Family Movie Night is always such a fun event for the families in our community, and also for our IMMS family!
It isn't everyday that you get to relax and cook out hot dogs together, or maybe even speed wrap hot dogs if the grill isn't your style! There is a lot of bonding that takes place when you work on fun projects that benefit our community!
This year, there were 8 tables where parents were able to get information about the following topics:
*Getting Involved and Joining PTO
*ESL Strategies
*Testing Tips to ease STAAR Stress
*Neighborhood Safety
*Library Resources
*Community Resources
*Summer Fun - Discounts & Camps in the Community
*Athletic Information
We had almost 200 family members attend! After filling our bellies with free dinner, we settled into the auditorium to watch a movie.
What a great night!
Mark your calendars for our next Family Engagement Event -
Cinco de Mayo, but on the 4th of May!
We will have a mariachi band, jalapeno eating contest, dancers, music and food trucks! Bring your lawn chairs and get ready for another fun family event!
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 collaborationactivities
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...
Today was an exciting day at IMMS! The TCC Mobile Go Center came to Castleberry High School, and they allowed us to bring over 80 of our 8th graders for a quick lesson focused on College and Careers.
Have you ever seen the unit? It is pretty neat...The theme is Success is Within Reach, and after leaving, our students talked about all that they learned with a renewed sense of excitement.
Here are a few pictures:
Of course, I LOVE the large Texas A&M flag on the wall, but the two rows of laptops were really neat! Students used the website, www.texasrealitycheck.com to choose how they want to live after college, then the website provided career choices that made a salary high enough for the students to support their chosen lifestyle.
Thanks to the TCC Go team, the CHS counselors, and Ms. Roz & Mr. Martinez (our IMMS counselors) for making this happen! I hope that all of our 8th graders can attend next year!
If you are in the Texas area, you should look into having this great program come to your campus! What college readiness programs have you used on your campuses? How do you spark an excitement for college with your students? I look forward to hearing your ideas!
Happy 2015! The beginning of a new year is always exciting to me, especially in the world of education. It's exciting in a different way than the start of the school year. At this point, everything has been rolling along over the fall semester, and now we have an opportunity to refresh our spirits, re-prioritize initiatives and renew our commitments to ensuring that students, our "digital natives," are challenged and successful in their 21st century learning endeavors.
At Irma Marsh, we are continuing to work on our Instructional Rounds Momentum Plan. While there are some educational initiatives that I haven't been as excited about during my career, I have to say that the results of our efforts are really paying off in in the most important way - our students are showing success and confidence in their learning! Kuddos to my staff for all their hard work and willingness to try new things, as well as to our administration for their district level support!
If you are curious about what we are working on with our Instructional Rounds, feel free to hop on over to my digital portfolio for ALL the details!
One of the pieces that we need to focus on is Academic Vocabulary, and specifically, how it is incorporated into lessons and displayed in the classroom. Here is a video showcase of some of our teachers (and 1 student) sharing strategies used to teach academic vocabulary:
Some of the ideas to enhance academic vocabulary instruction shared in our faculty meeting are:
Utilizing STAAR4Ward Field Guide to identify vocabulary for each TEK.
Using vocabulary strategies before, during and after learning.
Word Sorts - Provide participants with word cards and allow them to sort THREE different ways.Allow them to explain their reasons for sorting the words.
Concept Circles - Basic level: Students can categorize words and justify the connections between and among the words. Students write about the connections they see between the words and phrases. Why are these words in the Concept Circle together? Students can be asked to shade the words that go together or the word that doesn't belong with the others. They can then write about the word or attributes that caused a word to be included or excluded.
Utilize Concept Maps
Frayer Model
Contextual Redefinition: Teacher selects words that will be upcoming in reading but are unfamiliar to students. These are presented in isolation withthe rest of the sentence missing. Students make predictionsabout possible meanings for the word based on their background knowledge and knowledge of word parts.Students are then provided with the context for each of the words to determine context clues that are helpful for confirmingor determining meanings for the target words.As students use context clues that are helpful they will list what helped them use the context clues.
Semantic Feature Analysis: Provide a grid with topics. As students read about the various people, concepts, topics, etc. They can complete the grid as the information is taught.This can also be used to summarize at the end of the chapter, unit or topic.
Keep vocabulary artifacts in a journal or notebook.
4-2-1 Summarizer (TPR): For this summarizing activity ask participants to:
1. Generate four words that capture the most important aspects of the topic/concept.
2. Share with a partner. What words do you have in common? What two words capture the most important aspects of today’s learning?
3. Determine the 1 word or big idea that best represents TPR, then share this big idea among the entire group.
Have a Word Wall that has understandable definitions, pictures and/or content examples. A timeline is a great tool for history classes!
Teach prefixes and suffixes that can be applied to other words!
Study Blue and Cahoot are great web apps to help reinforce vocabulary!
I know that there are so many great strategies out there! Please comment below and share some of yours so that we can all learn from each other...I look forward to hearing your ideas!
I've been reflecting lately on the term "teacher" as it relates to our initiatives on campus. The definition of a teacher according to Webster is:
noun: a person or thing that teaches something; especially : a person whose job is to teach students about certain subjects
I think we should call our classroom educators "Leaders of Learning" instead of "Teachers"... Isn't that what we want them to do? Suddenly, many school administrators are working to shift the thought process from the WHAT to the HOW.
“How do our students learn?”
"How can I format this lesson to ensure students learn?"
Good educators take this to the level it needs to be by recognizing that all students learn differently. Differentiated classroom learning
experiences are a regular practice rather than "something else to do".
Why is this shift of thinking so critical?
Our students are currently being prepared for a world that we can hardly imagine.
We are deeply entrenched into a world of learning, where learning is as common as breathing in our responsive, quick feedback technologically advanced society.
Our students are Digital Natives. They have the ability to use tools to learn in the way that suites them best if provided this differentiation to become the critical thinkers that will help them achieve success in their future.
It's best for kids...And isn't that why we are in this business?
Learning is at the core of teaching today — and just about everything else. Where are you on your personal learning journey? How can you make the shift from being a teacher to a Leader of Learning?
For the first time in a long time, I am SERIOUSLY working on finishing my doctoral degree. It feels good because I feel like my mind is completely wrapped around the topic, since it is near and dear to my educational philosophies.
I will be talking to graduates of online principal preparation programs to see if the virtual learning environment increased their competence as a leader to implement 21st century learning skills, specifically digital fluency and digital literacy on their campuses.
In an edchat yesterday, we were challenged to consider the changes in education - students, teachers, & parents, as well as explore how to improve the learning environments on our campus so that 21st century skills are embedded deeper into our campus culture.
I would love for school leaders to share how you embed 21st century skills in your campus culture, specifically digital fluency!
We are so excited that we have the majority of our netbooks rolled out to our 7th and 8th grade students. Let the 1-to-1 technology infusion begin!
As I have went into classrooms the last week, it is exciting to see students utilizing technology! Here are some tips and tricks for teachers working to establish a successful one to one classroom:
I've spent a lot of time in classrooms over the last week, and I'm so excited about what I see. In fact, I have to admit that I am a little bit jealous of all my teachers. I love procedures...and I love relationships. There are many times I miss having my own classroom, and the beginning of school is one of those times. They get to set the tone in their classrooms... What an exciting challenge!
No matter where we are in our careers, I think we can all pull from the resources on Edutopia to perfect our classroom management craft...Spend some time perusing and enjoy!
A quote I found has really made me think about where we are going on my campus.
"We must move beyond the implementation phase of change when
new ideas and practices are tried for the first time, to the
institutionalization phase when new practices are integrated
effortlessly into teachers' repertoires. This holds true for leaders as
well and might ultimately be more important for sustainable change."
--Anderson and Stiegelbauer
(1994)
We have come a long way at Irma Marsh. I'm excited about how we have learned to utilize technology applications over the last year. With our 1-to-1 moving to both 7th and 8th grades this year, we have an even greater urgency to not only learn about new tools and applications, but implement our technology resources seamlessly into lessons. Rather than technology being "something else to plan", we need to move to the mindset that technology resources should be used to support the curriculum at the intended rigor of the TEKS. When our 21st century learners are engaged in the work provided to them, great things will happen! Let's do this!
I'm excited about our continued journey this year!
This is a great read for anyone that would like to grow and improve as a digital leader. Eric is a principal that has a handle on what kids need in our digital-aged society to help them be successful in their future...
Chapter 9 was really interesting to me because I continuously strive as a leader to include digital resources and cutting age technology in all that I do as a model for my teachers. I try to engage my TEACHERS so that they in turn find it easy to engage their STUDENTS. Hence the title of this chapter: Increasing Student Engagement and Enhancing Learning. A "must read" for digital leaders!
Though many of us believe in technology’s ability to
transform teaching and learning environments, others still treat technology as
a frill and place high emphasis on standardization of curriculum.
Digital leadership is a mindset and a call to transform a
school’s culture.Digital tools allow
for co-construction of knowledge, sharing of information and feedback.Increases in student achievement becomes a
reality when we meet and anticipate the needs of digital-age learners. We need to all remember that technology shouldn't be "something else to do", but rather a way to make what we do as educators easier! This is the direction I hope to take my staff this year...I want to see a seamless infusion of technology resources rather than a planned dog and pony show that isn't at the rigor of the content.
I'm fortunate enough have attended Instructional Rounds training with some great educators this week. The focus of our work this year will be supporting instructional improvements on our campus. Teachers work hard... If there is a way to help them work SMARTER with high-yield instructional strategies, more "bang for the buck" per say? Wouldn't everyone want to try it? Through my career, I've learned that generally, teachers WANT to improve. Intrinsic motivation is a great thing that can produce positive extrinsic results.
I've decided to create a "SELFIE" theme on my campus this year..."Wanna take a Selfie?" Let's begin looking at ourselves and our instructional practices in order to increase achievement in our classrooms. I'm pretty excited!
Here are some quotes that can formulate discussion/reflection as an educator:
"An optimal classroom climate for learning is one that generates an atmosphere of trust - a climate in which it is understood that it is okay to make mistakes, because mistakes are the essence of learning." -- Hattie, J. (2012)
"Perhaps the simplest way to improve classroom questioning is simply not to ask for volunteers, but instead choose a student at random." --Dylan Williams (2014)
"Studies have shown that holding students accountable for higher-order thinking by using assignments and assessments that require intellectual work and critical thinking increases student motivation as well as achievement." --S. Brookhart (2010)
I was reflecting on the ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for Administrators, trying to identify ways to become a stronger leader in this age of digital leadership.
The components are: Visionary Leadership - How do I inspire and lead the implementation of a comprehensive integration of technology? How do I promote excellence and support of this transformation in my organization?
Digital-Age Learning Culture - How do I create, promote, and sustain a digital culture that provides rigorous, relevant, and engaging educational experiences for our students? Excellence in Professional Practice - How do I empower my educators to embrace their own personal learning to enhance student learning by infusing technology and digital resources? Systemic Improvement - How do I continuously improve the organization through the use of information and technology resources?
Digital Citizenship - Do I model and facilitate understanding of social, ethical, and legal issues and responsibilities to an evolving digital culture?
Overall, I think that I am on track to becoming a strong digital leader. I believe it begins with an understanding and a belief that technology tools are the key to engaging our learners and preparing them for their future. As an administrator, I must model and inspire my teachers to embrace this mindset. I cannot do it alone.
Some things I will do:
Continue to model technology tools every chance that I can...
I plan on having all teachers sign up for a Conversation Circle, based on their perceived needs as a teacher. These circles will consist of a flipped PD approach, with videos to view, then Google Hangout Conversations with members in the circle about their topic.
Make sure that teachers have the equipment and skills needed to successfully infuse technology tools with their curriculum.
Empower my teachers to be digital leaders on the campus.
Becoming a strong digital leader is a journey...I'm excited to be on it! Give me your feedback. What are you doing to improve your digital leadership on your campus? I'm excited to hear your thoughts!
Blogging is something that I've always wanted to do, but haven't found the time - UNTIL NOW! (As a principal I've realized that there will never really be time unless I make it, so don't think for second that I'm sitting around twiddling my thumbs with 6.5 days of school left!)
So who am I?...and why in the world should you take time to read MY blog?
Well, I'm in my 14th year as a Texas educator. Seven of these years were teaching, both elementary and middle school science, five years as a middle school assistant principal, and I am currently finishing up my second year as a middle school principal. I have a passion for educating students and supporting the teachers that are on the front line of this challenge, neither of which is an easy job. The positive thing is that we are all working toward a common goal of student success, and we can support each other through this journey!
I'm going to focus on exploring the needs and challenges that educators face as we strive to lead the learning of our 21st century students. As I always tell my teachers, don't bring me problems without bringing possible solutions. I will strive to provide both, and I value your collaboration as an important piece of the journey!
