SDT News
November Edition
The first section of this month's newsletter will focus on the BCPS four focus areas for this year. This information was shared at my monthly SDT meeting.
Standards of Excellence
The Components and Focus Months
- Communication - November
- Customer Service - December
- Relationships - January
- Innovative Problem Solving - February
- Mutual Accountability - March
- The Path Forward - April
Accelerate Learning
Math Focus - Bridges
Bridges, Bridges, and only Bridges! We need to use an accelerated mindset. Use the screeners to help diagnose where learning needs to occur and where gaps need to be filled in. The goal is to stay on grade level. Using the teacher overview or unit at a glance is a great way to unpack the math. Think about not only planning for a lesson but for a week and chunking some of the material. When you read this sentence - tell, text, or email me your favorite day of the week to be entered for a raffle!
Key points for two parts of Bridges
Problems and Investigations:
- whole group and partner work
- supports mathematical practices
- gives students a chance to explore
- provides teacher modeling for sharing mathematical thinking
Problem Strings:
- builds on understanding
- building fluency for students
- teacher should be the facilitator
- students should lead the thinking
Opportunities for scaffolding content to support students with unfinished learning:
- options for partner sharing
- white boards to showcase thinking
- collaborative online spaces - One Note, online whiteboards, Jamboards, etc.
Opportunities for Assessment:
- observational assessments during workplaces
- checkpoints
- daily practice samples
- small group opportunities and check ins
- unit assessments
Small Group:
- responsive grouping
- use of workplace games and only Bridges materials
- students working together - teacher does not have to be present but can check in
- differentiated opportunities and supports.
- does not look the same everyday - based on activities and needs of students
- just in time support
Promote Social Emotional Wellness
SEL in BCPS
- Awareness
- Relationships
- Decision Making
Increase Data Literacy
Performance Matters
Student item Analysis:
- working on getting student DIBELS data onto PM
- looking at student groups
- standards that are strong, standards that are weak
- look for trends
- comparing assessment to assessment
- implications for future lesson planning
Guided Questions:
- What error patterns are evident based on students' responses?
- Based on the error patterns, what is the content and process focus for responsive instruction?
- What instructional strategies or practices will enhance student learning?
Are you checking the BCPS News Hub?
Checking the News Hub often is helpful! There are ongoing workshops, trainings, and announcements posted there weekly. I will continue to sift through the information on the news hub and send it your way!
What's Jess Tweeting?
News from your tech ladies!
Mandatory Multi-factor Authentication
- MFA (multi-factor authentication) became mandatory for ALL staff members on 11/17 at 6:00 pm
- If you have not yet enrolled, you will be notified directly that you need to sign up - MFA will be active on your account by the stated date/time.