Posted on October 8, 2022
During the classroom Open House in August, the teachers referenced the Learner Profile, which identifies the skills and dispositions we want all students to develop and demonstrate not only at Mid-Pacific but hopefully even after they graduate from school. At the recent Professional Learning Day (October 7), all faculty across the campus met in mixed groups to discuss what a few learner profile traits might look like in their classrooms. This was an effort to reinforce the implementation of the Learner Profile in all classrooms. For example, what does this trait--I show that I care for and respect the environment and community in which I live--look like in any classroom?
In small groups, the faculty wrote down observable behaviors (descriptors) on sentence strips (long strips of paper used mostly in the early elementary grades to practice handwriting). Each idea was discussed and sorted into categories of behaviors. Small groups of the same profile trait gathered together in larger groups to look for similarities across all groups. The method of collaboration to arrive at a consensus of shared ideas is called "co-construction," which all Mid-Pacific students practice in their respective classes, regardless of grade level and content area.
In the practice of Deeper Learning, the faculty has been charged with mindfully implementing instructional strategies that ensure the Learner Profile is evident in their teaching and student learning. Over the next few weeks, each teacher will be communicating with an "accountability" colleague with whom to share his/her progress of implementation. At the next professional-learning day on November 10th, the faculty will meet again to discuss samples of student learning that address a particular Learner Profile trait.
In the afternoon, the preschool and elementary faculty met in mixed grade-level groups to examine student work from classroom inquiry processes. Using a protocol to keep discussion focused, colleagues shared what they could see in the documentation and raised questions for the presenter who brought the artifacts. These processes of fine-tuning our teaching practices across the campus is vital to the professional growth of every teacher and the quality of our childrenʻs learning experiences.
Ending this blog with two photos that tell a story.
This preschooler was having a difficult time adjusting to the new experience of school. Every day since August heʻd cry as he passed the multiage 3-4 classrooms on his way to his classroom. One day he stopped crying! He noticed the Halloween artwork in a classroom window--skeletons on a black background on display. A few students in the classroom waved to him, and then he continued walking to preschool.
For the past two weeks, this preschooler has been stopping by Noio room 3 to wave to the students and teacher on his route to preschool. Fast friends! What a heartwarming way to begin the school day!
E Kūlia Kākou! Letʻs strive and aspire together!
For our children,
Edna L. Hussey, Ed.D.