World+Languages-Health,PE-Fine+Arts

DEPARTMENT MEETINGS ESSENTIAL DISCUSSION/QUESTIONS There are 5 essential supports for reform to organize and improve schools, leadership, parent communities, professional capacity; student centered learning climate, and instructional climate. As a department team begin to discuss and list your ideas and strategies to improve in these areas and to strengthen our instructional core (culture, structure, systems, resources, stakeholders) LEADERSHIP: (i.e. vision, distributive leadership)As our school grows, it will be difficult to keep one person in command of all aspects of running the building. We propose committees formed by teachers who report back to Dr. Chew with staff input. Developing ownership of assigned tasks and establishing accountability for each member in the group is essential for evolving a team of individual leaders. It is crucial that faculty realizes strengths and limitations, i.e. specializing, in order to realize the success of a student body with a wide array of interests, capabilities, and talents. PARENT COMMUNITIES: (i.e. family engagement/supports learning) Develop a model to reach parents. For example, we should identify individuals inside and outside of school who can serve as a resource community. Counselors can provide workshops for parents on a variety of topics that will enhance their child's success in school. Pooling available community resources and support is vital to sustaining the environment of academic excellence put forth in the Academy mission statement. The designation of a particular room for parents within the school could facilitate parent involvement in student life. PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY: (i.e. right people on the right bus/skills in the right seat). Teacher talents and skill sets based on academic background should inform department placement. Identify individual strengths of staff members : Classroom management -Technology- Creativity -Share resources: videos, texts, etc. Create timeframe for observing other teachers in group and report back to Department Chair STUDENT CENTER ACTIVITIES:(i.e. give and take in the classroom, relationships) More independent and groups projects, choice boards, skits, role playing, interdisciplinary activities, learning journals. Create activities that encourage students to engage in target language. Identify more advanced students who could serve as mentors to struggling students. INSTRUCTIONAL CLIMATE: (i.e. teacher support, mentors, PD, active demand teaching/culture of accountability, relationships) Sharing ideas and strategies that enhance teaching methodology. Foster climate where teachers are not reluctant to seek advice and support. Identify members of group who can serve as mentors. Make connections and associations between disciplines for students through increased faculty dialogue