This from Russ in Portland, OR:
Ben,
I just wanted to tell you that today I was observed by other teachers during my sixth period. All year long this has been one of my toughest classes. They are gifted and fast processors but they are also my most difficult class. They are sometimes standoffish and other times combative. They don’t want to answer or respond and getting them to care about one another has been a total fight. Needless to say I have been worried about this observation. I was told they wanted to focus on story asking and so I figured you know what I don’t have a lot to lose with this class. It will probably be a disaster no matter what I do. So I thought well I will just make a story. No targets, no script, just me working and the kids. So I didn’t use Invisibles or anything, but I did use the seven level questioning. It was my most successful class with them all year. They were amazing. No behavior issues, no bored faces, and no quizzing was needed. It was my best observation ever. I only got through half the story because we did a persona especial first, but I was really on for that too thanks to the docs on Grant Boulanger’s blog. It was a true homerun. Oh but don’t worry, seventh period was a debacle so I got humbled really quick. But I will just pick it up tomorrow and get those kids going back at it.
I want to thank you because I never would have been able to take the plunge without your help. And I decided not to put this on the PLC since the book isn’t out yet, but I couldn’t wait to say this stuff.
Thanks again,
Russ