Friday, September 19, 2014

PMS News and Notes

My week was filled with good conversations about teaching, evidence, and learning goals.  Also, another week to get to know the kids better.  I feel more comfortable as we settle into a routine with the focus on learning and moving kids forward in their learning.  I feel that we have many solid systems in place to move kids forward, and top notch people in place to achieve our goals.  In an effort to communicate effectively and efficiently, I have included some noteworthy items below.

School Report Card Results
The school report cards have been officially released and available online.  For the 13-14 school year, Poynette Middle School's score improved from the previous year, and was rated as a school that "Exceeds Expectations".  This is a tribute to the quality staff that we have here.  I feel that as we continue our focused efforts, our school report card score will continue to climb.  There is another level above "Exceeds Expectations"...and as long as we are keeping score, we'll strive to be the best.  You should feel really good about that score.  For this report card, we received the highest score in CESA 5 among middle schools.

Educator Effectiveness
I have been around and have touched base with all or nearly all teachers about Educator Effectiveness.  Please get in Teachscape and check it out, and look to complete the Teacher Self-Review.  If you have any questions, please let me know.  You can also refer to the DPI's Teacher Evaluation Process Manual.  The manual contains all of the information about Educator Effectiveness.  Be looking for information about viewing the Step 4 module on the DPI's website very soon.

SLO's and PPG's
We will be meeting about this very soon, but I would like you to start meeting in your department to develop some ideas for what your SLO will look like.  For more information and assistance, you can access information on the following links; SLO Toolkit, SMART SLO Toolkit, Sample SLO's.
We will talk PPG after you have been through the Self Review.  Please keep in mind that our goal for completion of all these tasks is mid to late October.

Grading for Learning
This week, I have gotten the opportunity to talk with teachers about their evidence and grading for learning.  Some have come to me for advice and questions...we've had some good discussions, and I encourage you to come find me with any questions about campus evidence and grading.  At this point, we should be have a solid base of evidence for the standards that we have been focusing on for the first three weeks, and be able to communicate with students about where they are and what they need to do to improve.

GFL Parent Meetings
Dr. Hoernke, Mr. Visger, and I hosted a parent meeting this past Tuesday.  We had about 5 parents attend.  Most of them seemed skeptical coming into the meeting, but they left feeling better about the things that are going on in our schools.  Our next Grading for Learning Parent Presentation will be next Tuesday 9/30 at 6:00 pm in the HS IMC.  Throughout the presentation I have shared recent conversations with teachers about how it's about showing our kids what it takes to achieve, and how they typically rise to the level of expectations.

Thanks again for all of your hard work and dedication.  I feel very lucky to get the opportunity to be involved in work that is meaningful.  Have a great weekend!
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PMS News and Notes

My week was filled with good conversations about teaching, evidence, and learning goals.  Also, another week to get to know the kids better.  I feel more comfortable as we settle into a routine with the focus on learning and moving kids forward in their learning.  I feel that we have many solid systems in place to move kids forward, and top notch people in place to achieve our goals.  In an effort to communicate effectively and efficiently, I have included some noteworthy items below.

School Report Card Results
The school report cards have been officially released and available online.  For the 13-14 school year, Poynette Middle School's score improved from the previous year, and was rated as a school that "Exceeds Expectations".  This is a tribute to the quality staff that we have here.  I feel that as we continue our focused efforts, our school report card score will continue to climb.  There is another level above "Exceeds Expectations"...and as long as we are keeping score, we'll strive to be the best.  You should feel really good about that score.  For this report card, we received the highest score in CESA 5 among middle schools.

Educator Effectiveness
I have been around and have touched base with all or nearly all teachers about Educator Effectiveness.  Please get in Teachscape and check it out, and look to complete the Teacher Self-Review.  If you have any questions, please let me know.  You can also refer to the DPI's Teacher Evaluation Process Manual.  The manual contains all of the information about Educator Effectiveness.  Be looking for information about viewing the Step 4 module on the DPI's website very soon.

SLO's and PPG's
We will be meeting about this very soon, but I would like you to start meeting in your department to develop some ideas for what your SLO will look like.  For more information and assistance, you can access information on the following links; SLO Toolkit, SMART SLO Toolkit, Sample SLO's.
We will talk PPG after you have been through the Self Review.  Please keep in mind that our goal for completion of all these tasks is mid to late October.

Grading for Learning
This week, I have gotten the opportunity to talk with teachers about their evidence and grading for learning.  Some have come to me for advice and questions...we've had some good discussions, and I encourage you to come find me with any questions about campus evidence and grading.  At this point, we should be have a solid base of evidence for the standards that we have been focusing on for the first three weeks, and be able to communicate with students about where they are and what they need to do to improve.

GFL Parent Meetings
Dr. Hoernke, Mr. Visger, and I hosted a parent meeting this past Tuesday.  We had about 5 parents attend.  Most of them seemed skeptical coming into the meeting, but they left feeling better about the things that are going on in our schools.  Our next Grading for Learning Parent Presentation will be next Tuesday 9/30 at 6:00 pm in the HS IMC.  Throughout the presentation I have shared recent conversations with teachers about how it's about showing our kids what it takes to achieve, and how they typically rise to the level of expectations.

Thanks again for all of your hard work and dedication.  I feel very lucky to get the opportunity to be involved in work that is meaningful.  Have a great weekend!