FEBRUARY INSTRUCTIONAL VISION CHALLENGE by Kristen Smidy

February instructional vision

2025-02-20 15:41:02 UTC

To ensure each student feels heard, I have been asking what they feel has been helpful, what has not been helpful and what they think needs to change. I communicate with team members working with that student to discuss ways we can better support their identified needs and implement changes. I continue to meet with students to see if there's been improvement in the areas they identified as not helpful. Even in cases where there hasn't been much improvement, students report feeling better just from being heard and knowing others were made aware of their concerns.

February Instructional Vision

2025-02-20 15:42:29 UTC

I incorporated the 3 Whys by asking students why improving their reading or math skills would impact them, others and the world. I then asked them to take a survey rating reading interests so they can engage in reading activities based on their interests while also addressing their individual reading needs.

December Instructional Vision

2025-02-20 15:43:23 UTC

The way in which I addressed that is more on an individual basis. Mainly what I've focused on is confidence. Students don't always see their strengths and are often reluctant to try. I guess I build in little moments or tasks for them that build their confidence by using their strengths.

Crafts Class - Personal Choice

2025-02-24 12:46:34 UTC

Students in HS crafts class have total autonomy over their project selections. Each student selects a project based on their interests and I work with them to develop the skills needed to be successful. Students come to Crafts with a wide variety of skills and interests and it wonderful to see students dive into new artistic adventures and develop new skills.

Independent Reading Project (Personalized Opportunities for all Students)

ecavanaugh9 — 2025-02-24 18:40:08 UTC

Each quarter, 8th grade ELA students need to read at least one independent reading book and complete a project around that book. I allow students time in the library each quarter to choose a book of interest, and then their project consists of two parts: a writing portion where they can pick the prompts they respond to and a creative presentation (poster, slideshow, etc) where I also give students 6 options to choose from. With this project, I can provide a variety of opportunities for students to show their understanding. This quarter, I also had individual meetings with students where we looked at their iReady scores and Lexile levels, and students challenged themselves to pick a book they are interested in that is also at their "just right" reading level to appropriately challenge themselves.