Tiger Tribune - March 26th

Star Strategies:  Learning Targets

• Reviewing target throughout the lesson.
• Posting targets at centers.
• Allowing students to interact with target when first introduced through vocabulary.
• Student self assessment based on target at the end of unit or lesson.
• Highlighting or drawing and arrow to the appropriate lesson target during the lesson, if multiple targets are posted together.

Are you doing all of the above?  If you simply have mulitple targets posted and do not draw attention in some way to the current lesson's target, how can students determine on which one you are working?

Important Upcoming Tiger Events:

March
26 - Faculty Meeting
29 - Family Math and Science Night  5:00 - 7:00
30 - Program Review Data Due in ASSIST
        Easter Parties & PTO Egg Hunt
April
2-6 - Spring Break
9 - Scrimmage - Last of the Year
      Faculty Meeting
10 - SBDM meeting w/ teachers during planning.
        SBDM meeting @ 4:30.
13 - Math Cadre
TESTING WINDOW - APRIL 30 - MAY 4

Reminders:

• Carter County Schools Dress Code must be followed for adults and students.
• Writing Folder Entries should be almost complete.

Justice Thoughts:

  I am amazed at the improvement we made across all grade levels on DEA.  We still have room for improvement, but there is definite evidence that the hard work we have put in and the changes we have made this year have had a positive impact on the academic achievement of our students.  I am confident that we are doing everything within our skill and knowledge that we can for our students here at UTE.  Keep up the good work and know that the time, effort, and love each of you put toward our goal of helping students succeed does not go unnoticed.

Food For Thought:

 "Our comfort zones can be the greatest enemy to our potential."
~David Cottrell

 What have you done this year that is outside of your comfort zone?  What effect did it have on you and your students?

Teacher Effectiveness Rubric:

Teacher demonstrates understanding of current standards and principles by incorporating effective practices, strategies and technologies that support student

learning. Teacher designs and implements instruction that meets the needs of all diverse learners.

STANDARD (KY Teacher Standard):

ACCOMPLISHED: DEVELOPING:

INEFFECTIVE:

1.3 Develops and communicates

student friendly learning targets

that are congruent with and

aligned to national, state and

local standards. (2.1, 2.4)

Possible Sources of Evidence:

•

Lesson and/or unit plans,

•

student work samples

Formal and informal observations,

•

Formative and summative assessments

•

Teacher reflection and self‐assessment

•

Posted learning targets

•

Student voice

Accomplished:  Develops student friendly learning

targets or guiding questions that

are congruent with national, state

and local standards.

Communicates aligned, studentfriendly

learning targets or guiding

questions throughout all phases of

the lesson.

Developing: 

questions correlated to national,

state and local standards.

Communicates learning targets or

guiding questions on lesson plan or

for student view.
Ineffective:

Fails to develop learning targets or

guiding questions aligned with the

national, state and local standards.

Fails to communicate learning targets

or guiding questions

EXEMPLARY:

(not limited to the following descriptors, but is beyond existing school protocols and structures)

Collaborates with peers across disciplines to develop integrated student friendly learning targets.

Involves students in the process of developing and/or deconstructing student friendly learning targets.

The Heart of A Tiger

Our celebration of Dr. Seuss and literacy last week brought many smiles and learning to last a lifetime to our students. I want to thank each of you for your hard work and the wonderful learning that took place at UTE. However, it came as no surprise to me because of what I have seen you do all year.
This week brings DEA and DIBELS testing along with our dance artist in residence who will be working with 4th and 5th graders. My thoughts are also on our fellow Kentuckians who lost everything and worse, family in the storms Friday night. I thank God for the safety of all the UTE families and our community. Many churches in this area are helping with relief and I have heard from several of you about helping out. As of yesterday evening, there was no further place for storage of donated clothing in the West Liberty area. They are not letting residents back in yet. I'm sure we will be able to assist in some way. The soup kitchen in Morehead has been asked to prepare 200 - 400 meals a day for the next 2 weeks. I know they need money. I believe that the schools were not harmed, but I'm sure the students will need things when they return. We will do what we can as a school to help.
In the grand scheme of things, the worries we have about grades, test scores, and schedules are very minor in comparison. I love what many of you said last week about being in our profession to help children realize their potential and dreams. I know there is no better place to ever be than an elementary school. I hope that every person at UTE shares that sentiment.
In closing, I asked myself a question about the tragedy in West Liberty this weekend. "If everything you own is suddenly destroyed, what chance do you have at recovery if you do not
know how to think, problem solve, and access resources independently?" We are creating citizens of the future. They need to have the heart of a tiger and the skills of the 21st century. We must give them the tools they need to have a fighting chance in this world. It is much more than 2+2, it is a matter of life quality and length. I leave you with my favorite quote about education. "Education is the great equalizer of men." ~ Horace Mann. Do you believe this to be true? If so, how does this belief impact how you interact daily with students and families? Are we making a difference? Are we preparing them to be strong and productive? If not, what must we change?