Class will start at the top of the hour! Please turn the volume up on your computer speakers to access the audio feature of this seminar. WELCOME TO EP101 Classroom Management Unit 7 The Importance of Communication and Supervision.

Review of Unit 6 What are some ways that students may differ from one another? What does “differentiating instruction” mean? What are some ways to provide differentiated instruction? What are some of the important factors to consider in classroom management (rules/procedures, organization, physical arrangement, instructional strategies) Questions?Comments?

Review of Unit 6 Learning Styles What did you discover? learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire Multiple Intelligences Questions?Comments?

Unit 7: The Importance of Communication and Supervision Unit Outcomes In this unit you will; Explain the importance of communication and feedback between all members of the educational team Develop a communication plan for exchanging information between the pupil, teacher and guardians Discuss the importance of consulting with your own supervisors Are you ready to begin?

Unit 7 Assignments Due Tuesday Night by Midnight! Readings E-book Chapter 7 “Instructional Supervision” Web article “Listening: a Vital Skill” Learning Activities Communication Plan activity Presentation on “Family Involvement” Unit Summary Graded Review (1) Discussion Question Seminar (Complete option #2 if you miss a seminar)

Unit 7 Seminar Questions 1. What are some advantages to good communication? Clear expectations Resolution of problems Both parties feel respected Have you ever left a situation and felt like you were not heard or your needs were not met? Charter Share you experiences

Unit 7 Seminar Questions 1.What are some advantages to good communication? Paraprofessionals need to advocates for their students. How can you help get the best services for your students? How can you help to make sure their needs are being met? How can you help team members, including the child, all be heard? What follow up can you do to assure that needs continue to be met or people did what they said they would do?

Unit 7 Seminar Questions 2. Give some examples of active listening strategies and how they reduce misunderstandings. Starts with you! Tune into the students, teacher, school psychologist, parent, or whoever. Pick up on all the clues that you can to get as much insight as you can. Set your own agenda aside and be the child’s advocate.

Unit 7 Seminar Questions 2. Give some examples of active listening strategies and how they reduce misunderstandings. Listening Strategies Body language Eye contact Lean into, rather than away from, speaker No fidgeting Active listening Paraphrase what speaker said Ask questions for clarification Give constructive feedback Goal: to reduce misunderstandings

Unit 7 Seminar Questions 2. Give some examples of active listening strategies and how they reduce misunderstandings. Communication with Students Why? Clear expectations, rules, and procedures Encourage questioning and dialogue How? Verbal: addressing whole class or individual students Written: notes, grades, directions Body language: facial expressions, proximity, signals

Unit 7 Seminar Questions 2. Give some examples of active listening strategies and how they reduce misunderstandings. Communication with Parents Why? Parent involvement is key to student’s success Keeps them informed of their child’s progress and activities at school Lets students know that all parties have a vested interest in their educational success How? Written notes, s, newsletters, progress reports, report cards Phone calls In person: conference, open house, classroom volunteer, parent workshops

Unit 7 Seminar Questions 3. Why is it so important to consider confidentiality and professionalism at all times when discussing a student? Students deserve our respect. Everyone is different, learn differently, behave differently, and have different life experiences Students have rights. Parents have the right to protect their children We are professionals, we must act as professionals.

Unit 7 Seminar Questions 4. What are the important points to remember about communication with your own supervisors? Communication with Collegues Why? Share instructional ideas Communicate schoolwide expectations Communicate about individual student progress How? Written: letters, Verbal: school wide meetings, grade level meetings, individual discussions