5333+Course+Reflections

**Week 1 Assignment: ****Analyzing Campus Need and Personal Vision ** Week One Assignment called for the completion of the first step in conducting comprehensive needs assessment using the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Web site to analyze my campus’s Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Additionally, the assignment called for the development of a statement of my personal vision of leadership. The first activity was very insightful and enabled me to gain a base knowledge of the AYP Indicators (Reading / Language Arts, Mathematics, Attendance Rates, and Graduation Rates) for Texas public schools. Next, a gathering of data from my home campus indicators for student groups (All Students, African American, Hispanic, White, Economically Disadvantaged, Special Education, and LEP students) enabled me to compare the data to the state standards. This comparison allowed me to gain knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of all students and different student groups. Based on the knowledge gained from both the state standards, campus data, and recommended websites a clear personal vision was created. The vision was stated in one sentence; //I am committed to the active involvement in student learning dedicated to a competent and caring staff, teamwork, shared leadership, the effective management of resources, and a safe and orderly learning environment all for all. //
 * Assignment Reflections for EDLD 5333 – Leadership for Accountability **

This vision statement allowed me to gain insightful knowledge on my own beliefs, thoughts, and opinions with regard to public education in our country. Through collaboration with fellow students and professional colleagues this assignment was extremely helpful in centering my core belief of what it means to be an educator and future leader.  Week two assignment, I explored the Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) data, located reports that are critical to campus improvement, and compared my selected campus’ performance to AEIS standards. The goal in completing this data analysis was to determine areas of strength and weakness and identify patterns and trends at my campus. The assignments for week two centered on “Database Decision Making”. By examining the Campus Report Summary, Campus Group and CI Summary, and the Multi-Year Report Summary I was able to create AEIS comparison charts that would reveal campus strengths and weaknesses. “In the process of inquiry, data analysis is nothing to fear and has actually been described by many practitioner-researchers as enlightening, interesting, insightful, and valuable” (N. Dana 2009). A large amount or data analysis was conducted during this assignment and caused much new information to be uncovered. The revealing of information was for me the most significant and positive aspect of this assignment. The fact that a mountain of data can be systematically interpreted and reflected upon for improvement will certainly make me less intimidated in the future. Additionally, having the ability to take information gathered by others to strengthen a vision or goal for educational improvement deserves additional research and investigation.
 * Week 2 Assignment: Mining for Data **


 * Week 3: Targeting and Addressing a Need **

<span style="display: block; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Week three assignment called for the narrowing of focus to one targeted weakness and writing a measurable S.M.A.R.T. goal and an objective for the target weakness. It also required me to research appropriate strategies/activities, including specific professional development, to address the target area. <span style="display: block; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This assignment was the most enjoyable aspect of the Leadership for Accountability course, as it asked me to target an area of weakness and give my rationale for that choice. I have always been extremely critical of the dropout rate in our and public school across the nation and hoped to us that knowledge in my future position as technology leader. <span style="display: block; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I then composed a S.M.A.R.T. goal, with the help of discussions and collaboration that will be quite useful in the future. The goal reads as follows; //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">By May 2014, 95% of all students and student groups, including at risk students (2010 cohort), will attain high school completion / graduation, and completion rates will increase by 5% in each cohort group beginning in 2011 //**//. //** <span style="display: block; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, strategies and activities were created that addressed the targeted weakness of graduation rate. Included in these strategies was an activity that addressed professional development which I will be able to take with me for future use. The creation of these activities was a highlight of this assignment, due to the concrete nature of what was produced. I know this will impact my future learning and warrants more research and investigation. <span style="display: block; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> **<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal;">Week 4: Action Planning and Personal Growth ** <span style="display: block; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The week’s assignment was to complete a campus action plan and an agenda for a one-day professional development that addresses the target weakness of graduation rate. It included a rubric creation for the Activity / Strategy, Personal Responsibility, Timeline, Resources / Estimated Costs, and a Formative Evaluation. <span style="display: block; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Moving from knowledge to action was the focus of the assignment as the professional development agenda was given more detail. The professional development was good but by collaborating and discussing it with my campus colleagues and fellow Lamar students a common deficiency in overall professional development was identified. The lack of good continuing and / follow care was communicated by almost everyone. <span style="display: block; line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Using the knowledge gained from previous courses in Web 2.0 technologies a quality follow system of email, online resources, and wiki collaboration was established. This significant realization was the highlight of the week’s activities. A participant survey / evaluation would be handed out and completed by all during the day’s closing remarks. This would help guide me in the proper direction in order to address the immediate needs or “gaps in knowledge” of the participants. The next step would be an email that would contain the following information; a thank you and appreciation comment, instructions for the upcoming school year’s follow up, and a link the Action Committee’s Wiki. The instructions would encourage weekly communication by subject area (math 1st week of every month, science 2nd week in every month, ELA 3rd, and “Open” the 4th) about successful strategies use. The Wiki will contain the agendas and minutes from the action committee, a weekly “questions and comments” section, and important links and other information. Finally, the Wiki participation will be linked to incentives including; technology credit hours, PDAS scoring, and campus recognition <span style="display: block; line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="display: block; line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Week 5 – Overall Course Reflection ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have learned several things in this course that will enable me to continue with the next steps in carrying forward and maintaining the momentum of my action plan. My next steps will be determined through careful monitoring, evaluation and assessment, and quality follow up. Combining these action steps with campus collaboration the overall goal can be achieved.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">First, the plan must be monitored for progress. The monitoring of the plan will be lead by the Principal and committee team. The team will recruit highly qualified teachers to act as mentors. The mentors find or develop effective monitoring systems for instruction and staff performance.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Next, meeting with grade level and subject departments for program evaluation and assessment data. The observation of formative assessment data and classroom instruction will glean important insights on the amount of momentum that is being gained.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, collaboration and more collaboration was the theme of the day. The core group is the SBDM committee. This committee will ask the tough questions, represent the staff and community’s voices, and make the difficult decisions. In addition to the formal committee steps will be taken to collaborate will the entire campus. Examples will include newsletters, online surveys, staff meetings, and other events that promote “inclusiveness”.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Having a solid carefully planned timeline that includes, careful monitoring, evaluation and assessment, and quality follow up will enable me to continue positive momentum in reaching the overall goal

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Dana, N.F. (2009). //Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher//. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press