Midterms and Parent Teacher Conferences
Dear Parents,
In many educational circles there has been
much discussion about 21st Century Skills, Global Competencies, or Foundations
of Learning Expertise. These are all ways of considering how to develop the
whole child as a learner. At Mustard Seed we have identified our own set of
habits which we work to instill in all students. We identified twenty habits,
five each in the areas of heart, mind, learning, and work. These habits are
integrated throughout the curriculum and in each grade level.
In parent conferences this week teachers,
alongside parents and students (6-8), will discuss the habits. In some parent
conferences, teachers might talk about the habit of engaging fully. When
we make engagement a habit we naturally ask questions, interact with others by participating
in discussions, we might even provide feedback to a peer by agreeing or
disagreeing using appropriate language.
In other conferences across the hall,
teachers might talk about the habit of reflecting. Students are provided with
tools on how to reflect on their work, goals, as well as their behavior. These
are all among the multiple habits that will be fully learned here at school.
They are important every year and in every grade, but especially so in the
first six weeks of school. When you talk to teachers this week, you will
naturally hear about some of them. Midterms, as well, will focus on strengths
and areas of concern in the areas of habits.
During
this conference, teachers will share what they know about your child as a
learner in the context of these habits. They will also share goals students
have developed and discuss ways in how they plan on achieving their goals. At
this time, teachers will not share information regarding their progress in
academic areas, which will be focused on December’s progress reports. Please
review the twenty habits here to help prepare you for this discussion.
Lisa Galarza
Middle School Director