My name is Mr. Daley. My wife and I grew up in Northern California where most of our family still lives. I returned to school in 2009 after getting injured while working as a prison guard. My family has fallen in love with Rexburg since our move here in 2011.
I have six kids, with my 2nd starting at Madison Middle School this year. This year, students can look forward to adventure, fantasy, mystery, and humor as we discover the influences reading and writing has on our lives and the lives of those around us. |
ClassRoom CultureEducational research shows that classroom culture can have the greatest impact on student achievement. This year in class we will build learning communities based on the work of Jeanne Gibbs. Gibbs' Tribes Learning Communities structure the classroom as a safe, inquiry based environment. Our goal will be to create a classroom that uses the following Tribes principles:
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Grading“I remember the first time that a grading rubric was attached to a piece of my writing….Suddenly all the joy was taken away. I was writing for a grade — I was no longer exploring for me. I want to get that back. Will I ever get that back?” — Claire, a student (in Olson, 2006)
This year I will continue using a standards based grading system. I have turned the state common core and district standards into "I can" statements, known as competencies. Students will work on passing off these competencies through the completion of classroom assignments and projects. This type of grading is similar to Boy Scouts. Scouts advance in rank by passing off requirements. Students prepare for 7th grade by passing off competencies. The links below will provide additional information. Grading Policy Grades |
HomeworkI have a very simple homework policy, there is no homework. Students may, from time to time, bring classwork home. Students who bring work home have either decided to go above and beyond with a classroom assignment or have not used classroom time wisely and therefore must complete the day's assignments at home.
The links below will provide additional background information to support my methods. Rethinking Homework By Alfie Kohn |
Project based LearningProject based learning is structured around students using concepts learned in class to create meaningful projects. The idea is that as students create something of value of their own design, they will unavoidable learn more and work harder. This approach means we will have very few tests. Student assessments will be connected directly to the projects and the competencies.
The links below will provide additional information. Project Based Learning |