Thursday, January 22, 2015

Students Teaching Students with Infused Lessons

Last year in Castleberry ISD, each teacher taught a minimum of four infused learning lessons with the integration of web 2.0 websites. This year, teachers are continuing this practice, but with an emphasis on the higher levels of Bloom's. In an effort to continue to challenge our students, and to pull out their seemingly innate ability of technological genius, a campus goal is for each STUDENT to complete an infused learning lesson to teach to their advisory group. Students who feel comfortable in the process will have the opportunity to present/teach the entire school. If a student allows, this process will be uploaded to the district's YouTube channel. As the advisory class is also used as a time for our REACHing Out Parnership with Castleberry Elementary, guest speakers, and presentations, the process will be ongoing throughout the school year. Earlier in the school year, students learned about the different levels of Bloom's Digital Taxonomy. They also worked on groups, each group being assigned a different level, and made posters explaining their particular assigned level of Bloom's. Next, they discussed their posters to the rest of their advisory class. Since this time, students have selected the topics, web apps, and summary of the lessons. Within each advisory group, each student has selected a different web app. The concentration for the first attempt is successful completion rather than a focus on the level. Miranda has selected, "How to Tie your Shoes" using Gliffy; Federico will use the web app Popplet for "Hair Spikage"; Rocio is focusing on "Do's and Don'ts about Fashion" using Biteslide; Clarita will use Prezi for "How to Bake a Cake" and etc. We can't wait to share the finished products!!

Monday, January 5, 2015

Exciting Start to the New Year!!!

REACH High School is very blessed to have the support of Gary S. Jones, Superintendent, the CISD Board of Trustees, Central Office, Transportation, Food Services, as well as all the other campuses among the district. As principal of the campus, it is so joyful to get to work with a group of students who very much appreciate this support. The district consistently pulls together to provide all the best circumstances and resources for our students to take part in a successful learning environment. REACH High School is a "school of choice" and one that is not required by the State of Texas in any district. Our students, who are at risk of dropping out of school, have a chance to excel as successful learners and citizens. The fact that our shareholders can see the need for an alternative school within the district, regardless of the extreme expense, speaks volumes for the care the district shows to each individual student. CISD is taking REACH a step further in 2015 by offering the students' bus service to and from school. Tomorrow will be the first day the service begins and we are very excited to see the students take advantage of our new commodity. When I addressed a small group of students regarding our policy for 45 minute early release on Fridays for those with perfect attendance and the fact they would not be able to leave early, Robert replied, "No, you don't need to find another way to reward us for perfect attendance. Having a ride to and from school is reward enough!" All the other students agreed in unison. Thank you so very much CISD for your support of REACH High School