and I use that to remember what to do in learning 

I get feedback in small conference and it reminds me of my next steps

In math I get a worksheet and I get a harder worksheet when I am ready

I get the ability to select a harder content as I progress

I like to conference with the teacher, the teacher does not do the work for me I am in charge of the work

During WIN time the teacher checks in on my tasks and asks me questions to check on my progress

I am responsible for my learning 

My teacher helps when I do not know a word and he gives me help when I am stuck

I do like getting a checklist that I can be responsible to follow

Keep Connecting! (EC-12)

 It has been so exciting seeing all the puzzle connections this Fall.  Remember keep connecting with your peers across schools based on the puzzle piece you picked up the first day.  We have had 92 connections made across the district so far!  The Fall Semester RAFFLE is coming!!

Level of Connecting and Committing 

Activity

Evidence of Connection and Commitment

Raffle Entries if Completed

WAY: Who Are You- 1 entry 

There is always a “WAY” to make someone’s day!  Research and identify the person that holds the position you randomly selected.  Send them a note, email or quick text to make their day.  No response or interaction is needed, just a supportive message to them.

Submit who you connected with and sent a supportive message to and the job category they hold to Education Service Department   

WIL: What I Learned- 3 entries 

Where there is a “WIL” there is a way.  Email, text, call the person and share a bit about yourself and ask them about what they do for our students in Kaneland.  

Submit a WIL, what I learned from reflection that includes three things that you learned about the person and how they are committed to our students. To the Education Service Department 

WHY: We Hear You- 4 entries 

“WHY” not actively listen and learn from each other?. Connect and discuss your why with your randomly selected job category person. Create a visual or snap a picture together showing how your whys connect to each other.   

Submit your visual or picture to Education Service Department 

WWF: We Want Feedback- 5 entries 

Let’s get electrified with some feedback.  To earn 5 entries, you and the chosen partner will share a teaching video, lesson or go observe each other and use the feedback delivery table to co-construct feedback around learning for each other. 

Submit a summary of what one thing you may want to shift in your practice based on your peer’s feedback.

WIMS: Walk In My Shoes-6 entries 

On a “WIM” go and visit the randomly selected job category to see for yourself their job. Take a half day sub to shadow and observe in the person’s classroom or job area.  While you are there, consider how what they do daily connects to what you do.

Submit the date of your observation along with three things you learned during the observation to Educational Service Department

Curriculum Chat (KPASS)

 This week we held a STEM focused Curriculum Chat.  Thank you to all who were able to attend today.  The following was discussed:

-Upcoming changes to units of study may come out in January.  We will update as we hear more from the State and the ROE

-Impact Social Studies books should be out and updated with the correct journal numbers in schools

-Impact Social Studies will have virtual training options at IgKnight Conference

-More options to pilot math materials coming this winter

-Possible safety units of study coming later this year

-Options for parent teacher conferences, we will further discuss as a EAC discussion this school year

-Options for horizontal collaboration at IgKnight Conference

-IAR Pilot will be coming out in October, Sarah will let any schools know if they are selected

Next week's chat will be focused on KPASS ELA.  Here is the recurring link.

Math Norming Clock Hours (K-5)

 Recently the K-5 staff took part in a full day of professional development with embedded math scoring practice.  Due to the unique nature of the limited scoring time and heavy emphasis on professional development as part of the sessions, we were able to qualify the sessions for math norming as clock hour sessions through the new regulations for professional growth clock hours through the State of Illinois.  If you would like to claim clock hours for attending the math norming as clock hours in ELIS, you must sign in with the Instructional Coaches (see them at your school) and fill out the evaluation for your designated grade level listed below.  Thank you to all staff for engaging in high levels of discussion around math practices and professional development during these norming sessions.    

KPASS

Kindergarten

First Grade

Second Grade

Third Grade

Writing Assessments K-5 (K-5)

 Please remember the writing process for this year has shifted and writing should be assessed at the end of each genre.  Pre-assessing writing may take place as part of the writer's workshop process, but is not required to be recorded formally.  Please take a moment to check out the writing assessment information shared here.  We have updated the assessment document to include frequently asked and answered questions.  Always remember we do use the Lucy Calkins Units of Study Tool for our Writing practices as well unless you have met with your Administrator and have exhibited proficiency on the writing delivery table and discussed other tools that work for your instruction.  It is an expectation that Writer's Workshop is the practice for all students in your classroom for writing this year.  If at any time you need support in writing practices please reach out to your Instructional Coach for support.     

Word Study Assessment Feedback Wanted (K-5)

 Word Study and Sight Word Assessments are new this school year for our K-5 students.  As you have assessed and used the assessments, please take a moment to reflect on the process of the assessment, the trends you see as you review the assessment, and the ideas you have to enhance or edit the assessment.  Take a moment in the next month to email Sarah Mumm if you have any suggested edits for the word study or sight word assessment process or assessment itself.  Edits will be collected in the Fall and Spring only the first year.  Please be sure to share your ideas this first year to have your shared voice in the assessment process.  The assessments were created by staff last year and will be editing with a staff committee later in the Spring.    

Feedback Audits Continue (EC-8)

 Feedback audits continue over the next three weeks.  The purpose and intent of the audits is to provide an outside perspective of any feedback that is shared with students around transition times and learning.  Anne Olsen conducts the feedback audits, but does not share any specific teacher, or grade level information with Administration about the audits.  The data collected during the audits that is shared is a summary of the levels (1-3 and 9 types) of feedback that are being shared and co-constructed in our learning environments in order for the district to help plan and provide professional development towards our "all in" feedback goal revolving around the nine types of feedback.  The audits should be in random classrooms at all K-8 schools for about 10-15 mins. If you have any questions at all about the audits please do not hesitate to reach out to James Horne or Sarah Mumm.  Audits are always non-evaluative.  Please note these are different than the learning walks that are conducted by the Department of Educational Service.

MTSS Coordinator Summary (K-5)

 This week the K-5 MTSS Coordinators met for the first formal meeting of the year!  The following is a summary of the meeting discussion:

-Review and discussion of assessment updates and procedures took place to check the data wall and current data collection procedures

-Discussion of MTSS Coordinator postion to support enhancement and acceleration of math progress

-Reminders that Coaches will not be attending all huddles in order for them to be able to meet with staff for coaching cycles, planning meetings, and Teacher check ins 

-The team took time to change a huddle date for KIPLA in March that conflicted with the Choralfest

-The team took time to review the needs of coverage in the escape room this Fall and discuss KDAB goal topics.  Kudos to all the hard work on KDAB this Fall!  Such great data goals being set and discussed by teams!

-CASEL data reflections were discussed with the Behavior Facilitators and options for PD for teams discussed

-Updates for the KIPLA check in and round huddles were discussed and planned for the year

-Pretest domains and totals to keep on the data wall were discussed and planned for the year, data walls will be updated.  The district will keep the pretest score based on the two required domains and the post test score based on all domains.

-ESGI testing windows for Fall were discussed.

-The team had a discussion to discuss what we would want an assessment platform to do for us and how we would want to use data to drive decision making for learning.  This will be a longer term analysis of our practices that we embark on over the next few years. 

-The team discussed adding sight words to the data wall this school year, but decided any time that an assessment is in the first year we will hold it on a different form until after the first year.  We will be asking for feedback on the initial assessment this Fall and into the Spring.  Be sure to take time to look for trends on your word study assessments for student progress and to guide your instruction. 

-The team shared an update on the dyslexia subgroup work.  The small group will be working more on the process this week.  

-The team continues to discuss the use of Fall Rigby and the need of finding the levels for Fall or starting with the Spring or Trimester 3 level to begin our reading groups.  We will continue to gather feedback on assessment practices for next year during the winter to set our practices for next year.

- The team discussed the need to cancel KDAB kick off and cancel for the Fall and discuss the data in Collaborative Inquiry due to being short at subs at a few schools.  In order to keep equal practices at all schools, we chose to cancel for this Fall and reassess our KDAB kick and culmination practice. 

-The team reviewed the expected reporting dates:

 Progress Report Dates: (AS NEEDED BASIS)

1st trimester - Friday, September 20, 2024

2nd trimester - Friday, December 13, 2024

3rd trimester - Friday, April 11, 2025

Report Card Dates (due/posted)

1st trimester-go live Friday, November 15, 2024 at 4:00 pm

Due in Infinite Campus by midnight on Wednesday, November 13, 2024

2nd trimester-go live Friday, February 21, 2025  at 4:00 pm

Due in Infinite Campus by midnight on Wednesday, February 19, 2025

3rd trimester- go live Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 4:00 pm (TBD)

Due in Infinite Campus by midnight Monday, May 19, 2024