Ditto Elementary
Developing Leaders and Learners
Ditto Elementary ’ s mission is focused on developing students ’ potential . “ Through innovative and relevant learning experiences , students will learn skills necessary to achieve their dreams and become citizens who are leaders in a global world .”
Throughout the campus , the approach varies . The sixthgrade teachers at Ditto are taking “ innovative ” to a whole new level by creating online courses through Canvas for their students . These online courses allow students to complete and submit assignments through the web-based programs , while creating a platform that allows teachers to share websites on the topic , post videos that he / she has created or found on the web , as well as class notes and more . Ditto parents are raving about the online courses because they are able to access the materials as well to support their students ’ learning at home . Students are able to receive immediate feedback from their teacher , breaking down the barrier of typical school hours .
Stephanie Hudson teaches sixth grade and has great things to say about Canvas . “ Canvas is a way educators can organize and connect students to various digital tools ,” Hudson said . “ Canvas days tend to be the most productive days in my classroom where all students are engaged and excited about the curriculum . It has helped me streamline many things like YouTube , Google Docs and Kahoot , just to name a few .”
Ditto ’ s teachers are also using Canvas as a learning platform . Kindergarten , first- and second-grade teachers are using Canvas by taking an online professional development course on Guided Reading . Teachers are learning the specific characteristics of leveled books , the various components of a guided reading lesson , and how to monitor and assess students ’ progress using running records and the district standards-based report card rubrics . These ideas are then shared through various methods during Professional Learning Community meetings . Using the online course , teachers are moving from just knowing the information to applying the skills in their classrooms . According to kindergarten teacher Holly McKinney , “ Canvas provides flexibility in how we work through the various assignments . I like how you ’ re able to work on it from school or home depending on what you need at the time . Plus , when our team meets for PLCs , we are able to share with each other the things we are trying in our classrooms .”
Creating innovative learning experiences like these online courses is just one step to reaching Ditto ’ s goal of becoming a school where future global leaders begin to achieve their dreams . †
March / April 2016 - Arlington School & Family 21