Take Time to Reflect

    

      I selected this image precisely because it is so timely. Now that students have completed their second iReady diagnostic, it is essential to reflect on successes and areas for growth--both ours and our students'. Since students' initial diagnostic in August, our OMSD focus has been on best practices so that we can deliver "best first instruction" to them, thereby ensuring that their academic needs can be effectively and efficiently met.  During this time of reflection, a key question, therefore, is whether or not those needs were met and to what extent?

    In order to make that determination, I've presented a few questions below that you may choose to ponder.  You certainly don't need to answer each and every question. In fact, it is more beneficial for us to develop a cyclical practice of reflecting and growing. As educators, this process comes natural to us as it is part of our nature.  

• Did students complete the 45 minute minimum requirement of iReady practice weekly?
• Did students pass their lessons with a minimum of 70%? 
• Did I pull students individually or in small groups when their domains were turned off or in danger of being turned off?

When it actually came time to take the assessment:

• did I remind students use their test-taking strategies?
• did I encourage them to do their best?

After the test:

• did I tell students how important it is to not compare their scores to the scores of others. Since we are a Thinking Maps school, I tell my students to imagine themselves in a Double Bubble Map with their results on both sides. At this point in the year, August's score would be in the left bubble and the current score in the right one. With OMSD's focus on the importance of (SEL) Social Emotional Learning, it is critical that we urge our students to reflect on and celebrate their own growth. 

     We need to be as patient and encouraging with ourselves as we are with our students. On the road to college and career readiness, students--and teachers--are going to experience successes and setbacks. That's just par for the course. 

      December is a perfect time to embark on this practice. Not only is the second iReady completed, but the holidays naturally mark a halfway point in the school year. Look at the big picture. Decide how you will move your students forward. And don't forget to enjoy time with family and friends during the holidays!