MonthlyReflections

EDLD 5311
====Today I met with my mentor to discuss my internship plan. She was very informative and resourceful when helping me with my planning. She shared some of her experienced as a teacher and administrator. She gave me some great feedback about certain issues regarding our campus, and being in a leadership role. I am very fortunate to have her as a mentor. Initially, my principal was supposed to be my mentor, but she became ill and remained on sick leave for several weeks. Mrs. Tolbert didn't hesitate accepting my offer. She has been a great help, motivator role model and leader. It is going to be a privilege learning with and from her. During this course, I have to create a educational vita, listing all of my professional experiences, education, training and goals. While creating my vita made me realize that I have a lot of work ahead of me. On the other hand, I was excited about earning more credentials to add to my portfolio. ====

EDLD 5301
====Our campus is the largest elementary campus in our district. Our campus demographics consists of a mixture of cultures. About 85% of our students are of the Hispanic descent, and about 30% of those students are ELL. As I conducted a needs assessment for my campus, I was able to speak with my co-teachers and administrators. Although there were many areas of need, it was evident that most of our faculty felt that there is a great need for a successful achievement program for our ELL students. At this point, I began interviewing our campus bi-lingual teachers (for each grade level). Each of those teachers had at least one comment regarding the educational achievement of our ELL students, and how those students are measuring up compared to other students on standardized testing. I decides to look closer into this issue. I found that we do not have any programs in place to better prepare our ELL students for academic success. Our bi-lingual program starts in first grade. The students are being taught in Spanish half a day then in English half a day. This method continues through third grade. Our campus do offer the Rosetta Stone program to our ELL students, which has been quite successful over the years. Overall, according to the needs assessment that I conducted, there is a great need for some type of achievement program for our ELL students. ====

**EDLD 5326 **
During this course, I was instructed to tell how I would develop and present a presentation to stakeholders that emphasizes the importance of parental-community involvement to student achievement. I feel that presenting a proposal that markets your ideas to stakeholders is one of the best ways to gain their interest. This may be done by presenting facts. Facts from data collected from your campus or district. It is the presenter’s duty to persuade stakeholders by showing the value of good innovation. The strategies I would use in my presentation are to first identify their influence in the project. I would also show the positive impact that my proposal will bring. I would show how our students will be affected if the proposed project is not implemented. I would also show statistics/ data collected from benchmarks and other assessment data. I was also instructed to develop a plan for a family-school-community partnership to increase student achievement. During my assessment of our campus needs, I identified one issue that appears to interfere with our schools achievement. A campus improvement plan is developed by using the states standards/ requirements as a blueprint to create a plan that will help target specific data-based needs and school requirement circumstances. A campus improvement plan is also developed to improve the quality of teaching and learning with activities which will lead to an increased number of students achieving academic proficiency in the core subject. Data is gathered and analyzed through the Divisions of Program Monitoring and Intervention. The membership committee consist

 of administrators, teachers, and people of the community. Teachers and auxiliary staff are voted on by other staff, and community members are chosen by administration. In our district, the tasks are split up according to the committee member’s strength and accessible resources. A current student issue that interferes with our students’ academic achievement is that 90% of our students are considered to be economically disadvantaged. Because of this issue, the majority of our students are at-risk. According to our campus PEIMS personnel, this data is collected from a data base system that our district uses called TxEIS. One of the greatest challenges to schools with a high proportion of economically disadvantaged students is how to help them overcome these disadvantages and become successful individuals. According to the RAND Corporation, socioeconomic factors such as family income, neighborhood poverty, parental education levels, and parental occupation are more significant in explaining differences in educational achievement than traditional factors such as race, ethnicity, and immigrant status.

**EDLD 5333 **
====I spoke with my principal about creating a personal vision for our campus. She stated that her personal vision for leadership. She asked me, what do I believe it takes to be a great leader? I took a minute to answer. After I responded, she elaborated on her feeling toward my question. One response that I pondered on was "You must lead by example". Most people would think that a response such as this, is nothing more that a cliche. I feel that if people really understood what it takes to be a leader, and they would lead by example, they would understand why certain issues are surfacing. If we lead by example, we would understand that the staffs actions or reactions toward certain issues is nothing more than a reflection of their leader. I was not able to sit in on an administrative SBDM meeting, but I was able to sit in on a lead teacher SBDM meeting. In this meeting, the teachers and the principal were discussing the outcome of the student's assessments. They reviewed the AYP report or our campus and our district. They were discussing strategies on how to approach the need improvement areas for their students. Each teacher and the principal implemented great ideas. Before the meeting subsided, the lead teachers created a plan including strategies and staff development sessions to equip the teachers with a better means of instruction for their students. I was able to help the teams by offering resources for professional development. I was also allow to create and conduct a campus wide staff development meeting, to train and inform teachers about helpful strategies and resources to use in their classrooms. ====

**EDLD 5344 **
====It seems as though bullying is becoming to be a common experience for many children whether it be on a school campus or in public places. In my position, I come in contact with several children who are being bullied. Within the past few years, it has become very prevalent on my school’s campus. My school district and school campus have a zero tolerance policy in place regarding any and all types of bullying. I am in total agreement with the procedures for this type of issue. It is our duty to keep our students safe from any harmful or intimidating situation. The knowledge that I have gained on this topic will help me become a more effective school leader, because it allows me to have a better understanding of how to seek resources and create better resolutions for issues as such. Educating and making staff and students aware of this issue will help create a safe and secure environment for our students. ==== ====During this course, I was required to familiarize myself with our districts special education procedures and state laws. I was instructed to apply these laws while following a fictional student. This is the process I would use to accommodate the students' needs. ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">I would first talk to the teacher. I would also make unannounced visits to the classroom to monitor the activities. I would then speak with the students’ parents, in attempt to get a better understanding of why she feels that her son is being discriminated against. I would speak with all students and any other teacher or staff that service or come in contact with the student. I would also speak with the student. I would collect signed statements from each witness, and any documentation that may support their statement. ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">It has been determined that this student has an IEP that should be followed. I would collect all documentation from all teachers regarding the student’s IEP. After collecting all documentation and speaking with all students and staff that may have information about the situation, I would schedule a meeting with the parents and teachers. I would allow each party to express their feelings about the issue. I would then present my findings, which would consist of all facts collected from all parties. If the parents are not satisfied with the outcome, I would inform them of their rights, refer them to the next person in command, and I would ensure them that their child’s well-being is in our best interest. ====

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">EDLD 5345
====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">After speaking with my principal regarding recruitment and retention of quality staff, I've learned that a leader must lead by example. She stated that it is always important to be firm, fair, and consistent with your works. She also stated, that it is very important to make your staff feel a part of a team, and that their voice count. She mentioned the statement, “A house divided, will not stand”, and with that being said, we must all work together and attempt to keep the piece on our campus. She said that she consider her staff as co-workers, because there is no one person above another. During the interview, I came to realize how much respect our principal have for the staff on our campus, and how passionate she is about the success of our students and the mission she committed to accomplish on our campus. I found out the budgeting could impact a principal’s recruitment activities. She stated that it has been a problem keeping quality teachers on their team, because of funding. These teachers are going to other districts and campuses for more money and experience. ====

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">EDLD 5363 **
====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">During this course, I was a part of a group that consisted of four other peers. We created a farm video. This was by far the most difficult group assignment that I have experienced. It was so difficult, because we did all of our work and meeting online. We did everything from our script to creating and editing the video via the internet as a group. I have experienced working in groups, and attending collaboration meetings via web conferences or phone conferences. I found it to be difficult, because we were instructed to create an video, and each member had an obligation regarding our assignment. We created a Google account to collaborate and share ideas. We posted all of our work on this document. Each person was assigned an activity to complete each week. The next time we were scheduled to collaborate, each member would post their findings or completed task to our Google site. We provided the wed link to our course IA in attempt to keep her abreast of our progress. this was a very trying activity, but we managed to work collaboratively when it was convenient for all member. We successfully completed the course, with no problems. This learning experience showed me that although my peers and I resided in different cites, with the help of technology, we were successful at completing all required assignments and task regarding our course study. I feel that technology will allow limitless opportunities for our students, in and out of the classroom. ====

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">EDLD 5397
====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">The internship for supervision course was one of the greatest experiences I've had during my studies, I was able to work closely with my principal and our district technology superintendent. I have learn so much about administration, and being in a leadership role. I was allowed to sit in during certain administrative meetings, and I was also given responsibilities on my campus that allowed me to be placed in a leadership role. During this course I also continued with performing research for my action plan. It has been quite difficult collecting information regarding ELL students. I have had some help from my co-teachers, but there are still limited resources regarding this issue. ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">During this course, I spoke with our district's technology superintendent regarding the development and evaluation of our district technology. After he explained the procedure that must be followed for planning for the coming year, I was amazed at how much data that is used and the protocol that is followed for planning and implementing technology for the new school year. I was fortunate enough to sit in during a planning meeting with our district technology superintendent and other administrators who are affiliated with the planning committee. I have a new found respect for what our technology personnel endure from year to year. ====

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">EDLD 5366 **
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%; line-height: 1.5;">Digital graphics is a class that that is required in my Master’s program at Lamar. This was a course that I knew would be exciting, because it involved different types of technology and ideas that I could actually use in my classroom. During the first few weeks we discussed and learned about the different types of design principles (C.R.A.P). I'd never heard the term C.R.A.P used in technology, until this class. During the second week, we were allow to design our own logo. This was a great experience. It allow me to be creative and create something original. During week three, we created an animated figure. This was a very interesting activity. This is an activity that I am currently working on in my class with my students. Surprisingly, they have adjusted well to the lesson. During week four, I had the pleasure to work with three of my peers as a group. Our group created a website call "Building 21st Century Learners." This was a great experience! I have never created a website, and I didn't think I was capable of doing so. My over all experience in this class has altered my way of thinking about technology. As a technology teacher, you know and hear about the capabilities of technology, but when you experience it for yourself, it's amazing. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Self- Assessment <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">In week one, I was assigned to create a business card or flyer of some sort. I'd never created anything like this before. More important, I was nervous about whether or not I would be able to implement all four design principles, which are contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity (Rundle, 2006). I decided to create a fictional business card. Through the creation of this business card, I learned that implementing the C.R.A.P. principles is a sure way of creating a business card that looks presentable and not overwhelmingly cluttered. I also learned that planning beforehand is key in order to ensure that your work is appropriate for your target audience. During a technology class I had previously taken, I had been prompted to do appropriate planning before creating my project. I came to realize that planning is a very important factor in creating something that will advertise your business. Upon reading an article in Forbes called “Ways to Kickstart Your Business” by Allen Dunn, inspired me to consider my target audience if I want to create a eye-catching business card. (Forbes, 2012). Taking my old knowledge of planning and the new information I gained into consideration, I embarked in a careful planning period before actually creating my business card. Working on this activity allowed me to dig deep in my creative mind, and bring forth a lively creation.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">References

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Rundle, M. (2006). How C.R.A.P is Your Site Design?

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Dunn, A. (2012). Ways to Kickstart Your Business. Forbes

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%; line-height: 1.5;">EDLD 5362
====<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> During this course, I was instructed to analyze and evaluate our district's (SIS) Student Information system. <span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> I've spoken with and spent time with our district’s Director of Technology and our campus attendance secretary to discuss facts regarding our information system management. Our district uses PEIMS. This system allows our district to maintain and collect information on our district’s organization, finances, staff, and students. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.5;">I spoke with our district’s Director of Technology regarding our district’s improvement plan. I was not able sit in on a committee meeting, but I was able to discussing with him the planning process. He shared information about the committee makeup, funding, and shared data. After interviewing our campus PEIMS secretary, and our districts technology superintendent, I understand how important it is to have a system as such in place. Our district is not as large as some, and keeping student credentials and personal information in a safe and orderly fashion I'm sure would be quite tedious if it were not to technology. I've discovered that our campus PEIMS personnel and our technology personnel must work close together in order to make this process run smoothly. ====

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%; line-height: 1.5;">**EDLD 5364**
====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">During this week, one of the most important things I've learned is how important collaboration is as an educator. I have been working with this team since the first week of this course, and I have learned so much from them. I have also learned a lot about Universal Design for Learning. According to this weeks readings, UDL provides a set of principles for curriculum development that gives all individuals equal opportunities to learn. This teaching tool is great to use in the classroom, because it gives the teacher a more defined foundation to start building lessons. As educators, we know that the key to helping all students achieve requires us to identify and remove barriers from our teaching methods and curriculum materials. Our classrooms are diverse in many ways, and our student's learning styles falls under this category. Using this tool will allow the teacher to build the ideal lesson plan to accommodate their student's learning. I've also experienced using CAST lesson builder and book builder. These tools are also very helpful sources for teachers. Using the lesson builder made creating a lesson so easy. It was all a matter of inserting information in given sections. I was able to create my first e-book. This task started out a little rocky, of course until I played with it for several hours. The book was interesting, eye catching and informative, which are some of the characteristics that is required for good reading material. This weeks overall experience has bee <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%; line-height: 1.5;">n interesting. I have really enjoyed it. ====

[[file:Professional Curriculum Vita-2013.docx]]
====I have included files for my professional vita and my professional development plan in this reflection. During this course, I've been extremely busy. I'v had the opportunity to spend several hours with my mentor and my principal. I have learned that being in a leadership role, a person must be capable of wearing many hats. I've witnessed my principal take on roles from the principal to peace maker. Before, I really did realize what a person in certain leadership roles endure in a public school environment, I have a totally different outlook on leadership. During this course, I was instructed to create an updated vita. At the beginning of my studies, I created a vita. At that moment, there was not very much activity to include. As I was creating my updated vita, It made me reflect on how busy I've been over the past twelve months. This experience has changed my entire outlook on leadership. I am excited to learn more in this area, and I'm more excited to become a leader in my school district.====