The Texas Successful School-wide Research Study articulated 7 themes commonly shared by high achieving schools. Which one are we doing well with? Which one do we need to work on and improve upon?
Of the 7 researched themes, I think TES does a good job focusing on academic success without using excuses, experimenting with materials, and showing passion for teaching/student learning. I think collaboration and trust, inclusion, and sense of family will take a few years to establish simply because we are a new school who is learning about our students, our families, our administration, and each other.
We are doing a pretty great job in a lot of areas, but the theme that stood out the most to me was number 5: Sense of Family. I feel so blessed to be at TES. We are some hard working individuals who are willing to put in the extra effort to make this a wonderful place to learn for all children. Our hallways reflect the awesome things happening in the various rooms, staff all over the building are quick to smile, and I love how we have worked together on collaborative activities like 50's day (k-1)and our upcoming Global Day. Go us!!!
Even though I am at TES just a few hours a week, I feel a part of the “family” (theme 5). The teachers are willing to help, loan materials, and talk to you. I see some fun, creative activities happening in different classrooms. I also have enjoyed all the art work displayed, and the music programs. This was difficult to do in a new school, but the teachers and parents came with an attitude of “Let’s make this work!” Parents and grandparents want to, and are encouraged to volunteer, become involved, and even provide the teachers with food! We still need to work on the other areas, but with positive attitudes, and getting to know the community and each other, we can achieve this!
We seem to have the "No Excuses" theme 2 down pretty well because we keepall our bases covered and our paperwork updated and current. Our expectations are high for everyone involved in the education process from teachers to parents to students.
I think we are doing well with Theme 3 at this point: Experimentation. Being a new school, having to 'work out the kinks,' etc, we have had to be flexible (new curriculums as well.) WIthin my team of teachers, we have collaborated throughout a range of areas, and for that I am proud. I cannot help but think that,as a school, we are strong in all themes, and that the area that I think is weak is more due to county-wide decisions that are made and perhaps 'out of our reach.' For example, when I study theme 1, "Focus on the Academic Success of Every Student," I wonder if 'almost every decision...is focused on the acad. success of every student." I feel lack of funds/distribution of funds often negatively impact the materials available, etc. for the academic success of our students. As a school, can anything be done about decisions made FOR us?
The most obvious one for all is Theme 7: Passion for learning and growing. I/We wouldn't be here otherwise. I think it's too early to determine what the exact strengths and weaknesses are of TES. It's only been 6 months and oftentimes that's not even enough time to be accurate in our judgements of each other. Can I come back to this question near the end of school when I've had enough experience(s) to judge fact from opinion.
I think we do a great job with #7 "Passion for Learning and Growing" We check that our activities align with our school improvement plan, we self-assess constantly, there are data meetings going on constantly, we try new ideas i.e. our Global Awareness Day, we learn from each other, we seek individually to improve ourselves, our parents are awesome and willing to come in and tutor or whatever it takes, we have positive behavior support in place for the students and the staff (think of the compliments). Wow - I think I'll stop now - I could go on. What a great team!
I feel that we have the sense of family area well covered here at TES! I think about other schools I have been to and then I think about our school, and all I can say is "WOW!" We are truly family oriented, we care for each other the students and their families. I think of the many things we do for each other and there is no doubt in my mind that we are a family. I think that we could work on the academic success without excuses part, at least I know I can. It is sometimes so much easier to place blame on others or other things rather than look deep into the root of the problem. I think of my students who are having trouble in certain areas and I have to constantly ask myself why. Why are they having trouble? Is is because of something they are doing or is it because I have not tried 100% at making them successful in a certain area. Have I pulled out my bag of tricks? Man, Wynn can turn you into a reflective person! Go Wynn, Go Wynn!
I believe TES has gotten a good start on the seven themes mentioned in Chapter 4. Most of our staff really did not know one another at the beginning of the school but now I feel like both the staff and the students have a sense of belonging. Everyone is working hard to make this first year successful. Theme 6: Collaboration and trust will come with time.
I also believe that we are doing well in all the themes. Theme 5 "Sense of Family" we have down pat. For the most part, I feel that staff and students love being a part of this school. Friday, the 100th day of school is a perfect example. We came together as a family to celebrate a special occasion together. That's what families who care for each other do!
I believe that TES is off to a great start with the Seven Themes! I agree with Beth on Theme #7 Passion for Learning and Growing. We continually self-assess, learn from each other, try new ideas, and continue to improve ourselves. We are a great team! Our staff continues to do whatever it takes for every child to succeed!
I have to also agree with Wendy and the others that stated that we have a passion for learning and growing. We are continually monitoring our students progress to see what skills they have acquired and what skills they continue to need/work on. The rest is coming along nicely but I also agree that it will take time to fully establish.
I am sorry, but theme 5(Sense of Family) is screaming at me!! TES is a family. I truly feel this when I walk down the halls, and talk to the staff. The way that we operate is second to none in my opinion. I firmly believe that the children see this and know that all of the staff are on the same page and working as one unit. That is what makes TES so special to me.
I dont think that we are lacking in the area of Passion of learning and growing (theme 7) I just thought I would put it down, just to keep us aware that we must always strive to be the best we can be. I know that we expect the best out of our students, and we should set the example by being our best to them!
TES has just opened ‘her’ doors, merging faculty, students and families. It continues to be an incredible ride. (I actually wrote this before the 100th Day celebration!) I have said all year that folks who signed on for a change, came with a certain sense of adventure and old pioneer ‘can do ‘spirit. We have refused to get caught up in or dragged down by what many would see as obstacles. There is certainly a “passion for Learning and Growing” (Theme 7). When I read the bullets under this theme in the book, I see many that we are living out every day at school. One thing that stood out for me was that so many of you come with your own ‘fire for teaching’; “the pressure to achieve is almost entirely self-imposed’. Because of that, incredible high expectations are individually set by each of us. Being good or even very good is not what TES is about because excellence is not an imposed expectations, but emanates from each of us. our will to achieve and openess to learn so TES students can succeed makes this place a true learning community.
I think because of our ‘newness’, we need to give Theme 6, Collaboration and Trust a little time. I look forward to seeing more collaboration across grade levels, subject areas and EC.
Let me start by saying that upon reading these seven themes nothing really stood out to me that we don’t do well. I think TES does a pretty good job with each one. There is always room for improvement though.
The one area that I see we could improve is in Theme 3: Experimentation. I see us teetering on the edge of Experimentation. Some staff is willing to try new things, others are more afraid of change. This is normal. Global Day was a positive start to TES using Experimentation, but we need to continue and not be afraid to experiment with new ways of learning. I especially would like to see Experimentation with technology. This can be somewhat difficult because of money, but we also need to be using what we have. (Once we all get projectors, of course.)
I believe the theme we are the best at is Theme 5: Sense of Family. This is really important. Not just for staff, but for the children and parents as well. We all help achieve this in different ways.
I agree that collaboration and trust will improve with time. We do a good job with this, but I could see us needing to improve in this area a little. It is difficult when you have so many people come together from different places. It's amazing we have done so well. I think it is a true testament to the type of people we are and the committment we all made to TES.
I feel so excited to be a part of everything that is going on at TES! When we were first asked to put in a request for placement for our 2009-2010 school year, I KNEW immediately where I wanted to be. It is exciting to see this school growing and thriving! It has been an exciting ride so far and I know that other schools have their eyes on TES to be a leader in education and example to follow. I think we are doing a great job with Theme 7. We are obviously attempting to lift more students to higher achievement levels and we are using data to adjust our teaching strategies. I definitely learn from my students every day and tell them so. I would like to see us work on Theme 6 but I feel that part of this is due to the fact that we are "new" as a team and that the collaboration and trust will come with time. Within my team we are definitely collaborating but I would also like to collaborate with other grade levels.
As I was reading through the themes, I agreed that we strive to achieve and are doing a great job at each of them. "No Excuses" theme 2 is one of the things that makes us so great. We are held accountable with the highest but also most fair expectations and we all know the result this has on anyone. Theme 3 "Experimentation" - we are an out of the box kind of school and I love it! This is not a work on but a continue on.
Personally I feel we are working hard to articulate all 7 themes. I know for a fact that my third grade team works to focus on the academic success of every student. We discuss constantly on ways to better prepare our students to be successful. If any theme needs to be addressed more I would say that it should be passion for learning and growing. I know that money is a factor but I wish we could attend more conferences and observed more programs.
I have always felt more of a sense of family (theme 5) when working in the elementary school environment. It's like the nature of the beast...a very nurturing group of educators. I think our students and families feel this same sense of pride when they walk into our school. We do this well. Everyone works so well together, making it a wonderful climate to work in.
We can always find room for improvement as individuals and as a school. We do focus on the academic success (theme 1) of most students. As much as we would love to say all, we need to come up with innovative ways to reach those who have already shown difficulties in succeeding. I don't believe we make excuses, in fact, TES does just the opposite, given the devotion of its staff members. Combine this with Theme 3, Experimentation and you could find ways to stimulate student achievement using all facets of the TES learning environment.
This chapter made the most sense to me so far and was better organized than the others. I feel as though TES can be in the fore front to developing new and innovative ways to ensure that students contiune on a path to enjoying learning and feeling success.
Carol, I agree with you about the organization and clarity of this chapter. I think TES is doing a great job on all of the themes considering our "newness." I especially think we have that "sense of family" here as well as, a passion for learning. Last week was a good example of both themes. I truly cannot think of another school where I would rather be, nor a better staff to surround me and to provide support and encouragement. Of course, we have areas to improve and new ideas to try, but I think we are on the right path of making TES a school that excels in all of the themes.
I think we are doing an exceptional job in theme 3: experimentation, simply because we have created the school climate this year. The past 6 months have required a lot of forward thinking, and evaluations of students performances based on a little bit of information and what we already knew to do. I like that we have been trying new things, and relying on research based things like DI. The fact that we all came from different places has helped! The area I think all schools need to work on, including TES, is theme 2. So many times I have been guilty of saying the students home life prevents them from doing better. I needed to see a new perspective, and I need to raise that expectation level for all children.
I think TES is doing well with focusing on the academic success of students, no excuses, passion for learning and growth. I would really like to see TES grow in the areas of inclusion, sense of family, collaboration and trust. I agree with Wendy in saying that this is a new school and it may take a while to see growth in these areas, but I know everyone will work hard to grow and improve!
Choosing one theme shared by high achieving schools we are doing well with is difficult! I think we have started off a new school with attention to all of the themes. Theme 1: Academic Success for every student is definately a strong area for TES, in my opinion. We have put many supports and self-checks in place to assure that no student "falls through the cracks" and that each student has a chance to succeed based on their own ability level.
If I have to choose one area for improvement, it would be Theme 3: Experimentation. I feel like our students and staff are encouraged to try new things but the support of staff development that is needed to bring on inspiration is sometimes lacking. For example, I would like to use more Kagan cooperative learning strategies in class. They can be found online, but reading and trying them is more difficult and time consuming than being taught and guided. In an already heavy schedule, experimenting with new ideas and techniques on my own frequently finds the "chopping block" when other deadlines are looming!
I believe we are doing well with theme 1. We really seem to be focusing on the academic success of every student through a variety of data keeping. Not only are we collecting and inputing the data, but we are also analyzing it as well which guides our instruction. From PST, to the data team, to teachers with data notebooks and collective team data, whew!!! We're doing it.
I think we could improve more upon theme 5, Sense of Family. Because we are a new school, this may take a little time. As parents are getting to know us, and as we grow to know each other in the building, the sense of family will grow. I think we are all very special to be a part of the "new" school experience.
OK where is my "said"? I read all of your saids and am concerned that mine did not really post. I am happy that technology expertise is not one of the big 7! So here goes again. It will be more brief. I know that as a new school, we are in the develomental stages. I agree with the family theme. We are rapidly developing our own school family. This is an important first step because through this we can develop trust and sharing. Although extrinsic pressures demand that we meet the needs of all children, I see many committed to that goal from the depth of their hearts - and that is not something that others can force upon us. It is only when teachers truly care whether all students learn that it will happen. We can not force people to be committed and dedicated. But if they are, then expectations will be received and achieved. This is a great school and only we can keep it that way.
As I read the 7 themes, sense of family was the theme that I felt is our strongest. I feel like we work hard to create this environment with each other and with parents/students. Perhaps it came naturally with starting a new school. It's been awesome. I was nervous that this wouldn't come this quickly at our new school, but I have been pleasently surprised! I think that although we are doing well with many of the themes, and I believe we try to do well with each, there is always room to grow. I believe the 4th grade team is doing a good job collaborating, but our collaboration could be better between grade levels. With inclusion, we could do better including students as peer tutors....especially developing some reading buddies between older and younger grades.
I believe as so many others have stated that we at TES are doing a very good job with the theme of sense of family. Even though we haven't been a school family for very long - we have already proven over and over how much we care. We not only care for each other, but we also care for our students, their families and others in our community as well. Everyone who enters our school makes mention of the special feeling they get when they visit. I beleive we can attribute this to the fact that we are, and constantly strive to be a family. We truly care about all those who make up our school family. It's obvious in all we do.
The area that I feel we will need to continue to grow in is the theme of collaboration and trust. This is I feel strongly due to the newness of our school community. Through time, we will grow to know each other's strengths, weaknesses and areas that we can best support each other. As this happens, I believe we will naturally become stronger in the process of collaboration AND trust.
I think that TES is doing a good job with having a family atmosphere(theme 5).I think we all are here to do the best we can for the students and we truly care about our school and each other.Even though we are doing a good job at it, I still think it is one of the things that we can still improve on.With such busy schedules, we can't come together to get to know each other as well as we would like to.We also don't know all of the kids as well as we would like to.Becoming a closer family would help in meeting our goals and also setting new ones.
I also think that we are doing a great job with having a family atmosphere (theme 5). My position allows me to work with several different teachers, and speak to others in the hall. I look forward to friendly and comical chats with certain individuals, I really need this throughout the course of my day! I feel it is very important to connect with those around you and support each other as families do. If students are part of this type of atmosphere, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and excel emotionally and academically! I would like to thank those of you who support me on those difficult days and offer assistance, I appreciate all of you!!
I think that we are doing well on Theme 4 Inclusion. We are all encourged to be part of the team in finding solutions. School personnel including the office staff work together to facilitate learning. We should continually work on theme 2 No Excuses. As a new school we need to open the door to partnerships with businesses and community services. All we have to do is ask sometimes and we just forget!
I would have to say that we are doing a bang-up job on Theme 3: Experimentation. Is there a program that we are not currently trying out? Is there ever a time when we are told NOT to try something different. Hopefully at the end of the year, we will step back and really reflect on what is actually working or not working to impact student success.
I think we all could stand to work on the No Excuses theme. It's easy to complain about not having money for technology, books, and staff development. The bottom line is we have to learn to work in a positive manner with what we have.
I know several folks have said they think we are doing well with all 7 themes, and I must admit this thought crossed my mind as well while reading the chapter. However, I believe it is possible to rank these themes for TES, and I also believe that each of us may do so based on our own preferences, or sense of focus. For me, the number one well executed theme this year has been Theme 5 -- a sense of family. I want to echo Carol's comment that at the elementary level, this sense is almost always stronger, but I am constantly amazed at how well this brand new school has come together this year into one big blended family. The feeling of belonging is palpable in the hallways, I believe for faculty, staff, and students! Our 100th day celebration (when are we NOT celebrating?!) was just one wonderful example of the strength of our familial closeness.
But because we are all new to this school (and many to each other), I think it only makes sense that our sense of Collaboration and Trust (Theme 6) needs some improvement. As in any blended family, we have much to learn about each other and about our students and their families. I don't see this as a problem (remember, I think we're doing pretty well with each theme), but it may be our area of weakness. Many of us are collaborating well with others, but I don't think we're ALL collaborating well with EVERYONE. I saw that Janet made a similar comment above, and I too look forward to seeing greater collaboration across grade levels and schoolwide programs.
We have done so much this year to set a positive tone for this school, and I feel proud to have been a part of it all. This TES school family rocks!
Of the 7 researched themes, I think TES does a good job focusing on academic success without using excuses, experimenting with materials, and showing passion for teaching/student learning. I think collaboration and trust, inclusion, and sense of family will take a few years to establish simply because we are a new school who is learning about our students, our families, our administration, and each other.
ReplyDeleteWe are doing a pretty great job in a lot of areas, but the theme that stood out the most to me was number 5: Sense of Family. I feel so blessed to be at TES. We are some hard working individuals who are willing to put in the extra effort to make this a wonderful place to learn for all children. Our hallways reflect the awesome things happening in the various rooms, staff all over the building are quick to smile, and I love how we have worked together on collaborative activities like 50's day (k-1)and our upcoming Global Day. Go us!!!
ReplyDeleteEven though I am at TES just a few hours a week, I feel a part of the “family” (theme 5). The teachers are willing to help, loan materials, and talk to you. I see some fun, creative activities happening in different classrooms. I also have enjoyed all the art work displayed, and the music programs. This was difficult to do in a new school, but the teachers and parents came with an attitude of “Let’s make this work!” Parents and grandparents want to, and are encouraged to volunteer, become involved, and even provide the teachers with food! We still need to work on the other areas, but with positive attitudes, and getting to know the community and each other, we can achieve this!
ReplyDeleteWe seem to have the "No Excuses" theme 2 down pretty well because we keepall our bases covered and our paperwork updated and current. Our expectations are high for everyone involved in the education process from teachers to parents to students.
ReplyDeleteI think we are doing well with Theme 3 at this point: Experimentation. Being a new school, having to 'work out the kinks,' etc, we have had to be flexible (new curriculums as well.) WIthin my team of teachers, we have collaborated throughout a range of areas, and for that I am proud.
ReplyDeleteI cannot help but think that,as a school, we are strong in all themes, and that the area that I think is weak is more due to county-wide decisions that are made and perhaps 'out of our reach.' For example, when I study theme 1, "Focus on the Academic Success of Every Student," I wonder if 'almost every decision...is focused on the acad. success of every student." I feel lack of funds/distribution of funds often negatively impact the materials available, etc. for the academic success of our students. As a school, can anything be done about decisions made FOR us?
The most obvious one for all is Theme 7: Passion for learning and growing. I/We wouldn't be here otherwise. I think it's too early to determine what the exact strengths and weaknesses are of TES. It's only been 6 months and oftentimes that's not even enough time to be accurate in our judgements of each other. Can I come back to this question near the end of school when I've had enough experience(s) to judge fact from opinion.
ReplyDeleteOops, I forgot my question mark at the end of my last sentence. Please don't tell my questions!
ReplyDeleteOops again, I mean students!
ReplyDeleteI think we do a great job with #7 "Passion for Learning and Growing" We check that our activities align with our school improvement plan, we self-assess constantly, there are data meetings going on constantly, we try new ideas i.e. our Global Awareness Day, we learn from each other, we seek individually to improve ourselves, our parents are awesome and willing to come in and tutor or whatever it takes, we have positive behavior support in place for the students and the staff (think of the compliments). Wow - I think I'll stop now - I could go on. What a great team!
ReplyDeleteI feel that we have the sense of family area well covered here at TES! I think about other schools I have been to and then I think about our school, and all I can say is "WOW!" We are truly family oriented, we care for each other the students and their families. I think of the many things we do for each other and there is no doubt in my mind that we are a family. I think that we could work on the academic success without excuses part, at least I know I can. It is sometimes so much easier to place blame on others or other things rather than look deep into the root of the problem. I think of my students who are having trouble in certain areas and I have to constantly ask myself why. Why are they having trouble? Is is because of something they are doing or is it because I have not tried 100% at making them successful in a certain area. Have I pulled out my bag of tricks? Man, Wynn can turn you into a reflective person! Go Wynn, Go Wynn!
ReplyDeleteI believe TES has gotten a good start on the seven themes mentioned in Chapter 4. Most of our staff really did not know one another at the beginning of the school but now I feel like both the staff and the students have a sense of belonging. Everyone is working hard to make this first year successful. Theme 6: Collaboration and trust will come with time.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that we are doing well in all the themes. Theme 5 "Sense of Family" we have down pat. For the most part, I feel that staff and students love being a part of this school. Friday, the 100th day of school is a perfect example. We came together as a family to celebrate a special occasion together. That's what families who care for each other do!
ReplyDeleteI believe that TES is off to a great start with the Seven Themes! I agree with Beth on Theme #7 Passion for Learning and Growing. We continually self-assess, learn from each other, try new ideas, and continue to improve ourselves. We are a great team! Our staff continues to do whatever it takes for every child to succeed!
ReplyDeleteI have to also agree with Wendy and the others that stated that we have a passion for learning and growing. We are continually monitoring our students progress to see what skills they have acquired and what skills they continue to need/work on. The rest is coming along nicely but I also agree that it will take time to fully establish.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry, but theme 5(Sense of Family) is screaming at me!! TES is a family. I truly feel this when I walk down the halls, and talk to the staff. The way that we operate is second to none in my opinion. I firmly believe that the children see this and know that all of the staff are on the same page and working as one unit. That is what makes TES so special to me.
ReplyDeleteI dont think that we are lacking in the area of Passion of learning and growing (theme 7) I just thought I would put it down, just to keep us aware that we must always strive to be the best we can be. I know that we expect the best out of our students, and we should set the example by being our best to them!
TES has just opened ‘her’ doors, merging faculty, students and families. It continues to be an incredible ride. (I actually wrote this before the 100th Day celebration!) I have said all year that folks who signed on for a change, came with a certain sense of adventure and old pioneer ‘can do ‘spirit. We have refused to get caught up in or dragged down by what many would see as obstacles. There is certainly a “passion for Learning and Growing” (Theme 7). When I read the bullets under this theme in the book, I see many that we are living out every day at school. One thing that stood out for me was that so many of you come with your own ‘fire for teaching’; “the pressure to achieve is almost entirely self-imposed’. Because of that, incredible high expectations are individually set by each of us. Being good or even very good is not what TES is about because excellence is not an imposed expectations, but emanates from each of us. our will to achieve and openess to learn so TES students can succeed makes this place a true learning community.
ReplyDeleteI think because of our ‘newness’, we need to give Theme 6, Collaboration and Trust a little time. I look forward to seeing more collaboration across grade levels, subject areas and EC.
Let me start by saying that upon reading these seven themes nothing really stood out to me that we don’t do well. I think TES does a pretty good job with each one. There is always room for improvement though.
ReplyDeleteThe one area that I see we could improve is in Theme 3: Experimentation. I see us teetering on the edge of Experimentation. Some staff is willing to try new things, others are more afraid of change. This is normal. Global Day was a positive start to TES using Experimentation, but we need to continue and not be afraid to experiment with new ways of learning. I especially would like to see Experimentation with technology. This can be somewhat difficult because of money, but we also need to be using what we have. (Once we all get projectors, of course.)
I believe the theme we are the best at is Theme 5: Sense of Family. This is really important. Not just for staff, but for the children and parents as well. We all help achieve this in different ways.
Leah,
ReplyDeleteI agree that collaboration and trust will improve with time. We do a good job with this, but I could see us needing to improve in this area a little. It is difficult when you have so many people come together from different places. It's amazing we have done so well. I think it is a true testament to the type of people we are and the committment we all made to TES.
I feel so excited to be a part of everything that is going on at TES! When we were first asked to put in a request for placement for our 2009-2010 school year, I KNEW immediately where I wanted to be. It is exciting to see this school growing and thriving! It has been an exciting ride so far and I know that other schools have their eyes on TES to be a leader in education and example to follow. I think we are doing a great job with Theme 7. We are obviously attempting to lift more students to higher achievement levels and we are using data to adjust our teaching strategies. I definitely learn from my students every day and tell them so. I would like to see us work on Theme 6 but I feel that part of this is due to the fact that we are "new" as a team and that the collaboration and trust will come with time. Within my team we are definitely collaborating but I would also like to collaborate with other grade levels.
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading through the themes, I agreed that we strive to achieve and are doing a great job at each of them. "No Excuses" theme 2 is one of the things that makes us so great. We are held accountable with the highest but also most fair expectations and we all know the result this has on anyone.
ReplyDeleteTheme 3 "Experimentation" - we are an out of the box kind of school and I love it! This is not a work on but a continue on.
Personally I feel we are working hard to articulate all 7 themes. I know for a fact that my third grade team works to focus on the academic success of every student. We discuss constantly on ways to better prepare our students to be successful. If any theme needs to be addressed more I would say that it should be passion for learning and growing. I know that money is a factor but I wish we could attend more conferences and observed more programs.
ReplyDeleteI have always felt more of a sense of family (theme 5) when working in the elementary school environment. It's like the nature of the beast...a very nurturing group of educators. I think our students and families feel this same sense of pride when they walk into our school. We do this well. Everyone works so well together, making it a wonderful climate to work in.
ReplyDeleteWe can always find room for improvement as individuals and as a school. We do focus on the academic success (theme 1) of most students. As much as we would love to say all, we need to come up with innovative ways to reach those who have already shown difficulties in succeeding. I don't believe we make excuses, in fact, TES does just the opposite, given the devotion of its staff members. Combine this with Theme 3, Experimentation and you could find ways to stimulate student achievement using all facets of the TES learning environment.
This chapter made the most sense to me so far and was better organized than the others. I feel as though TES can be in the fore front to developing new and innovative ways to ensure that students contiune on a path to enjoying learning and feeling success.
Carol, I agree with you about the organization and clarity of this chapter. I think TES is doing a great job on all of the themes considering our "newness." I especially think we have that "sense of family" here as well as, a passion for learning. Last week was a good example of both themes. I truly cannot think of another school where I would rather be, nor a better staff to surround me and to provide support and encouragement. Of course, we have areas to improve and new ideas to try, but I think we are on the right path of making TES a school that excels in all of the themes.
ReplyDeleteI think we are doing an exceptional job in theme 3: experimentation, simply because we have created the school climate this year. The past 6 months have required a lot of forward thinking, and evaluations of students performances based on a little bit of information and what we already knew to do. I like that we have been trying new things, and relying on research based things like DI. The fact that we all came from different places has helped!
ReplyDeleteThe area I think all schools need to work on, including TES, is theme 2. So many times I have been guilty of saying the students home life prevents them from doing better. I needed to see a new perspective, and I need to raise that expectation level for all children.
I think TES is doing well with focusing on the academic success of students, no excuses, passion for learning and growth. I would really like to see TES grow in the areas of inclusion, sense of family, collaboration and trust. I agree with Wendy in saying that this is a new school and it may take a while to see growth in these areas, but I know everyone will work hard to grow and improve!
ReplyDeleteChoosing one theme shared by high achieving schools we are doing well with is difficult! I think we have started off a new school with attention to all of the themes. Theme 1: Academic Success for every student is definately a strong area for TES, in my opinion. We have put many supports and self-checks in place to assure that no student "falls through the cracks" and that each student has a chance to succeed based on their own ability level.
ReplyDeleteIf I have to choose one area for improvement, it would be Theme 3: Experimentation. I feel like our students and staff are encouraged to try new things but the support of staff development that is needed to bring on inspiration is sometimes lacking. For example, I would like to use more Kagan cooperative learning strategies in class. They can be found online, but reading and trying them is more difficult and time consuming than being taught and guided. In an already heavy schedule, experimenting with new ideas and techniques on my own frequently finds the "chopping block" when other deadlines are looming!
I believe we are doing well with theme 1. We really seem to be focusing on the academic success of every student through a variety of data keeping. Not only are we collecting and inputing the data, but we are also analyzing it as well which guides our instruction. From PST, to the data team, to teachers with data notebooks and collective team data, whew!!!
ReplyDeleteWe're doing it.
I think we could improve more upon theme 5, Sense of Family. Because we are a new school, this may take a little time. As parents are getting to know us, and as we grow to know each other in the building, the sense of family will grow. I think we are all very special to be a part of the "new" school experience.
OK where is my "said"? I read all of your saids and am concerned that mine did not really post. I am happy that technology expertise is not one of the big 7! So here goes again. It will be more brief. I know that as a new school, we are in the develomental stages. I agree with the family theme. We are rapidly developing our own school family. This is an important first step because through this we can develop trust and sharing. Although extrinsic pressures demand that we meet the needs of all children, I see many committed to that goal from the depth of their hearts - and that is not something that others can force upon us. It is only when teachers truly care whether all students learn that it will happen. We can not force people to be committed and dedicated. But if they are, then expectations will be received and achieved. This is a great school and only we can keep it that way.
ReplyDeleteAs I read the 7 themes, sense of family was the theme that I felt is our strongest. I feel like we work hard to create this environment with each other and with parents/students. Perhaps it came naturally with starting a new school. It's been awesome. I was nervous that this wouldn't come this quickly at our new school, but I have been pleasently surprised!
ReplyDeleteI think that although we are doing well with many of the themes, and I believe we try to do well with each, there is always room to grow. I believe the 4th grade team is doing a good job collaborating, but our collaboration could be better between grade levels. With inclusion, we could do better including students as peer tutors....especially developing some reading buddies between older and younger grades.
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ReplyDeleteI believe as so many others have stated that we at TES are doing a very good job with the theme of sense of family. Even though we haven't been a school family for very long - we have already proven over and over how much we care. We not only care for each other, but we also care for our students, their families and others in our community as well. Everyone who enters our school makes mention of the special feeling they get when they visit. I beleive we can attribute this to the fact that we are, and constantly strive to be a family. We truly care about all those who make up our school family. It's obvious in all we do.
ReplyDeleteThe area that I feel we will need to continue to grow in is the theme of collaboration and trust. This is I feel strongly due to the newness of our school community. Through time, we will grow to know each other's strengths, weaknesses and areas that we can best support each other. As this happens, I believe we will naturally become stronger in the process of collaboration AND trust.
I think that TES is doing a good job with having a family atmosphere(theme 5).I think we all are here to do the best we can for the students and we truly care about our school and each other.Even though we are doing a good job at it, I still think it is one of the things that we can still improve on.With such busy schedules, we can't come together to get to know each other as well as we would like to.We also don't know all of the kids as well as we would like to.Becoming a closer family would help in meeting our goals and also setting new ones.
ReplyDeleteI also think that we are doing a great job with having a family atmosphere (theme 5). My position allows me to work with several different teachers, and speak to others in the hall. I look forward to friendly and comical chats with certain individuals, I really need this throughout the course of my day! I feel it is very important to connect with those around you and support each other as families do. If students are part of this type of atmosphere, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and excel emotionally and academically! I would like to thank those of you who support me on those difficult days and offer assistance, I appreciate all of you!!
ReplyDeleteI think that we are doing well on Theme 4 Inclusion. We are all encourged to be part of the team in finding solutions. School personnel including the office staff work together to facilitate learning.
ReplyDeleteWe should continually work on theme 2 No Excuses. As a new school we need to open the door to partnerships with businesses and community services. All we have to do is ask sometimes and we just forget!
I would have to say that we are doing a bang-up job on Theme 3: Experimentation. Is there a program that we are not currently trying out? Is there ever a time when we are told NOT to try something different. Hopefully at the end of the year, we will step back and really reflect on what is actually working or not working to impact student success.
ReplyDeleteI think we all could stand to work on the
No Excuses theme. It's easy to complain about not having money for technology, books, and staff development. The bottom line is we have to learn to work in a positive manner with what we have.
I know several folks have said they think we are doing well with all 7 themes, and I must admit this thought crossed my mind as well while reading the chapter. However, I believe it is possible to rank these themes for TES, and I also believe that each of us may do so based on our own preferences, or sense of focus. For me, the number one well executed theme this year has been Theme 5 -- a sense of family. I want to echo Carol's comment that at the elementary level, this sense is almost always stronger, but I am constantly amazed at how well this brand new school has come together this year into one big blended family. The feeling of belonging is palpable in the hallways, I believe for faculty, staff, and students! Our 100th day celebration (when are we NOT celebrating?!) was just one wonderful example of the strength of our familial closeness.
ReplyDeleteBut because we are all new to this school (and many to each other), I think it only makes sense that our sense of Collaboration and Trust (Theme 6) needs some improvement. As in any blended family, we have much to learn about each other and about our students and their families. I don't see this as a problem (remember, I think we're doing pretty well with each theme), but it may be our area of weakness. Many of us are collaborating well with others, but I don't think we're ALL collaborating well with EVERYONE. I saw that Janet made a similar comment above, and I too look forward to seeing greater collaboration across grade levels and schoolwide programs.
We have done so much this year to set a positive tone for this school, and I feel proud to have been a part of it all. This TES school family rocks!