Standards based reporting is a new concept to many of our KPBSD teachers. This is one resource teacher’s view on the changes and opportunities this has brought about.
This is our year of change! This is the year of embracing standards in alignment with student learning. This is new to many of us at the 4, 5, 6th level at West Homer Elementary. As we shift our thinking around the standards reference reporting that we are embarking upon throughout the district, I am excited about it! I find this type of reporting with our students to be creating a whirlwind that is positive and forward thinking for all of us. I see multiple advantages for educators, parents and students. It does, however, require a shift in our thinking and our approach.
Here are a few advantages as I see them:
~ More collaboration with general education and special education to meet the learning styles of all students
~ A greater understanding of grade level expectations in alignment with the curriculum
~ Discussion of goals and discussion of strategies
~ Increased inclusion
~ Increased differentiation of instruction
~ Sharing of materials, ideas, expertise
~ Increased creativity and effectiveness of instruction
~ Students taking responsibility for their learning
~ Keeping our minds challenged to reach for new dimensions with our special needs students
I am especially excited because standards referenced reporting is a catalyst that is bringing general education and special education together with a similar mindset in serving students. As special education teachers, we have been operating in the world of standards and goal and objectives since Individual Education Plans became a reality. Thank you, IDEA.
My resource students have asked many questions. They have found this new scoring method to be difficult to see how the 0-4 applies to them. My explanation, “We are no longer thinking along the lines of A-F. We are not basing your grade upon percentages. You are receiving a score based upon your learning, your progress, your achievements.” The good news? I now have more to say on their progress reports each quarter! (Bulletin board descriptors from Kristine Nannini)
Thanks for sharing, Becky Paul from West Homer Elementary!