SEL Check-ins & Goal Setting

Social emotional check-ins are very important! Biology teachers at Lone Star High School check in with their students every day, either at the start, middle, or end of class or a combination of 2 check-ins in a single class period. Teachers read through every submission and use the feedback to guide classroom, teacher table, and individual conversations. Throughout the year, "friend circle time" becomes a favorite classroom activity!

Teacher Reflection

How has this impacted student learning?  

• Students have shared with the teachers that they realize it's not about the grade but about learning and their own growth.

How has this impacted student agency and engagement?

• Students feel they have complete control over what they can and choose to and not to learn. This practice helps students’ mindset shift to self-reflecting which helps them know to ask questions when needed. Helps them know where they are in the learning process and when they know they can move forward.

Would you change anything?

• Over the year, students don’t want the form anymore. They trust the teacher and change to wanting discussion instead. Students are able to give feedback that guides any changes that are made. 

Do you do anything to differentiate the reflection or the goal setting?

• Students are in control of what they do and don’t want to share. Conferencing questions are geared towards the individual student at the teacher table. 

Which future ready skills does this practice best bolster?

• Communication - clearly articulate ideas in a variety of ways

• Respond - show compassion and respect toward the feelings of others; manage emotions and make responsible decisions based on social awareness; seek help when needed

• Embrace Challenges- develop a growth mindset to learn from mistakes; persevere by applying new strategies; reflect and build on struggles, failures, and successes

• Collaborate- identify shared goals and negotiate strategies for success; demonstrate confidence in personal ability to make the group better (once done individually, they learn to work in a group to set goals)