If a visitor came to a classroom focused on continuous improvement…
Would they see…
§ The classroom mission statement
§ Classroom goals and measures
§ Data indicating class progress towards classroom goals
§ +/Delta from the previous day/class
§ Action plan for the day
§ Chairs/desks/tables arranged to support collaborative work in achieving classroom goals
§
The school mission and the school goals
§
Grade-level/course standards in kid-friendly language
§
Flow chart(s) of key classroom process(es)
Such as morning routine, homework, lab
§
Regular class meetings at which goals are reviewed,
progress is shared, ideas for improving the classroom learning system are
shared.
§ The teacher talking to students about what’s important
§ The students talking to the teacher about how we can work together to achieve what’s important
§ Students talking to the teacher about their personal goals and action plans
§ Students asking their teacher for assistance in achieving their personal goals
§ Students talking to students about class and personal goals and strategies for achieving them
§ Students talking to visitors about the classroom learning system, the class mission, goals and measures
§ Student-led conferences with parents to share progress toward learning goals
§ Synergy
§ A sense of learning community
§ Shared accountability toward achieving class and personal goals
§ Excitement about learning
§ Respect for different talents, competencies, and perspectives
§ A willingness to collect and analyze data to improve the learning system
§ A commitment to continual improvement