Teacher Credibility - Competence

Teacher Credibility - Competence

This month, we have been focusing on Teacher Credibility.  One of the four areas parts of being a credible teacher is being competent.  Below is an exert from an ASCD article that defines competence:  

Competence

In addition to knowing teachers care, students want to know their teachers know their "stuff"—and how to teach that stuff. They expect an appropriate level of expertise in terms of delivery and accuracy of information. Competent teachers clearly have a lesson plan in mind as they engage their students. Their delivery is well-paced, and the information is accurate, both of which contribute to her credibility.

Ways to signal competence:

▪ Make sure you know the content well. Be honest when a question arises that you're not sure about.     

▪ Deliver lessons cohesively and coherently. Using an instructional framework like the gradual release of responsibility can help with this.

▪ Consider whether your nonverbal behaviors communicate competence. Keeping your arms crossed and hands hidden communicates defensiveness, boredom, or that you're holding something in. Kids notice defensive body language and any posture or gesture that indicates you don't value what they are saying.

To help us continue to grow in our competency, this summer, everyone chose two elements from Marzano's Art and Science Teacher Framework.  We know that Marzano speaks about the importance of deliberate practice when working improve our craft.  Tuesday, September 7th is our first Professional Development Day.  We will provide a 30 minute workshops to help you dig deeper into your element so you can start to work towards your goals.   

To get us started, we are going to start on three primary elements that many of you had in common.  Below you can find the schedule for the workshops, along with a link to the list of elements chosen by each teacher.  More information will follow later this week!   We look forward to learning with you!    TEACHER ELEMENT LINK

Deliberate Practice Sessions  (Personal Goals): 

• 10:00 - 10:30  - Chunking Content Element  

• 10:30 - 11:00 - Using Structured Practice

• 1:15 - 1:45 - Examining Errors/ Examining Similarities & Differences/ etc.  

Important Information: 

* Junior High House Meeting - Tuesday, August 31st  7:30 a.m. High School Library for all teachers who are helping lead a house!

* PLC Rolling Agendas - I have added some items on the Rolling Agenda in the PLC folder.  I may not have every core (math, science, social studies, English) subject area  done by tonight, but will before you meet.  Please take a look at the agenda.  I will try to stop by during your meeting time this week.  

* Professional Development - Attached is a rough agenda for Tuesday, September 7th (HERE).  There will be some changes as we move forward.  Remember, we are very fortunate to have days for PD.  It is important to be present so we can continue to have them.  Students will have the day off - they will not have e-learning.  More details will come soon!    

* Testing Information:  As you are aware, testing for high school students has changed over the past year.  This year, juniors will be taking the SAT as their state exam in early March.  Below is a chart that shows us all tests and what grade level students will take the tests.  Hope this visual helps!  

* Congratulations to Girls Varsity and JV Volleyball for winning the Tip-Off Tourney this week.  Also to the Varsity Football team for a big win against Forest Park!    Go Commodores!

* THREE day weekend coming up!!!  Happy Labor Day!