“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed “teachers”
can change the world: indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
-- original quote by Margaret Mead, Anthropologist, slight “variation” made by Linda Aguillón. J
-- original quote by Margaret Mead, Anthropologist, slight “variation” made by Linda Aguillón. J
Well it’s
difficult to believe 2014 has nearly come to an end. It seems as though it was just yesterday when
I wrote my first blog. As we wrap up the
year I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the past few months. I would like to begin by celebrating the
great things we’ve done in our district this school year.
I will begin
with a piece near and dear to my heart, Esperanza! Esperanza is definitely off and running in a
great direction. Our dual language
teachers and students have embraced the program. I can honestly say I’m already seeing the results
of all of their hard work and effort. It is my hope that we will continue to
implement the program with fidelity and provide a solid Spanish foundation for
our dual language students.
Next
celebration is the success (thus far) of our Instructional Rounds. In the beginning, I could sense the tension
when the conversations about rounds began to swirl around the district. The first set of rounds definitely created
great topics for conversation and a plethora of questions for teachers. But our administrators and teachers embraced the
data and faced the challenges presented to them with a positive attitude, determination,
and great leadership. I can honestly say
I was amazed at the professionalism and eagerness of our teachers and
administrators in the district to embrace change. Each campus took the data and ran with
it. The results have been beyond
expectations. As a coach, I have seen an
increase in the level of questions and the amount/level of student verbal
discourse in elementary classrooms across the district. I feel as though the Instructional rounds
caused paradigm shifts in thinking and instruction in a very non-threatening
manner. I have been very proud and
excited to be part of the rounds process.
The rounds have not only changed instruction and practices, but they
have caused a change in thinking and have encouraged reflection amongst us all.
As we wrap
up the year, I feel privileged to part of the great things going on in our
district. I hope you will take a moment
during your time off to reflect and celebrate YOU! There are many great things going on in our
district and you are part of that.
I want to
wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
See
you in 2015!
-- William Butler Yeats
