Colleagues,
I hope you each had a productive week. On Thursday I, along with a number of WPS administrators, participated in a second, full-day training with Mike Mattos focused on our approach to multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), sometimes referred to as Response to Intervention (RTI). One of the things I appreciated about this training was Mr. Mattos’ ability to distill our work down into elegantly simple ideas. For example, imagine if our curricula across each content area was broken down into the most essential learning standards that we would help ensure all students mastered. Imagine if we shared these learning goals with students prior to teaching them. Then imagine if we planned one, short, formative assessment (not for a grade) prior to the conclusion of completing that unit of study and then dedicated one day in which we would use the results of that formative assessment to reteach any components that students were still struggling to master. This cycle of clear learning goals—both identified and communicated to students—assessed for mastery, and then re-taught as necessary, seems simple enough but, admittedly, is likely not something common to our collective practice. (Even though this cycle is highly correlated with improved student learning.) While we will be spending time refining our practice to allow this teaching and learning cycle to become more of the norm in WPS, I encourage our team to consider how, individually, we can each support a similar learning cycle in our work now.
Thanks in advance for your consideration and support as we seek to organize our work for the success of ALL students.
-David
Calendar
12/14/21 – SC Meeting – 6:30 pm
12/23/21 – 1/2/22 – December Break
Announcing 2021-2022 ACCEPT’s Educator Leadership Institute (ELI):
Part-Time Preparation for Administrative Leadership and Licensure Program for Educators (Pr/AP at one of two levels: Pre-K-8, 5-12).
Classes begin January 12, 2022 . Application deadline: December 15, 2021
The 18-month part-time program includes:
·High engagement pedagogy with extensive fieldwork opportunities
·Firsthand involvement with practicing administrators
·Optional Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Management (Financial Aid Available)
·Excellent placement record
·Strong peer and faculty Support Network
For more information, please go to: ELI Website or Click Professional Development tab at Accept.org.
Human Relations Services
The Human Relation Services (HRS) can help. Wellesley Public Schools has contracted with HRS to provide up to ten free counseling visits for you and/or your family members. This program is designed to help you deal with stresses of life and work –including personal and family issues, drug or alcohol problems, and job related tension. It offers prevention and intervention to reduce these stresses and improve coping skills.
HRS is located at 11 Chapel Place in Wellesley and can be reached at 781-235-4950. This is a confidential service. Wellesley Public Schools is not aware of the names of employees or their family members who utilize this service.
Do you have a question for the WPS Human Resources Department? Email AskHR@Wellesleyps.org. The Human Resources Department is happy to assist you.
WPS Internal Job Postings on District Website
For all Internal Job Postings, please go to “Internal Job Postings” under the Faculty tab of the District’s website.