Moving Forward with HSR in a Small School Presented by Spruce View School September 26, 2014
Welcome to Spruce View O Rural K-12 school O 277 students O Approx. 65 students 10-12
Where did we start? O Spring of 2013 O Math teachers – looking at Math 10C O A visit to Stettler O Sharing with our team – imagine the possibilities O Team visit to Olds O Getting buy-in from students and parents O Drafting a plan
What have we implemented? O Structural changes O Cultural changes O Pedagogical changes
Structural changes O Timetable O 5 blocks and daily flex time O Daily literacy block O Learning Strategies for Grade 10 O Exam prep schedule O Extended learning opportunities O Facilities O Flex room O Décor and key messaging
Cultural Changes O Language and Vital behaviours O What do we, as the adults, need to do differently to create the culture we are after? O Collaborative team and time O Teacher team O Collaborative days built into calendar O A different feel O More relaxed O Special events O Dress code changes
Pedagogical Changes O Teaching practice O Project-based learning – project weeks O Learning styles and strategies O Instructional practices O Assessment O Outcomes-based assessment O Formative vs summative O Mastery
Role of the Teacher O Share ownership of learning with students O Willing to look at their own practice O Open to trying new things O Believing in every student – not accepting anything less than mastery
Role of Administration O Support teachers O Ensure the right people are in the right seats O Instructional leadership O Monitoring progress O Student progress review meetings O Be willing to accept the implementation dip
What have we noticed so far? O Achievement results O Increasing student achievement O Increase in homework completion O Exam prep O Change in the culture of the high school wing O Not ‘us’ versus ‘them’ O Collaborative O Culture of academic achievement and excellence
What is next? O New this year – reading block O Assessing students’ reading levels O Targeted literacy instruction O Looking at TA time O Continued and ongoing reflection O What is working? O What is the data telling us? O Tracking every student
Contact us Danica Martin Principal Spruce View School (school)