WEEK 15: Danielle's Post

It's my third year teaching and I often feel that I'm finally getting the
hang of things and have enough on my list on "to-do" items when suddenly a
great idea pops into my head.  I'm excited to put my grand plan into
effect and about how it will improve my classroom, teaching, and my
students.  


One of those ideas was the half sheet for conferences that
contained the scores and information that does not fit onto the report
cards. Or the goals I have for students that when discussed with parents,
is most likely forgotten as soon as the parents walk out of my door.

I used the half sheets of paper that my team and I created during my
conferences. It was so helpful to have the scores and information written
down and ready to discuss with parents.  My parents found it helpful to
have the information as well, and that I was able to discuss what the
scores from MAP, STAR, and AR really mean.  I had several parents say how
much that having the paper would help them know the specific goals I have
set for their child to work on for 2nd quarter.  Overall, my conferences
went well expect for one thing.

I had about 3/4 of my students with at least 15 missing homework
assignments, which resulted in a very low letter grade for math homework
on their report card.  Needless to say, many parents were upset and
wondering how to help their child be successful with homework.  With the
first few conferences, I recommended that parents buy their child an
agenda to write down their assignments each day, but by the 5th conference
of saying this I began to wonder if there was a simpler way for everyone
involved.

I decided to create my own agenda worksheet for my students to keep in
their homework folders.  On the sheet is a table with columns for the date
the assignment is given, the name of the assignment, the due date, as well
as a column for the parent to sign after they have seen their child's
completed assignment.  I look at each agenda daily and put a star next to
the assignment if it is returned and the parent has signed.  I now have
almost all of my kids returning their homework each day!

Yes, it does take up a little of my plan time to look at each agenda, but
I love having this simple sheet of paper the parents see each day and know
exactly what their child is learning. Plus, the parents have a great tool
to communicate with me about any questions or concerns they may have
knowing I will see it each day.