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.