Writing SMART Goals: MA Educator Evaluation

I wrote a number of goals for the school year and posted them a while ago.  Then I went to a training about writing SMART goals this Friday. I further discussed the idea with my sister, also a Massachusetts' teacher, the next day.  After that I refined my goals from big and broad to tight and specific, and looked for and created ways to document evidence to show that I am moving towards my teaching goals.

The process seemed so difficult at first, and I thought,  How can I cull all that I have to do into two simple, specific goals. But after great coaching from my sister, and the all day training, I was able to write the goals.

After writing the goals and creating an evidence document, I realized that my thinking about the goals,  and actions related to those goals, had changed.  I am much more specific now about what I need to do to move these students along with respect to their metacognition, strategies and effort so that they meet the spring goal.

I can also see how writing SMART goals has the potential to move entire schools forward with specific, action-oriented efforts to teach with best effect.  Let's see what happens.

Classroom Celebrations

In early December our class will have a celebration.  We've invited family members in to view our poetry films, share our poetry projects, view Google sites and look over other student work and accomplishments since the start of school.  We've got a lot to do before the big celebration including completion of all those projects, editing and organization.

Classroom celebrations are an important part of the learning process.  It gives all of us a moment to step back, celebrate and then reflect on the learning to date and the learning to come. The celebration also motivates our best work, teacher and student.

In the next month we'll prepare with the following actions:

• completion of all movies and poetry projects.
• organization and editing of students' Google sites writing books.
• putting together a folder collection of "showcase" work to share.
• creating and sending out invitations, changing our room to a "poetry cafe," and cleaning up the learning environment for guests.
• creating a post event reflection sheet as a culminating student activity.

Do you have celebrations to showcase student work and performance?  If so, how do you structure the events and what are the positive benefits for yourself as the educator and the learners in your midst?

What's Important: Massachusetts' Educator Evaluation Standards

“Anytime we take common sense out of the equation, we’re going in the wrong direction.”
- Castellinne, Teachers21

I just spent the day learning about the new Massachusetts' Educator Evaluation system with greater detail. The terrific presentation was given by David Castelline from Teachers21. The standards are detailed and specific, but in summary here are the focus objectives.

1. Curriculum, Planning and Assessment

• creating, implementing and refining standards-based effective, rigorous, high quality, coherent instruction.
• meaningful student assessments that inform instruction.
• constructive feedback.
• knowing subject matter well.
• a good grasp of child development and how children learn.

2. Teaching all Students

• promote learning and growth for all students.
• high expectations
• safe and effective classrooms.
• cultural proficiency.

3. Family and Community Engagement

• Effective partnership with the learning community: families, caregivers, community members and organizations.

4. Professional Culture

• Promote the learning and growth of all students through ethical, culturally proficient, skilled and collaborative practice.

There's greater detail to the process including administrators' regular 10-minute unannounced observations, self assessment and SMART goals. In the end though, it's all about good teaching and I can support that.

What is your Goal?

"The goal is the goal." -Godin

I read Godin's blog each day. He informs my work and direction. Today, he speaks of goals and one's attention to the goal at hand.

Great post for me as I approach a weekend of attention to my individual students.  Over the weekend I'll think about each student's program, and I'll review a host of completed work which will give me insights to students' needs and accomplishments. Then I'll refine the routine and lessons to better meet their needs.

For elementary school teachers, the goal is teaching children well in engaging, thoughtful ways that meet interests, passions and essential skill, knowledge and concept.  This goal is the reason I continue to teach. Afterall, "the goal is the goal."  Thanks for the inspiration, Seth Godin. 

Join Us: Kids Talking to Kids, A Better World

We're taking the leap on Thursday, November 15 and leading a Global Education Presentation at 10 am EST.  We welcome any students or student groups who would like to join us and discuss ideas for a better world.

The children are working carefully and creatively to create a presentation that will invite your thoughts and ideas.

If you're wondering how to participate, here are the steps.

• Check out the Global Ed Schedule a couple of days prior to the presentation to get the Blackboard link.
• About 10-15 minutes prior to the presentation, log in.
• It's best to hook up your computer to a screen so all the students can see the presentation.  Students can participate with microphones or by typing their comments and questions.
• The presentation will last one hour.

I suggest that even if you can't attend our presentation that you and your students partake in at least one of the presentations during the week as your students will be working with many throughout the globe in their lifetimes.

I've been nervous about this new endeavor, but since I chose to do it for good reason, I'm going through with it to build students' global competence and voice.

Please join us, it should be an enlightening time for all.  Thank you.