Welcome to Caine's Arcade

At a recent Literacy Team meeting, my colleagues and I discussed the unlimited possibilities that Project Based Learning and the Common Core can bring to the classroom.  We listened to, discussed, argued, and complimented project ideas from kindergarten to eleventh grade.  But over the course of the morning, the one common thread that was evident from the teachers and students was CREATIVITY. 

Caine's Arcade is a wonderful example of the creative possibilities that exist in our students.  Caine's Arcade is project based learning.  Caine's Arcade is the common core.  Caine's Arcade is creativity, imagination, problem solving, dedication and entrepreneurship at work simultaneously.   

As we strive to create opportunities for our students to think critically, be creative, communicate effectively, and collaborate with peers, keep Caine's Arcade in mind.  I promise...if you watch the video it will be difficult not to!

Visit www.cainesarcade.com to learn more about this wonderful story.

Keeping it Simple!

As the end of the school year is upon us, I'm noticing a wide range of changes that are taking place in my own school district.  With budget cuts already causing discussion and the uncertainty of class schedules and teacher placements weighing heavily on our shoulders, I'm reminded of some simple advice an administrator gave to me several years ago: Keep It Simple...Shane!

These words echo in my mind at the end of each school year when the pressure begins to build, but this year I hear them louder than ever before.  And in looking to next year, here's how I'll keep it simple:

• Keep a simple focus on the "stuff" that needs to be finished by the end of the year.  Grades, report cards, and goodbyes are all part of the job.  

• Reflect on the successes of the year and don't dwell on the failures. 

•  Identify some simple things to improve upon for next year.  (I'll probably make a list and keep in in my wallet or iPad or phone so I don't forget!)

• Don't sweat the small stuff!  

I suppose these things might seem like common sense, but when the hustle and bustle of our daily lives starts to take over,  it's comforting to be reminded of these simple ideas.  Sometimes, keeping it simple can take us a long way! 

New Teacher Evaluations

As part of a project through Cleveland State University, a group of teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors spent some time discussing the Entry Year Teacher Program for the State of Ohio.  New teachers are considered Resident Educators and are required to attend a series of meetings and go through a series of activities before they can move on to their next year of teaching.  

In our group, we discussed some of the benefits of this new program but also focused on some of the areas in which this program could be improved.  In part, we developed some great recommendations:

• Entry year teacher programs should focus more on and emphasize collaboration through Teacher Based Teams and other professional learning communities.  DuFour's work is essential! 
• Entry year teacher programs need not focus on the basics and fundamentals of teaching that are learned in college education programs and instead focus on state and school district initiatives.
• Entry year teachers should be evaluated by a Mentor teacher and an Administrator throughout the year to support the teacher and to identify growth.
•  Entry year teacher programs should not be filled with busy work that takes away from the already hectic first year of any new teacher.

As principals and teachers enter into a new era of accountability with new evaluation procedures already in writing, it is important to keep things simple.  While much of what we see on paper looks excellent, in practice it might be unbearable.  With new teachers in mind, giving the highest levels of support will go a long way in paving the way for a successful career.

For more information on the Entry Year Teacher Programs in the State of Ohio, go to www.state.oh.us.  Feel free to comment on this post and let me know your own ideas on teacher evaluations.