Commitments 2014

For teachers, we have the advantage of starting a new year in August and the again in January. My commitments (I prefer that to resolutions):
1. Recognize effort (not just accuracy) in students. In my mind, this is one of the most important college and career readiness skills that schools can teach.
2. Visit each science class each day. Effective coaching means having accurate information about student and teachers.
3. Work with teachers to implement a more effective cycle of review and reteach (starting with 8th grade)
4. Listen more, talk less. Particularly when looking at school-wide change.

Some of these are things that I have already been focusing on or at least have been devoting mental energy. These will likely be in stages of "in-progress" for long periods of time but also have room for lots of growth.