If you fail to plan, you can plan to fail
Summer, a time to relax, unwind, and decompress, but I decided to use my summer to make a plan.
My husband always says, "If you fail to plan, you can plan to fail." I like to think that I am a good teacher, not necessarily for what I know about the content, but because of my passion for students. I truly believe that we must be willing to better our pedagogy. I use the following steps to plan for a successful upcoming school year: 1. Let the data be your guide: I always start by looking at the standardized data of my outgoing students. According to NAESP, it is a best practice to use student data to drive decision making (2011). Past behavior is a good indication of future behavior. As I reflect on my own teaching, I look at their areas of strengths and weaknesses and assess my teaching of those objectives. We always must be willing to grow.
2. Use your resources: I gather resources and engage in professional development, often using social media (twitter is such a great tool), to collaborate with others and gather ideas. For example, I wanted to grow in the area of "Genius Hour" (www.geniushour.com), so I read as much as I could and sought advice from other educators, via social media, who had experience with the program. I engage in at least one to two twitter chats per week - free professional development!!
3. Make a plan: Finally, I make a plan. I begin to look at the curriculum to see where certain standards would be better suited based on the results of my students. I also plan for the unexpected situations, such as students who may need additional support. Ask yourself: "What will I do if my plan doesn't work?" Plan for the unexpected, but expect the best. By looking at student data, gathering resources, and making a plan, you can achieve the best year possible for your students! Plan to plan - plan to succeed!!!! Resources: Best Practices for better schools. (2011) NAESP. Retrieved Here Genius Hour. www.geniushour.com
