The next five weeks of school are not weeks filled with exciting new ideas, but instead weeks filled with lots of details. I can say that this is not my favorite part of the learning, but I know that attention to the details matters as much as attention on the big, exciting projects and problems of learning.
When focusing on the details, what matters most?
First, to attend to all those details, it's imperative that we stick to a good schedule. Fidelity to the learning schedule matters.
Next, it's important to relay to the students why we are focusing on the details and what's expected during these study times-times that include some repetition in order to master the details and precision of math, reading, and research goals.
And, it's critical that we keep the pacing and don't lose time during the learning--the more fluid the teaching and learning, the more students will have a chance to practice, learn, ask questions, and receive help when they don't understand.
The practice will be well worth it when students take a host of systemwide and state tests after this five-week practice period. When they take the tests, they'll have the confidence that they understand the information well and can demonstrate their knowledge with precision and care. Onward.
