Take Action on Common Core!!!

Do you support the Common Core Learning Standards? Do you oppose them? Do you want to see change?
Our new Commissioner of Education in New York State, MaryEllen Elia, has put out the all-call for our thoughts and opinions. Have you taken time to respond? She wants to hear from all stake-holders and the deadline is tomorrow!!
Log on and share your thoughts:
 www.nysed.gov/AIMHighNY

As an educator who values and supports the Common Core Learning Standards, it is frustrating to read so many derogatory comments and strong opinions about throwing out the common core. I love to participate in rich discourse and have passionate exchanges of opinions with anyone interested on almost any topic. However, my haunting question to any anti-common core opinion is this:
Which standard(s) do you wish to abandon/modify and WHY???
That is exactly the the task put before all New York State citizens in the survey. It is broken down by specific standard and grade level. I took the time to share my thoughts. While I added some suggestions for some modifications, I completed the survey with overwhelming support for developing the skills needed to succeed in life that are embedded in the Common Core Learning Standards.
As I took careful time to read and respond, I kept coming back to questions in my head, "Why, exactly, would someone oppose our students developing this skill? What about this standard would any intelligent adult not see as necessary in education today?"

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.1

Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.8

Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, including the validity of the reasoning as well as the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.
Why would anyone not think this a necessary part of our students' education? Read and find SUPPORT for your opinion. We have moved into the age of everyone sharing opinions from average citizens via social media and letters to the editor, to politicians to movie and rock stars using their fame to create a platform. Differing opinions and free speech make our country great. BUT, SUPPORTING OUR OPINION with facts is necessary. Teaching our students to take a well-informed stand and to be discerning about the opinions of others is a life skill and MUST be taught.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
This standard speaks for itself. Being proficient in communication skills is necessary and the level to which we hold students accountable for this standard MUST be integral to education. When an 18 year old adult enters society unable to speak and write without basic grammar mistakes, our educational system has let that student down. 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRS.W.6
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.Technology is an absolute must in our educational system today. This standard is a concrete example of a NECESSARY and NEEDED change that came about with the implementation of the CCLS in New York State and across the country. This standard is a life skill that is needed by almost every profession in our world today.

I could go on and on listing standards and defending their importance in the role of educating students to be better-prepared to meet society's needs. But, I believe that most who log on to actually READ the standards would see their value.


I stand firmly behind the Common Core Standards in New York State and across the country as a vehicle to better-prepare our students for life after high school. As a New York State Educator Voice Fellow, I had the privilege of meeting with Commissioner Elia this summer. I am convinced that she will influence meaningful changes in our state. We are already seeing the fruits of her labor with pending changes to the APPR, New York State Assessments and other critical components of our educational system. In our meeting in August, she shared that she was open to modifications to the CCLS and launched the survey as a vehicle for all stake-holders to share their suggestions.
I encourage everyone to take time to read the standards (embedded in the survey) and add specific comments/opinions. THIS IS HOW INTELLIGENT, INFORMED ADULTS CONTRIBUTE TO CHANGE! Let go of the rhetoric and be part of the change!

Thank you to Commissioner MaryEllen Elia for her commitment to open communication with the citizens of New York State as she continues her important work.
THIS SURVEY CLOSES on NOVEMBER 30th! ACT NOW!!

Power of the Positive!

I work in a PBIS school, which means the focus is on the POSITIVE! I have watched PBIS transform our middle school climate to such a positive learning environment that I sometimes take it for granted, as it is now the norm. But, this week, I was reminded of the POWER OF THE POSITIVE both at home and at work.

Anyone who has any contact with me knows that our family lives for baseball. This year, my son, Mike,  added football to his repertoire with much success. Winter is the conundrum for Mike. He has experimented with wrestling, indoor soccer, 1 skiing lesson and last year,  his first season of basketball. As winter sports season approached, we stepped back and let Mike work out his decision-making for himself. He vowed to try out for basketball again. Thankfully, he made the cut. He is giving this season his all, as Mike does nothing halfway. (Wonder where he gets that?) But, he is a realist and knows his strength is not in basketball (at least not yet).

Recently, one of the coaches pulled him aside at practice and asked if he was planning to be part of the program next year (which would be varsity). Mike fumbled with his answer, perhaps thinking that his skills are not varsity material. But, he answered, "Most likely, yes, I guess." The coach went on to share how happy he was, that he was seen as a leader and is a model student-athlete. His accolades went on for a few minutes. 

My son beamed as he repeated the conversation to me. Inside, I was jumping for joy. All parents hope to raise children of whom we can be proud. This was indeed was a great mom moment. I know that I must send a note to that coach to share how thankful I am that he took the time to be positive. Mike now sees himself as more valuable to his team than he once thought.

November means parent-teacher conferences in most area elementary and many middle schools. I work in a community that has many supportive, engaged parents who accept the invitation to come in for conferences. Traditionally, we go non-stop for days meeting with parents in a turn-style crazy schedule after students dismiss.  But, this year, we took a different approach. Our Principal, Lisa Meade, suggested that we only invite parents of students who were having difficulty (academically, socially, emotionally, etc.) so that we could have more meaningful conversations and plan more strategically for improvements and support in lieu of the 10 minute drive-thru conference.

In theory, it sounded great. But, what about our students who are doing well? Don't they deserve affirmation, too? Our Principal requested that we make time to initiate positive contact for those students, as well. What a great idea! As the team leader, I asked my colleagues to collaborate and agree on to whom we would reach out so that we could contact as many families as possible. The discussion that ensued was incredible. As we each began listing students for whom we would like to make POSITIVE contact, we were having a discussion about a majority of our students, sharing why we would choose those students and how they were doing in our classes. I cannot remember the last time that we had a team meeting talking all about great kids. We parted, each with a plan to contact via mail, email and phone, as many parents and families as possible with kind and positive news! What a great way to go into our Thanksgiving break!

I am thankful that I work in a school that focuses on the positive, led by a Principal who would not have it any other way.

I am thankful for terrific colleagues, especially on my 8th grade team. We each see different strengths and talents in our students.

I am thankful for the adults in my son's life: coaches, teachers and fellow parents, who make time to share positive feedback. It means more than they might ever know. Being a mom has made me a better teacher! It reminds me what makes good schools and teachers - GREAT! 

May we never forget the power of kind words and celebrating the POSITIVE!

"Unless someone offers a friendly smile, a helping hand, a caring word, a listening ear, somebody somewhere loses the courage to live."  - Parish motto, Blessed Sacrament, Bolton Landing, NY

What do YOU think about NYS 3-8 Assessments?

NY Educator Voice Fellows attended EdCampLI this past weekend and posed the question to participants: What do you think about the NYS 3-8 Assessments.

If you have never been to an EdCamp, you are missing out! EdCamp is the quintessential UNCONFERENCE! It is personalized professional development driven by the participants! A session board is created and attendees post ideas for sessions that they are willing to facilitate. No planning is necessary. It is a fluid conversation among professionals who give up a Saturday in to continue learning and networking with other educators.

Among the participants in the second annual EdCampLI were NY Educator Voice Fellows, Lisa Meade (Middle School Principal), Denise Toscano (Elementary Principal) and me (middle school teacher)! We were fortunate to have Lead Fellow, Kim Hardwick, joining us in support of our venture. A little over a month ago, we decided to build on an activity in our training, discussing and evaluating samples of NYS tests after questions were released, for the purpose of giving feedback to Commissioner Elia. We anticipated reviewing tests for feedback from fellow educators, expanding the viewpoints beyond our fellowship group. In the last year, the media has been blowing up with citizens' views on testing and the Common Core Learning Standards. However, how many have ever seen the test??? How many people formed opinions without adequate knowledge of the tests?

Armed with copies of the tests and a plan for our session, we embarked on our mission. What we did not expect at our EdCamp session was to have parents present! Some participants were parents from the community, others were parent-educators. But, the conversation about testing was driven from the parent standpoint.

The honesty of the participants was refreshing. As a teacher, I was touched by parents whose greatest objection to testing was NOT the tests themselves, but rather the fact that they are tied to teacher evaluation. Several present believed that they were supporting teachers by opting their students out of tests. However, nothing could be more inaccurate. We did our best to dispel the myths and facilitate meaningful discussion.

We did bring the session to a close with some powerful discussion on differentiated instruction, equal access to Common Core Learning Standards and assessments, raising the bar in education to better prepare our students for higher education and their careers and our new Commissioner! A majority of our session participants were encouraged by Commissioner Elia's commitment to open communication between educators, parents and those empowered to bring about change. We are committed as NY Ed Fellows, to bring the feedback to policymakers and our Commissioner. 

Energized by our session, we continued our day of learning by attending many sessions on School Culture, Innovation, Technology, Standards-based grading and much more! Kudos to the EdCampLi Organization Team for a great event, hosted by Jericho Middle School! Hundreds of educators and parents from all over NY and other states gathered to network, learn and spend quality time together. It was a stellar experience that has me inspired and grateful to have been surrounded by so many who embrace a growth mindset!

Find an EdCamp near you and check it out!! You will not be disappointed!!

NY Educator Voice Fellows at EdCampLI 2015 in Jericho, NY!

The School Year 5K

June...for some, the light at the end of the tunnel. For others, weeks of chaos trying to fit in all that must happen before we depart for summer.

This year, I found it hard to get my momentum back after returning from spring break. Students in grades 3-8 prepared for 6 days of NYS testing over 2 weeks. In grade 8, we also had a field trip, hands-on Science test to administer, benchmark testing in ELA and Math and much more to execute while continuing to teach. I found myself starting to think about the finish line rather than the journey in between.

However, it was my son and our Mothers Day experience together that reshaped my thinking as a teacher, although I have not yet, shared that with him. I began a new health plan on February 3rd with a goal of losing 80+ pounds. I am fortunate to have a great health coach, Donna Smaldone and to be part of the Take Shape for Life plan on which I have enjoyed much success (-61 pounds to date). One of my first fitness goals was to participate in the Mother Lovin 5K Walk/Run. Encouraged by friends, I registered (with my son, asking him to accompany me as my Mothers Day gift). I spent weeks working through the Couch to 5K app at the YMCA, increasing the amount of time that I could jog during my walk.
As the day approached, I was nervous, but comforted by my son, Mike, my husband and many friends. Some of the words shared by my 14 year old:
"Hey, you're here. That's a start, right?"
"You have to start somewhere. Just do the best you can."
"Don't worry, I won't run ahead and leave you."

The race was by far one of the most exciting experiences for me personally. The hills definitely were tougher than I anticipated. I jogged some and walked some. Several times, Mike got ahead of me. When he noticed, he patiently moved to the side and waited for me to catch up. I was almost emotional at some of his words during the race.
"You are doing great, mom."
"Okay, at the next marker, we will jog again. You can do it."

But, what I will never forget was the conclusion to the race. I was pleased with my effort and was happy to walk the rest of the way. We were in the middle of the pack (runners ahead, walkers behind). I felt that it was a respectable place to be for my first EVER fitness experience. As we were on the final leg of the 5K, Mike gave me the following pep talk:
"Come on, you have to jog the last part of the course. You HAVE to give it everything you've got. This is the most important part after 10 weeks of preparing and being in the home stretch, now is the time to pour it on. Let's go. You've got this. You can do it. The finish is the best part!"

He was right! It was exhilarating and exciting to jog the last part, hearing the announcer in the distance and finally seeing the finish line. When I saw the clock with the time, I was shocked. My goal was to do this first one in under 45 minutes. We were crossing (together) at 43+ minutes, an accomplishment that would never have happened if Mike did not push me to give my all at the finish. And, I could hear dear friends cheering for us (something I never expected). I accomplished my first of many new fitness goals by giving my best at the end. It was a life-changing experience.

In the chaos that is June in education (and the fact that my son's travel baseball schedule has us out on the road a lot after school and every weekend now), I am reminded to give it my best at the end. I want to make more connections with students, have one more chance to strengthen their skills and leave my classroom and our middle school with a smile and positive memories. I am going to make the last days and moments with students and colleagues the best I can so that we may all experience a positive finish line experience. Thanks, Mike Siano, for inspiring me in so many ways. (Truly, my best work on this earth has been being a mom to my son!)

I wish all of my colleagues, friends, family and students a great finish to our school year!!

NYS Testing Lemonade

I am sure that all 3-8 educators are breathing  a sigh of relief this morning. We have survived the 2 most dreaded weeks of the year, New York State Testing in ELA and Math. For the first time in many, many years of administering them, the tests are garnering attention across the state. Approximately 15% of the 1 million plus students (according to the news) scheduled to take the exams had parents who opted them out. We have been giving these exams for years. I ponder why it took until now to draw attention to anything in education. I suppose that our misguided Governor's plans to use these tests differently in the near future to evaluate teachers made it all bubble up. I only wish that the 15% of families were as motivated to speak up in the last decade as the budget crisis hit our state, eliminating programs, staff and cutting many schools to the bone for resources.

However, I keep my politics out of the classroom. I, like many informed educators and families across the state, advocate passionately through appropriate channels for change. But, in the meantime, I have a job to do. The last 2 weeks, our building executed its job with grace, class and professionalism that did not place students in the middle of the politics. There was so much to celebrate, I felt compelled to blog this morning as a positive reflection.

During the last 2 weeks....

Our middle school was blessed with the generosity of our PTSO, providing a breakfast treat and bottles of water each day.

Our Principal, Lisa Meade, prepared mini-lessons each morning that helped us all to de-stress the environment and build up students and staff. She was assisted by several teachers' contributions to the lessons, including our incredible P.E. Teacher/Coach whose contribution reminded us how important it is to get our bodies moving to activate our brains. I loved watching our students jump, squat, cheer, etc. to get day 1 of ELA testing going. They were pumped!

As adults, we ceased discussing scores, opt outs and politics. Instead, as a building, we were celebrating the work of our students. So many of us were so impressed with the efforts of our students at all grade levels EVERYDAY!!!

My greatest smiles over the last 2 weeks came from observing my students. As an 8th grade teacher in the final quarter of the year, my students are weeks away from becoming high school freshmen. This year, I am confident that our students will enjoy much success in high school. I observed them using some of the best reading and writing strategies, learned from their young, talented ELA teacher and the rest of our 8th grade teachers who instruct Common Core Curriculum. The strategies demonstrated as they tackled rigorous reading and skillful writing impressed me. They are ready for the challenges and rigor of high school.

As we ventured into week 2 of math testing, I was equally pleased. Each morning, we did warm up activities and games in homeroom while munching on breakfast treats. All of the students in my homeroom felt confident and proud of  their efforts on the math exam. They felt prepared and positive. Whatever the outcome of the tests, I tip my hat to my experienced, hard-working math colleague in team 8. Our students are heading to high school with confidence in their ability to tackle next year's Common Core Regents Exam in Integrated Algebra, a test that IS high stakes for their high school diploma. 

When our two weeks concluded, the staff in our building felt appreciated by our leader when she shared treats in the faculty room to celebrate!  Our students felt appreciated as we reminded them all of the fact that the skills we learn are NOT to pass a NYS test, but skills necessary to be successful in high school and college. After all, our school DOES NOT TEACH TO THE TEST. We teach skills that are necessary in every course in every academic setting and in life. 

So, NYS Testing lemons are thrown our way. We all continue to passionately advocate to change that process. But, in the meantime, as professionals, we kept our eye on the ball and have much to celebrate as a result. I am and always will be proud to be a middle school teacher. No Governor, politician or misguided adult in Albany will change that. The "kool-aid" that we were drinking this week was lemonade. We all eagerly return to finish our year strong, continuing to build and enhance the skills and knowledge of our students.

Positive Instead of Political

As a 26 year veteran in education, I thought that I had "seen it all." The last 7 years have been harsh with deep budget cuts and major changes that have been thrown at us by a governing body making decisions that are not based in research, experience or at times, even common sense. However, I navigate through like thousands of educators all over the state and the country.

The past few months, since the re-election of Governor Andrew Cuomo (which is mind-boggling in itself), the politicians in Albany have hurled accusations and threats at teachers that put our CHILDREN and the taxpayers in the middle of the fight. We have all seen the news, read the articles and watched social media blow up with facts AND MUCH FICTION from all kinds of sources. I am truly weary and frustrated from it all. But, I refuse to let it get the best of me!

I am fortunate to work in an incredible school that is filled with joy and professionalism. It is no accident that our Principal, Lisa Meade, was recently names SAANYS Principal of the Year, also selected to represent NYS in Washington, DC this fall. She leads and is the inspiration for us all. Our Middle School focuses on the good, the real, the students and what they need.

Make no mistake, we are passionately opposed to the reforms. We contact our politicians, sign petitions, call, even attend protests. But, it is not our focus.  Our focus is ON OUR STUDENTS.

A few events in recent weeks at CMS:

Thursday - Our annual Career Day expanded to include a College/Employment Exploration Fair! Nothing beats hearing your students exclaim, "I finally decided what I want to do in life." "That presenter was the best." "Look what the college representative showed me and gave me."  Our students were inspired by many, many adults that put this incredible activity in motion with their time. I also commend my colleagues for facilitating and insuring a meaningful day for all.

Tuesday- Positive Post It Note Day! This was a school-wide activity suggested by our Principal, inspired by a member of our PLN, 2014 Elementary Principal of the Year, Tony Sinanis. Students (and staff) wrote positive post it notes to others and shared them. It was an incredible idea executed with heart and passion by my colleagues. Watching several hundred students walk around (excitedly) sharing joy was a moment that I will never forget.

Friday - SCHOOL WIDE SURPRISE CELEBRATION for our Principal of the Year! Students sang, read poems and created cards and posters to remind her how important she is to all of us.

Daily, in my school, like many other schools, I am sure, teachers devote "free" time during lunch, planning and after school not just to help students to learn, but dealing with social and emotional crises that are typical at the middle level age of development. I am in awe of every colleague with whom I am blessed to work, as I have shared many times.

Across town in our elementary school, teachers welcomed an alumnus and active serviceman to share his military experiences. Students had sent care packages to our active service men and women at Christmas time. Last week, they put a face to the name and heard about how their packages impacted the lives of those serving. Bravo to our elementary colleagues for modeling respect and honor for those who serve our country.

In our high school, 2 different groups of students left our small town in upstate New York to travel to CHINA and EUROPE, trips that were 2 years in the making! Bravo to my colleagues who are facilitating and/or participating in these incredible experiences.

With so much to celebrate and about which to be positive, I refuse to let the current climate of using students and teachers as political pawns wear me down. I will return after break with a building full of educators who make lemonade from Albany's education lemon  laws. Most of us do not promote opting out, sabotaging the work of each other and our building. We serve breakfast, show inspirational videos and encourage our students to simply do their best, demonstrate what they have learned and what we have taught! After all, like it or not, the truth is that our teachers, Principal and building will be evaluated by the efforts of those who come to school and give us their best! (No protests, no silly cardboard Governor cutouts, no lobbying, or other attempts to modify the direction has changed the reality of the weight of these tests FOR THE ADULTS.) While I agree that the emphasis is wrong, it is reality right now that is about to become more harsh. I deal with reality the best that I know how, giving my all to my students. I am blessed with middle school educators who do the same.

I absolutely (as all educators do) respect a parent's right to opt a student out if it is in the best interest of his/her own child. There are numerous reasons to do so. But, lately, I read opting out being used by some as a political statement, once again, making students political pawns in the agendas of the adults. This a sad day for education.

To all of my hard-working educator friends in 3-8 testing, best wishes for success: all students giving their best! To all of the families around the state who send their students in each day to do their best (NO STRESS!), THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR WORK!

Happy Spring Break! Happy Easter! Happy Passover!

Failure IS an Option (Sometimes)!

Inspired by some professional reading and an educator whom I respected a great deal, I moved to a FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION philosophy in my classroom about a decade ago. While my students and families were convinced of my commitment  to HELP them to pass and achieve, I realized that I had stifled creativity and even some fun in my classroom. I was reluctant to get off course from my plan book and my students were reluctant to venture out of the structure of my outlined lesson.
Three years ago, that changed for me (thanks to a new Lead Learner in my professional life, Principal Lisa Meade). When she set the vision for our school that included giving up on NO CHILD - EVER, I continued to commit myself to helping every student achieve his / her best in my courses. But, she modeled and encouraged the risk-taking, thinking outside of the box, TRUE differentiation (not the buzz word that we have kicked around for decades) and much more. I feel that I unleashed the beast in my classroom. Some days, it is chaos, a little loud and tough to manage with everyone on different tasks. (I still am adjusting to this component of the beast.) But, what I have observed is my students  taking risks everyday as I do the same right along side of them. We try. We fail, laugh, learn and go back to the drawing board. When technology does not work, we brainstorm ways around it. I allow them to lead me more often than I ever thought possible. I love my classroom and my students. I have reflected and even blogged about this many times.

Just about the time that I started rewriting my game plan as a teacher, I must have done the same thing (unknowingly) as a parent. It is with much pride that I share that my son, Mike, has become a risk-taker, driven to do his best, the kind of kid that I always dreamed of raising with my husband. In 7th grade, when he first tried out for Select Chorus and did not make it, I was more devastated than he was. I had rarely (if ever) taken a risk on something that I was not sure that I could achieve. I was sure that I had passed this (weakness?) on to my son. He took the setback in stride (understanding that his voice was changing and it was not his time). I was flabbergasted when he tried out again, in 8th grade, and made it. His 8th grade Select Chorus experience was one the best in his entire educational career to date. HE TOOK THE RISK and achieved his goal.
As he entered high school this year, he has taken many risks socially, academically and athletically. One big risk that he took was trying out for the high school basketball team. Mike's talent and interest has been in baseball since he was old enough to swing a bat. His interest in soccer soon followed. He was never interested in basketball and was about to try out for a team in his large high school (290 students in his grade alone). I wanted to scream, "NO! Don't do it!" My only interest was to protect him from being hurt when he got cut. While I never verbalized the words, my son is quite perceptive. He told us, "It is okay if I do not make it. I will try something different to stay active this winter." With that attitude, he tried out and made the team! We did not expect him to play much (as he had nothing more than a few open gym sessions before tryouts to learn the game). But, in each game, he has played more and looked a little more natural on the court. BEST OF ALL - he is loving the team and coach, learning the game and enjoying every minute. He is active 6 days a week and happy because HE TOOK THE RISK.
The greatest risk that I have ever seen my son take was this past week in Florida. Mike has had much success as a baseball player, success that earned him many invites to events around the country. This past summer, we researched and accepted an invitation to a college showcase event in Florida for baseball. We planned our family vacation to Florida around this baseball experience. As I watched his excitement grow, I grew weary, fearing that he would become nervous when surrounded by upperclassmen from all over the country with much talent, faster and more successful.
Instead, our family enjoyed an incredible experience that has now made me even more in awe of our son than ever. I watched him suit up and step on the field among 500 high school athletes (the second youngest in the group). While the beginning of his first day had a few bumps, his determination never wavered. We observed him laughing with new teammates, working hard and interacting with many adults of different roles that are typical of a college showcase. He was not the least bit intimidated by the stars of the event, but impressed and inspired by them. He stepped to the plate with confidence and batted .500 in 3 games while facing the best pitching in his young life (80-90 mph). He had a great pitching outing. Although his velocity did not come close to his competitors', he pitched 2 scoreless innings, giving up only one hit. He had great pick off plays from the mound that had his teammates, coach and umpire congratulating him.
The best moment of the experience for us came as we enjoyed a leisurely drive and dinner. I discovered the SCOUTS' notes/blog on the event showcase that gave Mike a shout out for his success that day. WOW!!! My young 14 year old was recognized among some of the best players around (ages 15-18). We were all ecstatic. This was much more than we were expecting from this first event.
As the final day wound down with some fun activities, I continued to observe Mike, chatting, laughing and making new friends at every turn, in his glory. I wondered, "How did he get so brave? I could NEVER HAVE DONE THIS!" I kept snapping photos knowing that every image would be deeply entrenched in my mind.
I have to conclude that my new risk-taking in my professional life has carried over to my personal life. My goal at school is always to create a safe environment where students can try, fail, learn, move forward, express and be themselves. During this vacation, I was pleased to learn that I have done the same for my son. PROUD BASEBALL MOM in the house!!