This past Tuesday I visited Locust Grove Middle School. The principal went over his ability to attain small class sizes through his personalized learning model.
How principals use their points (allotments) to staff a school is such an important step in leadership.
Mr. Townsend, the principal, talked about how he uses his allotments in a way to create smaller class sizes. His approach is to have small class sizes in ELA and Math (18-20 students) using a personalized learning model. Then the large groups (45-60 students) will be in Labs with a teacher and a para. The labs, at first, seemed as if they were going to be overwhelming but after seeing the kids working independently on their personal pathway (Objective/Competency standard, driving question, & DOK activities/assignments) was eye-opening.
My small group walked into a science lab and a social studies lab. Both were well managed and the kids were all working on different assignments or activities. There was no talking or misbehaving going on. During this time, students are able to get assistance if needed or continue on to new assigned units.
The teachers talked about how the planning is more intense but front-loaded. They discussed how the administration utilizes common planning times to allow content teachers to plan units collaboratively. These units are centered around "Driving Questions".
I loved this model and Locust Grove Middle School has the data to prove it to be successful. Since implementing it a couple of years ago, their scores have consistently improved.
As a future leader, what are your models or approaches to student achievement? How will your school deliver the standards?
I was also amazed on the tour as well! The students were all working in every class. I forgot I was in a middle school. I agree, Mr. Townsend has implemented a great program in his school that exhibits proven success. I think because the students had ownership in their success, their behavior exhibited the commitment from them.
ReplyDeleteThere is a lot of planning upfront from the teachers because not only is it personalized learning, PBL is a part of the program also. The intense planning upfront provides what is necessary to have the successful results from the students.
Personalized learning is the new buzz term in education now. Results, when done correctly, have shown increases on end of years performances. When focusing on the success of each student, you are simultaneously helping all of the students succeed. Students don't fail, they master and move on when they have mastered. The only pressure, if it considered pressure, is to understand the concept. Locust Grove exemplifies how its done.