Students left my building yesterday for summer. I have last day teacher stuff today then I leave for summer too. This is the first time in 16 years that I haven’t taught summer school, so this summer will look a little different for me. I read a tweet last night (couldn’t find it today of course to give credit) that said start planning for August in May. That’s my goal. I’m putting my list of things to accomplish on this blog to hold myself accountable. We’ll see how well I did come August.
- Start planning more conceptual/hands-on lessons
- Find and make some 3-Act math lesson
- Have practice choices so students always have a choice (thanks @alicekeeler)
- Make #hyperdocs to support my flipped classroom
- rethink HOW I do flipped classroom
- Create more digital #BreakoutEDU to introduce or support learning concepts.
- Coordinate our #SJSDEdWeek
- Present at #elevateEDU
- Meet with some schools to help the utilize tech FOR learning
- attend #iste2106 (WOOT!)
- Finish reading: The Classroom Chef
- Reread: Teach Like A Pirate, Ditch That Textbook, Drive, The Innovator’s Mindset, Fair Isn’t Always Equal
- Read: On Your Mark, Learn Like A Pirate, Hacking Assessment
- Enjoy my kids
- Make a few quilts
- Paint my bathroom
Wow, that’s a long list. Everything (except for the last 3) on that list stems from my reflection over this year and how I can improve learning for students.
Reflection:
- Standards Based Learning was a huge success. Student’s mindset towards learning improved SO much, we had more success than ever before (and our students still came to us way below grade level). And as a side note – state scores did go up.
- I continued the student data tracking and reflection piece and saw student ownership of their learning increase significantly.
- I increased the amount of activities for students, some tech some not, and saw engagement increase.
- I stopped giving homework and started allowing students to practice when they needed and how much they needed. Students started asking for more than I would ever have given them.
- We convinced admin to allow us to continue working on semester 1 standards through semester 2 and had an additional 20 students pass.
I call this year a success and look forward to 2016-2017!
Infinitely Teaching 