Collaboration and "Cool things"

Currently we are working on a plan where we can allow teachers to collaborate more.....One thought is that we can create study groups around common themes supporting the educational environment. For example, my current interests lie in being able to ask and develop better questioning in all of my teaching. Other teachers may have different areas, but it allows for choice for teachers, and better teamwork and trust to develop while still focusing on student improvemnt.
Another thought has been to allow individuals to afford themselves of a coaching model. Where dialogue happens back and forth between two individuals that are committed to teaching improvement.
My final idea is that we create a space for all the "cool things" teachers do in their rooms....things that really work, and make the classroom an exciting place to be. For example.....teaching students how to invite other students; that may be not participating. It's hard for the teacher to always make sure that everyone is engaged.....what if you could create classroom environment where students were tracking that and making sure to include all? "Cool thing"

Goal: Personalized Learning in Learning Labs

3/23/14
Personalized Learning

We have started on a journey that will allow teachers to receive substantive information from others around them..................... teachers! I wanted a space to document that journey so that after a time we will have a record of our successes and disappointments. Currently we have operated 3 labs in our vocational  high school and are looking at operating several more this school year. We are meeting with a core team that will decide what a campus wide focus could be for the 2014-1015 school year. So, when we run our labs next year we are looking at  ways that we will be able to deliver personalized learning for our teachers. Our goal is to highlight the great things going on in our classrooms each and every day and to share with each other the successes that have made a difference!

The basics:

The Faciliator: gives the group norms, adheres to the process, leads the group
 Host teacher: this is the teacher hosting the group that will be visiting each classroom
Guest teachers: We try to keep this to approximately 5 guests so that there is enough time and space for everyone to talk and share. Groups larger than this get to be too large for an intimate discussion.
Process Observer: This is a new role we are just beginning.....this role is basically a silent role under after the lab is completed.......when the lab is completed....feedback is given to the facilitator so that growth and direction can happen. Sort of a ongoing process of refinement.

The facilitator and guest teachers are given a direction to follow and evidence is collected to support the Host' goals.....  after the lesson evidence is shared and a discussion ensues that will invite the thinking of the host and guests alike.


Now, back to the personalized learning....next year we will have had the majority of our staff sent through at least one Lab to understand the process......and then we will offer Labs around topics: such as classroom climate, differentiation, the questioning process,a particular software usage, formative assessment, etc.  I am very excited at where all of this can lead our staff........individually and together. It is a journey and we are ready for the trip.

More to follow.....
Laura