Happy Holidays!

We hope you are all enjoying your vacation immensely.  Be safe the last few days, take time to be with the ones you love and we'll see you all in 2011!

"Putting it ALL Together!"

This past Saturday we held the last of our New Mentor Trainings for 2010.  We had a great turn out considering that it's December and Craft Fair and the holiday season.  The training focussed on Mentor Conversations and Formal Observations.  Our mentors learned about the Observation Protocol which consists of three Phases:  Pro Observation Planning, Data Collection, and Post-Observation Reflection Conversation.  They also learned about two different Data Collecting Tools: The Focused Scripting Tool, and the Room Logistics Tool.  A great time was had by all!!!  Mahalo to our committed Mentors who are the heart of the Kahikukala Program!!!!

An interesting read...

Education in the news all the time!  Here's an interesting read...

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/111694719.html

First Annual Kahikukala Holiday Social!

We held our first annual Holiday Social for New Teachers and their Mentors on December 3rd at Chilli's Bar and Grill.  A huge Mahalo to the Central District Chapter of HSTA for hosting us.  Although a bit windy the event was a success!  New teachers got to mingle with one another, talk story, win door prizes, eat and relax.

We all had so much fun we're already planning on a Bowling Day in the Spring.  Stay tuned!!!

Mentor Forum #2

Mentor Forum #2 was held at Wahiawa Middle School on Thursday, December 2nd.  Research has shown that the Winter months are especially difficult times for new teachers so we focused on ways to pick them up and energize them.  The "FISH" Philosophy was shared:  Be There!  Make Their Day! Choose your Attitude! and Play! are concepts that help boost morale and make one's job fun!

In addition, Mentors practiced Mentor Conversations for: Paraphrase, Pause, Probe and conversed on issues they face in their Mentoring.

A great day was had by all.  Mahalo to everyone who showed up, to those who brought delicious snacks (we would LOVE the Blueberry Mochi recipe) and to Wahiawa Middle for hosting.  Next forum is in the Spring.

More education in the news!

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/20101206_Fewer_tots_deemed_set_for_school.html

Interesting article about school-readiness.  

Race to the Top is going to make big changes...

to the way we're evaluated.  We all know about PEP-T and have our opinions about it.  Winning RTTT will impact the way we're evaluated.  Details are still being negotiated between the State and HSTA.  Keep your ears and eyes open!  This article is a very interesting read.

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/nyt/20101204_teacher_ratings_get_new_look_pushed_by_a_rich_watcher.html