My detailed analysis of the Massachusetts' Educator Evaluation Rubric continues with element 2B1: Safe Learning Environment. This is the element that often "makes or breaks" an educator. It is imperative that educators spend the time upfront before the school year creating a positive classroom framework. Then, at the beginning of the year, educators need to work with students to revise and refine that framework so that students understand the learning environment belongs to them, and that ownership brings both privilege of "choice and voice," and responsibility to act in accordance with mutually agreed upon behavioral and academic expectations with the common goal of positive, proactive learning and community throughout the year.
To reflect on this standard, read the standard, indicator, element, criteria, and key points. Then use the evaluation grid to reflect on this element's implications for your own education practice. At the bottom of the page there's a link to my self analysis which you may refer to if interested.
Standard II: Teaching All Students. The teacher promotes the learning and growth of all students through instructional practices that establish high expectations, create a safe and effective classroom environment, and demonstrate cultural proficiency
Indicator II-B. Learning Environment: Creates and maintains a safe and collaborative learning environment that motivates students to take academic risks, challenge themselves, and claim ownership of their learning.
Element II-B- 1: Safe Learning Environment
Criteria (exemplary)
Models and uses rituals, routines, and proactive responses that create and maintain a safe physical and intellectual environment where students take academic risks and play an active role--individually and collectively--in preventing behaviors that interfere with learning.
Key Points/Questions:
Uses rituals, routines, and proactive responses that create and maintain a safe physical and intellectual environment. What proactive responses, rituals, and routines do you employ to create a safe physical, intellectual environment?
Students take academic risks and play an active role. In what ways do you encourage students to take risks and actively engage in learning both individually and collectively.
Preventing behaviors that interfere with learning. How do you positively and proactively prevent behaviors that interfere with learning?
Click link to see my self assessment related to this element:
Reflections' Links
Reflection #1 Subject Matter Knowledge
Reflection #2 Child and Adolescent Behavior
Reflection #3 Rigorous Standards-Based Unit Design
Reflection #4 Well Structured Lessons
Reflection #5 Variety of Assessment Methods
Reflection #6 Adjustment to Practice
Reflection #7 Analysis and Conclusions
Reflection #8: Sharing Conclusions with Colleagues
Reflection #9 Sharing Conclusions with Students