February 15, 2019

Taking a look again at "Principles of Instruction, Researched-Based Strategies Every Teacher Should Know" By Barak Rosenshine , I mentioned checking for student understanding, much like having high levels of engagement. Let's focus on requiring and monitoring independent practice. The phrase practice makes perfect (or at least, a whole lot better) comes to mind here. Research shows that students need a great deal of practice in order for a new skill to become automatic. Keep in mind that independent practice should be guided, not just handed off with students left to their own devices. Our very own students even said that when work is just handed off for them to do independently (rather than being guided and/or scaffolded) it gives them reason to act out because they aren't sure what they are supposed to be doing. This independent practice should be the same material that the class worked on in guided practice (this is not the time to try and see if students can master a new skill). Here are a few ways that you can support independent practice

• Walk around the classroom and monitor student work. Research has shown if you are spending more than 30 seconds at a students desk that student (or the whole class) should most likely have some reteaching of the concept or additional explanation of what is expected. Makes sense.
• Try out cooperative learning (students helping each other) by using a procedure such as "ask three before me". Research has shown that there is some advantage to students explaining to each other in addition to increased engagement.
• Complete independent practice problems with class before they go off on their own. Makes sense.

There are some really great resources for teaching and sharing information for Black History Month and a lot of info is being shared from our BSU!  Thank you!  Check out THESE 6 Tools that can help.  Also, take a look at THESE lesson plans that many have already utilized!

SUPER HERO SHOUT OUTS!

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• SUPER awesome shout out to Susan and Brenda for helping me on my delay last week!  Thank you for securing Amy during tutorial! ~Sue
• SUPER awesome shout out to Tamia for handling the issue and concern after school last week! ~Karen
• SUPER awesome shout out to Tamia for ALL that you are doing in 1st and 2nd period and SPED!  You ROCK! 
• SUPER awesome shout out to 
• SUPER awesome shout out to Tamia for ALL of your HARD WORK with ALL of our kids, especially the challenging ones! ~Cristina
• SUPER awesome shout out to Sandy and Leadership for all of the positive notes and hearts around campus!