GPS Leads the Way! Embedding the Graduate Portfolio System

into your School Culture

Sharpstown International School 6-12Jade AdamsChang Yu

Session ObjectivesReflect on challenges and success of GPS implementation of

the previous years

Develop a concrete GPS goal and plan for the upcoming 12-13 school year

Receive resources and feedback on your goal and plan from colleagues across the ISSN network

Icebreaker • Think and reflect: What is one challenge you had

this year with GPS, and what is one success?

• Be prepared to share with your table, and a few will share out.

• Listen carefully for colleagues that have had successes in areas you struggle with. You will have time to network with them towards the end of the session.

Sharpstown International School (SIS) Challenges

Challenge #1: Adapting from a small, charter high school to a 6-12 neighborhood school model.

Solutions Selecting M.S. lead teachers and sending them to GPS

trainingAdapting AVID to fit ISSNVisiting Denver, another 6-12, with MS and HS students

(plug for afternoon session)Creating a 6-12 department structure to vertically alignArranging for MS classes to visit HS classes

Sharpstown International School (SIS) Challenges

Challenge #2 Creating teacher buy-in for task design

Solutions

• GPS coordinator full-time role to manage logistics, etc

• Regional PD to train new teachers and build investment

• Online Dropbox to organize materials and collect student work

• Checklist for clarity, structure, timelines

Sharpstown International School (SIS) Challenges

Challenge #3: Lack of overall vision/mission connected to the GPS

Solutions

• Mission/vision setting PD with whole faculty

• Door signs

• Banners

• TVs broadcasting message

• Incorporation of traditions, I.E. all school meeting, high school induction, International Festival (I-FEST)

• Grant writing and district outreach to support vision

What are your top 3 challenges?This is a time to begin brainstorming solutions for your

biggest challenges. Pick your top 3, and then begin brainstorming solutions.

Feel free to work with table partners to begin brainstorming ideas.

Develop a concrete goal• Pick one of your challenges and develop a

measurable and feasible goal.

• EXAMPLES:

• All teachers will design and implement two GPS tasks this year.

• We will develop a system for having weekly, student-led All School Meetings.

• Each administrator will apply for one grant to support our international studies work.

Block Party Find a partner and share ideas spend 5 minutes on each

person.

We will switch twice.

Bring your pen/pencil if you want to write down ideas.

Group Share out Everyone read their goal. Post them to the Ning so we can

support each other throughout the year.