Finalizing the Plan

In reviewing suggestions to my plan I realized that first of all I needed to make sure that it is understood that I will be looking at math curriculum only. I will also be looking at TEKS concepts that will be tested on TAKS. For this reason I will also be working with my exit level TAKS retesters on concepts that I know they have been taught, maybe in several different ways and they may have not tied it together. Also for my evaluation I will be speaking with cooperative teachers during my conference hour. I will be looking specifically when these concepts are taught throughout the year.

How much time is being wasted?

How many times do we as educators hear "I have not learned that." or "I was not taught that way" ? It seems as though we reteach certain concepts every year and sometimes it seems as though we have such a hard time going forward. I am interested to see how affective the concept of vertically aligning our curriculum is. Is there a definite improvement and is it effective if not used at every grade level?

What to Select? What to Select?

Wow! Decisions, Decisions! What will I pick? I didn't realize that there were so many topics to research in a school. I am learning that as a department chair, that I can always look at someone elses research to help with my problems. Its nice to know that there are schools all around that are going thru similar problems, and if they have already done the research to improve, then hey I am already a step ahead. I have also learned it is okay to visit with teachers that have already had a student to get an update on learning styles or possible issues. In doing this I have also been reminded that a child will begin with a new slate and just because he/ she may be a problem in someone elses class doesn't mean they will be for me. NO NEGATIVE JUDGEMENTS ALLOWED!

Action Research - How Can I Use It?

I have learned that action research can only be a benefit to any school district. It is being able to look at myself, the practices I use and how I can improve them to better myself as an educator. I will be able to inquire about what is working and in what areas I need to change something. In doing this I will be able to evaluate every task that I perform whether in the classroom or as an administrator. I will be able to look at every year as a learning block and change my instruction to adapt to a brand new group of students with different needs. I will be able to collect necessary data from students, other teachers, coworkers, and administration to see where we need to be headed. As an administrator I will be able to collaborate with my school to reflect, research, learn, and change what needs to changed to meet our goals and our campus vision. As an educator I will be able to look at my department, dissagregate data, make adjustments to teaching techniques and improve student performance by my willingness to change, not on what the students need to do or not do.

How Might Educational Leaders Use Blogs

Educational leaders will be able to communicate with any person in the field. This will help leaders and all educators be able to give insight into any situations that are currently posing a problem or give advice when something works really well. They will be able to post valuable information and sites for others to go to get necessary help.