January 2025 Update-What Are We Learning?
Goal 1: Reading
We see the need for more targeted reading instruction and word work to help students improve their literacy skills throughout all the grades. By working collaboratively with our Coordinator of Inquiry (COI) and our Learning Support Team, teachers can see data that indicates the skill level of their students and can focus on individual student need with instruction tailored to the needs of the students in the classroom. This knowledge helps our learning support team work with the staff and students to have a targeted focus for the students at the school.
Goal 2: Social Emotional Well-Being
The World Health Organization defines mental health as ” a state of well-being emerging from the realization of individual potential, ability to cope with normal life stressors, working productively and contributing to the community.” We want to focus on the balance of self-actualization and happiness, with the need for resiliency and the ability to interact with others. (Ensouling Our Schools, Jennifer Katz and Richard Lamoureaux)
How Is it Going?
Goal 1: ReadingÂ
At Beach Grove, we are involved in an assessment pilot working with Literacy coordinators from the district. Staff are working together to analyze the data. Learning profiles are created to help us understand targeted areas for support and strategies that may be helpful.
Goal 2: Social Emotional Well-Being
- Use of the book, Ensouling our Schools by Jennifer Katz and Richard Lamoureux as a resource for learning with staff during staff meetings and professional learning days (ie. How to Build Flourishing Learning communities Chapter 6, Addressing Mental Health Needs with All Students Chapter 7)
- Introduced the Heart-Mind connection during a school wide assembly
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Heart-Mind well-being refers to the balance between educating the mind and educating the heart. While there is a great focus in our society on academic achievement, research has demonstrated the positive impacts of developing our hearts – the way we “feel” and “relate to one another”. In fact, heart and mind learning are interconnected. Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education. The 5 qualities: Secure and Calm, Gets Along with Others, Alert and Engaged, Compassionate and Kind, Solves Problems Peacefully
