STARTSTART upporting nd etaining eachers raining Beth Duncan, Assistant Principal James Davis, Principal Rowan-Salisbury School System © James Davis, China Grove Middle School / 2008

Quick Hits / Housekeeping Comfortable Style of Approach Questions that you have Handout with Highlights (notes) * Nod YES / SMILE Focus: Simplicity and Action Some items will SPIRAL Teaching to TASK, not to TIME The END RESULT ULTIMATE GOAL: Find something that you CAN replicate & thank you for being here… *Entire presentation online and available

Why this topic? Why Focus on this Group? -In NC, 60% of teachers will leave the profession between years 1 and 4 (majority in 3 and 4). -Nationally, rates range from 20% to 50%, depending upon the operational definition -75% report that they leave because of a lack of administrative support / realistic assistance Why Focus on this Group? -This is where you can your Greatest Impact

Background Information The Study Site… -size -student population -academic capabilities -free and reduced lunch -EC population / ELL population What was happening with our beginning teachers… The need for action / Our plan…

Creation of the NEWEST TITANS Started with 1 st / 2 nd year teachers Picked up by County Expanded to 3 rd, and 4 th year teachers (teacher request)

Our Guiding Principles time*We will protect your time* realisticWe will always remain realistic shareWe share nothing unless we have done it ourselves SAY YES*Unless it is illegal or immoral, we will SAY YES* NEEDIf you have a NEED, we will meet that need

Monthly Sessions TOPICS: Student Discipline Classroom Management Invitational Classrooms Parent Conferences / Involvement An Attitude of Gratitude Creative Teaching Strategies / Integration Exceptional Learners / Differentiation *Allow your group to select some of the topics--- ask them what they want… *Sample presentation to follow

NEWEST TITANS January, 2008 TOPIC: CLASSROOM DIFFERENTIATION

Quick Activity What is differentiation? What is it NOT?

Differentiation for EC / ELL learners Strategy One: Mark Out! Strategy Two: Hit the HIGHLIGHTS! Strategy Three: Second Glance! * Disclaimer

Differentiation for AIG learners Strategy One: Student Contracts Strategy Two: TIC TAC TOE / RAFT Strategy Three: GROUPING / GRADING

ALL KIDS! Higher-Level ProductsLower-Level Products Make a gameMake a calendar Make a videoMake a transparency Teach a lessonCreate a sticker Compile a bookletCreate a timeline Compile a newspaperPrepare food Create a cartoonWrite a list Present a mock trialCrossword puzzles Create play / costumesKeep a diary Puppet showCopy definitions Informational B. BoardROUTINE

Characteristics of a Differentiated Classroom: Instruction stresses understanding or sense making rather than retention and regurgitation of Varied learning options On-going assessment of student readiness and growth are built into curriculum Flexible grouping (alone, pairs, and groups) Students are active explorers while teachers guide the exploration

Strategies for Managing a Differentiated Classroom Use of multiple texts and supplementary materials Interest centers Learning contracts Tasks and products designed with a multiple intelligence orientation Graduated task and product rubrics Group investigation

INDEX CARD ACTIVITY Davis, Duncan, and Directions!

VIDEO

CLOSING Questions? Comments? Concerns? Needs?

So, whats the difference? How is your program different? What new strategies do you have? What new incentives have you included? What makes things better? IN THE END: Has it worked?

Additional Strategies: What Makes this Different? #1 Administrative Presenters

Additional Strategies: What Makes this Different? #2 Teacher Coupons

Additional Strategies: What Makes this Different? #3 Workday Assistance

Additional Strategies: What Makes this Different? #4 Encouraging the Heart Component Personal Notes Parent Quotes Student Quotes Newspapers Call home

Additional Strategies: What Makes this Different? #5 EXTRA RESOURCES/ SCHEDULING PREFERENCE Resources Student Enrollment Room Changes

Additional Strategies: What Makes this Different? #6 ONLINE DISCUSSIONS Composition Book Bag Online

Additional Strategies: What Makes this Different? #7 MONTHLY CHALLENGES

Additional Strategies: What Makes this Different? #8 Restructure Human Resources / Lead Teacher Front Office ISS Secretary TAS Nurse

Additional Strategies: What Makes this Different? #9 Think Outside the Box Housing / Maps Coupons Christmas Dinner Gift cards (tough times) Scholarships (PTA) Matching Days

Additional Strategies: What Makes this Different? #10 END-OF-YEAR RETREATS Off campus Topic Choice Arrival Baskets Rejuvenation Pay for lunch Start Late End Early Gift Cards Prizes Model

Motivating and Inspiring Yourself Our Purpose, the Agenda, the Format, My MainLOSER Rule, Here we go…

Level 1 Teacher Level 2 Teacher Level 3 Teacher Not much teaching Complain Rarely smile Problems with everyone, except themselves Teacher-directed activities Do not like change I DONT CARE attitude Does not like kids Talks about you openly to your face Usually capable of teaching Can get caught up in the negative, but does not mean to Lacks enthusiasm Everything seems to be a burden Does a good job during announced observations Will place blame on others Can for the most part handle their classroom Can apply to administrators too WOW attitude You can tell they love teaching They can express their opinions They are always teaching, no matter what Students love them They touch lives and make a difference They do not take part in school gossip They are always trying to be more effective They will teach any student

Beginning with the END in mind… The Bridge to Wholeness Circle the qualities you already possess Place a CHECK beside those that you want to improve upon Select THREE to improve upon Place on INDEX CARD Plan: As we discuss, keep those in mind

TIPS FROM JAMES!!! TOP TEN LIST Remember the Loser Rule Take Notes as Needed

Tip #1: Hall Duty

Tip #2: PE

Tip #3: Doorway Greetings

Tip #4: The Media Center

Tip #5: Technology

Tip #6: Watch Co-Workers

Tip #7: Keepsake Folder

Tip #8: TO-DO List

Tip #9: SPEAK UP / OUT

Tip #10: Take a DAY (2)

James Quote Dont talk about it… BE about it.

Inspiring Yourself Hand out colored folders Allow time to read* Why NO NAMES?* Mentor, Administrator, Several students, a Parent, and someone from another grade level…

Final Activity Love and the Cabbie Importance: Inspiring / Motivating Yourself IMPACT

Final Words I think the world of each of you. With that said, for the benefit of students, I would never encourage you to stay in the field of education if I did not think that you had something very valuable to offer. It is mandatory that you do things to motivate and inspire yourself. Be proactive and looks for ways to be a better educator / professional. You deserve to come to a job and be happy every day…more importantly, our kids deserve it. You are great teachers…now go get better and let me know how I can help.

Next Up… How did you pay for this? Who helped? What did the teachers say? Plan on any changes? Any other tips / suggestions?

BUDGETS (year one) Focus:Budgeted:Spent: Monthly Meetings $500$350 Teacher Resources $1000 Book Study$150 Retreat$1500 $3150$3000

Additional Resources PTSO Requests UNCC Partnership Principals Budget Parent Group GRANTS (local) Directors / Supervisors Priority: Beginning TeachersPriority: Beginning Teachers

I was glad that we focused on student discipline and creative teaching. This made me realize that one is as necessary as the other. Its had a real impact on my classroom. -C. Andrews, First Year My classroom is so much better after the invitational classroom session. Thank you for making that one of our focuses. My room is more inviting and also reflective of my students hard work. I love it and the kids actually like being in the room! -K. Dain, First Year I loved the book study. Thank you for not only having us read it, but also for sharing specific things that you did in your classroom. I walked away with more than 15 strategies that I could implement in my classroom immediately. Great work session! I could never leave this school! Laura High, First Year / Lateral Entry With more than 20 years of experience, I have never seen a better attempt at supporting beginning teachers. It is practically impossible for a teacher to fail here. Way to go! -Beth Duncan, Mentor / Lead Teacher NCMS

Upcoming Changes Same:Budget Same:Administrative Presenters Same:Food / Prizes / Topics Change:Greater focus on EC Change:Book Study Change Change:Teacher Presenters Change:A Model Classroom Change:Expansion into 5 th year teachers

TIPS / SUGGESTIONS Solicit help earlySolicit help early Better utilize staff membersBetter utilize staff members Secure funding earlySecure funding early Ask for feedback regularlyAsk for feedback regularly

CLOSURE Questions? Comments? Snide Remarks?