Data, Data, and More Data (Hey, I should have reduced homework!)

Honestly, I gave myself too much homework over the break.

I am FASCINATED by the comments that students made during the Student Break-Outs last week.

I want to share one of my favorites.  In response to the question about what teachers can do to support students, this was the response:

1. Standardized maximum test percentages within the grade book for every class making the grade less based on tests and more about what students actually know - tests cause stress and students to cheat.
2. Adopt a policy for homework and projects that is more catering to the students.  If the teachers are not rewarded for their work over the weekends, then the students grades for homework over the weekends should not be recorded.
3. The school should actually input some of these ideas into their policies rather than doing a same version of this each year with no visible change.
4. Come up with better ideas to tackle stress rather than make students make posters and fill out forms...doing more work.
5. I doubt this will actually be read, but if it is I would love to talk about it with admin to actually see what they are doing about student stress.

So honest.  Thank you.

In response, I can say 1 and 2 are good ideas.  As for number 3, these things, unfortunately, do take time.  We have a lot of people to work with and change is no easy matter.  I hope that you are seeing some visible changes, even if they are small.  In response to number 4, I guess I would say that communication is the first step.  That is what this part is really about.  Talking to each other.  Empathizing with each other.  Building consensus together (this is what makes change sustainable and not just "lip service").  

And, as for number 5.  I'm reading it.  And, it is good.  If you wrote this, drop me an email.  I would love to hear more.

Fa La La La La - Results are In

We have some results to share from the survey you took this week!  The comments students submitted with regards to what parents can do to help alleviate stress and competition have been read, categorized, and summarized into the list below:

1.  Put less emphasis on grades.  Stop checking school loop daily and be more accepting of grades that are not As.  Talk to me about something other than school and grades.
2.  Be supportive.  Support me in my passions and interests and offer help and encouragement.
3.  Don’t put so much pressure on me.  Relax. 
4. Your expectations are too high.  Don’t expect me to do well at everything all the time and be open to other definitions of success.
5. Don’t put so much emphasis on college.
6. Let me handle my work.  Don’t micromanage and let me pick the classes I want to take.
7. Be understanding.  Recognize that things are different than when you went to school.
8.  Accept me and stop comparing me to others.

'Tis the Season for Surveys

It has been a busy week!  First of all, thank you all so much for engaging in productive, honest dialogue in your 4th period classes.  We are deep in the process of disaggregating the information so that we can communicate as soon as possible your thoughts around what parents, teachers, and student can do to improve the climate at Miramonte.  So far, I am reading the suggestions for teachers (yes, every single response) and I am fascinated by the comments. Overwhelmingly, students are reporting that less homework (and busywork) and adherence to testing days would be a support that teachers and staff can provide. Your voice is essential to what we do and this information will fuel future conversation and, given time, shifts in our practices.

While we are on the topic of surveys, I wanted to let you know about the next set that is coming out. In addition to our work with Challenge Success, over the next year, Miramonte will be engaging in the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation process. Approximately every six years, schools are required to engage in a comprehensive self-study, revisiting the mission and vision, and developing school-wide specific learning outcomes. This process is a powerful opportunity for the community to come together and set goals for the future.

At the beginning of this process, we look to get input from parents, staff, and students to drive our process. It is so important to get comprehensive feedback in order to develop plans that are meaningful and authentic. This being said, please take a few minutes to fill out our Vision and Mission Survey and our Specific Learning Outcome Survey. This input will help kick off the process!

And, the shout outs this week go to Eric Ting and Clayton Stehr, both recognized as top scholar athletes by the Northern California National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.  In addition, I'd like to recognize the students from Ms. Audelo-Sharp's class who volunteered at Gallardo's, a restaurant in the Mission. Check out three volunteers, Victor Leiva, David Rezapour, and Roman Sanchez below: