1. Nancy Denton & Barbara Gurian Plumb Elementary School

2.  What we know now will be ancient history using old technology possibly by next year.  We must prepare our students for this complicated, ever-changing world.  We must help them think outside the box.

3. Part I Teachers must create a “Rich Learning Environment”  The following physical environment and predictable classroom structures are expectations for Pinellas County and are based on research from Richard Allington, Lucy Culkins, Ruby Payne, Martin Haberman, Robert Marzanno, Patricia Cunningham and others.

4. 1. Gathering Area 2. Classroom Library 3. Small Group Instruction Area 4. Reading & Writing Word Wall 5. Flow of the Day with Teaching Points 6. Display of Student Products

5.  gather students close to the teacher affording opportunities for “quick assessments to drive instruction”  increase accountable talk & turn and talk opportunities  increase levels of student engagement

6.  It should be a focus point of the classroom and should be “warm, spacious, and inviting”.  Create this area by using rugs or something to designate the area.  It should include teaching tools: i.e., teaching points, strategy & anchor charts, white boards, Smartboards, TV, classroom library, etc.

9.  Classroom Libraries should surround the gathering area on three sides.  Books should be in labeled tubs or baskets.  Books should be in categories and/or leveled reflecting the range of readers in the classroom.  Books should be reachable for children.  Procedures for getting books from the classroom library should be a predictable structure.

11. Beth Newingham http://hill.troy.k12.mi.us/staff/bnewingham/myweb3/

12.  Classroom should have an area for small group instruction.  Tools needed should be in this designated place.  Groups should be flexible

13.  Word Wall words are provided within the new reading adoption materials. This wall may also include words chosen by the teacher.  It does not include content area words… but other word wall areas for these math, science, social studies, health vocabulary words is also a valuable tool.

14.  A predictable schedule and time table provides structure.  Teaching points keep the focus on specific expectations for success.  This tool is valuable for students and teachers and is an expectation for Pinellas.

15. This is a District 2 Expectation… although showcasing student work is also a highly recommended, research-based practice.  Designate a place where you will display student work.  Include a short explanation of the work (one sentence)  Include student pictures & names.  Limit the use of store generated products.