Assess Success: Exploring Authentic Assessment in the Mathematics Classroom

 Tool: SEL In the Classroom Self-Assessment (Reflection for Teacher's) "Supportive classroom climate" often comes more naturally for HS classrooms/teachers than "explicit instruction about SEL" Taking the time to set up classroom norms and teaching kids to follow protocol and work together and understand the "why" saves a ton of time later. Being intentional about how you do things ("pick a partner, get in a group, etc") will lower stress as well.  Shared language is really effective. "Do you need some support in this?"  The kids know what this means, 'there is someone I need/want to connect with to solve this problem/to regulate'. "Hands off" Teach ahead of time, no need for further discussion Relationship is key. Be a teacher because you love kids! Greet kids in the hallway, say hello at the door, care about their lives. Having a relationship results in trust, regard, respect, leading to productive classrooms. Of...

How can SEL be done? Focused on 3 signature practices of SEL; these come in many forms throughout the year Welcoming Inclusion Activity Students belonging, feeling welcomed, included, structured (know what to do and where to go, etc) Engaging Practices Open-ended questions, partner brainstorming, engaging discussions, brain breaks Optimistic Closure Reflection, appreciation from teacher-student/student-student Spend time building vocabulary and format for discussion -- students know what you're expecting Why do we care about SEL? Covers the basics SEL is self-awareness/emotional awareness/self-management/relationship skills/social awareness Studies have been done on the effectiveness, showing improvement in student success in school Supportive SEL Communities: Adult SEL Adult stress connects to student stress and vice versa People matter; school culture matter Be honest with students about growth and stresses of your own "These aren't 'kid skills', these are 'h...

 Fitting in vs Belonging: Recognizing the Difference and its Impact on Classroom Culture Book Recommendation: Just Teaching   What is the significant difference between fitting in and belonging?  Brene Brown clip Imagine belonging: What does belonging: look like?  feel like? sound like?  Shared ideas: Sounds like laughter; looks happy; feels like the ability to be vulnerable; feels safe; safe space to make mistakes/be quirky;  safety and vulnerability vs. fear and judgement; don't feel like you have to hide your achievements; true belonging comes with ease, comes naturally "What did you hear at your tables? Not necessarily what you said. What did you hear?"  Imagine Belonging as a Student in a Classroom What does belonging: look like?  feel like? sound like?  Overlap with above: able to take a risk, be vulnerable, be quirky, sense of ease, safety Imagine yourself as a student trying to constantly "fit in"... Socially Academically Having to ad...

Educators as Influencers There's value in the discussion and you don't always need to report back. Allowing people to connect and chat with one another for periods of time allows for relationship and regulation.  Thermometers vs/and thermostats We communicate: 7% w/ words 38% w/ voice, tone, modulation, pauses, etc. 55% w/ body movements, face, arms, etc. Intentional Mirroring:  Lending our calm Personal Space Communication Listening/empathy Brain/Body State (Self-Regulation for Educators) "What do I need in this moment?" Managing our Behaviours = Reducing Stress Take a walk around the field at lunch (students might join you!) Start the day with writing three things you're thankful for in your planner Take a minute to pray for 1, 2, 3, ... students Put yourself around people who love the same things as you If you aren't generous with yourself to do these things, you're going to find yourself in these high-stress areas, which will influence your classroom, ...