standards+based

Rick says: Background piece: RISC representatives came to visit yesterday--(RISC: standards-based group from Alaska)--Rick states that we are interested in learning more about standards-based instruction, but we are no pilot. The RISC group heard where we are with standards--Rick reiterated that we do not want to be a model. RISC offered to help us move forward. One opportunity is during Aug 3-6, Lewiston--schools gather to talk about moving toward standards-based instruction and assessment. Just information to share--this will be a planning time, and is the next formal opportunity for learning.

There is discussion about other steps toward standards-based instruction and assessment. We should visit schools like Poland and Searsport to learn more. Also, this small group is ready to move on to the nuts and bolts of standards-based design. More faculty members need to be initiated in the conversation. We can get additional support and advice from the Bering Strait representative tomorrow.

There is discussion about bringing the conversation about standards-based instruction and assessment to the whole faculty through a faculty meeting. Rick suggests the October 1st meeting.

Before this gets presented to the faculty, people need to be presented with a big picture for moving to standards-based instruction and assessment. All of our initiatives can be tied to a movement toward standards-based instruction and assessment. Emphasis on a visual educational component. Teachers need a visual presentation of information.

It will be important to learn more about the standards-based legislation that has been tabled/voted down.

Rick suggests that freshman science teachers are using the social and civic standards to develop a behavior rubric to implement next fall. Rick wants to know if this is an idea that would translate to other departments?

To address academic standards, Rick suggests a conversation with Bruce Mochamer to talk about entry standards for SAHS to get at the problem of inconsistent skills of incoming 9th graders. There is discussion about the new alternative school at the middle school. This is a place for students who fail 8th grade classes. Rick offers to facilitate a conversation with Bruce.

Every teacher on the freshman team seems ready to develop behavior standards. But how would we report that information? Sharing behavior information would be relevant to parents.

RISC is speaking at the superintendents' conference in July. Andy and Brent will hear the presentation then.

Thursday--More conversation with help from John Davis Social and civic standards are a good place to start with assessing students based on standards. There is conversation bringing about about academic standards-based instruction and assessment. It took two years to move to standards-based instruction and assessment. We would have to first develop a common vocabulary. People need to be able to have a common language and shared vision to be able to communicate. The state will not insist that we move to standards-based grading. RISC will support us if the district would like to move forward. We have to develop the question or issue that we want to solve, and we need to pursue it until it is solved. People who are doing interesting work in a meaningful way have a more positive self-image. Is there substance behind even the good grades that our students get? Are they hollow compliments? Get a good grade that has substance behind it. A student who is being recognized for good work has a positive self-image, but what does the grade actually mean? We have identified several reasons why we know that we need a cultural change--K-12. Ask the community what it is that we all want from our schools? John suggests that the disengaged kid is not the only one who is bored. Even those who appear successful are not as engaged as we think. First step is building a shared vision, in the community and as a staff--What is it that we want to accomplish? RISC will help us process and will promote standards-based program. Will not tell us that standards are the way to go. We have to identify the problems in our schools. How do we educate children who don't readily accept education? The superintendent needs to be keenly focused on these identified problems. Those problems need to become the focus for the district to overcome.

Rick wants to know if there are people who would be willing to go to the training August 3-6? The training is in Gray/New Gloucester. Nothing has been discussed about stipends for this training. Rick would fill in the parameters as soon as possible. Rick should put out an invitation to the faculty. Are there any faculty members who would be interested and willing to participate?

1. Describe your Initiative: Standards-Based Learning

➢ Rationale – We view SBL as a way to engage more students and increase their success in school ➢ 21st Century skills can be integrated within the SBL framework ➢ Short-term action steps: o Agree as a faculty that what we’re doing isn’t good enough o Create a shared vision that we can all follow, no matter what path we choose with an attitude that we will constantly be improving, constantly striving to be better versions of ourselves (maybe to be discussed within PLGs) o Educate more faculty members on the scheduling and SBL options that might work for us (school visits, workshops) o Beginning to shift the mind-set from ‘failure’ to ‘incomplete’ o PLGs to discuss social/civic expectations that will be used school-wide (what will they look like?, how do we hold students accountable?) o Book discussion group for Delivering on the Promise ➢ Long-term action steps: o Choosing an improvement path o Working on the “nuts and bolts” of how to get on that path ➢ Major challenges in advancing and implementing your initiative: o Working under a common vision as a staff o Change is messy, “it will be muddy” o Community support

2. Present focusing question(s) for feedback 1.	Thoughts about signing onto a letter •	The letter is just “an invitation to discussion” •	Majority thinks it’s a good idea, but there is concern about the wording and how the whole “standards-based” piece will be presented and if it will be mentioned •	Who will write the letter? Tone and wording will be important

2. Are PLGs the appropriate starting place? • Concerns that PLGs do not include the vocational staff, and PLGs are divided, but this should be a whole group discussion • “When will other stakeholders be brought into the discussion?” • PLGs may be the appropriate place for the civic/social expectations conversation to start?

3. Clarifying Questions from the Feedback Group 1. Why wouldn’t we just go straight to SBL if that’s what the state is going to require? a. The state will not require standards-based. Plus, we are not 100% sure that’s the definite path for us.

4. Presenters respond to feedback • We need to decide the format for the full-faculty discussion