The last post

Oh, there is the light at the end of the tunnel.

The final project is coming along nicely as we have done all the mini work during the semester. I really appreciate the scaffolding of this assignment making it easier to focus and understand each step along the way.

I was surprised by what I thought needed to be done verses what I now KNOW needs to be done.

Work Week

Oh, I just let out a huge sigh of relief! This week was a tough one but I am glad it is coming to a close. I got my graduate portfolio turned in and that was great. Hopefully I get it passed this time. My technology plan is almost done. I will only have the evaluation portion to complete and make any changes that my peer reviewer suggests. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and can't believe that I only have 2 weeks until I am finished with my graduate studies (portfolio pending!). This comes at such a great time. I just signed a contract to write an academic book for Kagan Publishing so my time spent on graduate work will be transferred to that project. Eventually I plan to get my doctorate but haven't found a path yet.

Thanks!

Another Week Down

I can't believe I forgot to post last week!

I felt very overwhelmed by all the project management software. I looked through the majority of them but really struggled with what would best suit my needs. I am a person who needs a hands on demo and to totally understand what each piece completes. Before purchasing or using any program, I would want to spend more than a week researching all options. I was able to limit my search to free programs but there is still a large amount to shift through. Any help in this area would be appreciated. Thanks!

Week 11

Looking at the needs was really interesting. It was nice to have the persepcive of others. Teachers tend to be very needy (myself included) but we were able to bring focus on an immediate goal of increasing tutors use of technology and current software programs. This will help use make our case when petitioning for a program solely used for tutoring.

As a side note, I tried to focus solely on the needs in my evaluation rather than make the leap to solutions. It is hard to focus just needs but this is what helped the team look at the fact a significant amount of tutors do not use software programs and that tutoring is scattered.

Week 10

There is so much to consider in planning! I researched a few other companies and looked at their out-sourcing vs. in-house resources. As I was looking at other companies it seems that there are a lot of out-sourcing to other companies. This seems common when looking at human resources rather than technology resources.

My biggest challenge this week was getting a clear answer on our current budget. It is always changing and is never 'clear' as I was told. I was also told in comes in to the school at different rates.

Week 9

The evaluation mini project showed different results than expected. I had predicted teachers would want additional programs to be used during tutoring, but rather I found that teachers felt what was already happening in school to be overwhelming enough without adding more. I can tell this will be a barrier in implementation. Several teachers provided insight to what programs they felt was the most beneficial and shared that additional training in these programs may lead to increased use.

My biggest barrier this week was time and teacher stress level. It was parent teacher conference week and staff morale was low. This needs to be considered as I continue to evaluate the current program and determine a path for the future.

Week 8

Wow, it is really coming to the end. I think I feel a huge sense of relief and like I can breath a little now that I have turned in my portfolio. Assignments with no limitations are always hard but I love to use them with my students to get them to think 'outside' the box.

This week coming up with the technology needs for tutoring was challenging. I think this is the first time that an assignment has been more difficult being close to the project. I was focused on finding programs to use for tutoring it was harder to think what else was needed. I chose laptops and other software. I might have to meet with shareholders to see what else might need to be needed. I have discussed this with them before but all has been focused on finding computer based programs. It was all focused in on the one. Of course, other software requirments, hard drives, and compatability programs may need to be purchased as well.

Her is to the light at the end of the tunnel!

Week 7

This week has been a challenge as I have been sick and now my son is sick. It has really been hitting our school hard and I brought home the colds. It has made it difficult to work on everything and finish my portfolio. As always, time is a factor. (Really, when is it not?)

Then, staff morale is low at school. We are focusing on our implementation of our reading program (Arkansas Literacy Model). We just found out we have to do these evaluations for all of our students and there is a lot of negative talk in the hallways. I personally am flexible and like some of the methods we are using. I have a positive attitude but the negative attitudes are getting hard to handle. In addition, I have had several teachers gripe about how tutoring is conducted yet no suggestions are ever provided. It is difficult being in a position of authority yet have only the status of a classroom teacher. I hate to say it but my age also plays a factor. But my administrative team is very happy with all the progress I am making in tutoring.

I just think all this rain and cold weather has put a damper on everyone's moods.

Week 6

This week's evaluation matrix came at a good time. I spent 2 days this past week working on setting up our current tutoring program and looking towards where we want to go next semester. I was able to use a lot of the questions I had developed to evaluate where we currently are and where we want to go. I had meetings with the admin team to talk about it and they helped brainstorm some of my questions on the assignment by the questions they asked me. We are also starting our school wide intervention program this coming week and tutoring is a small part of the larger program. Both go hand in hand and have assisted me in completing this course.

Week 5

Wow! Is it really week 5? I enjoyed reading about the process of creating a vision statement. As I stated earlier, it is all so familiar to me as we just recently went through the process as a school when implementing Professional Learning Communities. When I was working on my meeting agenda, I struggled with what should be done and what I know I will be able to accomplish with my team. The team has buy-in to the project but it is seen as an 'extra' to what else we are doing. Although my meeting agenda says the meeting will last about 45 minutes, I expect it to be much shorter to accommodate everyone's schedule. It might also be shorter as we already have vision statements for different aspects of our school and I can see others possibly wanting to modify an existing vision statement.

This week I got tutoring in the process of going and have had to collaborate a lot with other teachers. These mini meetings have helped me see where others want to go. As you have mentioned before, the key to a good plan is to have everyone else involved and have their buy-in to make it actually work.

Again, my biggest set back is time. Our school is implementing a new intervention program this week at the same time tutoring is beginning. The two run side by side. My other big task is getting teachers to commit the time to tutor and this will be something that will need to be addressed by the planning team when creating our action plan in the coming weeks. It is always my biggest struggle.

Week 4

I am seeing time is the biggest factor when developing my plan. I am hindered by time as well as my stakeholders. The beginning of the school year is such a hard time for teachers and parents. However, I feel it happening at a good time as I am getting our first tutoring session started (next week).

I am also finding the planning process to be familiar to me. Our school has gone through several strategic planning processes for our intervention and guided reading. I have helped with both and can see where we are going.

Week 3

This week was a great focus for me as I am personally planning our tutoring program. I was able to reflect on who has interest and power in the afterschool tutoring program. This also helped me analysis what I need to do as planner and administator.

I read the comments posted for my grade about making sure this is a group plan. Although I hold a lot of 'power' with the day to day operations, I continually try to get the opinions and suggestions from others. Thus far I have had 2 meetings with my adminstrators and informal meetings with classroom teachers and potential tutors. These meetings have already produced a shift in our program from last year. This is only our 3rd year so there is a lot of room for growth.

My principal has also placed me on the RTI committee to do review work of students. The RTI committee overseas the interventions and the after school tutoring is going to fall more within these areas. I am the only classroom teacher serving on the committee. I will be able to gain their input on tutoring during our Professional Learning Community meetings. These are the same teachers that help with tutoring and special services.

Week 2

I enjoyed reading about the different strategic planning models and the process. I reflected on some of the changes we are undergoing at school and am noticing the same steps being followed although I doubt there is a specific model they are following. The steps seem logical in order to produce an outcome. I noticed most of the strategic models all included a mission statement or declaration of values, relfection (pre and post) and a clear action plan.

I was a little unclear about how the organic planning model would lead to a positive outcome. It doesn't seem as focused to me nor strategic. I chose to use it in my model comparison for that reason. I wonder what types of businesses would use that specific model.

As I was reading the different models this week I was trying to pick one that I would try to follow with my project. I liked the IT model as it was the clearest for me. I was also thinking of what mission statement might be used with my chosen project. My major setback is that I am unable to set up a meeting with our curriculm director who is also in charge of the tutoring program. I have been trying to set up a meeting with him for over a month now. There is a lack of leadership in that position and it is hindering me from moving forward with after-school tutoring. However, that is a very real world problem that many businesses face. If I am not able to set a meeting with him this week, than I will rework my plan focus. My principal has agreed to help with the tutoring plan but I may need to shift focus.

THe First Week

I know this will be an exciting semester but there is so much going on for me, personally and professionally. It will take great time management on my part to make sure I am staying with our course assignments. It is now Saturday and I am only part way through the work. This was our first week of school and that has already proven a challenge. I am in the middle of working on a curriculum book deal second draft of table of contents). I have been working on my portfolio throughout the summer and now really feel the time crunch to get it in. This next month will prove to be tough but I know I can make it! Week by Week!