Week 6: Reflection

Tuesday, 10/25/11

As the students worked, the teacher called them individually to the back table to conference on their success.

We looked up their grades on mygradebook.com, and looked at their grade journals to reflect on success.

I asked each student, "Do you feel like you could succeed without this course?", "What do you think your parents would say?", and "What do you think your teachers would say?"

Based on each students performance, I gave either gave students a permission form to continue with RISE or I did not.  We were able to conference with most of the class; we'll get the rest tomorrow.


Wednesday, 10/26/11

Today we finished the rest of the conferences.  Of the 11 students who attended the program, 5 will continue.  We will also be allowing more students to join as we progress.


Thursday, 10/27/11

Today was all about ceremony.  First, we filled out the grade journals for the last time and turned them in so that I can reflect.

Once those were in, I gave out In 'n' Out gift certificates to those with perfect attendance.

In order to continue the sense of accomplishment, each student leaving the RISE program due to success received a certificate of completion.  The class gave them rousing applause and congratulations.

We concluded with a reflective exercise.  Each student took out a clean sheet of paper, no names.

They wrote down the answer to the following question:  What was the best thing we did in RISE?

When they were done, they closed their eyes, wadded up the paper, and threw it in the air.  When they opened up their eyes, each student grabbed one paper ball and took turns sharing what was written with the class.  This way they could share their thoughts candidly without being singled out. 

We did a second round with this question:  What do you wish we had done more of?

I will use this feedback next week as we start the new session of RISE.  I concluded the class by telling all of the students, staying or going, how proud of them I am.

My first round of RISE ever was successful and challenging.  I learned so much, I'm looking forward to honing the course for the next 6 weeks.

Week 5: Independent Practice

Tuesday, 10/18/11 - Thursday, 10/20/11

Today we are starting independent practice. 

Each student came to class prepared to work on the skills that we have practiced.  The teach navigated the room, addressing individual concerns for the students as they worked.

If a student had an issue neither they nor the teacher could solve, the student went to one of their other teachers to see what solutions we could find.

This is what we did all week.  It is a crucial step, because next week we'll determine who will exit the program and who will stay.