Because I do things differently, I have to own the responsibility that comes with that.

This was part of my message to parents last night at open house. With only ten minutes to share too much information about an approach that is radically different from their kids’ other teachers, I had to acknowledge, had to own the responsibility that there will be a need for clarification down the road. So, I invited them, welcomed them to please email me when they needed me to clarify my approach–as many times as necessary. I accept the “responsibility of “different.”

Skyward’s gonna be problematic.

Skyward, our online grading program, fits not well my approach. It is built around the percentage-based approach to grading. So, for those of us who dare different, it presents a challenge. It can be a problem. Here is how I am addressing the problem. Here is what I told parents.

“Skyward is not my grade book. It is a recording and communication tool. I keep record of your kids’ Learning Checks as a way to communicate their experiences and progress. If ever you see something that you want more information on, please email me.”

I don’t give F’s and I want everyone to get an A.

I told parents that I shared this with their kids in class yesterday when we were discussing my learning practices. I wanted to make a point.

(to the kids) “Okay, we know no one is going to fail and we know it is likely that most will get an ‘A.’ So there, we had the grading conversation. That leaves learning. That’s our focus in here, not grading.”

Your child doesn’t take Learning Checks (assessments) to put grades in the grade book. They take Learning Checks to give me an opportunity to provide them with feedback.

I emphasized this to parents as I was explaining the basic learning experience in my class. Practice. Learning Check. Feedback. Response. I use assessment for learning. It creates the opportunity for feedback from the teacher and a response from the learner. And the process continues for as long as the learner needs. Learning is a circle, not a line.

And, for the most part, that is what filled our ten minutes together last night. Of course there was more to tell–more different to deliver–but I believe we got off to a great start, and together we will work to create a rich learning experience for the kids we daily share, for the kids they place in my trust, a trust I take not lightly. And as I dare different, I feel a keen sense of responsibility to work hard to keep that trust.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…connecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…growing with grammar.

…considering the purpose and power of story.

…viewing coverage of Rodney King trial and the L.A riots to create context for Freedom Writers.

…reflecting in our Journey Journals.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Thursday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.