Learning Targets 1: An introduction to a quality learning target process

Several years ago I was reading literature about setting the stage for a lesson and the importance of making sure students know their learning trajectory for each day and lesson.  I blew this idea off as unimportant to the overall scheme of what my students learned over the course of a year.  I felt like there were so many things to dwell on during class that a "Learning Target" was just not a significant instructional tool that I would spend time creating and sharing.  This perspective changed significantly when I continued my studies on the importance of student not "flying blind" and actually attempted quality learning targets on a daily basis. 

Although the below entry is intended to be an introduction to a quality learning target process, you may want to delve into the literature for yourself.  A great start is HERE where there is an introduction the Learning Targets book seen above.  If you would like to purchase a book for creating quality learning targets, HERE is where you can purchase on Amazon. 

I will be posting grade level math resources for learning targets that are pre made and editable as well.  Please follow my store if you wish to take advantage of the 50% off of these items of the first week of release. 


Why are learning targets so important? 
The basic idea of learning targets is that students have a "laser-like" focus on what is expected of them during a given lesson.  Instead of students spending precious working memory trying to figure out what they should be learning or what the teacher expects, they are spending all their energy working towards the learning target (which comes from an instructional objective).  I have found that clear learning targets are particularly helpful for the lower 20% of students and those who struggle everyday with content.  I have also found that the process of creating a thorough and clear learning target helps me preplan specifically to get the most out of class time. 

Okay...lets assume it's important and worth my time.  What is involved in a quality learning target process? 
 A thorough learning target process to me is not just a single "I can" statement that are popular right now, but three aspects that help students form a laser-like focus on what they need to accomplish during a given lesson.  I think teachers who are employing a single I can statement are on the right track to helping students understand completely what they need to accomplish.  In fact, this is a great place to start and a great first step in changing your practice to help students be successful.  For me though, all three aspects below make the most significant impact: 

1. Learning Target Statement:  The learning target statement can be a single "I can" statement taken directly from your lesson objective.  Most teachers are familiar with "I can" statements that are based on standards, but I would like to add a few details that will enhance what is currently trending with teachers:

• The statement to be most effective should be for the current lesson only.
• The statement should be in student friendly language otherwise the "laser-like" focus is not achieved. 
• When possible, the statement should be shared in a way that connects the learning to previous learning and for application.  
• When possible, the statement should increase the difficulty as students progress from each learning target to another (day after day). 

2. Performance of Understanding:   A performance of understanding is a teacher designed learning experience that gives students the opportunity to develop and show proficiency towards the actual target. It may be helpful to note that the performance of understanding can be shared to students using something like, "We will show we know _____ by..."  Additional specifics are included below: 

• The performance of understanding is more than just a worksheet or activity. Although a worksheet or activity can do well with the performance part, the understanding portion is of equal importance.  The performance of understanding should also include a chance for students to understand and show they understand the skills or concepts being presented. 
• The performance of understanding also should give students practice and the opportunity to be ready for the next lesson that increases in difficulty. 
• The performance of understanding should also show significant evidence that the learning target has been reached for the day. 

3. Criteria for Success: The criteria for success helps students answer the question of whether they are hitting the mark.  Even with a clear learning statement (or target) and a great performance of understanding, students have a hard time knowing how they are doing to meet the target.  The criteria for success are what the students should be looking for to answer the question of if they are hitting the mark. The criteria for success could be: 

•  A list of additional specific "I can" statements that relate directly to the performance of understanding.  (i.e. I can give examples of ____ and non examples of ____)
• A list of student look-fors that relate to the performance of understanding.  

Next Steps

You may be thinking that the above items sound good, but question how you start implementing these ideas in the classroom  The shift towards a thorough learning target process takes time and a short blog entry is simply not enough to have a clear understanding of each important aspect.  If you find this information useful, please follow this blog and MY TPT STORE to see additional posts and products that will help implementing quality learning targets. 

You may also take advantage of the two resources that I included in the introduction to further your studies of implementing quality learning targets in your classroom: 

Web article: http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar11/vol68/num06/Knowing-Your-Learning-Target.aspx
Book from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Targets-Helping-Students-Understanding/dp/1416614419

Questions and Comments
If you have questions or if you have information you would like to share, please feel free to respond as much as you want to this post!

If you do not want to share in a public way, please feel free to email mrmathcoach@gmail.com

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Pencil Dispenser How To with free fillable Teacher PDF

How To Straw or Pencil Dispenser with Free PDF Fillable Download

Whew!  The first two weeks of school are finished and it seems I now have time to start blogging on a regular basis and posting some free and pay for products.  I'll be spending most of my time this year with 7th and 8th grade, so products to come for Pre Algebra/Algebra students.

I did want to post something nice that I have finished as a result of seeing a picture that was shown to me from one of my colleagues.  I'm sure you've seen something from another source like Pinterest.  My finished product is the first picture and the second is a picture of the first one I was shown:

    

The one on the right is almost $100 and is out of the budget for most teachers.  I thought this was a great idea, so I went looking for a more realistic option.  I found one on Amazon (link here: http://www.amazon.com/Winco-Acrylic-Straw-Dispenser-each/dp/B001VZCSS0) at under $25 with Free Shipping.  

However, I didn't want just a clear Acrylic pencil dispenser.  After using it for a few days, I wanted to personalize the clear acrylic. 

Here is what I ended up with.  Yes, the PDF is a fillable form so you can insert your name instead of mine : )  Scroll down to the end of the post to download the file. 

      

I will try to include all information you need to to complete this, but there are some choices to come to a similar result. 

Type of Paper/Material used to cover the Acrylic

    *I chose to use a clear label paper (one side is adhesive) and printed using a laser printer.  This is the option that I would recommend due to the final finish.  You can find full sheet clear labels at most office supply stores.    You may also use white label paper (used for shipping labels), or you can use regular paper and place the paper inside the pencil compartment.  For this option, you will need to tape the paper inside and trim the side pieces to make it work.  The top, front, and back pieces should all work for taping inside without additional trimming. 

The Process

    *The process is easy as I have done most of the hard work which is the sizing of the pieces.  Simply cut out and place on the acrylic.  Please note that it is important that you begin at the top of your piece and press slowly down the adhesive label.  If you do not begin at the top and work your way down you may get pockets of air or creases.

Pictures say more than a long paragraph, so here is the process that's fairly self explanatory: 

   

   

   

   

   

   

Here is the PDF to do exactly as I did.  Please get it here:       Please make sure to open this in Adobe Reader so you can fill and view correctly.  Also make sure that you are not shrinking or changing the size of the print area.  

Have a great week!

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Shifting to the Common Core in Mathematics

 I had posted earlier about some trepidation on the part of teachers regarding the performance tasks as released by the Common Core.  Many teachers are finding as they hear and learn more about the requirements of the common core that it will be a process to adapt.  However, I think there are a few simple concepts that are important to understand that may ease the anxiety of the common core mathematics Standards. 

1. The COMMON CORE is NOT based on minimum proficiency, but on COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS.  

    *Put very plainly, many states have previously (or currently) put into place standards and assessments to show minimum proficiency.  If students passed the state assessment and did not show proficiency beyond the standards, they would by default need a math class to prepare them for college level mathematics.  

vs . 

  The common core and the corresponding assessment is a predictor for college readiness.  This means that a student who shows proficiency on the state assessment and appropriate standards will in theory be ready for a college level math class.  Simply put

THE BAR HAS SIMPLY BEEN RAISED

  We can expect certain outcomes as a result of this increase in expectations.  New York students have seen a large reduction (nearly half) in students meeting the mark of the common core standards.  If you would like to read an article that addresses this, please see the following url: http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/punishing-kids-adult-failures-article-1.1420622

    To be effective in shifting to the Common Core, the rigor of the mathematics of of high importance.  Think of rigor as a three legged stool made of: 

1. Conceptual Understanding
2. Procedural Skill/Fluency
3. Application

   Blog posts to come will elaborate on these three major topics along with resources that can be used to help your students in each of these areas. 

   If you have your own concerns about the common core or the progress your school is making, please feel free to respond below.  Just know you have thousands of educators that understand exactly what you are experiencing. 

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Fill and Save Decimal of the Day Worksheet Generator

In an effort to save time and still create a product that looks professional, I have created a pdf that can be filled and saved.  Simply type in the decimal that you would like your class to work on and the form fills this number in for you where it reappears in the worksheet.

A second page is also included as an answer key.  If you're unsure of what a fill and save pdf is, please view the below youtube video for a preview.

Currently the product is free both at my TPT STORE as well as my TEACHERS NOTEBOOK STORE.

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Fill and Save a CCSS Common Core Checklist!!

Fillable Common Core Checklists now available

I had several requests for a version of the checklists that could be saved, so I have two of the Checklists (Kindergarten and First Grade) available now in a fillable format.  Just make sure you open the document in Adobe Reader and save the file as you go.  If you are unsure of what a fillable pdf is, I've created a video that gives an overview of what you can expect.

I'm hoping that this is not only more convenient and professional, but also a BIG timesaver : )

See my TPT Store or my Teachers Notebook Store!!

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