Reflections on EDLD 5333

Leadership for Accountability

In this course I began to have the desire to become a principal.  I have a natural interest in data, and as campus reading coach for two years, I collected and analyzed the reading data for grades K-2.  As I began to study the AYP and AEIS data for our sister campus (grades 3-5) I realized the specific needs of groups of students and developed a passion for putting that data to use.  I was a third grade teacher at for three years on that campus, and I know that the data is analyzed and used, but I have now developed an interest as a campus leader to use the data to drive instruction. 

The part of this course that was most beneficial and enjoyable was establishing vision – for self, school, etc.  I learned a lot about myself and the role of principal that I began to see myself occupying.  Based on examples, as well as non-examples, from past and present administrators, I have developed a picture of the characteristics of a quality principal, and I hope that I can fulfill the role as I envision it should be.

Reflections on EDLD 5306

Concepts of Educational Technology

EDLD 5306 provided an in-depth look at the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology and how to analyze Texas STaR Chart data.  Prior to this course, I was aware of the STaR chart but not the purpose, and having only heard of the Texas Long Range Plan, I was unaware of the goals for students, teachers, leaders and the state infrastructure.  I have now gained knowledge and experience to guide a campus in implementing measures to meet the goals.  Based on analysis of Texas StaR chart data for my campus, I have learned that the area of Educator Preparation and Development is the one area that consistently remains “Developing” across all campuses in my district, while the other areas vacillate between “Advanced” and “Target.” [1] This evidence indicates a need for more professional development opportunities that are just-in-time to help teachers increase the use of technology in their instruction.  Therefore, my work is cut out for me.  I have expressed an interest in sharing Web 2.0 tools with administration, and now that summer is here, and my coursework is almost complete, I plan to compile a list of reference videos for teachers to access, and possibly record some for TeacherTube, as well.     

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[1] (STar Chart , 2011)

Web Conference Documentation

We all have such busy schedules at the end of the school year, and this week has been no exception. Though I was ready to participate in the web conference on May 30, I was not able to make time on the 31 and June 1. However, I viewed the chat logs and have gained more information with regard to our comprehensive exam. The example of the comprehensive exam provided in the discussion was extremely helpful, as were the link and example shared by other students in the web conference. I, too, am a visual learner, and it helps to see how someone else has followed the rubric. I look forward to more time to devote to my comprehensive exam next week and the next web conference on the 11th.

Participation in Tuesday's webcast was very helpful, and I had viewed the chat log from the previous web conference to get details on current assignments. This has been a very overwhelming week between EOY data, moving to another classroom, attending school functions and meetings, as well as other obligations. The webcasts have helped to shed more light on the expectations for the internship.

As I reviewed the chat log for the June 11 web conference, I noticed a more significant shift from professor-led to intern-led; and as interns gain a better grasp of the expectations, they are taking more initiative to guide others with their discoveries. It is encouraging and discouraging at the same time. I realize my classmates are devoting many hours of intense research and reflections to their progress, and I am struggling to keep up with assignments. The web conference has given me insight into some of the issue others are having. The bottom line that I read is to keep up with the suggestions made by the IA. Finishing up an extremely overwhelming week should allow me to devote much more time to my weekly assignments, and I am praying that I can catch up to where I should be in weeks 4 and 5.