Gradual Release of Responsibility This is our goal for our students in their learning. As an administrator, it is also my goal for my teachers. We are now reaching the mid-point of the quadmester, and if my inbox can used as a measure, we have been successful. Teachers are now busy reviewing their assessment data … Continue reading School Online – Journal – Days 31 to 34
School Online – Journal – Day 30
I started Day 30 with my usual trip through my Inbox, addressing questions from our teachers before the school day began. Then our admin team met with one of our teacher leaders, who has been working with us to prepare for next week's planned staff meeting. About 10 minutes into this meeting I was feeling … Continue reading School Online – Journal – Day 30
School Online – Journal – Day 29
After more than a week of delays, then finally a memo outlining our reporting process, there is now an entire "about face". I can't share it, because I'm not the official "messenger", but I know it is making the rounds in Facebook and Twitter. And yesterday's post seems prescient: many of our Ontario school boards … Continue reading School Online – Journal – Day 29
School Online – Journal – Day 28
I began my day with the voice of Stephen Hurley of voicEd.ca, in conversation about "rhythm". And that had me thinking about schedules and cycles within education. Then, when I listened to CBC Radio One, near the end of the day, it was Bruce Sellery talking about Income Inequality in Education with Gill Deacon on … Continue reading School Online – Journal – Day 28
School Online – Journal – Day 27
Fell asleep watching Murdoch Mysteries at 7:00 p.m. MacBook (personal computer) battery at 6%. Cannot find power cord this morning. Know inbox will contain questions that need answers before the day begins for our more than 500 teachers. So, at 5:56 am my day begins. I know that my days are much easier than those … Continue reading School Online – Journal – Day 27
School Online – Journal – Day 26
Today we began week three of our online school, and the nature of my email inbox is shifting. Student Attendance Our teachers are now pursuing students who haven't yet arrived. We ask them to reach out to parents first, then guidance counsellors, and finally to connect with the VP responsible for then student (as determined … Continue reading School Online – Journal – Day 26
School Online – Journal – Day 25
Day 25 was Friday, and Monday is World Teachers' Day, so I have waited until Sunday to post this blog. I have been recognizing World Teachers' Day in many ways over the past couple of decades, but this year has me stymied. How do we recognize how challenging this past year has been for our … Continue reading School Online – Journal – Day 25
School Online – Journal – Day 24
It's Day 24 for me, but Day 20 if you are counting instructional days. And that means that we must notify all of our teachers if they are scheduled to participate in either the Teacher Performance Appraisal process, or the New Teacher Induction Program. The TPA occurs every five years for our experienced teachers. The … Continue reading School Online – Journal – Day 24
School Online – Journal – Day 23
"Terry sends a lot of emails, so I am including her on this too." This was my chuckle this morning, as I was copied on an email to one of our admin teams. Emails, MS Teams meetings, and SIS (Student Information System) queries are my life. And again I am thanking my grade 9 typing … Continue reading School Online – Journal – Day 23
School Online – Journal -Day 22
Teaching Synchronously: On August 13 of his year, the Ontario Ministry of Education released Policy/Program Memorandum No. 164, referred to by the short form: PPM 164. It defines "remote", "synchronous" and "asynchronous" learning. And it addresses seven areas: minimum requirements for engaging students during remote learning minimum requirements for synchronous learning process for exemption from … Continue reading School Online – Journal -Day 22