Celeste Butler
“…Seek out best practices, test them in the classroom, continuously improve practices, and focus on results.”
Teaching for 8 years College and license in Utah Rough first few years New principals, new opportunities, but new pressures FRUSTRATION and near burnout
950 students 98% Socio-economically Disadvantaged 85% Hispanic 70% English Language Learners API 735
For me personally, a VERY busy year 4 Pillars ◦ Classroom Management ◦ Curriculum Design ◦ Cooperative Learning Groups ◦ Assessment STRUCTURE and routine, finally!
Continued work on the pillars Improved grades, scores Evaluation success!
Still working on the 4 pillars Adding science literacy—CCSS Parent Communication Interventions MORE SUCCESS!!! ◦ Grades are higher than ever ◦ Higher scores on district Benchmark scores
2 week set up SNB-Clear record of progress and work in class and at home Student accountability Communication tool for the parents Frequent and timely evaluation of student work Goal for improvement: Helping the students see the SNB is a resource
Beginning, Middle, End Essential Concepts and Questions Monday-Friday lessons/units Predictable Homework ROUTINE! Goal for improvement: New labs, activities, and “middle” assignments—NGSS
Student roles Needed structure to prepare for NGSS Students help students Goal for improvement: More critical thinking opportunities and more accountability for roles
Weekly Quizzes and Reflection Stamp in SNB/Weekly check Connections in journal Frequent and timely evaluation of student work Goal for improvement: More journal entries, especially at the end of learning CCSS and NGSS type thinking
CCSS ◦ Read and evaluate text ◦ Reflect on learning and progress ◦ Frequent writing NGSS ◦ Structure and routine in place for students to work together ◦ Habit of focusing on an area and making improvements
Continuous improvement No burnout Assist the Alvord Unified School District with Rigorous Curriculum Design and implementation of NGSS
“Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.”