News for Parents
"Dear God ..."
A little girl was praying and said, "Lord, make all the bad people good and the good people kind". Yes, children can say the funniest and most profound things . Itís a special gift God has given us. Here are some ìDear Godî insights from our Grades 2-3 learners that were collected earlier this year. These are worth pondering and a good chuckle.
Dear God,
I like this school Iím going to. Why did you make a hornet with a stinger?
-Love, Ellen
Dear God,
I would like to thank you for everything you made on the Earth and the other places you made. You are the best! Why did you make people sacrifice animals? Thatís all.
-Jacob
Dear God,
Thank you for everything. How old are you?
-Love Aliea
Dear God,
Thank you for everything. Who is Alfa and Omege?!? Lol J. Write back.
-Love, Rudo
High School In-Service: Spring 2012
In-services are powerful experiences for education professionals. The theme of our entire day together (last Wednesday) was a focus on best practices for honing critical thinking across the curriculum. Teaching for deep understanding rather than a mere knowledge of the content is at the heart of what we do in this ministry, whether that thinking is in regard to spiritual matters, academia, or in the students’ wider life experiences. Here is a snapshot of the various seminars.
Session 1: Example in All Things
The teaching methods of Jesus are the ultimate in best practices for our ministry. We explored some of these directly from the Bible and the research-based practices that affirmed His methods. Indeed, the Great Teacher is our example in all things. We intend that our instructional methods be deeply grounded in His methods.
Session 2: 4MAT – Let’s Do It!
The 4MAT system of teaching is a proven way to ensure that each learner, regardless of their learning style, can be reached in the classroom. Beginning with a professional Teaching Style Inventory teachers discovered the extent to how their approach to teaching affects students. With some of our teachers already trained in this dynamic approach our entire faculty will get this ongoing training to master the art and science of leaving no learning behind.
Session 3: Literacy Across the Disciplines
We explored why literacy is so vital to critical thinking. With new rigorous standards now introduced both by the SDA Church and nation (Common Core Sate Standards) our students need to be able to grapple with complex text analysis and academic writing across each subject area. We are learning how to incorporate rich literacy least likely subjects like Mathematics and Physical Education, as well as the more familiar subjects as US History and Literature. Our scholars will be ready for college and their lifework.
Session 4: “Research says …”
What really works to promote deep learning and improve academic student achievement? This is was a “must have” dialogue that took a deeper look what the experts are saying and others schools are doing to get students ready for college.
The almost unanimous conclusions of the experts are these:
- Students need more instructional time than traditional schedules allow.
- Teachers need more time to collaborate and create integrated cross-disciplinary projects, develop common grading practices, and analyze student performance data.
- Grading practices have to be revamped to better reflect the standards the students must attain.
- The curriculum must be thoroughly aligned with the outcome we want for our students.
- Some high school experiences should mimic college experiences.
- Implement the training and technology supports that are powerful for enhancing the explanation of abstract concepts.
- Parents must be deeply involved as partners in the process and progress of their children.
We have already begun to implement real changes that we know will benefit our young scholars. The first is a hard look at the high school schedule.
Session 5: To Block of Not to Block
Research repeatedly demonstrates that what we educators always know: students need more time in core subject areas. The challenge has been to find that time with the financial, staffing and other constraints schools experience. The solution many have toted is the block schedule-giving fewer but longer classes per semester. For example, instead of seven short classes that span the entire year (the current schedule), we can have four longer classes in the first semester, and another four in the second semester. Overall, students receive more course with potentially deeper instruction. Of course, this is only one configuration but this is the basic idea.
Your Part
We are excited about the changes that will be happening and we will ensure that your are a part of it. Pray for us that the Lord will grant us wisdom and work for the success of His work. We hope to see you at the next constituency meeting.