Some+common+goal+ideas

On my drive here I was thinking that these might be places for us to start as we develop a common goal around SBE: 1. Help teachers understand that when in a SBE system, the goal is for teachers to help all learners learn the knowledge and skills described in a specific standard. Then, through formative assessments (including pretests, capacity matrices, etc.), teachers group students according to their instructional needs and teach in small groups or to individuals (20-40-40). Finally, teachers report learning related to each standard (or group of standards) that was taught and summatively assessed. In other words, you teach, assess, and report each standard assigned to your course/content area. 2. Are we ready to discuss eliminating tracks at SHS? AP stands alone but why do we have honors and college prep? 3. Are we ready to recommend reviewing the 4x4 block schedule at SHS for possible changes in 2011-12? It's getting in the way of some curricula. Is there any way we can look at changing ELA to year-long next year? What would be the implications for the ELA department? 4. We have to remind everyone that "Every learner counts" and we have to deliver the message, "This is important. You can do it. I won't give up on you."

What ideas do you like? What ideas do you have?