Reflection (5301)

I found that the videos throughout the course were very helpful. They allowed a “tone” to be applied to the work for the week, and created more of a classroom atmosphere for the online course. I greatly enjoyed the videos in conjunction with the assignment information, and felt that they answered questions that I would have had with the assignment sheet only. The assignments themselves were very straight forward. I was able to look at the rubric and determine where the emphasis was being placed on the task, they were broken down into individual (usually four) parts, and were always graded in a timely manner.

I learned very much, and enjoyed much, from the Dana text, Leading with Passion and Knowledge. My favorite part of this text was the nine passions. I felt like those intrigued me, and lured me in to want to know the answers to the questions asked in the book. I can see how developing a passion in each of those areas can enable your inner leadership qualities, and motivate you as an administrator.

I used the Lamar library to create a folder on literacy action research programs that have been done in the past. I really looked to these for insight when trying to create my draft plan. I have archived several articles in those folders, and will have them to look into whenever I may need to pool more resources.

The assignments were intriguing, and created a wonderful outline of the expectations. I was able to look at the rubric to determine the emphasis for the task. I liked that they were broken down into parts, because that made them seem easier to complete rather than overwhelming. The activities were sometimes hard to do, though, ONLY because it is summer break and timing has not been opportune. First, I changed schools. Then I changed schools, again. I went out of the state on a summer vacation that was planned long before this course date was set. Upon returning, in the final week of class, the 4^th of July holiday has allowed for the entire school office to be closed for the week. That being said, in the future, this class may not be as compatible with students and administrators schedules during the summer.

I felt like at times the discussion board was very helpful. I enjoyed being able to discuss the tasks, concerns, and questions with other students. However, once we began blogging, I don’t understand how both were beneficial. I think the discussion board, or the blog, would’ve been great separately. When put together, it creates monotony, and makes things seem tediously like busy work. If the discussion board post, and two responses are required, then why are the blog and blog comments also required?

I enjoyed blogging! There were times that I had much to say on the blog, and other times that I did not. I enjoyed looking through the blogs of the other people in class, and seeing their work. I think I will try to incorporate blogging into my classroom at some point this year.

Concerns

There are a few challenges that I think could arise. Nothing ever goes perfect, but hopefully with enough planning things will run smoothly. 

My project require all core teachers to participate, and implement the new vocabulary program into their classes. This will take a group effort, and will only be as effective as the presentation of the material. EVERY core teacher must be using this tool in the same way, and allowing this change to enter their classrooms. I am afraid that some teachers will resist the change, some will not use the program at all, some won't use it every day, some won't implement it in an effective way, and some will do everything they are supposed to do at first, but slowly fade away. I've seen this happen with the staff at my campus, and I am fearful that it will happen with this program as well. I hate to say it, but some teachers want to do what they've always done and not change a thing.

If the teachers do not take whole part in this project, the data will not be correct. 

Students must also see this as a POSITIVE change in the school, and not as more work. I am hoping that the motivation and creativity that is instilled in all of our educators will shine through to the students and they will cooperate. 

STAAR is new and we are still figuring things out with it. I'm sure there will be changes made in response to any new information we receive about STAAR.