FYI

The Lead BIL group has met several times to learn about and discuss a proposed change to the ATPPS model at the High School.

In short: The HS has been granted permission (pending Board and MDE approval) to conduct a pilot for one year. 

The HIGH SCHOOL change eliminates the 18 BIL  and 2LBIL positions into 2 FULL TIME people who will be responsible for all observations.  (ONLY at the HS)

The HS folks are reducing their stipend from $2000 to $1500 in order to fund the change.

There are NO PROPOSED CHANGES for the Middle School and Elementary ATPPS Models for next year.

The LBIL group will be carefully analyzing the HS Pilot throught the year, with an eye to creating a district wide plan that will best serve all staff!

I will keep you posted.....

In the meantime.....

April Showers....Bring.....

April Showers bring the LAST round of observations!

I don't know about you....but I feel like we just got done with the LAST observation round.

 

Your BIL team is sending me the dates that they will be available to observe.

I will post that calendar on Google Docs this weekend.

I suggest that you spend some time looking at the components that are left on your observation form.  This will help you to schedule your observation for the type of lesson that will allow you to demonstrate proficiency in the areas that you have yet to be observed on.

Your BIL or I will be happy to help you with this.

The ATPPS guidelines suggest that you have your BIL do 2 of your observations.
You are welcome to do the third observation with a different BIL or a trained observer.
If you ARE one of the trained observers and wish to do observations this round, please send an email to the staff letting them know of your availability.

 

ATPPS Review at PSI

This is the Chinese Symbol for Luck....and I guess PSI is "in luck"!

We are this year's elementary school for the ATPPS site review!

On Wednesday the wonderful Third Grade Team will have their PLC observed!

Then they will be joined by Chris Watkins and ME to be interviewed!

Sooo.....if you are not a member of this illustrious group....I bet you are feeling LUCKY!

Be sure to thank these lovely people for taking this challenge!

They have been practicing their answers to all the ins and outs of ATPPS!

They are sure to shine!

And....Just a personal note about how LUCKY I feel....
I was asked to attend the interview for the Superintendent Search team....
WHY....NOT because I am a PAT rep....
BUT....Because I am OLD!!!

How's that for LUCK?

Have a wonderful day!

February Observation Information!

Round 2 Observation window is open.....




Here is the link to the Google Calendar to sign up for an observation.

February Observation Calendar

Remember....you need to be logged in to your Google Docs for the link to work!!!

Remember.....you need to have AT LEAST ONE observation by someone who IS NOT your BIL!

Look at the available dates the other BILs have chosen to see if they work for you.

You may also use on of the trained observers who have participated in the inter-rater reliability sessions.

The BILs and I have been discussing various strategies for making sure that every domain is easily accomplished by the end of the 3 observations.

Here are some of the suggestions:

• think about a math or science lesson for the higher order thinking domain
• invite your observer to come see you doing small group work instead of a large group lesson to demonstrate formative/summative assessment.
• use your pre-observation time to demonstrate proficiency in Domain 1
• let your observer know specific things that you want to highlight and be observed on.
• take a few moments before your pre-observation to jot a few notes on your observation document to make your conversations richer

Lastly.....I can't stress enough the need for you to complete the BIL survey at the end of your observation.  Even if everything was "perfect"....your BIL loves to hear these things too.  Everyone LOVES feedback!!!

 Hey....maybe this would work for your observation lesson:

Time For Your Mid-Year Check

I keep telling myself....

January will be over soon....

But that also means that before this never ending month actually does end.....

The Mid Year Check in needs to be completed and signed off by your BIL!


What...?  You don't remember what you need to do for the Mid-Winter Check?
I bet you aren't the only one!

The mid-year check is just a matter of filling in 4 sections....
It is found right after the Goal on your main Observation Document...

These are the things you will reflect on:

A.  What action steps have you taken to this point to help meet your PDP goal?  What actions are planned, but have not been taken?

B.  What new Best Practice(s) have you implemented to help meet your PDP goal?  How is it a best practice?  How have you evaluated its success?  What evidence/data do you have?  How might any results change your instruction in future?

C.  What progress is there towards attaining the goal stated in Question 1?

D.  As of the mid-point check, are adjustments in the goal or action steps necessary?  If so, what are they?

 

 Your BIL team has come up with a brilliant plan to get this done!

During the Monday LATE START....

you will be looking at data......

that data is probably what is driving your ATPPS GOAL....

HEY!!!

Why don't you all fill out your mid-winter check AT THE SAME TIME!!!!

 

The BILs are meeting today to set the Calendar for the February Observation Window....

Just a heads up....We will be setting dates in the FIRST THREE WEEKS of February....

It got a little tricky having so many Observations during the last 3 days of November!!!!

I will be meeting with each BIL soon to conduct their BIL Observation...

I need your help!! 

The BIL observation is based on the feedback provided by YOU on the BIL survey!!!

It is very short....you can do it in 3 minutes or less I bet!

HERE IS THE LINK TO THE BIL SURVEY

BIL Survey linked here! 

Please...pretty please....go take the survey so I have info to share with the BILs!

It is always great if you take a moment to add a comment or two.  Specific feedback on this survey will make dialogue during the BIL conference much more meaningful.

I will post again with information about February Observations....

Stay Warm!

   

30 Days Has November.....

I am hearing the most wonderful things about your observations....
This really is an amazing staff filled with highly "Proficient" educators....

I am sure you are glad to have Round one of the observation cycle complete....

Be sure that you take a moment to fill out the BIL Survey linked here!
I will use your survey input for the next round of observations I do with the BILs.

As always.....any questions.....concerns......funny stories.....please share!

Next up in terms of paperwork is the MID YEAR review....this year will be just a little different because you will need to talk about your "Best Practice".....

So a heads up....this might be something to talk about in an upcoming PLC....just to be sure you are on track for the end of January check in!

Thanks for all you do to make this whole big BIL thing pretty smooth sailing!!!

Mark YOUR Calendars....This Thursday!

 The November Observation Window is 

NOW OPEN!!!!

Please come to a whole school PLC..

Thursday after school!





This "PLC" will focus on planning for all 3 observations!

Bring your computer....

We will discuss all of the different components you need to focus on through the year!

We will talk about which components work best with different kinds of lessons!

You will look and plan out the things you want to have scored for each observation!

You will have opportunity to schedule your November observation time with your BIL!

Sounds like a deal!



This little cartoon seems to capture the "essence" of
the PSI attitude toward being the best at "everything even managing our stress!

Seriously....the goal of this meeting is to help you "work smart" and relieve any stress you might be feeling about observations as well as clarify any questions or concerns you have!
See you there!