Discovering Opportunity

It is apparent and imperative that schools maintain and improve existing programs and intiatives focused on providing students the tools for success in a digital world.  In CISD with our technology infused focus on instruction, we are getting there.  But no matter where you are or how much you are doing....if you don't build those critical partnerships through your community, area universities, intraschool, or experiential types, you're not going to move forward fast enough.  You must get the word out about all the miraculous things going on in your schools.  I found a paperless school newsletter to share all the great things going on in our school and others.  What do you find is a great way to share?  What partnerships are you focusing on building with your campus this year?  

Instructional Rounds

"DING" aaannnnndddd in this corner, we have Hollie Lancarte, Principal of Castleberry Elementary, aaannnndd in this corner we have...no!  No, I'm not talking about that kind of rounds.  This is something much, much sweeter.  You know how doctors learn to become doctors and/or improve their practice?  They perform "rounds".  That's right!   So, now for professionals in education, we have "Instructional Rounds".

This summer, I had the absolute wonderful opportunity to attend a training by @Sheila Maher who trained the administrative team of CISD on this great method of best practice to improve instruction.  We already know we have the best staff who are dedicated to not only to helping our students become successful and are totally committed to improving our craft, but as a small school district how do we help our teachers continue to seek ways to improve without fear of degradation or humility?  This method will enable us to seek ways of improvement  through objective observations, analysis of data, and follow up in order to help all of us - both students and professionals, and in all grade levels and across all subjects.  Isn't that sweet?

I will be sharing this wonderful journey of learning with you this year as I continue to learn.  I hope that you will enjoy learning with me.  Are you familiar with "Instructional Rounds?"  If not, what do you think it would look like?