|
Message from the Director
What an unconventional start to the 2020-2021 school year! As your teams have opened schools in various models, and continue to tweak systems to ensure student success, BE ENCOURAGED. We have witnessed so many great things happening in schools across the state as our educators become more fluent in the language of virtual teaching and learning. Let’s continue to collaborate and become stronger together.
This month’s newsletter is focused on the core of strong schools: social emotional learning (SEL). The social emotional framework that each school builds is the foundation of our work as educators. The benefits of SEL are truly worth the investment.
In this issue, we also introduce a leadership spotlight section for the nomination of exceptional leaders. They are among us, and we look forward to showcasing greatness each month.
Working together in service. OneTeam!
|
|
Promotion of Quality Leadership
“To the extent that we strengthen Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), we increase the likelihood that students will learn to the best of their ability. After decades of practice, we know that social and emotional skills and values can indeed be taught. We know that when taught and modeled well by adults in schools, bonding increases, problem behaviors decrease, and test scores go up. Careful attention to issues such as stress management, relationship skills, non-violent problem solving, and learner-centered goal setting are critical. These issues can help students focus on “what” we want them to learn by helping teachers focus on “how” to connect, motivate, and inspire.” (Shriver, T. & Buffett, J. in the Handbook of Social and Emotional Learning : Research and Practice, 2015)
Leadership Matters
Based upon this month's theme of social and emotional learning support, nominate a principal who has embodied exceptional leadership in any of the following criteria: Complete the nomination form by September 24, 2020, for consideration.
- Provides a framework and process for managing the continuum of social, emotional, and mental health support for all students and intervention for those in need.
- Engages school staff, students, and parents at each level of prevention, intervention, and support services
- Offers a systematic and flexible approach for integrating and sustaining evidence-based practices, programs, and strategies to enhance a positive school climate and safe school environment.
- Builds and maintains collaborative partnerships with multiple community stakeholders (i.e., law enforcement agencies, community service boards, other behavioral health service providers, social services, the faith community, youth and family service organizations, and prevention councils).
- Uses a data-driven decision making process conducted by a school planning team to assess needs and monitor interventions and make changes to existing practices, programs and strategies.
|
|
|
Support for High-Quality Educational Environments
The Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) social and emotional learning (SEL) efforts are driven by our commitment to ensure that every student in Virginia attends a school that maximizes their potential and prepares them for the future: academically, socially, and emotionally. To support school divisions in their implementation of SEL, the VDOE has developed a dedicated Social and Emotional Learning web page that includes information, tools, and resources.
|
|
Q-Tip
Preview of New Academic Review Tool
Each month we will feature one of our tools from our revised Academic Review Toolkit.
The school-level academic review is designed to help schools identify and analyze instructional and organizational factors affecting student achievement. The focus of the review process is on the systems, processes, and practices that are being implemented at the school level.
This month’s feature is the Social and Emotional Support Tool. Take a Quick-look to reflect on your school’s current practices based on the criteria to help improve the school’s continuous improvement efforts.
If you would like additional training or technical assistance to implement this tool, complete this Google Form by September 24, 2020.
|
|
Collaboration Corner
Instructional Support
We encourage you to visit the VDOE instructional pages for additional resources to support you during the 2020-2021 school year. Our English site contains information to register for Fall Comprehensive Literacy webinars. The Mathematics site contains information about the Just in Time Mathematics Quick Checks to help teachers identify students with unfinished learning and assist in planning instruction to fill potential gaps.
|
|
Reminders
- Visit the Superintendent’s Memo webpage for important information that the VDOE communicates official information to the Commonwealth's school divisions. Superintendent's memoranda are posted on Fridays.
- We encourage you to visit the FAQ page often. Information related to assessment and accountability can be found on this page. Please note the information about Standards of Learning (SOL) testing. You can find additional information on the Test Administration webpage. Questions concerning the schedule for the state assessment program should be directed to Student Assessment staff at Student_Assessment@doe.virginia.gov or (804) 225-2102.
- As you begin implementing your reopening plans, consider revising your school's continuous improvement plans to reflect professional development, implementation of evidence-based practices, and monitoring of those improvement plans.
|
|
|
|
Any feedback about this communication is greatly appreciated. If you have a topic you would like to see in a future monthly edition of Quality Quick Takes, contact OSQ at OSQ@doe.virginia.gov.
This monthly communication is intended for school and division leadership throughout the Commonwealth.
Don't ever miss a Quick Takes, sign up to join our mailing list.
|
|
|
|
|
