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Cardinal Family

This Moment with Vern does not contain any new information. My intention with this version of a Moment with Vern is to emphasize what we already know, to acknowledge our accomplishments, and to validate the importance of our work. 

 NeSA. We are painfully aware that the NeSA-Math and the NeSA-Reading Assessments are just around the corner. We also understand the time between today and when we administer the assessments is important for teaching and learning. This is a time to FOCUS – FOCUS – FOCUS.

 As a learning community, we have grown in our understanding of standards and we know more about our students today than we did yesterday.  Think about what we have already accomplished this school year. I am confident these actions will realize improved student performance on the state assessments.

 Collectively, we are -

 1)      Developing TRUST and creating a CARDINAL FAMILY.

2)      Aligning our efforts as a system to FOCUS – FOCUS – FOCUS. (Professional Learning Community, collaboration, alignment, collective responsibility)

3)      Identifying and clarifying what all students must know and be able to do (The first guiding question of a PLC).

4)      Collecting evidence to confirm our students are mastering what we expect them to know and be able to do (The second guiding    question of a PLC, the appropriate use of data).

5)      Growing in our understanding of proficiency (Standards, instruction, and mastery).

6)      Creating appropriate interventions to assist students who struggle (Standards, instruction and use of data).

7)      Developing our literacy of assessment practice (Standards, instruction, and use of data).

8)      Building rigorous learning experiences for all students  (Standards, learning targets, assessment, teaching and learning).

 So what can we do to prepare for NeSA?  We can continue this really fine work! We can continue to FOCUS on teaching and learning! We can come together as a CARDINAL FAMILY! Collectively we can continue to work on the 8 actions listed above!  I believe our actions this year will realize positive results.

 Have a great week with students.

Vern