Week 2 of CED 565

This week was all about using the WINSS site to obtain data about schools and their performance. This was not the most intriguing topic for me. I did not really feel connected to the data and was somewhat uninterested with the process. I tend to do better with numbers when I collect the data and have a purpose to analyze the results.

I was however somewhat interested in how my school district performed. It will be interesting to reference this site in the futre as we begin the implementation of RTI. I am curious to see if we will be able to distinguish a noticeable difference before RTI and after a couple years of successful implementation.

It will also be interesting to examine trends with administration changes. We have had a lot of administration changes within the last five years. I would imagine that this would affect a districts ability to achieve any goals since the focus of the goals may change with the administration.

Overall, I examined my schools performance and was able to compare it to other districts. I did not notice any huge red flags from the data, but I am not entirely sure what I should be looking for either. I can see how this information could be useful for families when they are choosing a location to purchase a home in.

Week 1 of CEdO565 - Leadership and Planning

This was the first week of CED 565 leadership and planning. This week's blog is supposed to focus on how I currently lead in my school. My leadership within my school district has evolved quite a bit over the last 3 years. I am a member of the TILT (Technology Integration Leadership Team) and the RTI (Response To Intervention) team. Next year, I will be piloting a flipped chemistry class. I am also the Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach.

The TILT team is managed by our technology coordinator. It consists of a collection of teachers that utilize technology within their classrooms. We discuss professional blogs and readings, share resources, pilot new tools, and provide assistance with technology implementation and problems. We meet for six half day sessions and several after school sessions.

The RTI team has a large impact on the day to day functions of our school. We make decisions about how our school is meeting the RTI requirement. We have initiated a resource time that has resulted in schedule changes and new teacher roles. We meet once a month to discuss the implementation of our program. I then lead my smaller RTI team group once a month to set goals and changes. I also attend the RTI CESA 1 sessions that focus on how to implement RTI.

The piloting of my flipped classroom has allowed me to demonstrate the skills that I have obtained from this cohort. The setup and preparation of this pilot has required a lot of research and collaboration with leaders within my school district. I am very excited to be one of two teachers that will be teaching online courses next year. I believe that this pilot is the best way for me to provide the best experience for all of my students.

I feel like coaching is a leadership position because of the large personal impact that it can have on students. This is my fourth year coaching and I feel like it has truly allowed me to connect to the students in our school and has also helped me become a stronger teacher.