The Raider ACE!
What's Going On In Raider Nation Vol. 2 Issue 39
In the pursuit of academic excellence, educators play a crucial role in shaping students not just as recipients of information, but as active participants in their own learning. The concept of assessment-capable learners is central to this transformative approach. These students engage with the learning process, giving and receiving feedback, presenting ideas, and collaborating on solutions. This article explores strategies for educators to cultivate assessment-capable learners, setting the stage for dynamic academic growth.
Empowering Learners Through Clarity and Adaptability: To foster assessment-capable learners, educators must establish clear learning intentions. When students understand the purpose of each lesson and the skills they are developing, they are more likely to take ownership of their education. Furthermore, teachers should continuously adapt their teaching strategies based on students' perspectives and needs. This flexibility ensures that the learning environment remains responsive and tailored to the unique characteristics of the classroom.
Data-Informed Instruction and Maximizing Effect Size: A key aspect of cultivating assessment-capable learners is the use of data to inform instruction. Regular assessment allows educators to identify areas of strength and weakness, enabling targeted interventions. By prioritizing evidence-based practices with a high effect size, educators can optimize the impact of their teaching strategies. This intentional approach not only enhances students' mastery of standards but also empowers them as active contributors to their own academic success. In conclusion, the journey to academic growth involves more than content delivery—it requires the nurturing of assessment-capable learners who are equipped to thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving educational landscape.
We are W.J. Keenan High School. Home of the Champion Raiders!
There are a few things that we will need to make sure we are doing to keep the natural order and flow of our school:
- School starts at 8:00 a.m. Remind students they need to report to class before then to avoid a tardy.
- Stand at your door during the change of each class.
- You must not leave your students unsupervised for any reason.
- Please do not allow students into the hallway without a pass.
- Please do not allow students that are not on your roster in your classroom. Students need to be in their scheduled classroom to receive credit. You are accountable for every student in your room.
- You may only sign out to leave on your planning period and/or with administrator approval in an emergency circumstance if you do not have a scheduled absence.
- If you are absent from school, it is your professional responsibility to input the appropriate information in Frontline in a timely manner. Substitutes are limited. Please check Munis prior to doing this so you are aware of your available days for an absence.
Monday, November 13, 2023
- If you set your goals ridiculously high and it's a failure, you will fail above everyone else's success. -James Cameron
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
- Faculty Meeting in the lecture hall @ 3:30 p.m.
- SIC Meeting at W.J. Keenan High School (Lecture Hall) @ 6:00 p.m.
- The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. -Walt Disney
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
CTE Instillation Ceremony (Theater) @ 10:00 a.m.
- "Get busy living or get busy dying." — Stephen King
Thursday, November 16, 2023
- "Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."– Thomas A. Edison
Friday, November 17, 2023
- Magnet meeting in the theater @ 11:10 a.m.
- "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." — Mae West
Hello Raiders,
Thank you to Mrs. Bradley and Mrs. Robinson for assisting with our PD on Visible Learning on Friday!
New Information/Reminders:
Q1 Content Recovery is available to students if work is submitted by November 30/Grade change forms need to be submitted by December 6.
By this time, you should have completed your mid-conference information in SCLead. You may do this by going to Student Growth & Professional Goals. Click on Details. Click on Mid-Course Conference. Complete the educator reflections and sign at the bottom of the page.
Dates to Remember:
November 21 - Interim Reports available
November 22-24 - Thanksgiving break
November 28-29 - English 2 End of Course testing
December 1- End of Fall evaluation cycle
December 4 - Winter End of Course Testing begins for Algebra, USH and Bio
December 15- Winter End of Course testing ends
December 19 - End of 2nd nine weeks/Semester 1/Grades due by 3:00 pm
December 20-January 2 Winter break
January 3- Teacher Workday
January 4 - 3rd quarter begins
District Focus/Visible Learning:
Teacher CLARITY is our instructional focus this year. According to John Hattie's meta-analysis, teacher clarity has an effect size of .75 which doubles student gains in learning. Here are the questions your students should be able to answer for clarity.
- What am I learning? (Learning Intentions/Targets)
Why am I learning it? (Clarity & Motivation)
How will I know that I have learned it? (Success Criteria)
Each of these are non-negotiables and should be written on your board each day under the appropriate magnet and referred to for student understanding. Students should be able to answer these questions if called upon by the teacher.
Grading Practice:
Please be sure to access the Raiders Chest in One Drive for important information regarding the Secondary Grading Manual. See the information listed from the manual regarding grades:
"Each marking period should include a minimum of ten assignments/assessments of student learning documented in the gradebook/PowerSchool. Four of the ten assessments should be major assessments such as tests or exams, written compositions, performances, or projects. Five of ten assessments should occur before interim reports are issued, with two of those five assessments being major. Therefore, two of the four major assessments should occur prior to the interim report."
Certified Staff Certification/Recertification:
Renewal teachers/staff should have signed up for Read to Succeed if you have not taken the class. Information regarding this was sent out through District Announcements. You will also need to complete 120 hours to renew your certificate. If you have taken the Read to Succeed class and you need to have it added to your certificate, please sign into your educator portal on the SC state department of education website and upload it there.
https://ed.sc.gov/educators/certification/certification-forms/forms/renewal-matrix/
https://ed.sc.gov/educators/certification/professional/renewal-credit-options/
Greetings Raider Freshmen Academy Teachers:
Autumn has officially begun. Leaves are changing colors, and some have begun to fall to the ground. Our mornings and evenings are a little cooler, which in my opinion gives us a much-needed break from the heat and humidity. We are just under two weeks away from Thanksgiving. As we navigate the next week and a half with our students let’s keep in mind the importance of designing instructional lessons and activities that give access and opportunities to grow our students’ social and emotional skills.
Roger P. Weissberg and Jason Cascarino, authors of the scholarly article, “Academic Learning + social-emotional learning = national priority”, define social and emotional learning (SEL) as “acquiring and effectively applying the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.” If students have or are experiencing trauma or poverty the acquisition of proper SEL skills is more of a challenge.
Many of you already design instructional activities that require students to collaborate and present their work. Which helps our students learn to listen and process other’s ideas and opinions while working together to reach a goal. My question to each of you is, how many times have you had the opportunity or designed an opportunity to speak with a student about the “why” behind their attitude, behaviors, and/or reactions? These types of conversations may take a little more effort and time, both for the student and for the teacher; however, it will pay dividends. We must remember, our students are still developing physically, mentally, and emotionally. Some may not realize their actions and habits are not to their benefit nor to our goal of each student meeting and/or exceeding our expectations.
As always, thank you for all you do for our students. In this season of gratefulness, I am beyond grateful to each of you and your efforts, expertise, and willingness to grow.
Raider Freshman Academy Reminders:
- Make sure content recovery lessons are uploaded into Edgenuity by Tuesday, November 14.
- Seat time recovery has begun for students who are in danger of failing a course due to absences. Mrs. Wine and Mrs. Dubard are meeting with students.
- CTE Installation Ceremony is Wednesday, November 15 @ 10 am. Mrs. Wine should send out a roster of students who are participating.
School Photos
Please note the following dates for school photos:
- November 30—Fall Individuals makeup
Graduation 2024 Date Announced
This year’s Raider Graduation ceremony will be held Friday, May 31 at 11:00 am at the Colonial Life Arena. Seniors need to ensure they have met all requirements for graduation, pay any outstanding debts or fees and not have excessive discipline issues in order to participate.
Raider graduates are expected to conduct themselves with dignity, honor, and class. Inappropriate/disrespectful actions during the commencement ceremony WILL NOT be tolerated.
Keeping Seniors on Track
Class of 2024 students are meeting with school leaders to help them stay on track and be successful. Seniors are meeting with the Graduation Coach (Mrs. DuBard), School Counselors (Mrs. Hasinger, Ms. Humphrey and Mr. Oliver), and Mr. Hankins (Senior Class Administrator) to discuss their progress, requirements, future college/career goals, and plans for the year. All conferences are aimed at helping students be prepared to successfully graduate and meet their future goals.
Raider Community Student Support
Teachers and staff, we need your assistance in providing support for our young Raider students. Through our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework, we are aiming to give our students the tools they need to be successful.
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a school-wide, data driven, proactive framework for improving both learning and behavioral outcomes for all students. MTSS uses the problem-solving process to meet the academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of each student. (https://www.richlandone.org/Domain/1736)
You may be asked to sit in on MTSS meetings as a classroom teacher, serve as a mentor, advocate or content expert for students. The goal is to surround students with as many caring adults and resources as possible to allow students to thrive. Thank you in advance for your assistance and cooperation.
DuBard's Grad Coach Corner
- Seniors, please join the "2023 - 2024 Seniors" Schoology group for daily Scholarships and information updates.
- Please purchase your Parking Decals. Car boots are being issued with a 25 dollars fine.
- Raider Ready afterschool tutoring program is open to all grade level students who need assistance.
- Please monitor your grades and attendance.
- Jostens pickup Nov. 17th
- The ASVAB test will be held on Dec. 13th
We have had an exciting and different start to the school year. We are transitioning from a Magnet School to a School within a School. The Raider Academy is a new approach to college and career readiness designed to give students the foundation to make a difference in the world!
The Raider Academy at W. J. Keenan High School provides five houses through which students may choose. Students will have multiple opportunities to prepare for careers that are in high demand and require advanced skills. We offer a leadership curriculum that includes a rigorous project-based classroom experience that challenges students to gain future-ready competencies. The Raider Academy students will have advantages that include the opportunity to receive college credit, state and nationally recognized industry certifications, work-based learning opportunities and internships.
The W.J. Keenan High School Raider Academy offers five unique pathways aimed at engaging learners.
• Project Lead the Way Engineering
• Business Management and Administration
• Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Government and Public Administration
• Agriculture and Animal Science
Meet the Raider Academy Teachers
Mrs Young: PLTW Engineering & Math Department Chair
Ms. Davis: PLTW Engineering
Mrs. King: PLTW Engineering, Business Management, & CTE Department Chair
Mrs. Thompson: Hospitality& Tourism/Family and Consumer Science
Mrs. Bradley: Government & Public Administration
Ms. Ausburn: Agriculture and Animal Science
Please check grades on parent portal. We have afterschool tutoring and virtual tutoring using tutor.com
The next Student Raider Academy meetings will be held on the following dates:
11/17/2023
12/14/2023
Please note that this meeting is not mandatory. If students have work to complete, I urge them to stay in their classes and complete it.
The next Raider Academy parent meeting will be held virtually on
11/15/2023
12/13/2023
The WJ Keenan High School Installation Ceremony on November 15th at 10am in the WJ Keenan Auditorium. The members and officers of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and the National Technical Honor Society will be installed.
Remember our expectations are:
- 70 or above in ALL classes
- No behavior issues
- No attendance issues
We will have to do fundraising please share any fundraising ideas with Mrs. Wine or the Raider Academy teacher.
Transportation is NOW provided for the Raider Academy. If you have any questions, please direct them to Mrs. Wine at Shalise.wine@richlandone.org
Notes for Raider Teachers!
Feedback From Observations: Focus on engaging students and having them do the work. Rather than standing up and writing on the smartboard as you are explaining, have students come up to the board and share what they know. Put students in groups and give meaningful activities. Use balls and other manipulatives to identify students for a response. Make these engaging strategies apart of your daily routine.
Handling Conflict: Please talk with our students about how to properly handle conflict. Encourage them to reach out to adults in the building to get help with situations that can potentially get them in trouble. Please convey the importance of working together resolve problems before they become bigger issues. It takes a village!
Student Work: Please start posting your best student work inside and outside your classroom in the hallways. You may also share by tagging WJK on social media.
Ask Yourself: What is the hook for today’s lesson that will keep them engaged? Is there an opportunity for my students to get up and move around with my lesson? How am I going to check for understanding? Am I giving students the opportunity to show me they have a grasp of the content? Am I using the DLE to enhance the lesson or am I simply giving electronic skill sheets?
Signing In and Out: If you need to leave campus for an emergency, please get approval from an administrator, and sign out in the main office. We are professionals.
PTSO: Please consider joining our Parent Teacher Student Association. It is a big part of communicating to our parents that we want to build a stronger partnership this year. The application is in the main office with Ms. Golston.
W.J. Keenan High School
Our Mission
The mission of W. J. Keenan High School is to provide engaging educational opportunities through a rigorous curriculum, cutting edge technology, and partnerships to extend to our diverse community and produce first class citizens who will contribute to the present and excel in the future. WE ARE KEENAN!
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a nationally known high school that is highly regarded for its academic excellence, leadership in cutting edge technology, science, environmental, and career based programs. A high school that builds strong relationships with all stakeholders and continues a culture where the expectation is to lead, set the example, and raise standards for all to follow.
Email: vondre.whaley@richlandone.org
Website: http://keenan.richlandone.org/
Location: 361 Pisgah Church Road, Columbia, SC, USA
Phone: 803-714-2500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keenanraiders/
Twitter: @wjkeenan