Look at the FACTS!

Data Data Data!

It really is so incredibly important to constantly be looking at the data. Personally, I think one of the worst mistakes that are made by teachers is when we look at a child and bring preconceived notions to the table. Collecting data provides facts about the students and allows us to look at what we know; not what we think about the student. I have multiple different trackers that I use for different types of data… behavior trackers/small group trackers/specific skill trackers/overall progress trackers… etc. Here are a couple of pictures of my different forms of trackers I use for data collection. I also have provided links to blank versions of these resources.

I use different trackers for small group instruction in various areas. I have a math intervention group that I see 3 days a week. I track all of that data filling out these forms I’ve created. They are easy to use/read and allow me to have evidence and notes to share with my colleagues to keep everyone on the same page about the progress of this group.


This next one I use in a class that I co-teach in using small group instruction two days a week. I have one sheet for each group. Each filled out sheet goes into a binder with student samples directly behind it. This allows my colleague and I to review student work and plan for future groups. All of this data helps us learn how we can improve and to praise our students when they have made progress. :)This is a version of blank trackers that you could manipulate to collect data of any small group.



I also work with many different students on behavior trackers. The picture below shows how I track all of that data throughout the weeks. I have each daily tracker filed behind this sheet in a binder, in order, with parent signatures. This allows me to have easy access to the information when it comes to parent and/or team meetings about this individual.



What types of data collection trackers do you use?

-C

What I've Learned from my Students

Here we are, a week after the second quarter has finished of my first year of teaching. I can not believe what my students have taught me already. They continue to amaze me each and every day.

1. Respect is EVERYTHING.

For the majority of the students at my school, respect is literally all they have. All they have to offer; to take away; to lose; to earn. Respect drives every interaction. If you have their respect, that means they feel that you respect them. Respect is such a big deal because of their home lives. All they know is who has been there and who hasn’t. Once you lose that respect, it will take a very, very long time for you to earn it back; if ever.

2. They are way older than junior high.

My students have seen so much more life than most of us did when we were their age. They know (and care) more about surviving on the streets than about annotating and paraphrasing the Declaration of Independence. They can’t see past tomorrow. They’ve grown up way too fast without learning how to think about their future. One sad reality for me was when we asked one seventh grade class what one of their life long goals were.. and the majority of them said they wanted to make it to high school.

3. I have a bigger impact than I thought.

One of the eighth grade teachers has her students write appreciation letters to different people at the school. Last week I received eight letters from eight different students. Two of the students have actually never experienced me in the classroom. It’s really cool watching students open up and begin trusting in you; they gain confidence and begin trusting in themselves. I try to instill in each one of my students that they matter; through my actions and words.

4. I care about them way more than I thought I could.

My students are the reason I teach. They really do listen to what I have to say and they work their butts off… even when they don’t want to. They brighten my darkest days. My favorite part of my warning is when two sisters come in through the gate beaming and running down to hug me. They are both much younger than the students that I work with… but every morning they hug me and tell me good morning. Over long weekends, I worry about my students. I genuinely care about them and want them to be successful in all areas of their life.

5. I really can do this.

Whenever I am doubting myself; my students and their hard work and progress remind me that I can. They remind me that I’ve worked hard for where I’m at; that we have worked hard together this year… pushing ourselves and each other.

My students really are amazing. I am so proud of them and everything that they have been doing and working for.

-Giddy First Year Teacher Moment-