Reflections

July 28, 2010 Busy getting my wiki set up. I've created tabs for the requirements and I'm updating as much as I can.

July 29, 2010 Just linked my wiki page to the project integrate website.

September 2, 2010 Darren Ellwein and I met with Cate about our action research. We were able to clarify what was required.

September 29, 2010 I informed staff on the percentages of the baseline data I have collected so far. As of now, collaboration and creativity & innovation are the two areas of concern right now.

November 30, 2010 I am impressed by the way the teachers are embracing my evaluations and their willingness to modify their teaching methods.

January 25, 2011 As the 3rd quarter gets into full swing, (even though we've had some snow days) I've noticed teachers are really conscious of trying to be more creative and allowing more opportunities for collaboration. Advanced students are taking advantage of their knowledge by explaining directions clearly and adding great information to topic discussion in their groups.

February 14, 2011 I met with Cate for the second time. She's making me think deeper on why I'm doing what I'm doing. It's frustrating, but it makes sense- but it's frustrating!

March 11, 2011 After evaluating informal evaluations, I've notices that percentages are going up in the areas of collaboration and creativity. Teachers are implementing PhotoStory 3 and Movie Maker to increase student engagement.

May 3, 2011 After going through this year trying to get teachers to become more alert of how their teaching can be easier with the implementation of technology as a tool and using vaious programs to enhance education and to keep advanced students motivated and not get complacent in school, I conclude that teachers are willing to change when they see positive results. Some accept change easier than others, but when a community of teaching and learning is established, those with a harder willingness to change become easier to change because they see everyone else doing it and having success with it. This year, Worthing Elementary teachers have been introduced to and maintained in their classrooms; PhotoStory 3, Glogster, Movie Maker, collaborative grouping, creativity with the programs mentioned, and giving students more responsibility in their learning. They are changing to allow thier students to succeed in an every changing world.

May 10, 2011 My goal is to keep advanced students motivated and to keep them at that level on their Dakota STEP assessment. With the incorporation of 21st century skills, I believe ALL students were motivated to learn.