15. Monitoring Student Learning
a. Demonstrate the ability to create a culture that fosters a community of learners
b. Understand student Guidance and Auxiliary systems
c. Ability to implement a positive and effective student management system
d. Implement effective student discipline plans
g. Support and understand a comprehensive program of student activities
Reflection
As a teacher, monitoring student learning is something that we do on a regular basis. Being able to transfer and refine that skill from teacher to leader of a school is important. Many of the same skills that are utilized in the classroom can be utilized on a larger scale. In the classroom, we work to meet the enrichment, remediation and special education needs for all students. As a teacher, we ensure that is done in our classroom on a daily basis by differentiating our instruction to meet the needs of all learners. However, as a leader, we must ensure that is occurring for every student in the building. We need to ensure that the needs are being met on a larger scale. It is important that we are working with the guidance department and implementing programs that will guarantee the success of all students.
During my field experience, I was able to get hands on with discipline and consequences while dealing with student’s behavior during several occasions by subbing for the assistant principal at Eagle Ridge Junior High. Through that experience, I was faced with handling various situations with students from insubordination, disrespect, theft, vandalism, and drugs. In dealing with those behaviors, I had to effectively implement various consequences for students. I had to determine what the best consequences were for particular incidents in order for students to learn from them. Some of the consequences utilized were Saturday school, ALR, evening class, ALR lunch, detention, writing apology letters, calling home and suspensions. I have attached a copy of a report that was sent to the assistant principal regarding what decisions I made when filling in for her.
In addition, I served on the committee at Eagle Ridge Junior High that received a grant from the MN Department of Education for Alternatives to Suspensions. I was able to help implement this program from the beginning. We worked to decrease our suspension rate and keep students in classes. We did this by offering alternative forms of discipline, such as Saturday school and evening class. In addition, we worked to enforce positive behaviors by creating a school motto. The school motto, SOAR, helped us determine a common language to be used among staff and students. We held training for staff, and began to utilize the language when speaking with students about behaviors. We used this to help students understand behavioral expectations every day.
Through my field experience, I was able to get a deep understanding of effectively implementing student discipline as well as being able to effectively implement programs that will help students be successful at school. I know that as a school leader, I will need the skills of effectively implementing consequences, but also ensuring that students are getting their needs met through various programs.
Artifacts
Truancy
Sub for Assistance Principal Follow Up Report
Follow up for December 3.pdf (76,9 kB)