ABSTRACT

This book displays 37 “Friday Focus” memos, each of which provides insight into a specific aspect of teaching and learning for all to reflect on throughout the year. Friday Focus memos address the principal’s responsibility to shape the school culture, provide intellectual stimulation, and communicate effectively. The memos are organized around the school year and provide educators with a wide variety of insights into how to improve our schools. They are typically between 500–1,000 words in length and can be sent out via e-mail to each staff member – not only to the teachers but also secretaries, custodians, and cafeteria workers. A vehicle for school improvement, the Friday Focus memos provide a step-by-step plan for staff members and principals to work together as change agents for school improvement.

part 1|32 pages

The First Quarter

chapter 1|4 pages

Opening Day

chapter 2|3 pages

What Makes a Good Teacher?

chapter 3|4 pages

Effort-Based Ability

chapter 4|3 pages

The Dreaded Homework Dilemma

chapter 5|3 pages

The Impact of a Teacher

chapter 6|3 pages

Effective Listening

chapter 7|3 pages

Bullying Prevention

chapter 8|4 pages

School Safety

chapter 9|3 pages

Questions, Questions, Questions

part 2|43 pages

The Second Quarter

chapter 10|5 pages

Parent-Teacher Conferences

chapter 11|4 pages

Student-Led Conferences

chapter 12|5 pages

Teacher Observations

chapter 13|5 pages

Learning How to Learn

chapter 14|4 pages

Teaching: Art or Science?

chapter 15|3 pages

Giving Thanks

chapter 16|5 pages

In the Middle

chapter 17|3 pages

K.I.S.S.

chapter 18|4 pages

The Big Rocks

chapter 19|3 pages

God Bless Us, Every One!

part 3|47 pages

The Third Quarter

chapter 20|6 pages

Managing the Classroom

chapter 21|4 pages

Strategies for ESOL Students

chapter 22|4 pages

Working with Special Needs Students

chapter 23|5 pages

More Classroom Management

chapter 24|3 pages

Responding to Learners

chapter 25|4 pages

Striving for Great

chapter 26|5 pages

ESOL Revisited

chapter 28|5 pages

Test Time

chapter 29|4 pages

Pirates

part 4|36 pages

The Fourth Quarter

chapter 30|6 pages

Professional Learning Communities

chapter 31|2 pages

Choosing Positive

chapter 32|4 pages

Extraordinary Teachers

chapter 33|4 pages

Making the Connection

chapter 34|4 pages

”I” Messages

chapter 35|4 pages

Teaching People, Not Content

chapter 36|4 pages

My Parents' Expectations

chapter 37|6 pages

A Culture of Success