Our scheduling innovation is in full swing this month. Beginning November 29th, our students began a new 30-minute period that we call "project" and "target" time. During "target" time, our students focus in on one area of instruction. Teachers were asked to think about ONE area of instruction that could have a positive affect on the performance of all students. They looked carefully at the evidence of learning to date, and designed some focused instructional lessons to address the learning needs of the different proficiency levels. Students move to one classroom for 30 minutes to engage in short, focused instructional sessions "targeted" at their particular learning need. Target time happens three days a week for each grade level.
On the other two days, the students work with Unified Arts teachers on creative, integrated projects. Mrs. Millham joined the fifth grade team to offer a session on "Leadership," bringing class size numbers for each project time within a reasonable range.
Organizing for project and target time took a great deal of thought and planning. I'm so proud of MBS students, teachers and staff for taking this on! The faces of our students and their positive excitement make it all worthwhile. I stopped to ask many students how they are enjoying this change, and so far have heard only positive comments. However, if you would like your child to have a chance to take my survey, you can visit the survey site here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SBMQHSL
We plan to use the information from our targeted intervention lessons to continue to plan for differentiated learning within classrooms. In January, we do another round of "benchmark" testing using our new math curriculum based measures. This benchmark testing helps us to measure general outcomes in math, and screen for any students who might be falling a bit behind so that we can offer support. We also check in on our students' reading fluency.
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to participate on the Colchester School District's Core Vision Planning Team. It was an exciting and interesting two days. The process being used to create a new vision for our schools is interactive, and will involve the voices of a broad range of people with an interest and a stake in our schools. I'll be reporting more about the Vision process on my blog. The Core Vision team meets again in February after each team member interviews three to five people. I can't wait to start interviewing and getting to know more people in this beautiful community. I feel very welcomed and at home here; I wish you all a very hopeful and peaceful holiday season. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your child's educational experience.
Peace,
Mrs. Julie Benay
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