- Using state/system standards and expectations as well as our own research, study, and experiences as a foundation for the program.
- Keeping an open document to inform weekly meetings with new ideas, expectations, needs, interests, plans, and important dates.
- Meeting in the summer to map out the entire year with big projects, special events, expert visitors, the weekly/daily routines.
- Setting individual/team goals.
- Meeting three times a week to look carefully at what is happening w/a focus on student services, curriculum goals/events/needs, and program details and development.
- Ongoing troubleshooting and support for one another to meet the goals/plans set and to revise and refine as needed.
- Identifying and attending professional development events throughout the year, and using that information to better the program.
Soon we'll meet with the greater team with ideas for bettering our schedule for next year so that we can better teach the identified standards and expectations. I am suggesting that we use the colleague circle approach I was introduced to as part of the Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teaching and Teachers (ECET2) events.
Our collective focus is on how we can build a robust program, the kind of program that Darling-Hammond and Harvey-Cook's recent research report demonstrates to be an effective, engaging, and empowering way to teach children well. This is a good focus, one that keeps me in the game of teaching and learning with passion and positivity. Onward.
