Happy Friday, McKinley!
Another great week of learning and relatonships!
Perspective:
January and February can often be hard times as an educator. Below is an amazing photo - take a minute to read-
Full transparency - I came back after break facing that mountain. As I shared before, I was focused on the stress and all the "negative" about coming back. It really took me a lot of processing, tears, and supportive people to help me move my seat on the bus. Ask yourself - where are you sitting on the bus and are you currently happy with your view?
Now, based on your response, what are you doing that is determining your seat on the bus and "view"? Who are you surrounding yourself with? Are you being someone who helps others see the "view"?
Over the next week, I would challenge you to think about this - what is your "view" and what are you doing to help yourself (and others) see the beautiful view?
Do This, Not That:
I found these from the Reading League which aligns to the Science of Reading. Each week, we will highight a different component of literacy. This week, we have decoding. Below is a great graphic of the research behind what we should be doing, as well as not doing, to align to best practices. Well worth the 2 minutes to read!
Hearing more voices, preparing for conferences, and checking in with families!
Guest Blogger Eric Oppegard
Every day, we have the opportunity to hear from our students about how they feel school is going for them. But is that how they really feel? What are they telling their families? How do their families feel? How can we make sure all voices are heard?
A few years ago, I started sending out a brief survey to gather information before conferences to help me prepare. I was hoping it would prevent me from being blindsided by a comment or question from a family member at conferences, and this gave me time to think about my response. I realize this was more self-motived to avoid something. It is often easier to type/write something than actually say it. As it turned out, it opened my eyes to really hearing from families. As time passed, the survey transformed into hearing each family's perspective and gaining insight into their student’s education.
For the fall survey, I used the following questions:
Names of people attending the conference. I realize this might change, but this gives me an idea of how many people will be here.
Overall, how is your student feeling about the school year so far? This data is collected on a linear scale, with a one representing "This year has been very tough/challenging for my student" and a five representing "This has been the best year/my student is really enjoying school this year."
Please explain your rating for the previous question.
Overall, how do you, as parents/guardians, feel about the school year so far?
This data is collected on a linear scale, with a one representing “Very frustrated or displeased” and a five representing “Very pleased and happy about the year so far.”
Please explain your rating for the previous question.
What do you feel are the strengths of your student? (these can be academic, social, things you are proud of, etc)
What are some areas you feel your student needs to work on? (these can be academic, social, etc.)
Please identify any questions or concerns you would like addressed at conferences.
I change the form in the winter to gather information since the last conference. These are the questions I use for the winter conference:
Names of people attending the conference. I realize this might change, but this gives me an idea of how many people will be here.
Overall, how has your student felt about school since our last conference? This data is collected on a linear scale, with a one representing “This year has been very tough/challenging for my student” and a five representing “Feels good and is learning and enjoying school.”
Please explain your rating for the previous question.
Overall, how have you, as parents/guardians, been feeling about school since fall conferences? This data is collected on a linear scale, with a one representing “Very frustrated or displeased” and a five representing “Very pleased and happy.”
Please explain your rating for the previous question.
Please offer suggestions to help make school a great place for your student.
Please identify any questions or concerns you would like addressed at conferences.
How is this helpful? When looking through comments before conferences, I found a theme that students were not feeling good about math. I wouldn’t have found this out just from talking with the students, but obviously, they are going home sharing frustration, questions, or how they lack confidence. I could gently bring that up at conferences, and the students looked relieved that we would talk about it. We cleared up some misconceptions, and all felt positive about the conversations. One family even reached out after thanking me for bringing it up, as the student didn’t want the family to bring it up. I wouldn’t have known to bring this up had it not been on the survey.
Another example was how one student was having problems with her two friends. I didn’t see any issues in the classroom, but because the family put that on the survey, I could discuss friendships. We had a great discussion, and since I was already aware, we brainstormed possible solutions. We worked together with student input on what steps we could take. Their students didn’t want them to bring it up at conferences. Since this was shared on the survey, I was able to bring it up without the family having to, and the family was very thankful.
The information I gain through these surveys provides many talking points, helps guide my conference planning, and ensures that families and students feel their voices are heard.
International Day of Fun at Work:
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Have a GREAT weekend!
-Justin
