Saturday, May 30, 2009
An Update
Now that my class has been completed (and thank God I got an A), I think that I will use this format for future writing and gathering of thoughts... so unless you are interested in Curriculum and Assessment in public schools, or my thoughts on Special Education, the previous entries may not be for you.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
bla, bla, blog
At first I thought, "Oh, jeez, I have to sign up for a blog account? What on Earth will I possibly have to say in my very own blog?"
Well, I hate to admit it, but this is really the most fun! I like having access to colleagues thoughts and their response to my thoughts. I am pleasantly surprised at how much enjoyment this part of the course has given me, and I appreciate that I was forced into blogging.
Who woulda thought?
Well, I hate to admit it, but this is really the most fun! I like having access to colleagues thoughts and their response to my thoughts. I am pleasantly surprised at how much enjoyment this part of the course has given me, and I appreciate that I was forced into blogging.
Who woulda thought?
Student Generated Post #2 OR What tools can I use?
It is nearing the end of the semester and I am pondering the information that we have discussed since January.
Now comes the interesting (and sometimes difficult) part.
- Assessments- they're not just for grading purposes
- Data-when can't we use data?
- Standardized tests-they're everywhere, and used for all reasons
- NJCCCS
- NCLB
- Curriculum
- 21st Century Skills
Now comes the interesting (and sometimes difficult) part.
- diigo
- wiki
- google docs
- google reader
- blogger
- slidelicious
- skype
- screen casts
- Assessments- in my position in the child study team, virtually everything is about assessment; after all, we assess struggling students to see if they qualify for special education and related services, as well as to determine what access, delivery, technical assistance, etc. they may need to come to their full learning potential.
- Data-in any position in education, data is the score or answer used to direct the course of action.
- Standardized tests-the first round of NJASK starts tomorrow. I think we all feel the anxiety...
- NJCCCS- when I mentioned to a colleague that the standards were being revised, she said, "already?"
- NCLB- I'm not too sure how long NCLB will be with us, but I now understand the ramifications of standardized testing=AYP=funding.
- Curriculum-I love the UbD model of curricular development, and hope that I can have some input when my district writes new curriculum.
- 21st Century Skills- @ first I thought that this really just meant the second list I posted in this blog. I realize that it is much more than that.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Curricular Evaluation
I think there are quite a few factors at stake when evaluating a curriculum. The factors should include whether a curriculum is valid and reliable.
Does it do what it is supposed to do?
Since I was assigned to research Robert Stake's Countenance Model of 1967, I think that his approach to the evaluation of curriculum was amazing for the time. Reading his paper on evaluation of curriculum made me think of my schooling in 1967. I believe that his approach was new and fresh for the time. I believe that curriculum evaluation in 2009 has changed as leaders in the field have developed new approaches to critiquing curriculum.
I am reminded of the original New Jersey law that set forth the promise of education. At the time it was new and fresh. It was also true, and remains true. As time has passed since the late 1800's, educational leaders have developed new approaches, but the original doctrine and purpose remains the same.
I think Stake's model must be laborious to efficiently utilize, although his concepts are on target.
Does it do what it is supposed to do?
- Are students learning from the curriculum?
- How can you tell?
- How is it updated?
- Why is it updated?
Since I was assigned to research Robert Stake's Countenance Model of 1967, I think that his approach to the evaluation of curriculum was amazing for the time. Reading his paper on evaluation of curriculum made me think of my schooling in 1967. I believe that his approach was new and fresh for the time. I believe that curriculum evaluation in 2009 has changed as leaders in the field have developed new approaches to critiquing curriculum.
I am reminded of the original New Jersey law that set forth the promise of education. At the time it was new and fresh. It was also true, and remains true. As time has passed since the late 1800's, educational leaders have developed new approaches, but the original doctrine and purpose remains the same.
I think Stake's model must be laborious to efficiently utilize, although his concepts are on target.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Exit Card
List three things you learned, two things you found interesting and one thing you still have a question about. Comment on someone else's question.
1.) The first (and probably most important) thing I've learned is that I CAN do most of the technological tasks presented to us. After the first night of class, I contacted both Dan and my adviser to figure out if I could really do this. I was in panic mode; totally uncomfortable with our assignments. I thought I was okay with the class content, but certainly not okay with the technological delivery of the content. I learned that I can do it!!
2.) The second thing I learned is that being an old dog, while learning new tricks definitely takes more time than I had been accustomed to. I actually laugh at myself as I check and recheck the notes I've taken (from Dan's instructional web videos) to assist me in one of the tasks assigned for the week.
3.) The third thing I've learned is that I've learned a lot from being "on the job" as a functioning supervisor of the child study team. Being out of the classroom for two years as an LDT/C, then coordinator of CST since the fall has changed my perspective of education. This class has put a spotlight on those changes.
4.) One thing I have found interesting is that my school district is probably in a better technological place than other school districts.
5.) Another thing I have found interesting is that I like reading the professional journal articles we have been reading as our weekly current events. I had talked myself into the 'fact' that I really did not have time to read, unless it was a broadcast letter from the state. I was wrong.
6.) I still have a question regarding my assessment philosophy. It still hasn't jelled in my mind.
7.) Just because Dan and I have been going back and forth a bit through our blogs, I will comment on his latest; it makes me feel good that I put a smile on his face. I hope that I can do that for someone everyday.
1.) The first (and probably most important) thing I've learned is that I CAN do most of the technological tasks presented to us. After the first night of class, I contacted both Dan and my adviser to figure out if I could really do this. I was in panic mode; totally uncomfortable with our assignments. I thought I was okay with the class content, but certainly not okay with the technological delivery of the content. I learned that I can do it!!
2.) The second thing I learned is that being an old dog, while learning new tricks definitely takes more time than I had been accustomed to. I actually laugh at myself as I check and recheck the notes I've taken (from Dan's instructional web videos) to assist me in one of the tasks assigned for the week.
3.) The third thing I've learned is that I've learned a lot from being "on the job" as a functioning supervisor of the child study team. Being out of the classroom for two years as an LDT/C, then coordinator of CST since the fall has changed my perspective of education. This class has put a spotlight on those changes.
4.) One thing I have found interesting is that my school district is probably in a better technological place than other school districts.
5.) Another thing I have found interesting is that I like reading the professional journal articles we have been reading as our weekly current events. I had talked myself into the 'fact' that I really did not have time to read, unless it was a broadcast letter from the state. I was wrong.
6.) I still have a question regarding my assessment philosophy. It still hasn't jelled in my mind.
7.) Just because Dan and I have been going back and forth a bit through our blogs, I will comment on his latest; it makes me feel good that I put a smile on his face. I hope that I can do that for someone everyday.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Response to Dan's Blog
OK, I admit it. I've had my eye on Dan's blog. I like that he reads the same books as I (see my blog post March 21, 2009, below). I like that he commented on my blog for this assignment. (see Dan's post of March 31, 2009.
Dan's Blog: http://dan-curriculumandassessment-dan.blogspot.com/2009/03/response-to-classmates-blog.html?showComment=1239141480000#c7247288673389080385
http://dan-curriculumandassessment-dan.blogspot.com/
But what struck me was Dan's indulgence paragraph in his post. Tear away everything. Dan said, "My proudest moment as an educator was when I was teaching..." (and please take the time if you can to read that paragraph... it just makes you feel good). It totally moved me. I think about the most important components to teaching... why did I get involved with this anyway? And Dan's words reminded me of the times that you can really make a difference. It reminds me that I miss the days of teaching in a classroom. Because of Dan's Blog, I think I have to remember to walk out of my office a little more often, not just when there is a problem, but to become a little more involved with my students, because now every classified student is my student.
hey - thanks, Dan!
p.s. can anybody tell me how to make Dan's Blog link look better than just pasting the address? I did it two weeks ago, and can't recall how...
Dan's Blog: http://dan-curriculumandassessment-dan.blogspot.com/2009/03/response-to-classmates-blog.html?showComment=1239141480000#c7247288673389080385
http://dan-curriculumandassessment-dan.blogspot.com/
But what struck me was Dan's indulgence paragraph in his post. Tear away everything. Dan said, "My proudest moment as an educator was when I was teaching..." (and please take the time if you can to read that paragraph... it just makes you feel good). It totally moved me. I think about the most important components to teaching... why did I get involved with this anyway? And Dan's words reminded me of the times that you can really make a difference. It reminds me that I miss the days of teaching in a classroom. Because of Dan's Blog, I think I have to remember to walk out of my office a little more often, not just when there is a problem, but to become a little more involved with my students, because now every classified student is my student.
hey - thanks, Dan!
p.s. can anybody tell me how to make Dan's Blog link look better than just pasting the address? I did it two weeks ago, and can't recall how...
Curriculum Docs
Our school district did some pretty extensive work this past year. We incorporated our curricula into a software program called Techpaths. Although I'm a bit removed from the daily utilization of curriculum reading and lesson plan writing, upon review of the 8th grade Language Arts curriculum, I was actually pretty impressed. The writers used the curriculum maps that are updated each year to fill in the blanks of this software. So... the content, direction, essential questions and the focus were all teacher driven. The standards were added as applicable, and as teachers build lessons, they can formally add them, as well as the assessment criteria into Techpaths.
Honestly, this looks great in a binder (for NJQSAC), and I anticipate that the more tech savvy teachers are hootin' it up, but I fear for the teachers who lack skills in the technology areas. Many teachers are taking the Techpaths curricula and using it for weekly lesson plans, modifying as necessary (as to what worked in the classroom or not) and will roll over the years plans into next year. The teachers that are using it, love it. The teachers who are avoiding it will be forced to use it, and will probably not be very happy.
Honestly, this looks great in a binder (for NJQSAC), and I anticipate that the more tech savvy teachers are hootin' it up, but I fear for the teachers who lack skills in the technology areas. Many teachers are taking the Techpaths curricula and using it for weekly lesson plans, modifying as necessary (as to what worked in the classroom or not) and will roll over the years plans into next year. The teachers that are using it, love it. The teachers who are avoiding it will be forced to use it, and will probably not be very happy.
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