Staff Board of Trustees
This is the fourth in a series of updates about the Small Learning Communities at Heights High.
On Friday, December 10, students at Heights High School stayed home but the staff attended a full day of classes.
This professional development day allowed staff to ‘reflect to rejuvenate relationships.’ Designed by Staff Development Coach Diana Tuggey with help from the Teachers Union Leaders, the course content was in response to a staff survey given in mid-November. "We wanted to provide sessions requested by the staff and include reflective time," said Dr. Tuggey. "When teachers have time to think, write, and talk about ideas, those ideas can take shape and be more useful."
Math teacher Allison Byrd-English identified the day’s components. She saw three main areas: practical classroom management skills, education theory discussions, and a chance for staff from each small school to talk about specific challenges. "When the PRIDE teachers met we looked at our students’ October Ohio Graduation practice Test scores," she said. "We worked on our plan to address the weaknesses in our scores and build on the strengths of our students."
Science Teacher Joyce Calo appreciated the dynamic keynote speaker, Ako Kambon, Executive Director of Visionary Leaders Institute. "He reminded us about many of the challenges that our students face and about how teens and adults experience the world differently," said Mrs. Calo. Mr. Kambon emphasizes fully engaging students in learning. He observes that teachers first capture students and get their attention, then they inspire students so they want to learn.
Following the keynote speaker, teachers chose two of eight breakout sessions. Jeanne Lee, Lead Teacher for Small School Five, and Larry Mlynek, Principal for Grade 11 lead an "Effective Instruction" session based on Dr. Harry Wong’s work. Teachers watched the first in Dr Wong’s video series and discussed ways they can apply the theories to their work. Areas of discussion included classroom management and teaching to mastery of subject matter. "We had some great conversations and, based on teacher feedback, we plan to coordinate more of these sessions," said Ms. Lee.
Part of the day featured sessions for teachers to become familiar with the philosophies and details of the new small schools that will open in August 2005. Veteran teacher Cal Rose attended the sessions hosted by Schools Four and Five and found the information to be "very interesting and helpful." Mr. Rose, and all teachers, will soon identify the small school that they wish to be affiliated with next year.
Teachers, like all professionals, need specific time to learn, reflect and analyze their practices. Another Heights High professional development day is planned for Friday, February 18. Each small school will plan sessions based on the needs of their staff.
Compiled by Joy Henderson, Parent/Community Liaison for the Small Schools Initiative.
