Morning, all. Don’t have much today. I am growing weary of whining about testing, and I suspect you’re getting tired of listening to me, so I won’t go there today. I could–lots to whine about it still, but I won’t. Instead, I will look ahead.

Been chewing on some more ideas for next year. Been trying to refine the tenets of the Project 180 Classroom as I look ahead to its next evolution. Still schemin’ and dreamin’, but here is some of what’s bouncing around in my head.

The Project 180 Classroom…

…considers how students feel.

…builds and maintains relationships.

…focuses on feedback.

…believes school should happen at school.

…peddles possibility.

…offers opportunity.

…defines learning as growth.

…prioritizes standards.

…believes in assessment as learning.

…rejects grades and standardized testing.

…recognizes learning happens in different ways and at different times for each student.

…embraces mistakes as necessary steps in the learning process.

…humanizes the educational experience.

…requires reflection.

…seeks commitment, not compliance.

…insists students take ownership of their learning.

…embraces noise.

…believes learning is a story to be captured and told by the learner.

…evolves constantly.

…defines success criteria for learning experiences.

…requires retakes.

…believes students’ needs are more important than the teachers’ wants.

…meets students where they are.

…believes learning conversations (conferences with students) are critical components in learning.

…seeks to inspire other teachers to innovate, not imitate.

Well, that’s what’s rattlin’ round in my head. And though they are not final, and forever in flux, these are the thoughts and ideas that drive me, the thoughts and ideas that I hope are reflected in my word and work, the thoughts and ideas that show on my outside as well as my inside.

Happy Thursday, all. Last “official” day of testing today, but there will be several kids who have to continue tomorrow. And that…

I am not going to whine. I am not going to whine. I am not going to whine.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.