First+State

FIRST STATE 21st Century Leadership Academy 2010-2011

Essential Question: ﻿﻿﻿ How do educators influence states for learning?


 * This year, the Building Leadership Teams (BLTs) will use the Leadership Academy wiki to create a timeline of the journey through the Tools of Engagement. For each session of the Leadership Academy, BLTs will __reflect__ on how they applied the concepts from the previous month, then __predict__ how they will use the concepts from the current month.** **For each block, teams may include a narrative description, a hyperlink, links to documents, links to images, or other items that illustrate the work being done in the school. The timeline is a personal account of each school's journey. Therefore, each BLT is encouraged to include whatever evidence or artifacts that will make the timeline unique.** **At the final Leadership Academy (May 9, 2011), schools will share their completed timelines with one another. They will offer feedback and borrow ideas to plan for the 2011-2012 school year.** **For instructions on how to use the timeline, please visit the Sample Timeline page.** **Bon Voyage!**

**2010-2011 Red Clay Leadership Academy Timeline Journey Planning Tool **

= FIRST STATE SCHOOL =

RSS Feeds
rss url="http://feeds.feedburner.com/EdutopiaNewContent?format=xml" link="true" description="true" length="2" number="10" date="true"

 Sept 28-Oct 25 //Prediction//
 * Theme: ** Overture: What are States? Why Bother?

**//Building positive relationships//**
 * What events in your school address this month’s theme?**


 * 1) How states for learning can be recognized and optimized.
 * 2) Strategies intended to promote a positive state for learning.

**How does this relate to the month’s theme?** Students and staff are familiarized with the various states for learning and how to recognize these states in themselves and others. We will use a variety of strategies both in and out of the classroom in order to promote positive states for learning. Students will be involved in this process by asking them to reflect on the strategies used and give their opinion about the benefits of each one. Most importantly, students will be asked to offer recommendations about personal strategies that help them reach a positive state for learning.

**What evidence or artifacts will you include in the time line?** 1. Examples of strategies used. 2. Resources related to recognizing and understanding states for learning.

**What challenges did you experience in addressing this month’s theme?**


 * 1) Staff will need to understand the unique medical and academic requirements of each student such as equipment, learning style, areas of difficulty, etc.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 17px;">All stakeholders must demonstrate flexibility in dealing with change and a willingness to experiment.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">Sept 28-Oct 25 //Reflection// <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"> ** Theme: ** Overture: What are States? Why Bother? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">** "Teachers must empower students to succeed by providing them with a Learning environment that respects their culture, embraces their diversity, and celebrates their differences." ** - Lisa A. Jones, University of Houston-Clear Lake

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; text-align: center;">﻿**What events in your school address this month’s theme?**

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; text-align: left;">1. We made up a charades-like game where we took turns acting out and guessing different states. After the game, we discussed and identified possible states that students and teachers experience, why they are important to recognize, and what we can do to create a positive state for learning. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">2. We worked with students to help them identify strategies for reaching a positive state, and resources to use when they feel unable to change state at that particular moment. <span style="font-family: 'MS Reference Sans Serif',sans-serif; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;"> ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'MS Reference Sans Serif',sans-serif; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">[[image:Skeptical.jpg width="160" height="208" caption="Skeptical"]][[image:Surprised.jpg width="160" height="210" caption="Surprised"]][[image:Hostile.jpg width="160" height="209" caption="Hostile"]]

**How does this relate to the month’s theme?** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">We used activities to help students define, recognize, and if necessary, change states in order to create a positive state for learning. Strategies intended to engage students and keep them interested and active were practiced and reviewed by both students and teachers. Students were encouraged to make suggestions as to how teachers can help change states from negative to positive. In addition, students identified strategies to use when they felt unable to reach a positive state at that time. We worked together to encourage each other to practice positive states and remember to use our “coping strategies” rather than disruptive actions when we needed more time to reach our positive state.

**What evidence or artifacts will you include in the time line?**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Strategies/activities used: **


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">Student interest inventory
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px;"> Learning style assessment
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">Student questionnaire concerning what helps them out of a “bad mood”
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">Games and role playing to help students better recognize personal states
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">Discussed and practiced ways to help peers and staff members work together to promote positive states
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">Students created their own strategies for vocabulary including journaling, picture flash cards, and songs.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">We were sure to include our medical, psychological, and PT and OT staff in developing individualized strategies for creating positive states <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">﻿ for learning.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">Staff focused on building positive relationships by getting to know each student.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 17px;">An insane amount of vocabulary strategies (the four word summary and chalk talk were two of the students’ favorites)

**<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Online resources: ** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">Learning Style Resources <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">Learning style inventory and links to resources || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">[] || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">[] || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">Creating a positive learning environment || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">[] ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">**Learning Style** || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">Learning Style Quiz
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">**Reading emotional states** || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">Various assessments intended to help determine how well you are able to recognize nonverbal communication/emotions. || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">[]
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">**Creating Effective Learning-Centered Environments** || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt;">Physical environment of the classroom and its effects on learning

**<span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ongoing practice: **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">Pictures of all students on bulletin board in classroom
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">Self positive sayings of each student on bulletin board in classroom
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">Positive quotes posted on the walls in classroom
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">Students work is displayed in classrooms, hallways, and common areas
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">Student opinions, input, and ideas are encouraged, respected, and discussed in weekly meetings
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">Setting and maintaining high expectations for students concerning their academic, behavioral, and self care responsibilities
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;"> Regularly review and discuss research to stay current on best practices and methods to create a positive environment for learning

**<span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What challenges did you experience in addressing this month’s theme? ** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Our high school students identified listening to music as the number one strategy they used at home to create a positive state, especially when working on school assignments. They expressed frustration about not being able to do this during individual work time at school. We discussed and listed pros and cons of allowing iPods and Mp3 players in the classroom. Students identified realistic concerns of teachers and discussed guidelines for personal music use and consequences for failing to follow procedure. After performing research, collecting data, and gathering opinions from other students and staff members, the class collaborated on a persuasive essay, which they presented to the entire school. The use of personal music players in the classroom was accepted on a trial basis of one month at which time a final decision would be made. It is now the fourth marking period and students have been able to maintain this privilege. During this school year, there were a few minor violations of the outlined procedures for personal music players. Even then, student issues were usually resolved with a gentle reminder from staff and/or peers.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;"> Oct 26-Dec 6 //Prediction// <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;"> ** Theme: ** Opening curtain: Arousal States and States of Healthy Concern

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">** What events in your school address this month’s theme? **  <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">**// Improving student involvement //** <span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">.


 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: 25px;">Strategies and activities for creating states of anticipation and healthy concern in students.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: 25px;">Review how classroom lessons are intended to address state standards and GLE’s. Discuss how DCAS assesses student understanding of these standards at each grade level. Familiarize students with GLE’s and where they are located online and in the classroom.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: 25px;">Creative arts activity “Baby Hats” where students knitted hats for newborn infants. A special ceremony to give baby hats that students made to nurse manager at CH L&D department was planned.
 * 4) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Attempt to purchase an interactive white board for the classroom.

**<span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">How does this relate to the month’s theme? **

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">I<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">n order to optimize learning, student interest in the activity must occur from the very beginning of the lesson. There is a plethora of strategies intended to engage students in the learning process. Educators must continuously learn about best practices for motivating students as well as the ability to determine what will benefit his or her students. A variety of studies show that the optimum environment for learning is one in which students are actively engaged in learning that is meaningful. In order to create this type of environment, we must not only actively involve students at the beginning of the lesson, but we must ensure students are motivated and engaged throughout the entire learning process. Teachers are also responsible for making sure students are aware of what they are supposed to learn, where this information is located, and how they will be assessed for knowledge.

**<span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What evidence or artifacts will you include in the time line ? **
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25px;">Resources used by each classroom.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25px;">Links to websites with strategies and/or activities.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25px;">Student feedback.
 * 4) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">Pictures of “Baby Hats” ceremony.

**<span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What challenges did you experience in addressing this month’s theme? ** <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Determining appropriate strategies that engage and meet individual needs of each student. <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Making academic content meaningful.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> Oct 26-Dec 6 //Reflection// **<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Theme: **<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> Opening curtain: Arousal States and States of Healthy Concern <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"Positive learning environments in schools maximize learning for each student, helping children and young people to become citizens to participate in society, helps build a sense of community, thereby reducing costs and benefits that prevention is cheaper than incarceration” (Positive Learning Environments in schools, 2005).

**<span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What events in your school address this month’s theme? ** **//<span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Improving student involvement //**<span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> 3. In creative arts class, students knitted hats for newborn babies to wear home from the hospital in the cold weather. The students were told that they would participate in a special ceremony where the hats would be presented to the nurse manager at Christiana Hospital’s L&D department. Students became so excited to make the hats; they even asked to continue knitting during their free time. Students anticipated the “baby hat ceremony” where they would be recognized for contributing to the well-being of others. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25px;">4. Acquisition of a SMART Board still in progress, but moving along.
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25px;">Students were given a variety of activities/strategies intended to pique their interest and increase involvement. Activities/strategies intended to elicit states of anticipation and engagement MUST occur throughout the lesson. Examples of these activities include EQ’s, logic puzzles, riddles, short games, physical activities, brain breaks, and many more. Students were also encouraged to form a Collaborative Research Group (CRG) with their peers in order to identify available resources, conduct investigations and research, and develop a method for sharing information outside of their CRG. Students are expected to offer feedback about the effectiveness of the strategy and offer suggestions for changes.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25px;">Students were asked if they were aware of Delaware State Standards and GLE’s. Most students have heard of the standards, but were unable to identify where they could be found. When we looked at GLE’s, one student stated, “Oh, those are the things that teachers write on the board”, but was unable to state the purpose behind them. In addition, students were asked why they were expected to participate in state testing. Students were unaware that the purpose of assessments such as the DSTP, and now DCAS, was to find out how well they understand state standards and GLE’s. This discovery led to a discussion which covered the “What, Why, and Where”:
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">**<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** Delaware State Standards ** - //“Why the heck do I need to know what they are?”// **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">**<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** Grade Level Expectations ** - //“Oh, that’s why they’re on the board!”// **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 3em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">** **<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">** Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System ** - //“No, really… It’s not just one more way for teachers to torture students…”// ** **

**<span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How does this relate to the month’s theme? ** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Motivating students to participate in class activities can be challenging for even the most experienced teacher. Our students come from diverse environments over which they have little to no control. Each individual has experienced the world in a unique way, and therefore, has developed a “personal style” for interacting with the world that is just as distinctive as their home environment. Educators must possess not only a vast understanding of strategies and resources, but also the ability to communicate important concepts and ideas in a way that is meaningful for each student. Students are more willing to participate and have interest in their education if they have an idea about what they are supposed to learn, why it is important, and possess a level of self-confidence in their ability to succeed. Our goal is to encourage students to be involved in their own learning by delivering content in a way that i ncreases the intrinsic value of learning.

**<span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What evidence or artifacts will you include in the time line? **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Methods for engaging students: **


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25px;">**Jokes and cartoons**- Should be directly related to the topic that will follow, and which stimulates critical thinking in students prior to beginning the topic.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25px;">**Poems and songs**- May relate directly to the topic, or used in the background to set the stage for an //Exploration//.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25px;">**Essential Questions-** Set the stage for learning. Can be presented in various formats such as a direct question, picture/video clip, and role-playing activity.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25px;">** Demonstrations- ** Usually involve physical/visual activities such as light, color change, explosions, etc. Teacher-led or student-led demonstrations may be used to capture the attention of the class and prepare them for the lesson that follows (questions about what they saw or what happened that leads into an //Exploration//).
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25px;">**Slides or other pictures-** Unusual visuals, (perhaps a strange medical condition), that require students or groups to seek answers to what is happening.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25px;">**Contradictory or startling statement-** causes students to take note and wait to see what comes next. Students are often caught repeating these startling statements to others outside the classroom, thus reinforcing the learning for the student.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25px;">** Student-created lesson- ** As planning for a vacation can make us even more excited about going on the trip; involving students in the planning process can motivate them to become more active learners. Having input into the planning and implementation of a lesson creates a sense of ownership of the content and improves the chances of student success.

==