# data[].attributes.headline
We have learned how important it is for my students to connect curriculum to real life. To do this we must implement focus questions, concept maps, and formative assessment tools. Focus questions put the curriculum and standards into "kid friendly" language that helps them take the abstract concept of curriculum and make it more concrete in their own lives. By asking questions, the students are forced to interact and think about what they are learning instead of passively accepting what is placed in front of them. The concept maps assist the students in comprehending the path of their learning and the real world applications of their learning. Using formative assessment tools allows us to gauge where students are in the learning process and to adapt instruction accordingly. 

# data[].attributes.subject
We have learned how important it is for my students to connect curriculum to real life. To do this we must implement focus questions, concept maps, and formative assessment tools. Focus questions put the curriculum and standards into "kid friendly" language that helps them take the abstract concept of curriculum and make it more concrete in their own lives. By asking questions, the students are forced to interact and think about what they are learning instead of passively accepting what is placed in front of them. The concept maps assist the students in comprehending the path of their learning and the real world applications of their learning. Using formative assessment tools allows us to gauge where students are in the learning process and to adapt instruction accordingly. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Propelling a student forward requires teachers to consider what it is they do in their classrooms.  For us, an easy parallel is that learning is like the freedom to ride a bike.  Just like when a child learns to ride a bike for the first time, when a student draws a conclusion about a complex concept that he/she can extend beyond the isolated classroom circumstances, students have truly experienced a rite of passage.  This can only occur when you enter into the realm of metacognition.  For teachers, these metacognitive strategies are like the training wheels for teaching kids the ability to think and extend what they learn to real life situations.

# data[].attributes.subject
Propelling a student forward requires teachers to consider what it is they do in their classrooms.  For us, an easy parallel is that learning is like the freedom to ride a bike.  Just like when a child learns to ride a bike for the first time, when a student draws a conclusion about a complex concept that he/she can extend beyond the isolated classroom circumstances, students have truly experienced a rite of passage.  This can only occur when you enter into the realm of metacognition.  For teachers, these metacognitive strategies are like the training wheels for teaching kids the ability to think and extend what they learn to real life situations.

# data[].attributes.headline
Over the past two years, we have learned the difference between a focus question and an essential question.  We learned that an essential question has more of a unit-specific focus, while a focus question is more kid-friendly and helps creates relevance and connection for the day-to-day lessons in our classrooms.  We also learned that these focus questions are more effective than posting a standard on our board because the language can be difficult for them to understand.  In closing, focus questions bring more relevance and help create stronger connections with the content for the students and the students' understanding and verbalization of what they are learning.

# data[].attributes.subject
Over the past two years, we have learned the difference between a focus question and an essential question.  We learned that an essential question has more of a unit-specific focus, while a focus question is more kid-friendly and helps creates relevance and connection for the day-to-day lessons in our classrooms.  We also learned that these focus questions are more effective than posting a standard on our board because the language can be difficult for them to understand.  In closing, focus questions bring more relevance and help create stronger connections with the content for the students and the students' understanding and verbalization of what they are learning.

# data[].attributes.headline
Essential questions are the root of student learning, and from there we branch out with focus questions. Focus questions contribute to our planning and how they enhance the process of learning for students. Forming focus questions in student-friendly terms is vital for students to engage their prior experiences.  A dynamic focus question leads to each student telling a great story (at the dinner table).  Students must have reflected upon and assimilated their learning so that they can express the learning to others with clarity, connecting it to the overarching theme.  

# data[].attributes.subject
Essential questions are the root of student learning, and from there we branch out with focus questions. Focus questions contribute to our planning and how they enhance the process of learning for students. Forming focus questions in student-friendly terms is vital for students to engage their prior experiences.  A dynamic focus question leads to each student telling a great story (at the dinner table).  Students must have reflected upon and assimilated their learning so that they can express the learning to others with clarity, connecting it to the overarching theme.  

# data[].attributes.headline
What did we learn in professional development of the past two years?The focus of the past two years has aimed to create a shared vison of student achievement. Through an understanding of focus questions and essential questions assessment is shaped to allow students to understand their learning, and how it applies to everyday life. Through a greater understanding of how and why their learning is important, students are able to relate their personal picture to the overall picture. Through using metacognitive strategies, such as focus questions, teacher can plan for learning to take place so that students process and learn the intended objectives for the lesson. 

# data[].attributes.subject
What did we learn in professional development of the past two years?The focus of the past two years has aimed to create a shared vison of student achievement. Through an understanding of focus questions and essential questions assessment is shaped to allow students to understand their learning, and how it applies to everyday life. Through a greater understanding of how and why their learning is important, students are able to relate their personal picture to the overall picture. Through using metacognitive strategies, such as focus questions, teacher can plan for learning to take place so that students process and learn the intended objectives for the lesson. 

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1/2017

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1/2017

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Why cant more students discuss what and why they are learning.

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What goes in, impacts what come out! Questioning Formative Assessment Closure Anything written that students don't understand, won't help. If they understand what the learning is, they are more likely reach the goal We must expicitly connect the learning to the instruction for them or provide them an experience to connect for themselves.

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4/2016

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8/23/16

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What did you learn today?