West Hempstead Weekly Update

The Designing Learning framework is an educational approach #WHe use to engage students and close the aspiration gap. The framework encompasses several key principles aimed at enhancing the learning experience for students and staff:

The Designing Learning framework consists of: Connection Before Content, Acceleration not Remediation, Rethinking Success Criteria, Higher-Level Thinking, Student Agency, Authentic Work, and Technology Infusion.

The "Acceleration, not Remediation" principle is a proactive approach to education that prioritizes nudging students to achieve their highest potential rather than solely addressing their weaknesses. Here's a more detailed explanation of this principle:

• High Expectations: "Acceleration, not Remediation" starts with the belief that all students have the potential to excel and achieve at high levels. It sets high expectations for students, regardless of their current level of knowledge or skill. This sends a powerful message that educators believe in their students' abilities to succeed.
• Challenge and Engagement: Instead of spending excessive time remediating or reviewing basic concepts, this principle encourages teachers to provide students with challenging content and tasks. When students are engaged in more advanced material, they are more likely to stay motivated and develop a love for learning. This approach helps prevent boredom and disengagement.
• Differentiated Instruction: "Acceleration, not Remediation" doesn't mean ignoring individual learning needs. Instead, it involves differentiating instruction to meet students where they are and progressively moving them beyond their current level.
• Mastery Mindset: This principle aligns with a mastery mindset, where students are encouraged to embrace challenges and view effort as a path to mastery. When continually challenged, students develop resilience and believe in overcoming obstacles.
• Preventing Stagnation: In traditional remediation-focused approaches, students may become stagnant or develop a sense of learned helplessness. By promoting acceleration, educators aim to keep students on a continuous growth and improvement trajectory.
• Preparation for Future Success: By challenging students with more advanced content and tasks, educators better prepare them for future academic success. This approach can lead to a deeper understanding of concepts, critical thinking skills, and the ability to tackle complex problems—highly valued qualities today.
• Positive Self-Concept: Students who are consistently challenged and experience success develop a positive self-concept and a sense of competence. This can boost their confidence and motivation, leading to a positive feedback loop of continued growth and achievement.

In essence, "Acceleration, not Remediation," is a proactive approach to education that recognizes the untapped potential in every student. It promotes a culture of high expectations, engagement, and continuous improvement. By challenging students with appropriately challenging content and tasks, educators aim to empower them to reach their full potential and become lifelong learners prepared for future complexities.

Teamwork at Chestnut Street Early Primary Center is the foundation of the school's success. The staff, students, and parents unite as a harmonious community dedicated to nurturing young minds and fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. Staff collaborates seamlessly, sharing innovative teaching strategies and experiences to create engaging lessons that cater to individual learning needs. Students are encouraged to work together in their classrooms and extracurricular activities, promoting cooperation, empathy, and social skills. Parents play an active role in the educational journey, forming a strong partnership with the school to ensure the best possible outcomes for their children. At Chestnut Street, teamwork is not just a concept; it's a way of life that shapes tomorrow's future leaders and lifelong learners.

At Cornwell Ave School, the philosophy strongly emphasizes instilling important foundation skills in every lesson. #WHe firmly believe that these skills are not confined to the classroom but serve as essential building blocks that students can carry throughout their lives. When students enter Cornwell Ave., they are immersed in an environment that promotes language skills, motor skills, problem-solving, and effective communication. The staff recognizes that education should extend beyond rote memorization, and our commitment is to empower our students with the tools they need to excel academically, thrive personally, and contribute positively to society. Cornwell Ave School is dedicated to preparing students for a future where these vital skills are not just an advantage but a necessity.

The beauty of morning routines at George Washington School lies in the gentle rhythm that sets a positive tone for each day. As the sun's rays filtered through the classroom windows, students and educators embarked on a journey of learning and discovery. A sense of anticipation and possibility was in the air as students greeted their peers and teachers, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. From the quiet moments of reflection during morning meetings to the lively exchanges in the hallways, the morning routines foster a sense of community and readiness for the day ahead. In these moments, #WHe recognize the potential of each new day and the opportunity for growth, both academically and personally, making the mornings at George Washington School wonderful.

A secondary school's ability to provide various services is paramount to supporting student success. Education is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor; students come with diverse needs and aspirations. These services encompass academic, emotional, and social support systems that create a holistic environment for growth. Academic services, such as tutoring, advanced placement courses, and career counseling, help students excel in their studies and prepare for future endeavors. Emotional support services, like counseling and mental health resources, ensure that students can cope with the challenges of adolescence and maintain their overall well-being. Meanwhile, extracurricular activities, clubs, and community engagement programs offer students opportunities to develop social skills, leadership qualities, and a sense of belonging.

Furthermore, providing various services enables schools to address individual differences and learning styles. Students with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and interests can find the support they need to thrive, fostering a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. Moreover, these services help identify and assist students struggling academically, emotionally, or socially, preventing potential dropout rates (#WHe had zero dropouts last year) and facilitating early intervention.

The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) meets with the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents seven times yearly to advise, provide feedback, and present viable solutions on District initiatives and programs.

Central Office wishes to begin discussions and hear feedback from students representing every West Hempstead school, except Chestnut Street, to identify ways to improve the educational program for them further.

The Superintendent’s Student Cabinet comprises student ambassadors from West Hempstead Secondary School, George Washington Intermediate School, and Cornwell Avenue Primary Center.

Ideas for using AI in schools:

• Generate an argument and then have them annotate it according to how effective they thought the argument was for a specific audience. Then, they turned in a rewrite based on their criticism.
• In written assignments, the teacher will assess the prompt and - or even rather than - the essay itself. "Knowing the words to use in a prompt and then understanding the output that comes back is important.
• Educators must now show students how to find it [information], what information to trust and what not to, and how to tell the difference. "Teachers are no longer gatekeepers of information but facilitators.
• The "X"-centric response included no information about the origins of print in "Y" or "Z." The teacher can use that as the starting point for a conversation about bias. "It's a great way to focus on media literacy.

https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/04/06/1071059/chatgpt-change-not-destroy-education-openai/

With "WHe" as our theme this year, #WHe are inspired to explore, discover, and achieve future wonders. Allow me to share some of the ways one could envision completing the idea of "WHe" throughout this remarkable journey:

• Wonder and Curiosity: Let us ignite a spark of wonder and curiosity in every aspect of our learning. Encouraging students and staff alike to question, explore, and seek knowledge beyond the ordinary.
• “WH”olistic Education: Emphasizing the growth of the whole individual – social, emotional, and academic. We aim to provide opportunities for personal development and well-being in addition to academic excellence.
• Empathy and Humanity: "WHe" stands for "We" as well, reminding us of our collective responsibility to foster empathy, compassion, and kindness. We will create a supportive and inclusive community where everyone feels valued.
• Waves of Change: As a theme, "WHe" also signifies the ever-changing tides of life. We will adapt to new challenges, embrace innovation, and be resilient in the face of uncertainty.
• Expressions of Art and Culture: "WHe" encompasses the essence of artistic and cultural expressions. We will celebrate creativity, appreciate diversity, and nurture talents in various forms.
• Wellness and Health: Prioritizing physical and mental health, creating a safe and nurturing environment where everyone can thrive and grow.
• Leadership and Collaboration: "WHe" represents collective wisdom and the power of collaboration. We will empower our students to be leaders in their own right while fostering teamwork and cooperation.

Email: drehman@whufsd.com
Website: www.whufsd.com
Location: 252 Chestnut Street, West Hempstead, NY,
Phone: 516-390-3000