Continual Improvement: Classroom
Urbandale teachers lead a classroom learning system that focuses on building a culture of learning where every single student feels heard, understood, and valued. Guiding them is a classroom strategic plan containing learning requirements, SMART (specific, measurable, aligned to learning requirements, results focused and time framed) goals, and a classroom mission statement written in collaboration with students. Teachers adapt methods of instruction to better meet the unique learning styles of each student, while students determine the strategies that work best for them to learn the material. Clear and effective learning methods not only take the guesswork out of learning, but serve to build a learning community with a foundation of competence, responsibility, trust, creativity and collaboration. Ultimately, it’s a classroom where students feel supported by their teacher and peers.
Strategic Planning
Classroom Improvement Stories
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Learning Lab Series: Student-Centered Classrooms
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Learning Lab Series: Benefits of Pre/Post Tests
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Learning Lab Series: Partners in Education–Culture of Learning
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Student Impact Stories: Jon Parrott 2014 Iowa Teacher of the Year Finalist
Urbandale students share the significant impact that Jon Parrott, 8th Grade American History Teacher at Urbandale Middle School, has had on their lives. Mr. Parrott was a finalist in the 2014 Iowa Teacher of the Year Award and received the 2013 Urbandale Educator of the Year Award.
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Examples of classroom continual improvement practices
Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Cycle of Improvement
Classroom Learning System
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Janean Hauser, 8th Grade Math Teacher, Urbandale Middle School
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Jon Parrott, 8th Grade American History Teacher, Urbandale Middle School
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Steve Mefford, Science Teacher, Urbandale Middle School
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Lindsey Bakker, Business/Computers Teacher, Urbandale Middle School
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Tim Carver, Associate Principal, Urbandale High School
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Kathryn Bunce, Biology Teacher, Urbandale High School
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Aaron Nikkel, 2nd Grade Teacher, Karen Acres Elementary
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Mirela Enderton, Fifth Grade Teacher, Olmsted Elementary
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Erin Mushro, Third Grade Teacher, Karen Acres Elementary
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Steve Mefford, Science Teacher, Urbandale Middle School 2014
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Loren DeKruyf, Principal, Urbandale Middle School
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Janelle Kerr, 4th Grade Teacher, Karen Acres Elementary
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Tiffany Roberson, Math/Science Teacher, Urbandale Middle School
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Lance McConnell, Language Arts Teacher/Football Coach, Urbandale Middle School
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Jackie Meunier, 5th Grade Teacher, Olmsted Elementary
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Karli Keithahn, 7th Grade Math/Science Teacher, Urbandale Middle School
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Petra DeVries, Fifth-Grade Teacher, Olmsted Elementary School
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Ashley Mobley, 1st Grade Teacher, Valerius Elementary
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Deb Kadoun, 2nd Grade Teacher, Karen Acres Elementary
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Lara Justmann, Principal, Karen Acres Elementary
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Ted Brimeyer, Vocal Music Teacher, Urbandale High School
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Hajdi Zulic, Business Teacher, Urbandale High School
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