Turnaround Talk
October 2024
Food for Thought
Important Dates
October
- Oct. 3...District Turnaround Academy...virtual...9:00 am
- Oct. 22...Turnaround Academy...Faine Elementary...Dothan City Schools
- Oct. 30...District Turnaround Academy...virtual...9:00 am
November
- November 19...Principal Turnaround Academy...virtual...9:00 am
Principal Turnaround Academy - October 22 (Faine Elementary - Dothan City Schools)
We look forward to seeing all of our Turnaround Principals at Dothan City Schools, Jerry Lee Faine Elementary School on Tuesday, October 22nd at 8:30 am. Just a quick reminder to complete the second part of our Turnaround packet on Transforming Instructional Practices 3.3. This will be the focus of our conversation.
Below are some pictures from our first meeting in September. Big Thanks to Washington K-8 for being a wonderful host!
Fostering a Culture of High Expectations
As turnaround leaders, we know that creating a culture of high expectations is key to sustaining rapid school improvement. This month, let's focus on building an environment where both students and staff are challenged to achieve their best. Celebrate small wins, but also reinforce the belief that growth is always possible. Engage staff in reflecting on instructional practices and encourage collaborative discussions that push everyone toward higher standards. When the entire school community embraces the mindset of continuous improvement, lasting change becomes a reality.
ACAP Results, Resources, and News
English Scores Jump with Full Implementation of Literacy Act; Math and Science Mixed Results
Alabama student performance in English Language Arts improved significantly in 2024, with the largest spike coming in third grade as the Alabama Literacy Act came into full effect. That’s according to a PARCA analysis of results of the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP), the state’s suite of standardized tests for students in grades 3-8. ELA performance improved at every grade level.
To learn more, click HERE
Virtual Literacy Labs
Join our OSI Literacy Specialists on Wednesday afternoons this year for quick, informative, and FUN Literacy Labs! Each session will focus on enhancing literacy instruction across all grade levels by helping teachers deepen their understanding of literacy strategies. These sessions are virtual and open to EVERYONE! You don't want to miss out on this fun!
Click HERE to register.
ELA Proficiency Scales - Grades 6-12
These scales have been created and revised in order to provide LEAs and teachers with a guide to implementing proficiency scales into their instruction. As such, in order to most effectively embed them into individual classroom discussion and/or building-specific goals, they might need to be adapted. These scales are intended as a starting point for integration.
Planning Checklist and Calendars 2024-2025
PREP (Preparing Relief Educators Program)
The PREP Program is designed to provide high-quality resources to emergency-certificate teachers, long-term substitutes, and early service teachers, empowering them to excel in their roles and make a positive, long-lasting difference in the lives of their students.
If you have any teachers that fall in one of these categories I encourage you to make this resource available to them. A list of topics and supporting resources can be found HERE.
The Four Domains of Rapid School Improvement
ALSDE
OSI - Leadership Coach
Email: tim.solley@alsde.edu
Website: https://sway.office.com/x6GMkvnr5n1z2O6F
Twitter: @Tim_Solley
Retired Educator Huntsville, Alabama