Asking ourselves the difficult questions
by Michael Beckwith, Instructional Coach
by Michael Beckwith, Instructional Coach
Season’s greetings friends! Hooray, break and the holidays are upon us. Likewise, it is encouraging to see and hear so many positive stories about Arvada coming from the local community and news outlets regarding the terrific things happening. It reaffirms what we already knew as truth – Bulldogs make great things happen! As the 2016 calendar draws to an end and we embark on the second semester of our journey, hopefully you will take time to reflect and make a few professional resolutions in the spirit of growth and the New Year.
This month’s issue of KIBBLE delves into the hard questions we are asked to contemplate in our profession’s tussle with our ever-evolving students, community, and society. Matt Teegarden examines student Choice and Accountability and how the two, working in symbiotic unison, delineate the difference between empowerment and entitlement. Next, Mark Abling offers sage advice, concerning high expectations, as we establish academic settings that facilitate students becoming leaders of their own learning. Lastly as we reflect on our initial PBL experiences in an effort refine and improve the process for another hack, Keila Castorena shares an uplifting story of success and student growth.
Friends, I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. As we transition into the next phase of the school year, make sure to recharge and remember to always put “first things” first.