1. "All children are interested in ideas." - Irv Seidman
2. When we review an assignment, we review (1) the expectations, (2) the rubric, and (3) student work samples.
3. We have one thing to work on at a time, and we work on that one thing in and out of class.
4. We examine "mentor texts" - by famous writers, by teachers, by current and former students - to use as models for our own good writing.
5. We read mentor texts aloud in class, because students are never too old to read aloud or to listen to someone read aloud. 
6. We recognize students who have put in effort.
7. We work together to create a positive environment in the classroom.
8. We are guided by our daily objectives, gleaned from district and state curriculum frameworks.
9. We work toward our long term goals by doing our very best every day.
10. We check homework every day.
11. Students deserve to know their standing at all time, so we provide progress reports upon request, and at least twice per quarter for all students.

Mr. Ambrose's Teaching Reflections

• 3.14.13 - look at examples of students' writing on the overhead and revise in class; use the dry erase board to edit right on the board; effective way to workshop pieces.
• 3.14.13 - mentor texts work great, particularly for sophomore standard students for MCAS; have them copy it down the paragraph, submit for credit, talk about what's good, write your own based o the model.