Thunder Mountain in Spotlight at District Workshop

A grade of D or an F no longer leads to feelings of helplessness and dejection as students at are now owning their education, and that is exciting for teachers as well as Enumclaw School Board members alike.

Such was the big takeaway for those who attended the school board's workshop at the middle school Monday night, a series of regular meetings held by the board to review and discuss policies and programs. Unlike past years, the board opted this year to take the workshops on the road -- specifically at every school in the district over the course of the school year. (See meeting schedule)

This allows for teachers at each respective school the opportunity to present their work on their own home turf and it gives board members a clearer sense of the progress within the classroom.

Monday's presentation at Thunder Mountain focused on the sixth grade curriculum, and teachers of various subjects including English, math, history and science took turns sharing their work and findings with board members and other attendees.

Math teacher Dan Rogel showed those in attendance the progress sheets he gives his students to help chart their work over the course of a chapter or lesson. Through quizzes, the students are able to see where they excel and where they need work, and they are actively engaged in making sure they are well prepared for final tests at the end of a lesson.

Similarly in science, the subject itself encourages independent learning, and science educators report the kids -- spurred by their own curiosities -- are able to lead lab sessions in class and make presentations on topics they've researched on their own.

Students are now focused on "skills assessment rather than just getting a grade," said principal Ginger Callison.

This course of action in the classroom came about thanks to the sharing of ideas and strategies during ongoing Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) that take place each Friday, said School Board President Chris VanHoof. Parents might wonder what teachers and staff do during these early dismissal days, and as illustrated by the presentations, "it's time well-spent. I can't imagine not having it [PLCs] now."

The evening's workshop actually began with a tour of specific classrooms given by student ASB leaders. Several sixth-graders stayed late in order to show attendees what they're working on in class.

The presentations made an impression on board members. Corey Cassell commended the teachers on turning the experiencing of getting a bad grade from one that used to mean hopelessness and shame into one that now presents an opportunity to self-improve. "It's OK to get it wrong," he said, as the students now possess the drive and skills to improve on their own grasp of concepts.

Nancy Merrill similarly lauded teachers for taking creative approaches to encouraging learning and urged them not to get mired in state standards and requirements.

The next board workshop takes place December 5 at Sunrise Elementary School at 6:30 p.m.