Improvement-Making Teaching & Learning Better Flashcards
How would you create professional development and or action plan? What information would you gather and what steps would you take to create the plan?
The action plan begins by broadly defining the goal, with the big picture in mind. The broad goal will be broken down into a number of smaller more specific goals. To develop the smaller goals, the action plan would need to contain some initial data. For example, I would have the baseline data on the current number of referrals given out weekly, monthly, and yearly. Based off the baseline, I would create specific target goals. These goals must be S.M.A.R.T. goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time bound). Next, I would outline several different strategies to meet each of the specific goals. The strategies must be aligned with certain activities aimed to jumpstart the plan into action. Each activity will must have individual staff members assigned. These members are responsible for the implementation of that activity. A timeline is also necessary for each activity. You need both a start and an end date. After time of the activities have expired, I’ll evaluate the effectiveness of the particular strategies as they relate to the target goal. And lastly, I’ll evaluate the effectiveness of the specific target goals in relation to the broad goal.
Summary: Define the big picture goal, develop smaller specific goals to achieve the broad goal, outline strategies, create strategy aligned activities, assign individuals to oversee the activities, have time constraints, evaluate strategies and the overall effectiveness of the plan.
What do you believe are key characteristics of effective teaching?
Effective teaching requires passion and devotion to the profession. A love of working with children. Compassion, patience, and understanding.
You can support and help teachers in their practice but you cannot instill passion and love for the profession.
How do you support technology integration in the classroom?
I would create a Technology Support Team for the school. The team would consist of tech savvy teachers of various grade levels and subjects. Other team members include school administrators, guidance counselors, child study team members, and more. Not all teachers have the same ability utilizing technology. Then I would group teachers by their ability to use technology tools. A simple survey, such as a google form, would allow teachers to assess themselves based on their own judgement. This feedback would allow for differentiation in trainings. Novice teachers would receive basic training, while experienced teachers would get more advanced training. I prefer teacher led professional development. Teachers with a knack for technology can lead on-site trainings. I like using teachers that are a part of our district, because they are very accessible to other teachers. In addition, a self paced model should supplement the in-person trainings. The technology support team (in conjunction with myself) would create the self paced trainings. Self based trainings include YouTubes videos, tasks cards, Google Classroom assignments, and more. Overall, you want to create a non-judgmental environment for the teachers. You don’t really want to force the technology on your teachers, let them get comfortable.
Summary: Create a Technology Support Team, differentiate training for different groups, teacher led professional development, add self directed training by Tech Team, and create a non-judgmental environment.
Describe your experience with involvement in curricular change.
What do you envision doing to contribute to the quality of curriculum in this role?
How would encourage effective collaboration between special and regular education teachers?
Fully explain each teacher’s role and responsibilities. The best time to do that would be during an after-school meeting (early on in the year). When roles and responsibilities are unclear, teachers begin to step on each other’s toes. If possible, offer common planning time for co-teachers. It’s important to give teachers a chance to get on the same page. It also provides time for special and general education teachers to share teaching practices. I would team these teachers up to refine the curriculum. Both teachers will work toward a common goal, and be dually invested in the course. To help build relationships between the two, I’d send them out as pairs for relevant professional development. I would also have the teachers find the best-fit co-teaching models (Friend and Cook) for them. There are many different models for co-teaching. I would encourage the teachers to think of both their strengths and weakness.
Summary: Establish roles and responsibilities for both teachers and students, offer common planning time, team up teachers to work on the curriculum, part the teachers up for professional development, and have them choose the best fit co-teaching model
(recommend Friend and Cook).
What steps would you take in implementing a new educational program at this school?
I would form a committee to oversee the implementation of the new educational program. The committee will be comprised of teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and more. It’s important to give people a voice in the program. Before implementing any program, I would first assess for areas of need. I would also use the assessment as a starting point for the future. The data must then be analyzed. You have to make meaning of the assessment data. The committee can develop a plan of action and oversee the implementation of that plan. As an administrator, I would help secure resources for the staff and monitor the program over time. The last step is to have the committee evaluate the effectiveness of the program.
Summary: Form a committee, assess for areas of need, analyze data, develop an action plan, secure resources, and evaluate the effectiveness of the program.
