As we Learn Better, We will Do Better!

Monday represented more than a professional learning opportunity for our GIPS staff.  It was also a time to recognize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and what it means for us today!

As I reflect in awe of his courage and leadership for what is right, I started to think about all of you and the courage you bring to the classroom every day.  You are the difference maker for our students and you make decisions every day that impacts student outcomes.  I know you are not recognized enough for time, commitment, and emotional capital you expend to ensure Every Student, Every Day, A Success!

This week you all engaged in professional learning, an opportunity to grow in your practice and transform instruction to increase equitable opportunities for all students that will allow them to thrive in this ever-changing world.

It has been so inspiring to see professional learning in practice through pictures and videos posted on Twitter! I'm sure there are so many more that have yet to be shared! The response to this opportunity is what will determine the benefit to our students.  Give it a try, reflect, adjust, and try it again!  It will take practice and intentional planning to increase effectiveness. It' will be worth it, so don't give up.


I was also able to join in on some professional learning this week.  We had a conversation about homework and David Holden (AAIS Consultant working with our high school teams, asked the question: "is it about turning in the homework, or is it about the learning?  If it is about learning, is there another way to get assess what students know and can do? If it is about turning in homework, it is about behavior that we may or may not be able to control".

This caused me to pause and think about the importance and impact of verifying learning (to the grade-level standard) within the lesson.  We have to think differently about our ability to control the outcomes.

 Which leads me to another quote from Steven Covey that resonated with me:  "Every system is perfectly designed to get the results it gets--if you are ok with this-keep doing what you are doing, if not, make a change!"  This isn't just about teaching, this has implications at all levels and within our systems.

I recognize the ask that we have of you every day and the responsibility that falls on me and our L4L team to support you. We will continue to learn, grow and improve together and as we learn better, we will do better!

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