1. The Spirit of Collaboration
Peer Coaching
The Spirit of
Collaboration

2. Houston Middle Timeline
2003- HMS split from the high school
No middle school concept
No discipline plan
31 suspensions first month
Total population 440 students
Junior High Schedule- no teaming

3. Houston Middle School Progresses
Middle School model in place (teaming)
Make Your Day Citizenship Program was Adopted (suspensions cut in half)
Content by content attack began with reading by implementing Direct Instruction.
Yearly progressions continue
Professional Development for staff evolved:
Book Studies:
This We Believe NMSA
Understanding Poverty
Whatever It Takes
Adolescent Development

4. Houston Middle School Hawks Promoting
Mission Statement
Houston Middle School Hawks Promoting
High expectations for students and staff
Achievement and positive choices
Working as one
Knowledge for successful life long learning
Self worth and respect for all

5. Houston Middle School Keeps on Trekking
PLC (Professional Learning Communities)
Provided professional development and increase in communication for teams, administration, parents to focus on student success
Math was tackled by adopting Accelerated Math
SIMS and Criterion were introduced for Writing Interventions
Intervention Model developed and ongoing

6. Intervention Model
Students at risk are placed on triangle though a systemic process in order to identify individual student needs.

7. Intervention Model
Each child that has been identified will move through levels while interventions are put in place
Example: Home/School communication through planner checks, weekly drag sheets, daily check lists etc.

8. Climbing the mountain Data Retreat opportunity: Low test scores
Looked at SBA scores for all students
Results:
GLE checklists
Created
Pacing Guides implemented in Reading, Writing, and Math

9. Assessments 2007-2008 Dr. Whitely invited for Professional Development
Discussions uncovered a desire to conduct peer observations
Wanted to see other teachers’ methods
Decided that staff cohesion was strong enough to open our rooms for observations

10. Peer Coaching: Why? Goal: Increase Student Learning by
Teachers given the opportunity to collaborate with each other by
Giving data driven feedback to each other
Nonjudgmental
At teacher request
Not Mandatory
Confidential
True Collaborative Spirit: Both parties benefit

11. Peer Coaching: How? Pre-Conference Observation Post-Conference (Key!)
Observed is in control
Decide upon “Lens”, time, etc.
Observation
Data is collected
Post-Conference (Key!)
3 Intentions used to keep positive
3 points conversation makes Data the focus
Suggestions are only offered upon request

12. Trouble Shooting Time Scheduling Conflicts Follow Through
Comfort Levels Do Vary
Requires high level of respect between peers

13. Reaching the Summit Data Driven School:
Drives our instruction and assessments.
Made AYP !

14. FY 2008 Language Arts AYP Year to Year Comparison
Percentage of Students Proficient

15. FY 2008 Mathematics AYP Year to Year Comparison
Percentage of Students Proficient

16. Thank You! For more information, please contact: Connie Tracy
Sarah Paulson