It is truly hard for me to believe that we are wrapping up our book study discussions and are in the process of closing out another school year. Where has the time gone? I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to take part in the various discussions and feel that the conversations have been productive. The biggest takeaway for me has been the realization that we need to continue to engage each other in honest discussions of best educational practices. I appreciate hearing the varying complications and considerations from each viewpoint and consider the book study to be an effective means of personal, professional and institutional growth.
I believe that our schools' focus needs to continue to move towards standards based instruction and progress monitoring through formative assessments. Our PLC and PD work should be aligned to this endeavor and provide a platform for each of us, as professional educators, to reflect upon research based pedagogy and work collaboratively in answering DuFour's critical questions: 1) What is it we want all students to know and be able to do? 2) How will we know whether or not our students have mastered a concept? 3) How will we respond when students haven't mastered a concept? 4) How will we respond when a student has mastered a concept?
In summary, I am encouraged by the amount of effort that each participant put into preparing and participating in the book study. I am confident that the work was done for the betterment of all involved and that positive momentum continues to build. Kudos to you all and I look forward to our next steps.
