Measuring the Stanley Avenue Learner

Over the last few years we have been investigating what teaching actions help support the growth of the Stanley Avenue School Learning Dimensions.  We have aligned our pedagogy with the key categories of the learner and integrate opportunites to practice using these skills, dispositions and values. 

A challenge we have been faced with is measuring the growth of these dispositions as we believe that if you value it there should be some tracking of these skills as students progress through Stanley Avenue. 

This year we have moved away from collecting whole school student voice to interviewing a random selection of students from each cohort.  Students responses are then measured against a co constructed rubric.  This is collated with student learning reflections from their sharing space on the schools LMS. 

I look forward to seeing if this technique provides us with valuable information for our learners, teachers and parents.  I also welcome any feedback, ideas or learning stories from other school's. 

Schools can be more than this.

What is the point of school???

As I prepare to travel to my first NZPF principal conference I am seriously considering what schools need to do to remain relevant and useful for our students. 

Recently at Stanley Avenue School we have been documenting the opportunities that we provide for our boys and girls and asking ourselves 'What else can we do for our learners?'. 

I am left reflecting on a visit to an innovative High School, where the DP simply believed school was about creating memories.  Currently the debate on national standards and league tables has wrongly taken the focus from school curriculums that should have been created to engage, motivate and involve their students and community.  Whilst numeracy and literacy are important I am worried that some schools provide 'death by numeracy and literacy' for their students........ This is an issue that impacts especially on boys. 

I look at the last few weeks at school.  Our rock band performing at the Rock Shop regionals, our Winter Olympics team working together to achieve, the gymnastics team practicing hard to do their best........  We must remember that schools have the responsibility to go beyond the call of literacy and numeracy duty and provide a place where students can find their passions and talents.......Isn't that what you want for your child?

Preparing students for their future

In preparing children for their, it is vital they have an understanding, appreciation and application of the Key Competencies. The Key Competencies are what “people use these competencies to live, learn, work, and contribute as active members of their communities. More complex than skills, the competencies draw also on knowledge, attitudes, and values in ways that lead to action. They are not separate or stand-alone. They are the key to learning in every learning area.” (NZC)

At Stanley Avenue School over the last four years we have focussed our efforts on creating lifelong learners which is played out through our Stanley Avenue Learner Dimensions.  It is wonderful to see Mark Treadwell a leading educational consultant affirm the need of such a focus.  Preparing our students for THEIR future. 

http://tvnz.co.nz/close-up/thinking-offline-video-4974161

League Tables- What Matters?

Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.

Albert Einstein


The teachers at Stanley Avenue School collect detailed information about students progress and achievement in reading, writing and mathematics. We are currently investigating ways to measure the growth of the Stanley Avenue Learner Dimensions by collecting student voice. This will mean that in future years we can give parents more information about skills, dispositions and values that we know learners need to thrive in the 21st century. The talk of the creation of league tables is concerning..........  Parents currently have access to a huge range of assessment details from Stanley Avenue-  let alone the ERO report completed recently.  League tables may serve to further distract schools from the learning that really matters.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2012/jun/18/primary-school-curriculum-performance-tables?newsfeed=true

First Time Principals

During the holidays I was fortunate to be invited to speak at the National First TIme Principals conference. I shared Stanley Avenue's journey in E Learning and investigated how change can be managed in schools. It was wonderful to meet so many enthusiastic and passionate educators.

Digital Learning

An interesting link (thanks Allanah K) discussing the pros and cons of digital learning, particularly in the consideration required in leaving a digital footprint.  I welcome your views.
http://web.me.com/khoneycuttessdack/kevinhoneycutt.org/eBook_Preview.html