An Inquiry into our new staff handbooks
8:00- Certified Staff
8:45- Support Staff
The Board approved the new 2016-17 Certified Staff Handbook and support staff handbook. Over the past several months, Human Resources has been working with the Teacher Advisory Committee and District leadership to update the existing handbooks. The goal of the new handbook is to better layout the practices and expectations of the District. We want it to be both a guide for new staff to acquaint them to our District and for existing staff to use a reference throughout their career.
Immerse
Review your handbook.
List questions on the comments below.
Certified Staff Handbook
Support Staff Handbook
Investigate/ Coalesce
Andrea and Holly will highlight changes and answer your questions.
Go Public
Use this handbook when questions arise.
Involving students in conferencing
Conferences
Conferences are an important time to connect with families. We are fortunate at Hudson Prairie with the supportive and involved families we have. As I spend time conferencing you I am impressed how well you know your students, have data to share, and how we are our student's biggest advocate, cheerleader, and coach.
Here are some tips:
- Send a questionnaire home to get a focus for parent concerns.
- Getting students involved is important so they are owning their learning. See information on student led conferences below.
- Take the "sandwich" approach. I start with something positive, continue with the things that the child needs to work on, and I finish with something positive.
- Plan the essential things you want to share. Strengths and an area to work on. Essential data and work samples. Don't feel like you have to discuss MAP and PALS assessments. We will have those printed out for you along with explanation letters.
- Listen to parents concerns and have a 2 way conversation.
- Don't talk down to parents. Be honest and truthful. Try to speak in the positive, not always negative. Offer positive ways to help a struggling child
- Don't diagnose students. Describe areas of difficulties and accommodations you are doing to support them.
- Speak about your student the way you want someone to talk about your child
- Get support from Susie or Aria as needed! Sign up sheets are outside my office.
Resources for Conferences.
How can I infuse student choice and voice in conferencing? Student Led Conferencing
What is it?
Student’s moment to share his or her reflections on achievements and challenges.
What are the benefits?
- Parent attendance is high
- Students take responsibility for own learning
- Promotes reflection
- Students communicate what they are learning
- Goal setting- You may use MAP Goal setting and think of specific actions to help.
What are the disadvantages?
- What do you do with un-involved families?
- Need straight talk with teacher
What are the different jobs?
- Student is the leader
- Teacher is the facilitator
- Family is an active participant
What do I do?
Before
- Send parents a questionnaire to gather input.
- Gather artifacts in a portfolio and reflect on what they are proud of and possible areas to grow.
- Reflect weekly on artifacts.
- Choose your top 3-4 pieces of work.
- Practice as a class and with older students or other staff members on how to lead the conference.
- Plan 2 specific talking points for parents. Think of a praise and an area for growth.
During
- Support and coach
- Involve parents in the conference.
After
- Celebrate student ownership.
- Reflect on areas for improvement.
Take a look at an example of a student led conference:
What different formats?
- 1 on 1 student led conferences
- Stations where you are at one and you have 3 families at a time rotating with a timer.
1. Math games
2. Reading/ Writing goals
3. Portfolio sharing with teacher.
Resources
How could it evolve?
I would start small in the Fall with a short reflection.
In February, students can lead it more.
Please share comments and resources to support your colleagues with conferences.
