FOCUS Chapter 2-3

What does authentic literacy mean? Have you seen examples, or non-examples, of it? Why is authentic literacy as or more important now than it was in the past?

How have we managed standards? What have we learned from our experiences?

How can we ensure that the simple, well-known elements of an effective lesson are implemented? Should this be universal? Can it be universal?

FOCUS Chapter 1 THINKING POINTS

Have we - could we- make an effective case for the three priorities described on page 10-11: what we teach, how we teach, authentic literacy? On what occasions? In what contexts? To what degree? How often should we revisit, clarify, and reinforce them?

FOCUS September

As we begin reading the book, take a moment to think...
When have you ever had to focus in your work or in your personal life? What led you to do this? What were the results? How did it influence your thinking?

Welcome to the 2011-12 School Year

Welcome back to school everyone! As we begin the new school year, I invite everyone to TEACH WITH INTENTION, to be focused, clear, and precise in order to meet the needs of our students. I encourage everyone to consider who we teach, where we teach, and how we teach in order to meet their needs. I also challenge the faculty to post learning goals in classrooms every day, in all grades, in all classes, in all buildings throughout the district. Again, that will help us to focus our teaching as well as our students' learning.
I wish you all the very best year ahead!
Peter