I hope you've had another great week of learning and relationships! Just a reminder - the DNR is here today to work with our 5th graders (please see Katie Demmer's email).
Carry the Banner:
Don't forget to carry that McKinley banner - and share all the AMAZING things you are doing with students! Not only do we carry that banner with the outside world, but it's important we see this internally, too. It's powerful to see what other things are happening in this amazing place.
Learned Helplessness (this one's also important for all staff):
You've probably heard the term "learned helplessness" at some point. In trying to help students, we can actually be unintentionally creating experiences that deepen learned helplessness.
Learned helplessness is a condition in which a student disengages, gives up, becomes helpless, and/or refuses to work. This condition is really coming from students not having to go through the process of productive struggle (another upcoming post). Bottom line - we can help this.
As you work with students, start to think about this word. If a student shuts down, disengages, etc., ask yourself - "is the task/learning something they can do AND has directions are clearly laid out". If so, the student may be showing learned helplessness. The positive? We can help this!
Rather than sweeping in and just solving the problem, consider:
- Focus on their effort, rather than ability ("wow, I could see how hard you were thinking on this" or "It's pretty impressive the effort you just put into this, even when it was hard")
- Break tasks into smaller chunks. Rather than giving a list, or having many directions, break it down into smaller chunks of directions/learning (as the student starts to master this, give 2 steps instead of one).
- Define the space - "today, we will have a lot of hard thinking in this room. You may not understand things right away. We will be sitting in some struggle today"
- Think about this beyond just academics. Are we doing things for students (academically, as well as physically) that they could be doing on their own?
- Start small! Start noticing your students when thinking about LH. Choose one student and try some strategies to see if you can move them from dependent to independent.
I will continue to share strategies and resources throughout the year. If this is something you want to talk more about, or want to brainstorm around a student, I'd love to help.
Article - 17 Ways to Combat LH
CEU Committee - Guest Blogger Kate Seifert
You may have heard that we have a couple new license requirements. There is now an American Indian History and Culture component that will be in addition to the Cultural Competency Requirement; and our Reading Preparation requirement now includes dyslexia and reading and development. The American Indian History and Culture component applies to all that are renewing in 2024. Our Staff Development and CEU teams are working on getting PD for us that will meet that requirement on MLK Day, with possible additional dates. We are approving CEUs at this time but are waiting to approve final transcripts until all of the requirements are completed and posted. Clarification from the state is still coming on this, but please reach out if you have questions!
Renewing your license soon? Or 5 years from now? Either way, you are responsible for your CEU hours and mandatory requirements. If you stay on top of it each year, it will be simple at the end of the renewal period. Here are some helpful tips for a smooth renewal process:
Log into PD Express. Make sure your dates reflect the 5 year period of your current license. You can change this by going under the My Information tab then Preferences. The start date is the date your new license was issued; the end date is when your license expires.
Check out the district website for instructions and requirements. See this presentation for step by step instructions.
Each year, take a look at your transcript to see what mandatory requirements you have, and which you still need. Try to sign up for these courses on MLK Day throughout the 5 year period.
Submit CEU classes as you get them done on PD express. (Most of our requirements are provided in the district and get uploaded for us!) In order to get classes approved, make sure you attach your certificate of attendance or completion.
Ask questions! Your CEU committee is here to help with anything you need 🙂
Building Weekly Newsletter:
Thank you for all the love, energy, and passion you have given to our kids (and each other) this week. It doesn't go unnoticed. You are truly some of the best - find some time this weekend to do something for YOU!
-Justin
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