Ashmont Public School

Schools context

Ashmont is a suburb on the western outskirts of Wagga Wagga. The distinctive features of the school include: a rich cultural mix of students; a spacious, well-equipped environment; the school community's strong emphasis on numeracy and literacy; the dominance of Department of Housing residences in the suburb; approximately 45% students coming from single parent families; a highly mobile student population; and approximately 23% of students being of a Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.

Development of appropriate social skills, competence with modern technology and enhancement of self esteem and general confidence, remain important features of the school's purpose . Two new scheme teachers participated in this project along with teacher mentors and academic advisors from Charles Sturt University (CSU).

Project outline

A lesson study Follow this link to view an article on lesson study in NSW and a discussion paper on:
Lesson study as a framework for professional learning:approach was used in the project, A community approach Follow this link to view the combined action plan and final report to creating and maintaining safe and challenging learning environments.The lesson study method focused on the new scheme teachers' day to day work in the classroom. This was combined with professional development workshops Follow these links to view:
Presentation 1 PowerPoint:
and Presentation 2 Power Point: conducted by academic partners from CSU. The lesson study model involved reciprocal classroom visits by new scheme teachers and mentors.

The workshops focused on feedback from the lesson study models, strategies for behaviour management (as highlighted in the workshop presentations) and evaluation of the project.

Collegial team approach

The lesson study Follow this link to view the lesson study comparison document approach developed positive attitudes to sharing ideas and reinforcing positive teaching practices. Lesson study facilitated opportunities for the exchange of ideas Follow this link to view the Lesson study conference worksheeton dealing with challenging behaviours. The team leaders brought experience and examples of situations that are common in the school. The ability to participate in group discussions Follow this link to view the diary used for reflection with experienced teachers and work through strategies together then trial new ideas with another "pair of eyes" was of great value. To have a forum to discuss needs and ask questions about teaching practice group discussions Follow this link to view Ashmont PS final report at the same time as following a process i.e. Lesson study was important.

Project outcomes

Project outcomes include:

• stronger relationships with staff
• presentations on behavioural Follow these links to view:
  Presentation 1 PowerPoint:
  and Presentation 2 Power Point: issues helped to inform experienced teachers and reinforce their classroom management strategies
• teachers given opportunity to further develop communication skills and a stronger working relationship with staff members
• new scheme teachers felt more at ease talking with teachers about a management situation
• new scheme teachers felt more comfortable teaching while another teacher was present