1. Rosalind R. Griffin EDU650 Dr. Kimberly A. Smith May 4, 2014

2.  Educational Philosophy  Classroom Management Plan  Different School Models  Effective Lesson Planning and Design  Assessment Matters  Personal Interview

3.  The Importance of education is essential for everyone, I believe that education is an individual, unique experience for every student who enters a classroom. As an educator we must consider teaching as a lifestyle, because a teacher’s goal is to encompass as much as possible to the students. We are entrusted with the education of young minds, and must facilitate learning and growth academically personally and ethically. “If teachers can better understand their beliefs, assumptions, and values, they can ensure that their behaviors reflect their beliefs” (Newman, 2013). My students can expect me to explain the importance of setting high expectations in the classroom, maintain a level of professionalism at all times, and provide a curriculum that is used at the time. In addition, I will provide compassion, patience and understanding towards my students, thus by creating order and structure in the class room setting.  As a teacher my parents can expect me to provide clear, concise information which will outline important details necessary for the students to achieve success. As well as provide the time allotment, and method for completion of tasks. For me, as the teacher I will deliver presentations on how to learn, explain the importance of learning; thus by offering visual objects and handouts, constantly providing support and encouragement. “Research has shown that the teacher is the most important factor in terms of student achievement” (Leithwood, Louis, Anderson & Wahlstrom, 2004). The most important valves that I live by as a person is having compassion, integrity, dedication, forgiveness, honesty, providing love and patience and giving respect.  As a teacher, the valves that are important to me for my students would be to provide leadership, to motivate, and provide them with tools for personal development; also personal accomplishment would help them to achieve significant goals. As a parent, I would instill the same values that I mentioned above to my daughter, providing friendship, the need to respect people and be respected by them. Having integrity, security and success, as well as loyalty being committed to the goals that were set forth, personal accomplishment.  The method of teaching that I would rely on would be Collaborative Learning, students working in small groups to complete a specific task; or to work together over time to complete various assignments. I feel that students learn best if they are interested in what they are being taught. If there are various visual aids and tools to assist the student while learning, will make the learning experience fun for the student, helping them to stay interested and focused.

4.  Demonstrating communication, interpersonal skills as they relate to interaction with students, parents, other teachers, administrators, and other school personnel. Providing availability to students, and parents for conferences according to system policies. Facilitating home-school communication by such means as holding conferences, telephoning, and sending written communications.  Now a day’s schools offer multiple ways to students to develop learning, providing PowerPoint presentations, lectures, handouts, reading, and web sources. In this way, the instructor is able to reach all types of learners and cognitive patterns.  The best way to develop a successful course would include using different formats, such as large print or schedule extra time for students that might be struggling to catch up. Also providing an atmosphere where diversity is encouraged. In this way students would be able to access learning in a way that is appealing. For the adult learner, meeting established objectives reinforces the newly acquired skill and motivates more learning. The earlier satisfaction and success come in the learning process, the more likely it is that further learning will take place.  The most important responsibilities of the teacher is to provide a Comfortable welcoming environment, follow professional practices consistent with school; and system policies in working with students, students’ records, parents, and colleagues.  Teaching is not just about educating students academically, it is essentially about helping the students to discover themselves, and their own abilities to be independent learners.  This is my philosophy on Education.

5.  The goal of this classroom and program will be to ensure that all students learn basic steps to navigating around the computer. This program is for students enrolled in high school (Grade 9); the students will become familiar with basic computer terminology, and keyboard instruction. Students will receive hands on experience at a computer terminal, a computer book filled with computer exercises, daily instruction, and understanding of how to navigate around the computer. Each student who uses the lab will be expected to make individual progress, basic computer opportunities are provided across the curriculum, and every student has the opportunity to grow and experience success. “Classroom management is comprised of the necessary processes to create and maintain a positive environment that is conducive to teaching and learning” (Darling-Hammond & Bransford, 2005; Duke & Meckel, 1984).  Rules and Expectations  Students should always be responsible, arriving on time for class.  Listen and follow directions, realize that learning takes place here.  Raise your hand before speaking or leaving your seat.  Respect classmates and respect your teacher.  Maintain a safe environment; keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.  Follow all other written rules that will be found in the student handbook.  Consequences for rule infractions  Start by issuing a verbal warning to the student.  Followed by completing an extra assignment to make up for the interruption in class.  Contact parent(s), and ask for a conference to see how we can correct the problem.  Last resort contact the principle for further discipline.

6.  Students Role of Students within the classroom  Students can expect that I will be committed to making my classroom a challenging environment and engaging my students through the curriculum; as well as getting to know them and interacting with them one on one. I believe that meeting the needs of my students is a very crucial part of my classroom. I want them to be comfortable with the other students, as well as me, so that there can be meaningful discussions and interactions. “In fact, a meta –analysis of more than 100 studies identified that high-quality interactions between students and the teacher are the most important aspect of classroom management (Marzano, 2003). Students can expect to be treated as young adult achievers, leaving no room for failure, but providing continuing success and knowledge.  My Role in the classroom  As an instructor I will always be available to help the students become knowledgeable in the subject that is being taught. I will create familiar strategies which will help students feel comfortable and relaxed. Students can expect positive feedback from me, and know that I will be available to offer assistance after hours if needed. I will also be fair and treat all students equally.  Implementation Plan  Hold daily and weekly classroom meetings, students will have a chance to meet, and talk in a safe, respectful environment.  Students will receive daily handouts and instructions so that can be prepared for the day’s lesson.  Give students enough time to complete tasks, and grade them in a timely manner.  Group my students in pods and provide opportunities for group collaboration.  Students who are sick and missed class will have an opportunity to make up the work on the following day of class.

7.  Physical Arrangement of Classroom and Students  My personal desk will be at the beginning of the classroom, there I can view the entire class as we go over materials, and have discussions.  The classroom has a total of 10 computers stations; students will use these computers at different times throughout the class.  As the class is in session I will walk around viewing each students work, and be available to answer questions.  A dry erase board will be in front of my desk so that I may give instruction, also use the board as a background for any presentations.  I will have various pamphlets of information relating to the class displayed for use.  ISTE Standards Teachers  Facilitate and Inspire student learning. Within my classroom I will inspire my students with knowledge suitable for problem solving skills. I will engage students in building self esteem and create a positive learning environment. I will inspire students to engage in real world issues that will help them as they go through the learning process.  Model digital age work and learning. Within my classroom I will demonstrate ways to use technology as a tool to research, organize, evaluate, and communicate information to my students. Participate effectively with parents, peers and members of the community to adapt schedules and context.

8. The following chart is a comparison of catholic schools and public schools

9. School A School B Differences/Similarities Between schools. Points to consider Type of School Public Catholic Total Population/Demographics Total: 516 White: 52% Hispanic: 22% Black: 16[% Other: 5% Total: 468 White: 74.1% Hispanic: 14.3% Black: 7.5% Other: 4.9% Catholic schools are attended by choice, where as public schools is common. Public schools depend on local, state and federal funds, where catholic schools are supported by tuition payments and religious grants, and charitable donations. Both schools teach Student to Teacher Ratio 12.213.1

10. Key Issues Facing Keeping students interested in the lesson, helping them to retain information. Keeping them focused, and motivated. Getting students motivated and interested in learning, keeping them engaged in the lesson. Helping them to stay focused. Focus, motivation and engagement are the target factor. Role of Technology Use educational tools to personalize learning. Lessons that involve computer activities, Use educational technology for instruction, internet access, smart boards, and power point presentations. Both schools use technology to enhance the learning experience and keep up with 21 st century skills. 21 st Century SkillsInformation, communication and technology Learning through digital means, having technological awareness and simulation. Both schools use skills to develop a generation of successful students, by encouraging the convergence of art, creativity and innovation.

11.  Purpose of this interview is to provide an understanding of two type of school models and how there are striking similarities between them. My interview begins with me arriving at two different high schools and meeting with Judith Lavazeri, public high school teacher, teaching grade 11. Shakira Kennedy, an adjunct professor who teaches at St. Jean Batiste High School, also teaching grade 11. Parents have often dealt with the controversy about which type of school will provide a filling education for their children.  From each of the visits, I learned that both educators teach in similar ways, in addition they both are dedicated to providing students with an impeccable education. Both teachers are teaching 11 th graders and have been teaching for over twenty years. I took a snap shot look at the student to teacher ratio in both schools, and found that they were very close. At the public high school the ratio was 12.2, and at the catholic school it was 13.1, I found this to be very good, that the similarly was that close between the schools.  In my discussions with both teachers it appears that they are faced with students who seem students who seem unreachable, who resist learning. They constantly struggle to maintain providing strong study skills, and time management skills to help the students to become more academically rounded. My philosophy of education is to provide a unique experience for every student that enters my classroom, as I would consider teaching as a lifestyle because a teacher’s goal would be to encompass as much as possible to the students.  Both teachers spoke of incorporating technology into their classrooms; this will enhance the learning experience. They felt that learning through digital means and having technological awareness in each lesson would help the student to become knowledgeable; especially since technology continues to play an increasing role in education.  I found that after speaking with both teachers that we shared some of the same ideas. I would like to use skills to develop a generation of successful students, encourage the convergence of art and creativity and innovation.

12.  Both teachers voiced concerns like students lacking creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving. They both understand the challenges that teachers and students face and what they can do to enhance these skills.  If I were the teacher, I would provide a scenario, where students could apply their skills to prioritizing activities associated with the lesson, giving one on one instruction. Use of technological devices to enhance learning in the classroom.  I would use technology as part of my lesson to keep students engaged, by offering Camtasia Studio, a screen recording and video editing program. I would upload my lectures to iTunes, and instead of lecturing in class, lecture my students while they are home. This would help them with working out problems easier in the classroom.  “Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity” (National Education Teachers Standards, 2008, p.1). Within my classroom I will inspire my students with knowledge suitable for problem solving skills. I will engage students in building self esteem and create a positive learning environment. I will inspire students to engage in real world issues that will help them as they go through the learning process.  After meeting with both teachers I learned that teaching and learning become simultaneous journey for both the teacher and student, learning must begin with motivation and inspiration. I admire both of these teachers.

13. What are the most important elements of effective lesson design  Writing good learning objectives, and clarifying learning objects; and how they will be assessed. Ensuring that the learning objectives are clear, complete and specific. evidence where the learner can acquire skills, knowledge.  Covers information and skills students will know when the lesson is completed. Why are good learning objectives critical to planning effective instruction?  Good learning objectives help the teacher focus on the instruction  They help the students to understand why they are learning  They are detailed and specific Provide an example of a good learning objective aligned with the CCSS. What makes this a “good” learning objective?  Common Core Standard – CCSS Math Content 7.NS.A.2a Developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations.  Learning Objective – Understand that multiplication is extended from fractions to rational numbers by requiring that operations continue to satisfy the properties of operations, particularly the distributive property, leading to products such as: (-1) (-1) = 1 and the rules for multiplying signed numbers.

14. What are some common pitfalls? Accidental Learning:  Developing activities that are “hands- on without being minds – on”. Breadth of Coverage:  Teachers efforts often focus on covering the entire textbook than on teaching with a clear purpose. Avoiding these Pitfalls:  Begin with understanding where they need to go, and what they need to learn, and then work backward in planning applicable activities.  Allow for time to think about what they want students to learn. What does backwards design mean?  To begin with the end in mind  Start with a clear understanding of one’s destination  Know where your going so that you better understand where you are now  The steps you take are always in the right direction

15. Backwards Design Vs the Traditional Model Backward DesignTraditional Design Select a standard(s) to cover and learning outcome Select standard(s) or a topic to cover Begins with Outputs – develop an assessment to determine student success for outcome Begins with Inputs – develop learning experiences and students to engage in Develop learning experiences and activities for students to engage in Teach Give an assessment (often from a textbook or other resource) Assess results using assessment developed in step 2 Determine results and give feedback to class and/or students Give FeedbackChoose new topic to cover Reteach topic or choose new topic

16. Common Core State Standard: – CCSS Math Content 7.NS.A.2a Developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations. Students will be able to Understand that multiplication is extended from fractions to rational numbers thus by requiring that operations continue to satisfy the properties of operations. Students will be able to apply knowledge obtained from the lesson. Students will be able to learn key concepts through use of details, and operations with rational of numbers, by working with expressions and linear equations.

17.  “Assessment refers to the process used to determine, in measurable terms, the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and beliefs of the learner” (Poehner, 2007). Assessments are important in education because they are designed to help guide the teaching and learning process.  Assessments can play an important role in measuring and improving educational quality, but only if the assessments are created thoughtfully. “Assessments provide a mechanism for the teacher to measure the level of mastery of a subject or skill” (Newman, 2013).  “Assessments and their results serve a variety of stakeholders. From students to parents to teachers to principals and those beyond the school walls, individuals at all levels use the results from classroom assessments to make important decisions” (Newman, 2013).  Assessments and the information that they provide are necessary for the growth of schools. Brian Stecher points out that one would never accept a medical diagnosis of schools based on reading scores, math scores and graduation rates (TedxTalks, 2011).  In contrast to formative and summative assessments, summative assessments are tools to help evaluate the effectiveness of programs, school improvement goals, alignment of curriculum, or student placement in specific programs. Where as formative assessments is part of the instructional process. When incorporated into classroom practice, it provides the information needed to adjust teaching and learning while they are happening. In this sense, formative assessment informs both teachers and students about student understanding at a point when timely adjustments can be made.

18.  The role that I see formative and summative assessments playing in my classroom would be to ensure that students achieve targeted standards based learning goals within a set time frame. Also, I would engage my students in instruction and the learning process by creating clear expectations. In addition, one of the key components I would focus on would be engaging students in the assessment of their own learning and providing them with descriptive feedback as they learn.  “ There are a range of uses for assessments, a variety of time frames within which their results are shared, and differences in who accesses the results and who uses them. Arguably, the most important element of an assessment is hoe it guides the learner and teacher in the next steps of the learning process” (Newman, 2013). In any classroom, formative and summative assessments can support learning by providing descriptive feedback. Summative assessments can support learning by determining a student’s overall achievement in a specific area of learning. Also, inform learners and teachers about the progress that students are making. Formative assessments can support learning by providing feedback at multiple levels to multiple audiences, as well as promote student involvement and future learning.  Assessments play a critical role in many education related systems on many levels. Determining what assessments should measure and how the information will be used consists of whether or not students are meeting or exceeding the state’s academic standards. Both summative and formative assessments are an integral part of information gathering and timely feedback, they both are important to understanding the educational process.

20.  Common Core State Standards Initiative. (2012). Frequently asked questions. www.corestandards.org www.corestandards.org  Darling-Hammond & Bransford, 2005; Duke & Meckel, 1984  Leithwood, Louis, Anderson, & Wahlstrom, 2004  Marzano, 2003  Newman, R (2005). Teaching and learning in the 21 st Century: Connecting the dots. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.  National Education Teacher Standards, (2008)  Newman, R. (2005). Connecting the dots; A study of an innovative principal preparation program’s impact on the mental models and on the job behaviors of aspiring leaders. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA.  Newman, R. (2013). Teaching and Learning in the 21 st Century: Connecting the dots. San Diego, CA: Bridge point Education, Inc.  Poehner, M.E. (2007). Beyond the test: L2 dynamic assessment and the transcendence of mediated learning. The Modern Language Journal, 91, 323-340  TedxTalks. (2011). TEDxSoCal – Dr. Brian Stecher – Cultivating thriving schools (Video file).