1/15 Edgar, Hixson, Steger

Started the day at Edgar Road working on:

• cleaning up 6th grade Earth's processes assessment
• Finalizing conversation about Hypothesis/Prediction
• Attended staff development on chapters 9 and 10 of Marzano

Hixson:

• Met with 8th grade SS
• Planned 3/1 full day
• Met with 8th science
• Met 7th science
• Planned 2/27 full day
• Met with 7th Social Studies

Clark

• Met with Maryann
• Discussed orders before the end fo the year
• discussed survey staff
• discussed kit sign up process

Mentor meeting

• Planned summer work
• discussed summer process
• discussed days already booked
• submitted summer work to supervisor

Went to Office Max to cut spine off formative assessment book

Went to Art of Entertainment for gift card for summer food.

Planned weekend work:

• read first mover workbook
• submit order for rob
•  read riverfield stuff
• Finish riverfield blog post
• Connect SS/ Sci learning goals on Gdoc
• How do I use edsurge
• read internet trends
• Write internet trends blog post
• Send thank you emails from EdcampSTL
• when are the next facilitator meetings, agenda, space
• when are the next vertical team meetings, agenda, space
• work on Weather/climate assessment
• Finish PLN session
• Finish Science Kit sign up
• add consumables to sign up sheet sight
• Blog post Electricity project
• prep for Edcamp wrap up hangout
• record writing a learning goal video
• review and reply for Monsanto
• Target walmart purchase orders
• GLE and goals for Presidents govt 3rd grade Sunday
• GLEs for SS to Vertical topics

1/30 Edgar Road, 6th Grade Science

Emailed parent about missing rocks in a 2nd grade kit.

Emailed Avery Schedule for tomorrow's coordinator day: https://docs.google.com/a/wgcloud.org/document/d/1Djd60OizTYFooiCBhz8TZAnCF11RRSZVpF7pBoaMag4/edit

Planned 6th grade Science after school meeting, made copies and agenda

Created and submitted POs for Summer Purchases.

Met with district facilities coordinator re: Plans for EdcampSTL

Added resources to my PBLU.org Course on Creating a Project Calendar

• Watched video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi1zVXo6sQc&feature=youtu.be 

• And How to make a project Calendar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA6DAKT_Kvo&feature=youtu.be
• Completed Project calendar
• Completed reflection over the calendar
• Submitted work via Edmodo

Wrote this blog post on #Balance: http://coachinandout.blogspot.com/2013/01/hows-your-balance.html

Set up meeting with Social Studies Coordinator at Parkway

Called Missouri Botanical Garder to learn more about Foodology.

Finalized EdcampSTL evaluation

Met with Library/Technology Coordinator to learn about how to access the catalog and how to search for materials in the Social studies kits.

Emailed SS facilitators to update them about the SS kits in every library (or missing from a library)

Emailed 5th grade Chemical Interactions team about 1st draft of student packet.

Went over to Steger for a 6th grade Science team meeting:

1/6 Coordinator, Edgar, Hixson, CO

Started the day with a coordinator meeting planning the New teacher training session
As a result I sent out an agenda and began taking order for lunch.

I checked in on a first year teacher to see if she needed help video taping herself for the lesson.

Planned the 1/18 session for science.

Sent out EdcampSTL district email

Sent out EdcampSTL email to Bill G

Emailed sandy D about Cech

I prepped and made copies for world studies meeting for tomorrow

I submitted a maintenance order for Bristol for a map and map rail.

Then I went over to Hixson to meet with "the Jasons."  We discussed the checklist for EdcampSTL.

I stopped by the HS to say Happy new year to TLC

I then attended a webinar at Central Office for BYOC.

Afterwords I met with Adrienne collins in regards to finalizing items for edcampSTL

12/14 Coordinator Meeting, Office day

Started the day at the coordinator meeting where we discussed the article from 1985 from ASCD.

Article located here: http://www.ascd.org/ASCD/pdf/journals/ed_lead/el_198503_saphier.pdf

From the article we discussed what were areas of strength and opportunities for growth.

Afterwords we toured Edgar Road and rated Bulletin Boards for the winter contest.

Coordinated acquiring resources from Pearson for Pilot at Hixson.

Sent request to order Page Keeley's Formative assessment book.  Here's an article about them: http://pal.lternet.edu/docs/outreach/educators/education_pedagogy_research/assessment_probes_uncovering_student_ideas.pdf

Called Steve Lawrence to discuss Screen printing

Made contacts regarding textbook evaluation tools and Printed options to discuss next week

Finished the Edgar Road video

Set up a time to go see the rainforest thanks to James!

Learned and piloted Guidebook.

Set up Agenda for 2/6 6th grade science and 1/8 world studies meetings

Sorted files from downloads and resource created from the week.

Attended Edgar Road Holiday Party!

12/13 Hudson

Today's day we centered and organized around 5th grade.

Notes included:

How do we Acquire new information?

MAP Skills:

·      Scientific Method

·      Transition from Facts to critical thinking

·      Hands on

·      Science fair projects – with groups

Examples:

·      Consider purchasing Page Keely Formative

·      Do more questioning activities

·      Scientific method based activities

·      More hands on

·      More informal assessment (lead to feedback)

·      More consistent Benchmarks along the way

·      Using data to identify areas of weakness BEFORE the assessment

·      Look for ways to make more personal connections (PBLU.org)

·      Lacking connections to the diversity of all learners background

·      Have McGee over to share MAP data (tear apart together)

How do 5th graders acquire new information?

Now:

·      Notes

·      Activity

·      Discussion

·      Video or video clip

·      Websites

·      Vocabulary

·      Demonstration

·      Research

·      Story books

·      Field trips

·      Current news

·      Act it out

·      Science journals – everything we do, notes, research, labs and activities

Possibility:

·      Songs

·      Movement

·      Coloring

·      Sorting

·      Play

·      Investigation

·      Removing the fear of risk

·      Focus on the process as opposed to the outcome

·      Be willing to give time

·      Science Journals – Wonder pages, questions, collecting data, science at home, favorite experiences, real life examples, collection from year to year, focus on the emotional connection to the experiences

·      Idea of capturing a document/image to preserve for future years.

Learning Designs

·      Do the lab and leave it set up for 3 to 4 more days – part of the daily 5 workshop

·      Video your lab and have it available

·      Bits of a video to wrap up the day

·      Play a game

·      Integrate movement and vocabulary – Charades

·      Act it out using an object

·      Seek to integrate the curriculum within other areas/times

·      Discussed how other schools do it

·      Discussed the advantages and disadvantages of specializing

Afterwords we continued conversations by focusing our efforts on Chemical Interactions unit

We created the following Goal/objectives:

Essential Learning Goal:

SWBAT identify patterns of changes.

Objectives:

• ·  SWBAT Construct models of atoms and molecules to demonstrate three-dimensional structure
• · SWBAT Describe and compare the properties of matter, including density, state of matter, volume, and mass
• ·  SWBAT Describe ways to Separate components in a mixture/solution
• ·  SWBAT Identify chemical changes in common objects as a result of interactions with heat, light, water, and air

And then discussed assessment and preliminary learning designs: https://docs.google.com/a/wgcloud.org/document/d/1cVhAnc3v74ZUVkujDJ3wIy_335mXmxBPF3JRhccxaCg/edit#

12/7 CO, 2nd and 3rd year Teacher Training

Started the day stopping by Edgar Road to pick up snacks, drinks, and my book for the 2nd and 3rd year teacher training meeting.

I then went over to central office.  I made copes of the chapter for anyone who needs it during the 2nd and 3rd year teacher training.

I then attended the Coordinator meeting.  Agenda included a check in from all areas and a conversation that included an "unpacking"of an ELA CCSS standard.  Really cool the work of unpacking and how much overlap there is from CCSS ELA and Social Studies.

After the coordinator meeting I stuck around to meet with the CNI superintendant to discuss the next phase of the resource adoption process.

I then set up and prepared for the 2nd and 3rd year teacher meeting.

WIth help we facilitate the 2nd and 3rd year teacher training where we used this presentation to facilitate the reading of Chapter 3 from "Never work harder than your students."

Also during the workshop teachers Jigsawed the chapter and created this resource to demonstrate understanding and facilitate discussion.

12/6 Curating Resources, DLT, Meetings and SS facilitators

Started the morning with science over at Hixson.  We discussed Resources and made a decision.
Our plan is to determine our greatest needs now, purchase those resources.  And plan for the future of curating resources for the future of Science instruction at Hixson.

After words I went over to Clark for the DLT observation.  We observe a 5th grade classroom and discussed Marzano's design questions as they relate to curriculum and instruction, teaching and learning.

Some images from the day...

After the observation we rehashed what we saw and where we are headed as a district and had conversations about science and social studies.

After the DLT meeting I met with Mrs. Corley.  We discussed options for curating a digital resource.  We started a document here.

I then went over the WGHS to meet with the Tech Director.  We discussed options for digital resources and possible questions as we move forward.

After that headed over to Central Office for the Social Studies Facilitator Meeting K-5.
Agenda Included:
Checking in
Highlighting GLEs
Writing Learning goals
Discussing C3 content standards

12/3 NGSS, Acceleration, PDC, Strategic Planning

Started the day setting up and preparing for a Next Generation Science Standard Workshop

Took notes on the day: https://docs.google.com/a/wgcloud.org/document/d/1cN3XHLnuRvCAhA1EgrBQnR4KToNNVX0o-7_sTMsAT4Y/edit

Science Standards in Practice Handout HERE

Science and Engineering Dimensions Handout HERE


Went back to Edgar Rd.

• finalized 5th grade GLES for SS
• Watched Puentedura SAMR model Podcast on itunes U
• Prepped for SS facilitators
• Prepped for Science and Social Studies Vertical Team Meetings

At 1:30 I arrived at Clark.  From 1:45 - 2:30 I spent time with a student seeking to be accelerated a grade level.  I administered a Social studies diagnostic for a student seeking advancement.

At 3:00 I arrived over at Central office for the PDC meeting.  Agenda included:

• Read a grant
• Watched a video:

• Notes and brainstorming for Online digital collaboration tool

At 5:30 I attended the Strategic Planning Meeting for Mission/Visionin for the district.  Agenda included:

• discussion of Mission and Vision
• 2 trials of attempts of mission and vision
• likes and not like

11/29 Treca Digital Academy, Apple Science iOs Training

I'm a day late on the post due to travel and lack of access to the web.  Please accept my apologies.

Spent the day at Treca Educational Solutions in Marion Ohio.

There I was training on the new full day training called "science iOs"

We used three piece of tech during the session, seen below:

The first piece was verier's labquest 2.  We were trained on how to use the device and the pH probe ware.  Learned how to pair it with a laptop or mobile device and harvet data.  We then used the date to create a media focused lab write up.  Some of the resources from the lab are below:

After investigating with the Labquest we turned our discussion to resources on the iPad.  We learned how to use the Bodelin Proscope.  This device syned with the AirMicroPad app to display and capture amazing images, seen below:

Paper

Computer typing

Up my nose

Eye

Eye 

Eye 

Skin

Sweater Fabric

Table top

Denim

Skin

Computer Screen

Leaf

We then investigated the Leafsnap and Educreations apps.

The day was wrapped up discussing Mountain Lion Server and how it could be used in the traning and school networks to "turn in" resources from the iPad to the teacher's device.

11/21 Edgar Road, Math Facilitator

Started the day today opening up twitter account for the building Principal at Edgar Road

I then attended the 4th grade team meeting where we planned Rock and Minerals, and discussed quickly the upcoming Missouri Unit.

I then went to lunch with Mary Ann to discuss materials, supplies, and progress with the Elementary Kits.

Afterwords I dropped off a binder to Avery and headed over to Steger.  I met with the Math Coordinator to discuss creating an assessment for a student seeking promotion above 2nd grade to 3rd.

Chatted with Noah Stout about helping with EdcampSTL

Afterwords I went back to Edgar road to complete:

• Hixson Resource Eval
• Emailed out sustainability resource for the Land Lab
• Worked on order of a map for a Kindergarten classroom
• Worked on my Project Based Learning Cetrtification
• Watched Video: How to assess Critical Thinking
• Completed Assessing Critical Thinking reflection
• Watched Webinar on Assessing Critical Thinking
• Laid out plans for eMINTS teachers to progress on adding TILS resource to Social Studies and Next Generation Standards
• Reflected on 8th grade SS curriculum workshop day
• Started cleaning up 8th grade assessments and resources created at our full day staff development

11/20 TLC, Edgar Road, Door Decorations

Started the day at TLC.  There was a problem with accessing websites from my laptop.  Crisis averted. Also discussed Reflection app, Bonjour Wireless, and the new webnet settings.

Recorded and edited video on how to access the server located here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-FQTn7hbcs

Finished removing files from School Center and moving them all over to the CNI server

At 11:30 went over to Avery for their Door Decorating Contest, here are some of my favorites:

After judging went back to Edgar road:

Began working on iBooks Author Experience for 7th and 8th grade teachers at Hixson

• Create keynote for the day
• Created resource document for ideas
• 
  

Played around a little with Authoring a book using wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Book

Watched this video:

Wrote this blog post: http://coachinandout.blogspot.com/2012/11/what-is-next-chapter-for-edcuation.html

Created iPad app handout for Bristol

Created Assessment for Science and Social Studies learning goals for grade 2, 3, and 4.  This assessment will be administered to a student seeking advanced placement.

11/19 Avery, WGHS, CO, Edgar Road

Started the day picking up a binder from Kindergarten at Avery.

Took the binder to WGHS when I figured out where the copy center was and what it did.  I then scanned the binder and placed the PDF on the server.

I worked at Central office for a while on the Next generation Science standards:

• GO here: https://docs.google.com/a/wgcloud.org/file/d/0B2myX1fkAsIBWHVubURvQVY0VTg/edit 
• Created this to start getting an idea of where topics might fall:

Searched Everywhere for the "new" first draft of the Social Studies standards called C3: College, Career and Civic Life Standards.

• Found this from oklahoma: http://ok.gov/sde/sites/ok.gov.sde/files/C3-SocialStudies.pdf 

Sent reminder for Science facilitators

Emailed teachers at Avery that wanted a globe

Wrote thank you cards for 8th grade Social Studies curriculum work day

Sent e-mail invitation for WASHU workshop on Dec 8th

At the end of the day went over to Hixson to participate in Science and Social studies meeting for 7th grade.

• 7th grade SS worked on their study guide
• 7th grade science
• Discussed survey results
• Discussed secondary checklist
• Next steps:
• iBooks Author on 11/27
• working on topic list

11/7 Office, Collaboration, Hixson

Started the day working on my Project Based Learning Certification:

• Watched the Webinar
• Took some notes:
• Be intentional with who is in your groups
• Analyze strengths and weaknesses of students
• groups can range in size to the amount of work you have to complete.  Groups can be from sizes of 2 all the way up and over 10
• Small groups can transition to large group or whole class projects
• Voice and Choice are crucial - but also rely on the maturity and responsibility of students
• Starting students with the roles they want to take will allow the groups to form
• Chose the Project I will be modeling and sharing called "Choose your own adventure"
• Completed Yourteams assignment
• Contacted WGHS SS re veterens day activities
• Worked on St. Louis Science Leadership Consortium website

At 1pm went over to Computer School to chat with Math Coordinator re: 2nd grade Unit or lesson plan.

• We connected the CCSS standards to the Sound Unit
• Also discussed the 4th grade Missouri and 3rd grade St. Louis Unit looking for Math connections

At 3:00 went over to Hixson to meet with 8th grade Social Studies and plan the 16th:

Our Agenda:

Check in misc stuff - .5

Year long unit plan - 1.5

Standards review - .5

Colonialism - GLE, Assessment, Essential, Objectives, Pacing unit (Back to big) - 3

Constitution unit - .5 - assessment

wrap up - .5

11/6 - WGHS, Textbooks, St. Louis, WGHS Science

Started the morning facilitating learning from all educators 7-12.

• Sorting activity with CCSS materials
• Presentation from Dr. Simpson
• Individual SCIENCE presentation and workgroup

Met with 7th and 8th grade science to discuss textbook adoption process:

Results of the textbook survey were as follows:

Topic Needs:

• Anatomy (Health)
• Earth's processes (Universe and Weather)
• Physical Science - Energy, light and sound, electricity, chemistry,

Needs provided by a textbook

• Reliability
• CCSS - grade level text for reading non-fiction
• Eliminate standing by a copier
• Access to tech limits us
• Quick

Want from a textbook

• Weblinks
• online support (online text)
• Test builders

Numbers of need

• 4 class sets per grade (30 - 35 per grade) = 160
• 160 x $55 = $8800

Options

• Multiple individual texts

Other options

• ipads
• paid to create or curate

Next steps include:

• 1.     Articulate a sound rationale and give evidence for why the current resource (if one exists) is unable to support high-quality student learning (ex: changes to curriculum, not engaging to students, or in poor condition). DEPARTMENTS
• 2.     Review the latest research regarding resources in support of student learning including content-specific resources. DEPARTMENTS
• 3.     Survey students and staff to determine what they “need” and “want” in a secondary resource. DISCOVERY/DEPARTMENT
• 4.     Research what resources are currently available which might be considered. (ex: meet with companies, school visits, etc.).  Contact high performing districts and districts with comparable demographics to Webster (nationwide) to find out which resource(s) they are using and if they think it contributes to the success of their students. COORDINATOR
• 5.  Compare how the currently available resources align with the district curriculum, state/national standards, and the “needs” and “wants” list developed in step 3.  COORDINATOR
• 6. Teach the searching of current research
• 7.  Demo/Experience with K-12 ebooks
• 8.  How to check the reading levels

Wrapped up the day BACK at WGHS to get to know the WGHS Science department. Who I was, What we're doing K-8 and Where we're going in the future. Presentation I gave here.