Remember the 100+ hours of STEM certification all of the math and science teachers are completing, on our campus? This past weekend, a group of us got together, so we could collaborate on the more challenging indicators. The challenge comes from the focus being on science classrooms, rather than math.
As we sat there, talking about lessons in our classroom and how we could extend the learning or had to revamp our delivery, learning was happening and the conversations were great. The "infamous" indicator, as I now refer to it, focused on investigable questions. After some Google "research," I learned that these questions do not have a yes or no answer.
I submitted indicator 13 of my STEM certification, for the second time. For the second time, I received a 0. For the second time, I felt like a failure. For the second time, the feeling of defeat took over my heart, mind and body. A huge reality check struck me in the face, as I quickly realized how our kids feel when they receive a 0, when they've tried and done the best they can!
Starting my Monday morning off with the 0 out of 3 points earned notification, wasn't how I typically start my week. I was in disbelief that I had gotten a 0, as this goes against everything I believe in, when it comes to learning. It brought me back to my junior year of high school, when my English teacher, used red pen all over my essay. Hence I only use fun, bright colors to assess learning opportunities, as well as checks and circles, rather than x's. Those small details impact our learners more than we realize.
So now we wait to see what my new grade is, if the reflection, thought and effort will improve the grade and bring back the feeling of success. I am determined to be successful and now allow a 0 to define who I am as a learner!
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