Wednesday, June 17, 2009

PST - 4

The June 18th meeting is cancelled! I apologize for the late notice but something came up that I must deal with. I think we have enough to digest for the next few weeks as it is.

After reading the comments let me make a suggestion. A handbook that comes up with every possible contingency in black and white is not feasible. At Adaptive Schools, during the managing meeting session, it is suggested that mundane things (like the handbook) are fine in an email. True, but only if people read the darn thing. The other option is to hold a 6 hour meeting where we go through each section - good for some... horrible for most of us. Another handbook dilemma: we are in the people business and that requires more gray ares than most of us would probably like. Now, with that said a revision is in order... but ultimately situations will arise that require flexibility! Let's continue the dialogue about the Altona Way.

What is missing?
What needs clarified?
What do you think of other's suggestions?

Saturday, June 13, 2009

PST - 3

This week's reading selections are directly related to one of our questions: how do we develop an atmosphere that holds all of us accountable to student achievement in a Standards-based environment? As you are reading the answer is building a true Professional Learning Community! I really believe using the Adaptive School's framework is essential to doing this on a sustained basis. If I can change practice we all can!

To paraphrase, the consensus was that backwards planning is perhaps the most crucial element in a true Standards-based system.

At our next PST, this Thursday we will dig into some specific areas so be prepared to begin thinking about syllabi.

2 questions for discussion next week:

1. What specific things would you like to see in the new Altona Student Handbook; The Altona Way?
2. What specific things would like to see in the annual Altona PST for new teachers (Resistance is Futile)?

Sunday, June 7, 2009

PST-2

Greetings, this week the Leadership Team attended an excellent professional development class; Adaptive Schools. At our next meeting we will implement some of what we learned. Be mentally prepared for a shift in how we conduct all of our meetings Altona!

I have two questions for you regarding our readings, and we will also discuss the chapters at our meeting:

1. Can "withitness" be taught, and if so how?
2. Why should we "deprivatize" our practice at all levels of education?

See you this week.