There is always something new to learn ...

We instituted a new assessment system this year. It's always challenging to learn a new system. Things that the old system would do but the new one won't do is always frustrating. But overall it's been a good switch.  We were never happy with the last product and I think our assessment company partners finally understood that as well. So everyday we learn something new about the program and that's okay. But today was a particular high point with the new program.  Today one of the veteran teachers in our district gave an online test with his class.  Doing an online test is taking some risks and letting go of ... control.  It all went very well and I hope his role modeling will help some younger teachers venture into online testing.  We're always learning new things and new ways to do things, and that's a good thing for our students.

Thanks for reading.

Another school year is fast approaching ...

Well Celeste and I just got done moving our offices back to the unit office after another summer of curriculum work. At the end of each school year in May, we pack up and move to the high school for the summer (since it would be impossible to work with 100+ teachers at the unit office). Once we complete our summer work it's another move back to the unit office. It's a hassle to box and move, but it does make me clean off my desk twice a year!

It's been a very busy summer. We are going to incorporate two new systems into our arsenal. The first is a new assessment system called Schoolnet. Our old assessment system (which remain nameless) never lived up to the expectations that we had for it. Change is difficult but we are excited for a change to this new system. The administrators have been busy trying to learn the new system this summer so they will be able to work with their teachers once school starts.

The second system is from NWEA and is called MAP (Measures of Academic Progress). MAP is computer adaptive so it can show individual growth on all students. It will also help us pinpoint areas of deficiency that might exist. It becomes another tool for teachers and parents to help their students.

August 6-8 will be the start of the school year for our new teachers. We are fortunate to get some of the best and brightest. I always look forward to working with the new teachers as they get acclimated to our district. I certainly appreciate the hard work that the mentors do as they help the new teachers get ready for the school year.

We are also working on a plan for professional development. We know 'where we need to end up' but we are trying hard to figure out what the first steps need to be. So many exciting things going on ... it's going to be a great year. Can't wait to get started.

Thanks for reading.