Welcome to my first interactive blog entry!
In the October blog, I shared goals from Mountain View's School Strategic Plan.
- Students will demonstate proficiency at or above grade level in math.
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Teachers will increase the degree to which they either support or implement the instructional use of technology.
At Mountain View, we are working hard to achieve these goals and want to share some of the events and strategies we have implemented to make it happen! Please click on highlighted text to view the hard work our students and teachers are doing.
In the area of math, teachers have been trained in an instructional strategy called Guided Math. View this photo In Guided Math, teachers differentiate work for students by increasing the use of small group instruction and varying tasks. As administration has walked the classrooms, we have noticed an increase in student engagement. Teachers have also been trained in Engagement Strategies and Higher Order Thinking Skills to be more effective in their planning and instruction. Teachers will continue to work collaboratively throughout the year as they meet in monthly sessions to effectively implement these strategies.
To motivate students, grade levels will set a math goal every nine weeks. Intermittently, teachers will assess student progress to the goal. Students mastering the goal for that nine weeks will be recognized on our "Math Masters Bulletin Board" located outside the media center. View this photo Another bulletin board which highlights student work and grade level math curriculum can be found towards the front of the school.View this photo Each month a different grade level will highlight their math curriculum and student work.
Throughout the year, we hope you will take advantage of the Math Mornings for each grade level. Parents will have the opportunity to experience some of the same activities as the students for one fabulous and engaging morning.
In the area of technology, we are excited about the new ceiling mounted LCD projectors and screens that have been recently installed in all classrooms. To date the school has acquired 9 Smartboards, including 1 in the computer lab that is accessible by all teachers in the building. View this photo Our School Council's goal is investigating ways to increase the number of SmartBoards in the building.
With ever changing technology, Mountain View recognizes the importance of teacher training and student use. On the March early release day, teachers will engage in technology training in an area of their choice. Another valuable resource to our students and teachers has been the Mountain View Foundation funded computer lab teacher, Mrs. Newhouse. Please visit Mrs. Newhouse's BLOG to see what our technology saavy students can do.
Finally, please know that each classroom teacher maintains a blog to communicate events, curriculum and other important information. Visit your child's classroom BLOG now!
