Schmoker, Results Now

Schmoker, Results Now

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  RESULTS NOW MIKESCHMOKER Christy Nash Dr. Jane Huffman University of North Texas
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  Results Now -Book Review About achieving exceptional change and improvements in teaching and learning Some assertions in the book are innovative and somewhat controversial  First section: Discusses the “buffer” protective barrier discourages close inspection of classroom instruction/the supervision of instruction culture of “noninterference, privacy, and harmony “ crippled the advancement of school improvement initiatives those most important to the schools from within and outside do not actually know what occurs within the schools
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  Results Now -Book Review Partner to the buffer is teacher isolation Empowered under the term “Professionalism” Other professions, new employees part of teams that produce results Like in law or medicine Allowed Teaching to become Safe and very Secure professions Buffer also affects Leadership Improvement cannot occur until leaders evaluate the quality of instruction Combat the status quo, barrier, and isolation Make Strategic Decisions
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  Results Now -Book Review Second section focuses on Literacy Literacy Education: greatest opportunity for educators to improve performance Authentic Literacy: Generous amounts of close, purposeful reading, rereading, writing, and talking Critically examine text, Consider multiple viewpoints, Imagine alternatives, and Understand relevance Develops the Educated Mind Crayola Curriculum: the time Cutting, Pasting, and Coloring in schools Literature based Arts and Crafts
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  Results Now -Book Review In Section III, Schmoker discusses Professional Learning Communities “the surest and quickest manner” to Instructional Improvement “the most promising strategy for sustained, substantive school improvement.” PLCs deserve more attention than any other Charge we Complete in the name of School Improvement Fundamental concepts according to Schmoker PLCs set common curricular standards and time-tables for implementation must meet regularly and be laser focused Teachers must also spend their time speaking in concrete explicit terms. must focus on common assessments and analyze their data to better inform instruction
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  Results Now -Book Review The Experts are Among us Staff members should Devote time to learn from each other. Teachers can pool Practical Knowledge and Expertise to recognize the best of what they are doing and what they already know Engage in the work of Collective follow up, Assessment, & Adjustment of Instruction Results in the best kind of Professional Development, not one-stop workshops Teamwork fosters Continuous Improvement Targeted attention to details through Analysis and Brainstorming Less resistance can be expected in Implementing Changes
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  Results Now -Book Review Leadership must also adapt for PLCs to grow Principals must become “Learning Leaders” Must support and discuss Learning with their Teachers Must be an Increased Emphasis on Learning so Improvements can occur in Teaching Leader’s central focus to support and equip teams to do their work allow the “other stuff” to be not as important
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  Results Now -Book Review Schmoker concludes with a thought-provoking question: Why Delay? Teachers and Leaders must immediately begin to Share, Examine, and Engage in dialogue Must erase past failures and put Schools on the path to Incredible Achievement Benefit far outweighs any negative Children are at risk if we continue to do what we have always done We must be bold; we must be brave.
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  Schmoker Interview Askedseveral questions that were of interest to me Questions came from further intrigue after reading Result Now Asked Mr. Schmoker about the Buffer? Referenced Dr. Richard Elmore’s description an invisible barrier between the classroom and the public, district, state, and even principal An invisible protection from “outside inspection, interference, or disruption.” Buffer is also political in nature it can be very unpopular to challenge “the way we do things around here.”
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  Schmoker Interview Whyisolation continues within most schools? Being by yourself is easier than collaborating with your peers Not enough “forces to bear” on the practice to cause a change More positive pressure needed for the practice to cease and collaboration to begin Feels Professional Learning Communities are the answer
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  Schmoker Interview Whycurriculum chaos continues in schools? Wanted to know how do we ensure what is intended actually gets taught? Teachers must work in professional learning communities to ensure what is intended actually gets taught Teachers in common core areas should meet twice monthly for thirty to forty-five minutes; at minimum Must maintain a laser focus Determine the power standards
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  Schmoker Interview Mostcritical factor in increasing student achievement in schools today? Schmoker could not pick one; has a “top three” list Every teacher must understand what a “good” lesson should contain Teacher must use formative assessment to determine if the majority of the students understand the concept or step Teachers must adhere to a “guaranteed and viable curriculum.” To ensure that all curriculum is laced with loads of text Should ensure reading and critical thought Opportunity to write and evaluate the text Further develop critical, thoughtful reflections
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  Schmoker Interview Whatare the characteristics of effective school leaders?  school leaders must focus on the “top three” list  administrators must “repeat, clarify, practice, and monitor” How should central office function to assist increasing student achievement at the campus level?  Must resist requiring administrators to do anything other than focus on the “top three”  Must do all things possible to support the campus, teacher and administrator, efforts to teach and monitor these objective (top three) PLC model best supports implementation and complete understanding of “top three” for increasing overall student achievement
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  Schmoker Interview HowProfessional Learning Communities assist with the school improvement process? Vital to ensuring that the best instruction occurs Teachers must meet on a regular schedule for a minimum amount of time to “do the work.” The experts are among us Teachers have the opportunity to learn from their peers on a regular basis, practice what they learn, and reflect as a member of the PLC PLCs should center their work and focus around how best to teach and deliver the agreed upon curriculum Without PLCs, teachers will continue to work in isolation & the buffer continues to interfere with optimal instruction, curriculum, & practices