Thread: grade level meeting problems

Thanks for all the great ideas. Yeah, admin? Have only had one brief visit from one so far this year to a gl meeting - only for about 3 min to drop something off. I thought about requesting that one come sit in and not give it away that I asked them to. But I have a feeling (much like the misbehaving child who doesn't misbehave when a parent observes) that the group would be totally different with an admin there. But then I guess that...

Wow.... I second (or third.. or whatever number we're on ) the agenda idea. I would also maybe have administration or someone else to come to the meeting. Our Principal and Assistant Principal come to all of our meetings. We also often have our literacy coaches there.

I would recommend against asking te P to come for 2 reasons. First, even if everyone "behaves" it will create annimosity. Second (perhaps because our union is strong) I believe teachers should try to work things out among themselves whenever possible. We need each other's support. We don't need to "tattle" on each other. I would talk to the person about the electronics individually. I would bring...

When I was grade level chair I would bring an agenda of 3 or 4 topics that need to get discussed. Sounds like you may already be doing this. I would also ask the instructional coach to come sit in on a meeting. You can present it as, "I've asked our instructional coach to sit in and share some ideas about integrating lesson plans," or whatever. That way it's not seen as you trying to regulate them, even though you are!

You could also have the grade level create norms that everyone abides by. Put the norms on all your agendas.

Can you not ask them to put the devices away?

My thoughts exactly Molly. I would ask them not to have cellphones out during the meetings. As far as group participation, if its something they can plan before the meeting maybe you could send out the agenda a few days before. That way, they could plan what they wanted to say or contribute. No one would have an excuse not to participate.

Quote: Originally Posted by Kat53 You could also have the grade level create norms that everyone abides by. Put the norms on all your agendas. This is what we have done throughout the school. We created norms that covered cell phones, punctuality, and many things in between. Our grade level meetings change for the better when everyone took part in creating the norms as a team. I highly recommend setting norms among your grade level. Just make...

A timed agenda did wonders for my meetings last year. Helped keep people focused and didn't make me look like a total jerk when I had to move on to another topic. Also, where's your admin in all of this?

Why don't you ask the electronics person to take the notes during the meetings - a gentle redirection?