Maya’s Journey

MAYA ANGELOU ELEMENTARY’S JOURNEY

Improving our culture and practice

The first step…

June 2004 The concept of

Learning Communities was introduced at a faculty meeting

begins our journey towards…

July 2004 Faculty members attended a four day

training at the University of Florida, Gainesville

building a community…

September 2004 Pete Bermudez began working with the

faculty in learning communities after school

of learners.

September 2005 Pete Bermudez

continued working with learning communities

Who seek to expand our horizons…

October 2005 Faculty was introduced to the TLSI Program

at the University of Florida

to new techniques…

December 2005 Three teachers (Ms. Sotolongo, Mr. Suarez

and Ms. Vergara) began facilitator’s training

and opportunities.

January 2006 Six faculty members began the University

of Florida TLSI Masters/Specialist Program Magdi Castenada was assigned to Maya

Angelou as facilitator/advisor

By developing a collaborative culture,

September 2006 School wide Critical Friends Groups begins

and evaluating data…

December 2006 Staff received School Culture Training

utilizing data from School Culture Survey

to understand our needs

January 2007 Began meetings with

staff to share results. Addressed areas of conflict and communication. Outcomes included Team Building and staff weekly newsletter.

and develop action plans.

We put strategies…

April 2007 Selected as a Summer Demonstration

Project School Teachers

began the planning phase

into practice…

June 2007 Summer Demonstration Project School

begins

and continuously evaluate

June 2007 Teachers attended

second School Culture Training. Addressed area of lack of structure in grade group meetings.

our needs …

August 2007 Began “Debulkinizing Maya” Grade levels began meeting as Critical

Friends Groups Protocols used as ways of looking at

student work Use of inquiry in classroom

to improve practices…

October 2007 Grade Level Chairpersons received

Facilitator Training

student performance …

October 2007 School wide

Professional Development provided on Data Analysis

and instruction

February 2008 School wide Professional Development

provided on Instructional Practices Inventory

in a manner that respects cultural diversity

March 2008 MAE Tours Bahamas, Jamaica, Ireland and

England planning

and celebrates success.

August 2008 First group of “Edugators” receive Masters

or Educational Specialist Degrees from UF