Continuous Improvement
"Not just another catch phrase!”
By
Janelle Coady, Norris HS English Teacher
What is continuous improvement?
• Act of constantly getting better, but who?
• Teachers strive to improve all the time
• Are students improving as well? Do we know?
Documenting Improvement is Crucial
• Standards Movement
• Summative Assessment
• Budget Constraints
• Merit Pay and Teacher Accountability
• Data Driven Culture
Data Driven Culture
Look at the following list and give yourself one point for
each of the things you use on a regular basis:
1.
alarm clock
11.
calendar (hard copy or
electronic)
2.
watch
3.
stop watch
12.
bathroom scale
4.
Pedometer
13.
food labels
5.
heart rate monitoring
14.
calorie/fat intake
6.
timer (stove, microwave,
coffee maker)
15.
thermometer
16.
computer
7.
radio
17.
checkbook
8.
MP3 player
18.
calculator
9.
odometer
19.
voicemail
10.
gas gauge
20.
e-mail
What to do with data
• Make informed decisions
• Change instruction
• Increase learning
• Impact environment (students and teachers)
• Celebrate success (students and teachers)
How does L to J use data?
• Charts student and class progress
• Provides feedback for students and teachers
• Assessment is built into system
• Motivates students without fear of grades
• Opens door for real discussions about learning
L to J in a Nutshell
L
Bell
J
Key Concepts of L to J
Not a new method
Review/Preview Benefits
Instruction constant
Assessment random
Individual and team motivation
Instant feedback for students
and teachers
L to J in Action
Random Quiz Day