#SOL18: Assessment
What do we value? Product? Process? Reflection?
It began with a conversation on Voxer.
How do we know?
My #OLW, Curious, led me on an interesting quest.
So how does this work in real life?
The first group began. All brass. They blew a few sounds through their mouthpieces. They were newcomers. Section by section. Each small group played. Then the entire brass group played two songs.
Same process for the woodwinds. A few sounds. Section by section sound off. Then the entire woodwind group played two songs.
BRAVE
BRAVE
BRAVE
The Premiere of THE 5th Grade Beginning Band (copied from the program) then played two songs. Their first practice together – the brass and the woodwinds. Their first practice EVER. During a performance. In front of a gym packed with family and friends.
How would you assess this 5th grade group in their first public appearance?
Product?
The number of students that participated?
How the three groups sounded?
Process?
How they have grown in the six weeks since 5th grade band began?
What comparisons would you make between assessing this instrumental group and other “assessments of 5th grade learners?”
I watched instrumental musicians last night representing grades 5-12 in the Central DeWitt school district. This was my second consecutive year to attend the fall Parade of Bands. It’s a 90 minute extravaganza led by two directors that showcases the performance levels of students in October each year. This year that was a total of 325 band students in grades 5-12: 215 students in grades 5-8 (She is simply amazing!) and 115 students in high school.
Product?
Process?
Reflection?
A combination?
What if . . .
What if all students had to take an identical screener in the fall, winter and spring?
What if the results of the screener was then used to determine which instrument students should play?
What if the students had to pass a “basic knowledge test” before they could choose an instrument?
Would there be 325 students in band if a general “proficiency test” was required of all students?
Again, how is success measured?
Is it measured by the “1 Superior” rating at state marching contest?
Is it measured by the new band uniforms provided by a community drive?
Is it measured by the audience that packed the gym?
Is it measured by the funds raised during the dinner before the Parade of Bands?
Is it measured by the applause of the audience?
Is it measured by the number of students who continue to participate in band year after year?
Is it measured by the distance that audience members travel to attend the concert? (195 miles one way for me)
Is it measured by the “JOY” of the students who continue to participate?
Product? Process? Reflection?
Is there any ONE measure that captures the essence of success?
The original conversation began with writing. Is this a conversation that needs to be a part of every content area in every school building?
What do we value?
What do we support?
How do we know?
Thank you, Betsy, Beth, Deb, Kathleen, Kelsey, Lanny, Melanie, and Stacey for this weekly forum from Two Writing Teachers. Check out the writers, readers and teachers here.
Full Disclosure: I’ve followed this band director for decades – to concerts and competitions, to the Alamo Bowl, and to the Orange Bowl so I’m a wee bit biased. Band opened the doors for me to travel in the US and abroad. I attended this concert with his grandmother, mother, wife and daughter. I’ve known him and his work ethic for 40 years, and YET I also know that FUN and a passion for music is also a part of his agenda. He’s my nephew!
#SOL17: Brave
“Bravery is not always a roar; sometimes it’s the quiet strength that we possess when we need it most.” ~@OnStageKimberly
Are you brave?
It may depend on how you define brave.
I eagerly anticipated “Brave” in 2017 because my word had found me in mid-December. I tried it out quietly, drafted some ideas, rechecked my understanding, watched this video of Kimberly Davis and finally announced it here. I embraced, Brave, and changed the wallpaper on my blog.
I checked in often.
Here and
Here in this post today.
Little did I know how BRAVE was going to test me in 2017.
Test me personally. Test me professionally.
Test me mentally. Test me spiritually.
And it was a roller coaster because there were days that went by in a fog and days where time stood still . . . and minutes became months. And then there were the days that seemed to barely last one hour. What a strange construct time can be . . .
Pulled.Stretched.Elongated.
Shortened.Retracted.Truncated.
And as the calendar pages have turned, I’ve embraced:
“courageous,
valiant,
intrepid,
heroic,
bold,
fearless,
gallant,
daring,
plucky, and
audacious.”
(Courtesy of Dictionary.com here)
Amid gnashing of teeth, crying, whimpering, screaming, and yelling . . .
I did not always go quietly into the night.
But as each night faded into daylight,
I welcomed the chance to begin each day anew.
And NOW, I celebrate!
We don’t have to be perfect!
Watch for more wisdom from this source (Released January 16, 2018):
Available January 16, 2018
What will my 2018 #OLW be?
How are you preparing for your 2018 #OLW?
Thank you, Betsy, Beth, Deb, Kathleen, Lanny, Melanie, and Stacey for this weekly forum. Check out the writers, readers and teachers here.
#SOL17: Hero
It was time to check up on my #OLW, but then I saw a cousin’s post and I was off on a tangent. In search of history. In search of a different meaning of “BRAVE”. In search of a definition of HERO that I can uphold and believe in.
Can you name this iconic photo?
Where was it taken?
When?
What is the significance?
The photographer won the Pulitzer prize for this picture in 1945. It was later found on a three cent stamp and also used for war bond sales.
Iwo Jima
1945
Marines
Worthy of some recognition although it was “Before My Time”.
The statistics are alarming . . . the number of Americans killed. The number of Japanese who died. The miles and miles of tunnels. An island. The ferociousness of battle.
The flag, raised twice, was displayed at Mount Suribachi and seemed to herald an easy victory for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Marines. But pictures and stories abound.
I’m not sure what a “tractor” was. Many different vehicles are present in pictures and in books.
The post that sent me on a history search for a day was my uncle’s picture here posted by his daughter. A tractor commander. Multiple battles. A corporal.
“. . . outstanding qualities of initiative and courage . . . under heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire. . . . cool and calm under enemy fire, and his courageous conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States naval service.”
My uncle
awarded a bronze star
a HERO!
And in our present day, any person who raises their right hand and says,
“I, _________, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; . . .
as they enter into the armed services
is a HERO!
Who are your heroes?
Who did you celebrate on Veteran’s Day?
What stories of bravery are you collecting?
Thank you, Betsy, Beth, Deb, Kathleen, Lanny, Melanie, and Stacey for this weekly forum. Check out the writers, readers and teachers here.
#SOL17: #OLW Check In!
It’s mid-July.
How am I REALLY progressing with my 2017 One Little Word?
I love that Melanie also has BRAVE as her #OLW because I so admire her writing, her work and her balance of work and home. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Kimberly’s Ted Talk – (@onstageKimberly) – BRAVE! And of course this quote:
A quick perusal of archives finds these two posts: my January 3rd announcement here and a March check in here that was incredibly sad. 2017 has been a year of changes.
Highs
Lows
And a lot of muddling around in between
Changes
My summer “brave” exploration has been “deep spying” on my response to reading this summer. Some of my post public work has been with #cyberpd.
Publicly responding to this text . . .
As I read, reread, jot notes, sometimes draw pictures, reread, write, and yes, add post-its. What does the text say? What do I still wonder about? What will this REALLY look like for teachers and students?
My focus has been on these two areas:
- “Experience the thrill of figuring things out”
- “Take risks, get messy, keep learning”
When it is time for “response to reading”, who makes the decision about format? audience? purpose?
Who should make those decisions?
The standard that is usually “invoked” for writing in response to reading is this:
“CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.”
Two parts – drawing evidence and then doing something with that evidence – that is the goal! What could this look like?
Possibilities:
A. Word Art: Most Frequent Words
B. Specific Quotes
C. Evidence and Reflection
(larger versions here on padlet from this post)
Which version would you prefer for your evidence? Why?
A. Words or Phrases
B. Quotes
C. Evidence and Reflection
How many ways do you know/use to present evidence?
How can I “show” the thrill of figuring it out?
How can I “show” the messiness of taking a risk and learning?
How can I also make sure that student VOICE and CHOICE are honored?
There’s no ONE RIGHT way to share evidence.
There’s no ONE RIGHT way to share thinking.
There’s no ONE RIGHT way to support analysis, reflection, and research.
Have you done this work? What does your “messy” work look like?
Which domain are you working in?
Thank you, Betsy, Beth, Deb, Kathleen, Lanny, Melanie, and Stacey for this weekly forum. Check out the writers, readers and teachers here.
#SOLSC17: Brave
Today is Day 1 of my fourth #SOLSC so I must celebrate my #OneLittleWord (#OLW) Brave.
What is brave in 2017?
Brave is taking a risk, being a bit fearful of the outcome, and YET choosing to move forward with a decision or task!
Brave is writing every day in March with fellow slicers.
Brave is speaking up in defense of others and asking for action to protect our citizens (threats on Jewish Community Centers).
Brave is standing tall with friends when it’s the right thing to do.
Brave is defending choices that one may not make for one’s own self, but leaves it as a viable option for others.
Brave is that spot in one’s stomach that hurts but YET one persists and follows the heart because it is the right thing to do.
Brave is asking questions when everyone else is silent.
Brave is speaking out when bullies persist.
Brave is writing and calling legislators when their actions are harmful.
“Brave means feeling afraid and doing it anyway. Brave means saying NO when those around you want you to say yes. Brave means taking a leap of faith even when you’re not sure how things will turn out. Brave means getting up and walking out into the sunshine even when the circumstances of your life make you want to stay in the dark. Brave is shouting out loud and brave is also staying quiet. Brave is when you stay true to your heart. Your brave is different from my brave. When you find the place inside you where your truest desires meet your deepest trepidation, that’s where you’ll find your brave.” (Erika Petrelli, Quora)
Have you seen any BRAVE in your life?
After two months of 2017, what is the status of your #OLW?
Thank you, Betsy, Beth, Deb, Kathleen, Lanny, Lisa, Melanie, and Stacey for this weekly forum and the #SOLSC that runs from March 1 to the 31st. Check out the writers, readers and teachers here.
Reader Bonus:
How I found my #OLW: #SOL17: #OLW
“What it means to be brave?” Kimberly Davis Ted Talk
Have you noticed the quote on the background of my blog posts?
#SOL17: Inspiration
The #SOLSC will soon be here. One of the most amazing sources of inspiration is Sally Donnelly’s padlet here. It’s a treasure trove of writing ideas!
What will I write about every day in March?
Narratives continue to be my personal struggle.
Poetry is always a “fall back”option.
Checking the “Call for Slices” for quotes/inspiration is another option.
Personally, where will my inspiration come from? I’m beginning with rereading the posts in the chart from another slicing year.. Do I want to reconsider the formats? What about the topics? What if I rewrote from another angle? All of these ideas are circulating in my brain. In the spirit of being “BRAVE” (my #OLW17), I plan to have fewer pre-planned posts and truly practice more extemporaneous daily writing.
What is your plan for Volume and Stamina for the #SOL17SC?
How are you preparing?
What will be your measure of success?
Thank you, Betsy, Beth, Deb, Kathleen, Lanny, Lisa, Melanie, and Stacey for this weekly forum. Check out the writers, readers and teachers here.
#SOL17: Choose Kind
Be Brave; Choose Kind!
You are you!
It’s your right.
Choose how to express yourself.
Choose what to express.
Choose when to express.
Think long and hard.
Consider the consequences of your speech.
Consider the consequences of your action.
Consider the consequence of inaction.
Choose wisely.
Is listening to concerns viewed as “agreement”?
Is listening to another viewpoint viewed as “forsaking the views of others”?
You.
Your choice.
Be brave.
Choose what is right for you.
Choose your venue.
Choose your action.
Choose your speech.
But don’t forget that you don’t have to go it alone . . .
Ask for help
Ask for validation
Ask for a listening ear
But above all,
Choose Kind!
Brave, my #OLW.
Sometimes Brave is Quiet.
Sometimes Brave roars.
But above all, Brave is Kind!
Thank you, Betsy, Beth, Deb, Kathleen, Lisa, Melanie, and Stacey for this weekly forum. Check out the writers, readers and teachers here.
#SOL17: #OLW
As 2017 begins there are many sources for information about #OLW and this video may add to your own knowledge base. The authors of Two Writing Teachers are revealing their words daily and many additional words have been revealed this week.
Last year I celebrated “Joyful” and added “Joy” to the background of my blog so I would see it every time I made a post or responded to a comment. I loved the constant reminder and the way that I seemed to spend more time deliberately reflecting on the joy that I found in reading, in writing, in my work and in my family. 2016 was truly a JOYFUL year.
Sometimes #OLW is elusive and sometimes it finds an author. My words have been
- 2014 Transfer
- 2015 Focus
- 2016 Joyful
How do I impact the teachers and coaches that I work with?
This was just one question I asked when I began thinking about my #OLW. Teacher Leadership is always a focus. All teachers can grow as both teachers and leaders because leaders truly come from the teaching ranks.
As I have been working with teachers and coaches this year, I have revisited these domains as organized by Michael Fullan. Most of the coaches have a great deal of knowledge and learning experiences that have provided growth and strength for improving student learning. Less time and energy has been spent on the fifth and sixth domains: management of the change process and the sense of moral purpose.
Are all 6 domains evenly balanced? Should they be?
I’ve been wondering about balance again for awhile. Should there be a sense of teacher agency and urgency for more actions in domains 4, 5, and 6? Are more “successful” teachers/coaches aware of these domains? What would their own rating be?
Where are your strengths?
Many words surfaced. My blog posts are testaments to many actions/learning especially in domains one and three. Domain two is evident in conferences and PD attendance as well as on-line and face to face work with teachers and coaches.
Change is often necessary as different results require a change in instruction and perhaps a different focus for assessment. Moral purpose may be offset by a sense of urgency. For sure, students must be at the center of all decision-making so that requires student-centered thinking/planning/organizing. An action research cycle with student learning as the focus could very well be an avenue to increase the use of those top two domains.
What will that change take?
Honesty
Courage
Reflection
Soul-Searching
Data
A plan
A goal
Constant Adjustment
and the ability to be
BRAVE!
In order to be ready for growth and learning, my word found me
This may mean going against the mainstream beliefs.
This may mean constantly checking my mindset.
This may mean that there will be some bumps in the road.
This may mean longer periods of silence in a “no excuses” role.
This may mean abandoning “but we’ve always done it this way”.
This will mean that students will always be the number 1 consideration.
Because the end result for students . . .
is a rainbow of possibilities!
What’s your #OneLittleWord? How did it find you?
Thank you, Betsy, Beth, Dana, Deb, Kathleen, Lisa, Melanie, and Stacey for this weekly forum. Check out the writers, readers and teachers here.
(And so exciting to know that Melanie and I share the same word – BRAVE! for 2017!)
Ted Talk – Kimberly Davis (@onstageKimberly) – BRAVE
Resource - Full 