I am the STAT teacher at Ridgely Middle School. When I say that, some people think I teach Statistics; however, that’s not it at all, regardless of the name. STAT is an acronym that stands for Students and Teachers Accessing Tomorrow. The STAT initiative in BCPS has one goal in mind, and it is to create a globally-competitive student. That student will be familiar with 21st century technology, more learner-centered environments and strategies, and instruction that promotes critical thinking and analysis—all through an equity lens. As STAT teacher, I assist teachers and students in this transition of teaching and learning.
We have 70+ teachers at Ridgely, and because of my position, I am lucky enough to see lots of the great things during the shift. It is absolutely amazing to watch. In fact, I like to take pictures to document when I can. Today, I review my camera roll to find a great deal of evidence that illustrates the journey. Let me share a description of the types of things I’ve captured as we move from traditional instruction to responsive instruction.
Images of learner-centered spaces: faux campfires, Hogwart’s Academy, learning nooks, comfortable seating, (computer) stations, a stage, a quiet corner, posted student/class goals, displays of student work, posted visual resources for students, teacher-led small groups
We have 70+ teachers at Ridgely, and because of my position, I am lucky enough to see lots of the great things during the shift. It is absolutely amazing to watch. In fact, I like to take pictures to document when I can. Today, I review my camera roll to find a great deal of evidence that illustrates the journey. Let me share a description of the types of things I’ve captured as we move from traditional instruction to responsive instruction.
Images of learner-centered spaces: faux campfires, Hogwart’s Academy, learning nooks, comfortable seating, (computer) stations, a stage, a quiet corner, posted student/class goals, displays of student work, posted visual resources for students, teacher-led small groups
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Images of teachers diving deeply into professional development: understanding and helping students understand the updated grading policy, learning and applying multiple levels of questioning and annotation strategies, exploring digital tools that best assess student understanding, teachers presenting, rather than receiving, professional development, taking risks with new strategies and tools such as Break Out EDU, Discovery Education, formative assessment and feedback
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Images of engaging lessons: use of manipulatives, exploration activities, similar skills taught through different modalities, questioning strategies, inspiring creativity—writing, art, projects, BreakOutEDU
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Images of student-to-student communication: questioning, collaboration, assessing, coaching, presenting, student-friendly “I can” statements, college and career skill building, peer assessment with rubrics, project-based learning
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Images of celebrations: student awards and achievements, teacher awards and achievements, Chinese New Year, school growth, brass ensemble spreading holiday cheer, staff team building—paint nights, holiday greens creations, appreciating counselors, administrative assistants, administrators, teachers, veterans, Honor Society inductions, artists on display, social club that unites special needs population with the mainstream population.
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Images of proactive measures for success: 5th grade orientation, device information and distribution, vertical team meeting with feeder schools,
Images of school events: March Madness, Stuff-a-Bus with non-perishables, Career Day, field trips, assemblies, Arts in Action
Images of school events: March Madness, Stuff-a-Bus with non-perishables, Career Day, field trips, assemblies, Arts in Action
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These are a mere few of the images in my phone/camera. It makes me proud to see the fruits of Ridgely’s labor. I can’t wait to see what next year brings.
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