My school

I had a really good couple of days with my Anchorage school. One of the obstacles I encounter in my job is people who want to make excuses and blame the program for their kids not making as much progress as we want. Not at this school. The facilitator and reading coach are very aware of what’s happening in their building, and they’re totally on board for trying to change the things that aren’t working. A big part of what research says about our program is that when it’s implemented correctly – it works. A problem with it, is that it’s a very rigid schedule, and teachers often feel like their creativity is being stiffled. That’s when we get a “hybrid” version of the program and the results don’t show. At any rate, the two ladies I work primarily with at this school are amazing – there are over 30 nationalities and languages represented in their school. Many of the students are mono-lingual… so not only are they learning to read, they’re learning to speak English. It is a lot of work, and there are some very dedicated teachers there. It’s a rougher part of town, but you wouldn’t know it, because the culture of the school has been set up as a safe, learning environment. I feel really fortunate to be a part of it.

I left the school feeling really good about the visit and prepared for next fall. They actually decided to contract for an additional day next year – which is something of a boost to my ego. (Many of you are thinking… “she doesn’t need that!”) It is difficult to gauge how I’m doing, though, because I spend most of my working time alone. I’ve had one observation and a few visits with other trainers. Otherwise, it’s up to me to just do what I think I’m supposed to. Yikes!

I’m sitting in the board room now, waiting for my flight to Homer. I’m just ready for tomorrow to be over and the halibut fishing to begin on Friday. 🙂

Hope you’ve all had a great middle of the week!