In-service department meeting 10/25

Lucy Calkins rubrics conflict with Collins writing practices (FCAs etc.) but make the most sense to be applied to completed portfolio pieces of the 4 writing types. 

Problems associated with expectations in writing related to block scheduling. Sarah's response was that in the other subjects these students should be learning writing cross-curricularly.  Scheduling is less important than school identity and how the staff is trained. I think that's a pretty good point.

Middle school English teachers decide to administer pre and post essay examples 2 in 7th grade, and 2 in 8th grade this year.

Sarah comes into tell us to score the essays and potentially change the rubric.  She validates that the rubrics are initially to be used to show growth but then will be later used for Type 5 portfolio pieces.

Digital portfolios are potentially being linked with Google Drive.  

5-7 minute break after Sarah leaves. About to grade narratives "in earnest."

After discussion, we find a lot of disagreement in scoring and a general distaste for this rubric.  Important question: Are we able to bring essay scores up with the way that we teach based on this rubric or not? 

Topic for further discussion.

The future of education?

“THE BOTTOM LINE IS, IF YOU’RE NOT THE ONE CONTROLLING YOUR LEARNING, YOU’RE NOT GOING TO LEARN AS WELL.”

This article focuses more on math and the sciences which makes me feel concerned for the humanities. However, I am fascinated by this concept. I have tried to model something like this in my room to varying degrees of success, but never for a prolonged period of time.  Students respond sometimes subconsciously to the stressors of public schooling which can at times sabotage creative teaching methods.  We can't separate our students from their cultural identity associated with technology, but we can set limits for creative collaboration with the support from administration (training, resources, trust) can't we?

--Joe

http://www.wired.com/business/2013/10/free-thinkers/all/