learning - - - living - - - loving

We discussed expectations as to how much we would all want to try the Learning Skills this year - and how often we would move students toward "Now What" applications within their learning. We also considered how we should all be trying to integrate faith in the classroom.

Below is a minimum standard of what we agreed to try:

LEARNING SKILLS:
1st Semester:
* Focus on your assigned learning skill; integrate it into student learning activities at least twice.
* Run collaborative training(s) for your peers so they can know how to integrate the skill.
* Gain competency and begin designing 2nd semester curriculum that integrates all the skills.

2nd Semester
* Integrate all learning skills into your curriculum - assess them using common language/rubrics.
* Demonstrate/publish how you integrated the learning skills (in a digital portfolio).

NOW WHAT?
* At least once per semester, give students a "Real-Real" opportunity for "Now What?" application.
* OR have students come up with their own "Real-Real" "Now What?" plans.

CHRISTIANS IN THE CLASSROOM
* In our digital portfolios, we will also share how we tried to bring faith into the classroom.
* This can be a written reflection about how you integrate the gospel, prayer, Scripture, etc.

LOVE THE LORD & YOUR NEIGHBORS AS YOURSELF
* In our digital portfolios, we will also share how we tried to foster a community of love.
* This can be internally (in the classroom) and/or beyond the classroom walls.

Obviously, feel free to go well beyond these minimum standards! Below is a list of who takes what Learning Skill first semester - these people will finish the rubrics and train colleagues in their assigned skill:

Written Communication (Janna and Christine)
Biblical Thinking (Jeremy and Ashley)
Visual Communication (Nathan equips everyone with basics for use all year)
Speech Communication (Matt and Vito)
Collaboration (Grant and Edgar)
Critical thinking (Joanne)