Assessments and data

From By Matt Larson, NCTM President

January 17, 2017 

"Assessment is only as valuable as the informed actions taken based on the results. If we fail to act on what multiple sources of data so clearly show, the next round of assessments will only reveal that the problems have grown worse. It is our collective responsibility to act. Clear themes can be found in the data, and the actions necessary to improve mathematics teaching and learning in the United States are similarly clear: support the current common and rigorous standards in K–grade 8; support the professional learning of teachers; create structures to enhance teachers’ professional collaboration and continual improvement; eliminate structural obstacles that stand in the way of the learning of each and every student; and substantially reform high school mathematics curriculum and instruction. It is our professional responsibility as educators not to ignore these lessons and take action. Our future depends on our response." 

The statement above that I highlighted is my passion:  educating and supporting teachers to grow and meet the rigorous standards that our students need.  We don't need more or different curriculums, more technology, or more practice with fluency.  We NEED more support, modeling, and education for teachers so they can provide what students need in today's classroom!  How can I help acheive this? 

This is a question I reflect on daily.  Every day, I try to touch someone's life to help move myself and that person closer to reach our fullest potential!

Even the smallest gesture can make a HUGE impact and motivate others

Model the way!

Here is a great article about one of the most important leadership qualities outlined in my book study!
Practice what you preach!  Those are words I have heard so many times and I never realized how powerful they are to becoming a credible leader.

https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_60.htm

WoW!  I was inspired and humbled last night at the opening presentation in St. Louis at the National Council of teachers of Mathematics conference.  I am so blessed to be a part of its inaugural launch of the Supporting the Struggling Math Student Conference, INNOV8.  Take a look at this link and prepare to be inspired by a young lady and her family who fought so many battles and slowly overcame each one with so much dignity and motivation.

http://www.astrokeofluck.net/tour/



This is my passion!  Helping a child to fill gaps in their learning and be successful in the regular classroom takes time, patience, perseverance, and creativity from both the child and the educator!  I accept this amazing challenge and hope I can help and inspire other teachers to do the same thing!

Exciting new journey

After leaving my wonderful third grade students on Tuesday, I headed to the County Office to embark on a new journey that will guide and hopefully help me to fulfill my future professional goals to help teachers reach their full potential, then in turn help their students do the same! I was extremely nervous to enter the room and start this incredible journey. However, the smiling and welcoming faces of my fellow Leadership Academy candidates eased my nerves immensely. When I walked in and saw the book we will be utilizing, "The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations,"  my heart swelled because I believe EXTRAORDINARY things happen when people work together for a common goal with our students' futures in mind.  

I think one of the things I am most excited about is hearing how our school system works through the monthly presentations from the various departments that create the well oiled machine of Floyd County Schools.  As a classroom teacher, my bubble has been very small.  I look forward to learning about the Hows and Whys and connecting them to the things that happen in my school and classroom.

I can't wait to start reading the book and creating the first presentation with Telisa.