Spilyay tymoo., February 19, 2014, Image 8

Leadership Comer
Higher standards lead to success in life
ft message from Rick molitor
The shift from the traditional high School setting to Proficiency Based
Teaching and Learning (PBTL) at; Madras High School hasn’t beeri easy. Teachers
and students are adjusting to. new systems that focus less on homework and
assignments now called practice work and more on how much a student can
show what they have actually learned in class.
“We’re moving away from traditional models of teaching,” said MHS
Principal Sarah Braman-Smith; “In the past, it didn’t matter if students were
learning as long as they were completing assignments and earning.the required
points to advance. Now, We’re focused on knowledge arid understanding. Are
they learning what they need to be successful in careers, college and life?”
According to Braman-Smith, as we move to a more student ¿entered model,
the teacher role is shifting from “sage on the stage” to “guide on the side” where
teachers work with individual students to help them rttaster the common core or
other designated course standards at their own pace..
“It’s been an adjustment for all of us, including parents, bût wé’re starting to
See students thrive under the new model,” said Braman-Smith. “Once we ate able
to implement PBTL District wide, at all grade levels, the transition to the high
school system will be smoother.”
MHS is one of the first and only high schools in the state to adopt Proficiency
Based Teaching and Learning at a comprehensive level explained Braman-Smith.
“Learning how to navigate all sides of this new way of teaching arid learning
can be stressful, especially at the end ôf thé term when students are pushing
extra hard to pass,” said Braman-Smith. “But that comes with the territory
When you have high academic standards. It’sWhat out students: will face when
they graduate arid move into careers or higher éducation'. We want them to be
prepared for success.”
For more information about PBLT at MHS, contact Sarah Braman-Smith at
sbramansinith@509j.net or (541) 475-7265.
Superintendent
Dear JCSD families and friends,
For (he past several years, District teachers and staff
have been working hard to help our students be more
successful in school. We continue to make changes in the
way we teach arid engage students and while we still have
a ways to go, we aré seeing some great improvements; Our
OAKS test scores continue to go up and graduation rates
are. increasing as we stay focused on teaching and learning.
The changes we’re making haven’t been easy for any of us, Our teachers,
staff, students and patents are being asked to open their minds and hearts
to a new way of thinking about education and: success foi our children.
With proficiency-based learning, we are working, towards a higher standard
of academic excellence that will better prepare each of our students for life,
careers and college.
I’d like to thank ont team and community members for their patience
and support as JCSD helps lead the charge for a brighter future for Our
children Please don’t hesitate to contact me at rmolitor@509j.net or {541)
475-6192 if you have questions about anything related tó Oui District
Sincerely,
Rick Molitor, Superintendent
Proficiency Based Teaching and Learning
W hat is Proficiency-based teaching and learning (PBTL)?
Proficiency Based 'leaching and Learning {PBTL) uses systems that require
students to demonstrate a true understanding of subjects in order to
advance to the next level in school.
W hat students have to say about Proficiency Based
Teaching & Learning...
Sky la Whitepiume, grade 9
MHS Freshman Skyla Whitepiume explained that she
was confused by the proficiency changes at first, but
now she understands how it works and has finished her
first semester with a 4.0 Grade Point .Average,
How is PBTL different?
Traditional teaching and.learning systems allow students to advance in
school based On points earned through a combination of completed tasks;
and assignments, tests' and extra crédit. PBTL systems aré based, on a
student’s ability to prove the knowledge they have gained through teacher-
guided studies.
“I t wasn’t easy, but I bave; high expectations
for m yself as a student and as a member o f
m y tribe. 1 feel satisfied, but it’s not over yet. I
still have more years to go. I know I can and
I Want to, so thafs exactly w hat Pm going to
do.”
Why is PBTL important?
Throughout the United States, stridents with average arid above average
grades are graduating from high school unprepared for college and
careers. College drop out rates aré on the rise as stridents-struggle to adjust
to the moie rigorous standard and expectations they face as young adults.
PBTL is designed to help them be more prepared arid tei narrow thè gap
for minority students who are struggling within the U.S. education system..
Laura Diaz,grade 10
MHS Sophmore Laura Diaz said that at the beginning,
she felt kind of confused by the proficiency- system, but
she grit used to it; ' ; ’ 1
'Why 'is JCSD moving to P BTL?
“I f helps us show w hat we know and w hat
we need to improve. I think ifs a great
opportunity because people who are failing
have a chance to make up work.”
We want our students to reach their foil potential. Eoi: several years,,our
District has fällen below the state average in academic achievement. Our
graduation rates have been low and Some of our students who go on to
eollègé drop Out because they aïe unprepared. We know we have great
teachers and staff. We also know that Our students have thé potentialto be
successful in college, carpers and life. To make progress, we’ve had to find
new ways to teach arid help our students learn — and it’s been working.
PBTL is the next step to. help JCSD students, reach higher and be ready for
life after high school.
Bryan Bueno, grade 11
MHS Junior Bryan Bueno was one of the first students
to transition to thé proficiency system as a freshman.
‘7/s harder to get an W because you have to
get everything on the test rigid and sometimes
you have two or three tests on the same day.
The great thing is, you can fail, try again and
ask for help until you pass. You are taking
control o f your education and you have to
push yourself to. learn more.”
M argaret Hoaglin, grade 10
MHS Sophmore Maragarét Hoaglin.said that.while she
understands the concept of BPTL, the transition'was
difficult;
“For straight *A’ students, it h it us hard
because i f you miss one question on a test, you
have to keep going back. The good thing is,
there’s no time lim it so you can keep trying.
I think we need to ease in by starting in 8th
grade or as freshmen. ”
Scott Sanchez, grade 12, w ith Assistant Principal Paul Navarra. Sanchez is o n e o f th e first MHS
students.to take advantage o f th e hew advanced dip lo m a program.
Dalton Herkshan, grade 10
MHS sophomore Dalton Herkshan advises other MHS
students to take advantage of proficiency plus days
to help them be successful under the new proficiency
system-
College credits for high school students
Fourth year high school students can now graduate with a foil year of. college
credit if they enroll in the new advanced diploma program at MHS. The program,
Offered in partnership with Central Oregon Community College (COCC), is
designed to break down barriers to a college education.
“Some students don’t realize that college is an option because of tuition costs,”
said MHS Assistant Principal Paul Navarra. “Others don’t have the confidence or
their families may riot be ready for them to leave home. This option allows them
to transition into college arid Work towards a two-year degree while tuition is
covered by our District;”
MHS senior Scott Sanchez is one: of the first students to apply for an advanced
diploma at MHS; He will start rhe advanced: diploma program in the Fail Of
2014.
“This is a great opportunity because I will attend m y first year a t
COCC for free,” said Sanchez who is. also a member of Juntos, a
program that encourages high school students to explore higher
education. “IPs pushing me to do more.”
— Scott Sanchez, grade 12
Jefferson County School District
“Last year was hard because I didn’t know
w hat to do and it felt like I was doing the
work, but not getting enough done to count.
Proficiency plus days helped me because you
get a lot more time and help.”
Madras High School
Coffee with the
Principal is Back!
Calendar
March
3/7
No School
Parent Conferences
3/10
School Board Meeting-
7 p.m. MHS
Thursday February 27
8-8:30 a.m. in the Parent Center.
Chat informally w ith the
principal about all things on the
last Thursday o f every m onth
(except fo r March).
445 SE Buff Street, madras, OR 97741
(541)475-6192
3/12
2-Hour Eariy Release
3/24-28
No School
Spring Bfoak
uiww.jcsd.k12.or.us
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