by Leigh Mobley | Feb 1, 2021 | Announcement
Social emotional learning (SEL) is the heartbeat of the classroom. It connects students, making them feel safe and secure before academics are addressed. In these unprecedented times meeting students’ SEL needs should continue to be a top priority.
Research suggests that a child’s future success is not only determined by cognitive skills, as previously thought. Rather, their social and emotional skills as related to character, optimism and self-awareness are also considered to be important factors in their future success. Research also supports that the arts are powerful for learning as they can reach us at our own personal level of understanding while expanding our understanding of other content. During this unprecedented time of change in education, it is even more important to reach all of our students and meet their social and emotional needs while teaching core content area skills.
Proposed training for teachers in how to appropriately use the arts, including music, visual arts, and dance (movement) to promote positive social behaviors while bridging the gap between curricular demands and fostering a creative and engaging learning environment.
Arts integration strategies will be used to teach, build and practice social-emotional learning competencies. As with any true arts integration, we will teach arts standards at the same time that we teach SEL competencies. Through this program teachers will understand how to design a curriculum pathway to tie specific arts activities to visual and performance arts state standards and SEL competencies.
Focus areas and expected results:
Social Emotional Learning
The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), defines SEL as “how children and adults learn to understand and manage emotions, set goals, show empathy for others, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.”
CASEL’s framework identifies five core competencies:
- Self-awareness
- self-management
- social awareness
- relationship skills
- responsible decision-making.
A strong focus on SEL across the school can help develop students who:
- Are more attentive in class
- Are able to control their emotions
- Work well with their classmates
- Resolve conflicts amicably
- Show empathy and understanding
- Become better problem solvers
Social Emotional Learning will be very important as schools resume. Funding sources from COVID-19 relief will contain specifications for Social Emotional Learning initiatives.
Visit the MDE website for more information on social emotional resources at mdek12.org/SER
OR
Contact The Excellence Group for more information.
by Leigh Mobley | Jan 1, 2021 | Announcement, Service Spotlight
We are very aware that the 2020-21 school year is certainly unlike any other! There are unimaginable impediments to the everyday operations of all schools and businesses. We applaud your efforts to meet these obstacles head on and still provide children with a sound education.
We are here to assist you with this monumental task! We have a team of professionals ready to assist you with bridging the Learning Loss gap created by so much disruption to daily school operations.
Click on the link below for a brochure outlining a program we have developed to assist you with Learning Loss gaps. We can cater this program to meet your specific needs, budget, and timeline.
LEARNING LOSS BROCHURE
by Leigh Mobley | Oct 19, 2020 | Announcement
MTSS is required for all Mississippi students. All students should receive high quality instruction that is on and above grade level in Tier I. Differentiation is used to engage all students at the appropriate levels of rigor. Three times a year, students participate in universal screening. Universal screening indicates which students are being successful at Tier I and which students need Tier II or Tier III supports to be successful. Diagnostic assessments are used to identify specific areas to target for interventions. Instruction must be focused on improving learning for all students.
In this course, teachers will learn their roles in the MTSS process and how it benefits all students. Teachers will learn which documents are needed to ensure that appropriate instruction is taking place. Documentation is critical but must be founded on strong appropriate instruction. Teachers will learn how to use PLCs to enhance their children’s instructional experiences.
Contact us today for your customized proposal.
Training can be provided via electronic platforms such as Zoom, or GoToMeeting.
THE EXCELLENCE GROUP IS HERE TO HELP! CONTACT US TODAY
by Leigh Mobley | Oct 13, 2020 | Announcement, Service Spotlight
All districts are facing challenges in regards to serving students with special needs! There are many pieces to the puzzle and we are here to help! Call us today for a customized plan to meet the needs of your district. We offer:
by Leigh Mobley | Oct 5, 2020 | Announcement, Service Spotlight
The Excellence Group is here to help! Do you need assistance with Special Education, MTSS, Virtual Coaching, or English Language Services? We can provide staff development either face to face or virtually based on your needs!
Call or email us today!
Info@excellencegroup.com 601-352-2413
by Leigh Mobley | May 5, 2020 | Announcement
The Excellence Group is here to help! We can offer assistance in all academic areas and work hard to assist you in implementing the standards required by the MDE. Below are links to MDE resources that have been vetted and aligned to MS-CCRS. We can assist you in using these resources and many others!
MS-CCRS SCAFFOLDING DOCUMENTS: mdek12.org/ese/ccr
LEARNING AT HOME RESOURCES: mde12.org/LearningAtHome
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL RESOURCES: mdek12.org/SER mdek12.org/LearningAtHome/SEL
INTERVENTION SERVICES (MTSS): mdek12.org/OAE/OEER/InterventionServices
TEST BLUEPRINTS: mdek12.org/studentassessment
MS COLLEGE AND CAREER-READY STANDARDS: mdek12.org/OAE/college-and-career-readiness-standards
SPECIAL EDUCATION: mdek12.org/OSE
