Hello again. Term 3 is very much under way.
Since my last post, I have finished the TESMC course with the Brompton Primary School staff. At the moment they are writing teaching and learning cycles to be implemented from the beginning of this term. The day after finishing the course at Brompton, I began a new course with 32 staff members at Kilkenny Primary. In fact, as a result of the school leadership devoting Monday to the course, we have already completed 4 of 9 modules.
Last Friday, I was fortunate to hear the Kilkenny principal, Mike Tate, talk about how his school has implemented a whole school approach to reading. It was a wonderful example of instructional leadership and appropriate use of data and resources. Mike along with his leadership team have also fully participated in the first four TESMC modules. Even when I spoke to him last term about the option of his staff doing the shorter Language for Learning course he knew what he wanted for his staff and students and decided TESMC would deliver the desired outcomes.
At the same meeting at which Mike spoke, Keith Bartley spoke about the new directions for DECD. He took questions from the audience at the end so I took the chance to ask about the Every Chance for Every Child strategy. This is aimed at making birth to five year olds "school ready". As our state is inviting more migrants and refugees to help develop the state socially and economically, I asked if there was scope to include migrant or refugee children in this strategy, because not all of our students have the same starting point. The answer was about who decided it, not why nor if it could be extended to include older students, but at least the issue had been raised. If you too feel the strategy should be offered to older students in need, you might like to have your voice heard by going to the Every Chance for Every Child website and leaving a comment.
Last week, I continued to promote and organise the launch of the Explict Teaching of Writing across the Years 8-10 Australian Curriculum: Year 8 English document. This will take place at EDC Hindmarsh from 4-6 pm on Thursday 9th August. Soon after the launch, the document and accompanying PowerPoint will be posted on the regional website so others can access it.
Today, I worked at William Light R-12 School. It was great example of the diverse work of an ESL consultant. I initially worked with Sabrina Walker, English/ESL coordinator, to give advice about upcoming learning area professional development about the Australian Curriculum. I also updated her about the regional genre map under development. We then spoke with the principal, Michele Pope, about what language choices make the most difference in senior secondary writing. This resulted in her arranging for me to return to deliver the same professional learning to her leadership team. I also worked her Sabrina and the counsellor and a year level manger to write an IELC Transistion Plan for a newly enrolled student from Adelaide Secondary School of English. I then met with a Year 12 ESL teacher to give advice about subject counselling and offerings. Finally, I read a text written by one of her students and gave her feedback about what grade I would give it and why. The rest of the week looks like it will be just as busy and varied.
In closing, thanks for those people who tell me they have read and enjoyed my blog. Dont forget you dont have to wait until you see me in person. Post a comment! The blog has now had over 300 views including at least two from the USA and Russia. These may have been the result of search or URL typos but it is gladdening to think people overseas may find my blog to be of some interest.