The Continuous Improvement Classroom: Middle School

Presented by:Allan Hansen

Karyl McNeeleyMargaret RadaGinger Slocum

Amy Smith

Continuous Improvement ClassroomGround Rules

Created By Students

Classroom Mission

Statement

Classroom and Student

Measureable Goals

Quality Tools and PDSA

used regularly

THE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMEN

T CLASSROOM

Classroom Data Centers

Classroom Meetings

facilitated by students

Student-led Conferences

Student Data Folders

What is your level of understanding?Using a sticky note, rate your level of

understanding of the Continuous Improvement Classroom Components 5= very high understanding1= very low understanding

Place the sticky note above the appropriate number

What Have

We Done So Far?

What is Quality?

Quality Tools

Students use quality tools to:1) Collect and analyze data2) Document progress3) Identify root causes of problems4) Implement changes5) Coordinate action for improvement6) Keep track of results7) Take ownership/responsibility8) Make decisions based on data

Quality Tools Examples:Affinity DiagramRun ChartFlow ChartForce Field AnalysisHistogramRelations DiagramLotus DiagramRadar ChartPlus/Delta

Affinity Chart Example

Radar Chart Example

Homework Completion

Met A.R. Goals

Prepared for c

lass

Materials &

Tardies

Subject in need of

Improvement:

4

4

44

4

2 2

2

2

26

6

6

6

6 Success on Tests & Quizzes

1- <50%

2- 50-60%

3- 60-70%

4- 70-80%

5- 80-90%

6- 90-100%

Ground RulesWhat? Guidelines that a classroom creates together, using quality tools

How? At the beginning of the year, discuss expectations and responsibilities with the students and together you create ground rules that everyone agrees on. (This can

begin with a discussion of what “Quality” means)

Why? Climate of trust, students ownership, risk-taking, clear expectations, accountability, and a sense of community.

7TH & 8TH GRADE

GROUND RULES

What? A statement that answers the questions:

-Who are we?-Why are we here?-How are we going to

accomplish it?

How? Brainstorming using an Affinity Diagram and the

Nominal Grouping tools.

Why? Creates shared purpose for everyone involved in the

learning environment.

Mission Statements

Developing a Mission Statement

Developed Mission

Statements

Developed Mission

Statements

6th Grade Team Mission

Dunlap Middle School

Panthers

The sixth grade team will

provide an atmosphere

conducive to continuing

development of both

independent and cooperative

learners through team

collaboration, support and

communication.6th Grade Mission

Dunlap Middle SchoolPanthersThe sixth graders at Dunlap Middle School will strive to be successful by being respectful, responsible, optimistic, and by

doing our best as a team.

Data CenterWhat?

A central location where all the data is displayed and used interactively by

the students.How?

Display Mission, Ground Rules, Classroom SMART goals, and Quality Tools

Why? Creates ownership and accountability;

visual reminder of their progress and goals

Classroom Data Centers Examples and Videos

SMART GoalsWhat?

Goals that focus on the most critical areas of achievement.

SMART goals should be:

S pecific, strategic

M easurableA ttainable

R esults-oriented

T ime-bound

SMART Goal Examples

Smart Goal PracticeDoes anything need to change? If so, what? Rewrite the SMART goal, if

necessary.

Students in our class will score at least 80% on the history test.

  By the end of the first quarter, our class will

know more vocabulary words.

100% of the students in 3rd hour will raise their reading level by 0.5 by the end of the first semester, as measured by the STAR Reading Test.

Data FoldersWhat? An individual folder/binder in

which students track their progress according to their goals

How? Teacher helps students set individual goals in various areas. They track

their progress using graphs. (Start small, with one student!)

Why? Creates ownership and accountability; Visual reminder/motivator of

their progress and goals

Examples and Videos

Student-Led ConferencesWhat? Conference with parents, led by

the student, with the teacher as a facilitator

How? Students lead parents through a discussion of their work, using their data folder. Usually, several conferences occur at the same time.

Why? Students become more motivated, reflective, and evaluative in their work. Teachers, students, and parents communicate as equal partners about student achievement.

Continuous Improvement Round Table Discussion

What would you see if you visited a classroom established with continuous improvement?

 What is the first step you can take in your own classroom

to begin the journey towards continuous improvement?

How could you use continuous improvement in your content area?

 What support do you need in order to implement

continuous improvement in your classroom? What specific questions do you still have about the eight

components of continuous improvement?

Now Let’s See What You Have Learned….