August 3, 2016
As educators across the country prepare for the start of a new school year – and cheers to those of you already back, we hope you remember to lean on SRI’s community of learners to support your learning and find collegiality with others fiercely committed to educational equity and excellence.
There are a number of ways you can connect with SRI, and share these resources with your colleagues.
- Visit our website. You will find free access to protocols, tools, and resources used to support individuals engaging in SRI Critical Friendship, as well as research and articles supporting the implementation of this work. You can also order the SRI Resource and Protocol book along with a variety of books written by members of the SRI community that document best practices. Learn more at: schoolreforminitiative.org
- Attend the 2017 SRI Winter Meeting in Denver, CO on January 12-14, 2017. Join educators from around the country who are committed to transformational learning for the benefit of all students to learn more about powerful SRI Learning Communities in action. Learn more at: schoolreforminitiative.org/winter-meeting
- Make SRI a part of your social network (facebook.com/groups/SchoolReformInitiative/), follow us on Twitter (@SchoolReformInc)
- Become an SRI Affiliate. SRI Affiliates are individuals who have taken an extra step to demonstrate their commitment to SRI and the SRI community. Affiliation is a means to self-identify as an active member of SRI. More information and the application can be found at: schoolreforminitiative.org/sri-affiliate-application/ It is free and easy.
- Further your learning. Visit our events calendar to find professional development sessions lead by SRI affiliates across the county. If you’re looking for an introduction to SRI principles and practices or want to expand your practice as a coach, there are many opportunities to futher your learning. If you don’t see a session that fits your needs or is not in your area, contact SRI at contact@schoolreforminitiative or at 303-586-1169 to learn more about developing a customized session.
SRI Affiliate Publishes Book at the Intersection of Coaching and Literacy Work
SRI Affiliate Jacy Ippolito (Salem State University) has just co-authored a book with literacy researcher Rita M. Bean (University of Pittsburgh) about the various “coaching mindsets” that all educators might adopt as they go about the work of transforming literacy and learning in schools. With numerous references to SRI principles and practices, the book is designed to support those of us who are facilitating adult learning with an intent to shift literacy teaching and learning in schools. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Jacy to talk more about literacy and coaching work in schools at any time! (@Jippolito or jippolito@salemstate.edu).
To order this book from SRI, click here
Assuming Positive Intent
SRI Affiliate and Director of Antioch University, New England Center for School Renewal, Laura Thomas, recently wrote about adopting a common SRI norm to assume good intent in your practice. Laura invites us to shift our thinking and consider how we might live and work better if we can assume good intent when working with colleagues. To read the full article, click here
Job Opportunity with Boston Public Schools
Our SRI colleagues in Boston asked us to share a great job opportunity. Please share with your networks. The Office of Data and Accountability at BPS seeks a Formative Assessment Manager who will take a lead role in coordinating the district’s assessment strategy moving forward. S/he will be responsible for contract management, communications, and professional development related to formative assessment. The Formative Assessment Manager will ensure BPS maintains and continues to develop a clear, coherent, and aligned system of high-quality assessments. The Formative Assessment Manager is responsible for supporting school administrators and teacher teams to drive academic performance through the use of formative assessments.
For more information, click here
Probing Questions to Start the School Year
Have you joined our Facebook group? If not, you may be missing some opportunities to ‘see’ into the rooms of seminars happening around the country. Many SRI facilitators utilize Facebook to share photos and of work taking place. Most recently, SRI Affiliate and board member Gene Thompson-Grove posted pictures of a thought-provoking question we wanted to share widely:
What is the one thing you know if your heart you must learn to:
- Do
- Do differently, or
- Stop doing
In order to turn your worrying about students into action that better supports the success of every child? How might a colleague help you learn this thing?
We love seeing your work in action, please continue to share your work with our community!
Do you have news to share? Interesting things happening in your area? Please let us know so we can share with our community! Email Chris Jones, chris@schoolreforminitiative.org
Thank you,
Kari Thierer, Heidi Vosekas, and Chris Jones
On behalf of School Reform Initiative
