3. Ground Rules What? Guidelines that a classroom creates together, using quality tools How? At the beginning of the year, discuss expectations and responsibilities with the students and together you create ground rules that everyone agrees on. (This can begin with a discussion of what “Quality” means) Why? Climate of trust, students ownership, risk-taking, clear expectations, accountability, and a sense of community.
6. Mission Statement What? A statement that answers the questions: -Who are we? -Why are we here? -How are we going to accomplish it? How? Brainstorming using an Affinity Diagram and the Nominal Grouping tools. Why? Creates shared purpose for everyone involved in the learning environment.
7. Building a Mission Statement …their mission statement! 4th grade used an Affinity Diagram to build…
9. SMART Goals What? Goals that focus on the most critical areas of achievement. SMART goals should be: S pecific, strategic Measurable Attainable Results-oriented Time-bound
10. SMART Goals How? Identify targets based on your students’ needs and baseline data. (Behavioral/Academic) Why? To establish clear expectations tied to our Mission Statement. The goals of our district, school, classroom, and individual students are all aligned with each other.
13. Data Center What? A central location where all the data is displayed and used interactively by the students. How? Display Mission, Ground Rules, Classroom SMART goals, and Quality Tools Why? Creates ownership and accountability; visual reminder of their progress and goals
15. Data Folders What? An individual folder/binder in which students track their progress according to their goals How? Teacher helps students set individual goals in various areas. They track their progress using graphs. (Start small, with one student!) Why? Creates ownership and accountability; Visual reminder/motivator of their progress and goals
17. Quality Tools What? Graphic organizers for a specific purpose. How? Select an appropriate quality tool designed for the purpose you need. Then complete the tool with your class. Why? -Collect and analyze data -Identify the root causes of problems -Make decisions Implement changes based on data -Take ownership and responsibility for learning
19. Step by Step in the Classroom Creating a mission and quality lunch room using different tools 2. 1. 4. Mission 3. We the 5th grade class, are here to eat and play by being quality kids, following the rules, and listening in order to nourish our brains/bodies and enjoy a break from learning.
21. Class Meetings What? A student-led meeting How? Use a prescribed agenda with gradual release of responsibility from teacher to students Why? To discuss classroom issues, solve problems, share celebrations in an organized and safe environment
23. Student-Led Conferences What? Conference with parents, led by the student, with the teacher as a facilitator How? Students lead parents through a discussion of their work, using their data folder). Usually, several conferences occur at the same time. Why? Students become more motivated, reflective, and evaluative in their work. Teachers, students, and parents communicate as equal partners about student achievement.
