I have been making gains and learning a lot in terms of my GAME plan and making progress. I have been successful in finding information that I need through a variety of resources. I have watch about 20 videos on theteachingchannel.org and taken pages of notes on how to implement the common core, how specific teaching strategies help guide instruction, how to use small reading groups, and how to further integrate technology in my classroom. I have found the videos to very impressive, with a wealth of information, but short enough to not be overwhelming. I have also signed up for an additional common core integrations class (a continuance of my last class) and a three day technology course in early August. Though I am waiting a bit to attend these, I have been making good progress through this class and my independent videos thus far.
So far I have not found anything I need to modify, but may once I take my additional classes. I have learned about how to become better digital citizens, how to choose strategies partners, writing higher order questions, aiding in learning difficult vocabulary, how to give better student feedback (video from the student perspective, so good!), and how to use common core language myself and get students to do the same.
My new questions were prompted by the videos I watched and will require some research and meeting with my new colleagues to find out. I will be starting at a new school, in a new town this fall (same grade level). I want to know where my new school, Boulder, is at in their implementation of the common core? What is administration expecting of me in terms of common core? How are Boulder teachers changing their teaching to prepare for the new assessments (Smarter practice)? What new school wide assessments are being used to assess common core mastery during the school year? I have really been focusing my video watching and professional development on the common core and technology, which is opening up new ideas that I will need to meet with my new team to answer.
How is everyone doing with the common core? How have you all used technology to support it? How will this year be different for you in terms of teaching and implementing the common core? I'd love to know more about your experiences!
Jenny
Taking the time to prepare for your new assignment shows your dedication to your craft, and your students will be the beneficiaries of your due diligence. In our district, Common Core is in the process of adoption- we were trying for a 2013-2014 rollout, but this will not be possible because the lesson plans, and the assessment processes have not been created yet. So our plan is to aim for full implementation of Common Core Standards –– with all assessment still follow state testing schedules. District pacing guides will include a combination of current standards and Common Core updates. By 2014 –2015, our district is striving for full and complete implementation of the Common Core Standards.
ReplyDeleteTo date, the only curriculum prepared is twelfth-grade English, which was also the only focus for training this past year, and Kindergarten. We still have a lot of work to do. Since Common Core will replace current standards, all staff will require training to successfully implement. Our district is vetting teacher volunteers from each site to attend training and then train their staff during the year. Next school year is training – planning, since work to apply Common Core involves providing rigor in content, relevance in a non-predictable situation, and forging strong relationships with students. Cennamo, et al. (2009) remind that the intent of curriculum design should support students’ self-directed learning through incorporation of technology in the learning experience. One of the benefits of our shared Walden experience will be shared understanding of how technology becomes an intricate step throughout this adoption process. Thank you for the great questions, and best of luck with your new assignment.
Reference:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Thank you for the great post! You certainly left me with many things to consider and think about. Also, thank you for the great link to informative videos. I think you could use those videos to assist you in teaching students how to use technology as well. Students tend to respond to instruction through videos and other multi-media tools (Cennamo & Ertmer, 2007).
ReplyDeleteAs far as Common Core goes, our school seems to be in disarray and departments are fighting the implementation as well. The social studies department is divided between those who believe Common Core is necessary and those who feel it is another wasted mandate. The critics say that the school expects us to collaborate together and develop common assessments, yet they do not provide us ample time to do so. I have to say, they have a point! Our administrator has been advocating for more in-service time to devote to the implementation of Common Core and provide time for teachers to work together. Hopefully he will be able to secure more time and we can work on common assessments and discuss smarter practice assessment methods. I am embarrassed to admit that I have not spent a great deal of time reviewing the assessment. However, I do know I will need to do a much better job of teaching academic vocabulary (so the students know what is being asked of them) and teaching more analytical writing. Of course ( I am sorry I keep complaining), we have very little access to technology and are fortunate if we can get our students into a computer lab. Is anyone else struggling with the time issue?
References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
At my old school were having time and fighting the common core issues as well. I taught two years of third grade, a self contained classroom where I taught all subjects, so I think I find the common core a little easier. I have had experience collaborating, integrating multiple content area skills into one lesson or unit, and having students work in collaborative groups. These thing elementary teachers do naturally and daily, where as content specific teachers have a hard time with this. I tried to show them ways to use the common core as a tool for hands on learning, with technology, but was often met with resistance. I'm very curious as to how my new school is implementing the common core, and hope to know more soon!
ReplyDeleteBefore teachers enter a classroom environment they carry many years of learned strategies and educational theory. Over their years in preparation for teaching they have chosen certain philosophies on which to base their education practice. Like others before me, I have made these same decisions. My philosophy in education is based primary on constructivist approaches. Many of the lessons I teach are centered around the idea of students using real life scenarios to generate knowledge on particular subjects. Yet, my educational philosophy is still evolving though continued learning and educational research. I still strive to achieve more abilities to become an effective educator by looking at key areas in my teaching like knowledge, attitude, skills, aspirations, and behaviors.
ReplyDeleteYour educational philosophy sounds like it plays well into problem-based learning! By creating a student centered classroom and serving as the guide on the side, instead of the sage in the stage, you provide your students with the opportunity to self-direct their learning. By allowing students to take responsibility and ownership of their learning you allowing then to ask engaging questions and deeply engage with multiple content areas during their inquiry.
ReplyDelete