Week 23: Elevating Excellence by Reflective Practice

Happy Friday!

Thank you for all you did this week for our students and each other! I am sorry to inform you that our data system, COGNOS, is still down so updates to our performance are not completely available and we still await some assessment results for the academic portions of our performance targets. Nevertheless, our resolve to increase learning and attendance while decreasing discipline issues continues. Thank you!

In this week’s Wrap-up, I want to emphasize the need for personal reflection and growth by highlighting the broader scope of research in education and our purpose for instructional data gathering and use. There is always more to learn!

Educational Research

For a comprehensive understanding of the latest educational research, I encourage you to explore the 10 Most Significant Education Studies of 2023 detailed on Edutopia. This collection highlights groundbreaking insights ranging from the application of AI in education to the neuroscience of learning, the effects of tone of voice on classroom culture, and the importance of social-emotional learning. Each study provides valuable strategies that can transform classroom practices and enhance student learning.

Particularly interesting are the findings from the study Brains That Fire Together Wire Together. The study explores the concept of brain synchrony in education, revealing that students who share similar neural patterns with their peers and teachers tend to perform better academically. This research emphasizes the importance of direct instruction and peer-to-peer learning, suggesting that a cohesive learning environment, where students are mentally aligned, can significantly enhance understanding and retention of complex topics. This study serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role relationships play in fostering an effective and inclusive learning atmosphere. I know many of you have seen this happen in classes that have built a really good rapport with one another. Now there is some science to confirm what we have observed.

There is also a study, number 6 in the linked page, that diminishes the traditional concept of grading student writing by providing explicit feedback. This should be of interest to any of you who spend hours grading essays.

Calling Experts in Education and Library Science

I invite you to a unique opportunity to join an expert panel to shape a research study close to our hearts, led by a dear friend and esteemed professor. This research aims to assess the information literacy competencies of rural high school STEM students, a crucial skill for their success in any postsecondary path. By joining this expert panel, your feedback on the survey's clarity and relevance will be instrumental in refining the final instrument before data collection begins. This is a chance to make a significant impact on preparing our students for the future, and I sincerely hope you will consider lending your expertise to this vital work.

Bailey Group Insight

We now have a clearer picture of our instructional strengths and areas of improvement. A consultant from The Bailey Group observed our middle and high school classrooms recently. The report applauds Mena Public Schools for their robust instructional vision, for maintaining safe and orderly campuses, and for the professionalism of staff. Class sizes favor effective teaching, and student engagement is high. The district's dedication to school improvement and data-informed planning is commendable, as is their investment in instructional materials and coaching. However, concerns include the widespread absence of posted learning objectives, limited use of formative assessments, and a lack of standards-related materials in classrooms. Additionally, there's a need for more coherent lesson planning and higher-order questioning strategies to enhance learning outcomes.

On Monday, the secondary principals, Mrs. Buckley, and I met with Feather Linn from Bailey Group to strategize around these findings. We determined that there would be a focus on writing good lesson objectives as the first step to improving learning.

The ‘widespread absence of learning objectives’ may be a perplexing result to you all if you have looked at any of the shared walkthrough data reports in past Wrap-ups. In those reports, we have indicated a high number of learning objectives being posted; however, how we are writing our objectives is not aligned with highly effective, research-based methods. Therefore, this will be our first focus point for improving instruction.

The construction of a learning objective is fundamental to effective teaching and learning. According to educational research, a well-crafted learning objective should clearly articulate the desired outcome of instruction, be measurable, and directly relate to the curriculum standards. This specificity ensures that objectives are actionable and assessable, providing a clear target for both instruction and assessment. Emphasizing the importance of proper learning objectives is crucial, as they guide instructional planning, inform students of expectations, and serve as a basis for evaluating student progress and instructional effectiveness.

Crafting an effective learning objective requires articulating the specific skill or knowledge students will acquire by the end of the lesson, ensuring it aligns with the broader scope and sequence of the school's academic departments. A well-constructed objective is professional in tone, understandable to students, and focuses on mastery for all students. For instance, a refined objective might state, "In today's lesson we will research the benefits and drawbacks to cellphones in the classroom using articles, videos, and discussion to develop a claim that is supported by credible sources and can be used to create an argument." This objective is clear, aligned with curriculum expectations, and communicates the expected outcome without specifying a numerical measure of accuracy, emphasizing holistic achievement. Using ‘I can’ statements are another very good way to write learning objective. For example, “I can briefly describe a specific disagreement that people have about the assassination of President Kennedy”. The use of ‘I can’ causes your students to personalize and internalize the outcome of the lesson before instruction begins.

Here are some other things you should be doing to make sure you are effectively delivering your content:

* Explicitly unpack learning goals and make connections to prior learning at the start of a lesson.

* Facilitate student-led discussions and encourage students to respond to and build on each other's ideas.

* Ask open-ended, higher Depth of Knowledge questions and prompt students to ‘put into words what they have learned’ (i.e., What makes you say that? Why? Tell me how...).

* Use formal and informal data to adapt instruction.

* Use a variety of reliable strategies to monitor student understanding and modify instruction in the moment.

* Provide students with scaffolding, support, and differentiated materials.

In alignment with our school's mission to foster a supportive and innovative learning environment, these actions reflect our commitment to excellence in education. By actively engaging in these practices, you are not just teaching; you are empowering our students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and become lifelong learners. Our vision is to nurture a community where every individual is encouraged to explore their potential and contribute positively to society. Continue to work and plan together, using these strategies as a foundation, to create a vibrant, inclusive, and inspiring educational experience for all our students.

Closing

This week, we celebrate National School Counselors Week, a time to honor and recognize the dedicated professionals who play a vital role in our students' lives. We extend our deepest gratitude to Shannon Lyle, Timothy Walston, Leilani Rose, Tonya Thacker, and Avanlea Chaney for their unwavering commitment, guidance, and support. Each day, they inspire and empower our students, helping them navigate their academic and personal journeys. Their contributions are invaluable, and we are truly fortunate to have such compassionate and skilled counselors as part of our team. Thank you for everything you do to make our school a better place.

The spring semester is building momentum and is full of activity, brimming with events that showcase the diverse talents and interests of our students. From the intense concentration of spelling bees to the dynamic energy of basketball and wrestling tournaments, the season is packed with competitions that highlight our students' dedication and hard work. Soon the fields and tracks come alive with the crack of baseball and softball bats, the swift movements of track athletes, the drive and determination of soccer teams, and the strategic planning of FFA, FBLA, and FCCLA career and leadership contests. Each event not only fosters school spirit but also cultivates the skills, teamwork, and perseverance our students carry with them beyond school grounds. This whirlwind of activities reflects the vibrant life of our school community, offering ample opportunities for students to excel, collaborate, and create lasting memories. Thanks to all of those teachers, sponsors, and coaches who take the extra time to get our students ready for these opportunities!

At Mena Public Schools our students are prepared, our staff is supported, and our community is confident.

Have a nice weekend!