CREATING A WORLD CLASS KINDERGARTEN FINDING EXAMPLES OF EXCELLENCE IN MINNESOTA SCHOOLS.

WHAT WOULD IT TAKE FOR OUR SCHOOLS TO OFFER A WORLD CLASS KINDERGARTEN EXPERIENCE FOR ALL KIDS?

High Expectations Building Higher Order Thinking Positive Relationships Developing the Whole Child Integrating Curriculum Increase Independence Authentic Communication Opportunities Collaborative Teaching

LETS LOOK AT OUR TERMINOLOGY NAESP Learning CommunitiesProfessional Learning Communities (DuFour) Communities of Practice First School An effective PreK3 Learning Community: works collaboratively and cooperatively to share information about the child within the school and across partner organizations. (pg 13) Focus and commitment to the learning of each student. Big Ideas: 1.Ensuring students learn. 2.A culture of collaboration 3.A Focus on results Groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. (Wenger) 1.What is the evidence that adults are learning about children's learning? 2.How is this learning shared with other stakeholders outside of the classroom? 3.How are teachers using this insight to inform curriculum and instruction? First School Framework for Curriculum and instruction Principal, teachers, early childhood educators, care providers, parents, families and external partners. (pg 17). Principal, teachers.Principals, teachers, other relevant stakeholders.

WHAT ARE THE KEY DIFFERENCES? NAESP Learning CommunitiesProfessional Learning Communities (DuFour) Communities of Practice First School An effective PreK3 Learning Community: works collaboratively and cooperatively to share information about the child within the school and across partner organizations. (pg 13) Focus and commitment to the learning of each student. Big Ideas: 1.Ensuring students learn. 2.A culture of collaboration 3.A focus on results Groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. (Wenger) 1.What is the evidence that adults are learning about children's learning? 2.How is this learning shared with other stakeholders outside of the classroom? 3.How are teachers using this insight to inform curriculum and instruction? First School Framework for Curriculum and instruction 2009.

WHAT IS THE KEY SIMILARITY? NAESP Learning CommunitiesProfessional Learning Communities (DuFour) Communities of Practice First School What is in common: ensuring all students achieve at high levels and are on target to meeting academic and behavioral expectations at the end of each grade.

ARE YOU READY? To continue your own learning and professional development to lead this incredibly important work? To ensure that all students are meeting rigorous academic and behavioral targets and are well prepared for the next grade level? To collaborate, share and suggest strategies with your colleagues here today so we can all grow our greatness across the State of Minnesota?