Collaborative Groups Reflect on Rounds Progress

Last week, IMMS received our data from our 3rd Instructional Rounds visit.  It wasn't exactly what we wanted to see, but the leadership team pulled important information/insight from our data:

Overall, data showed that teachers are at different levels of implementation.  Some are working hard to implement all aspects of our Problem of Practice (POP) improvement strategies, while others are a bit slower to implement.  This was a huge flag that it is time for me to differentiate as a principal, just like a teacher would do in their classroom!

One of our main goals is to get students talking more.  Collaborative groups are a great way to allow time for conversations, so that is what I modeled at our IR PD session last week.  The feedback I've received has been very positive.  Teachers enjoyed spending our time talking and learning from others about various aspects related to our POP. I learned a lot as well listening to all our amazing educators sharing their thoughts and ideas.  It was a very successful PD session on the Rounds process!

Five Stations were set up around the room.  I'm including the prompt at each station, the feedback taken from our artifacts, and pictures of IMMS Rock Stars at work...

Station 1: Based on your experiences this year, what are the barriers to successful implementation of Problem of Practice strategies?(5 Star Answers, Asking HOT ?s, Collaborative Group Work, Students Talking More) What are possible solutions to overcoming these barriers?

Station 2: Utilize any device and find examples of collaboration activities and strategies that help support these activities so that they are successful.  Share what you find…

Station 3: Academic Vocabulary is a key component in our Rounds process.  Share creative strategies you utilize in your classroom to encourage vocabulary acquisition…

Station 4: Reflect on changes you have made to your instructional practices since the beginning of the year as a result of the Rounds initiative.  Share what you do differently now, and the impact it has had on learning for your students.

Station 5: Vocabulary Sort – 2 Groups
You have 21 terms in front of you.  Classify the terms into no more than 4 categories. You decide the category titles… Use the sticky notes to write the titles.  When finished, share and justify your classification to the other group at your table.

I would love to hear your thoughts and reflections on our learning!  Please comment below...