So I though ERD7000 might pose some challenges...I have started the first course in a four course research sequence. Real research. Capital R research. Yikes.
I was excited about the initial prospect of only five assignments, until I discovered that the reading for the second assignment is going to take two weeks by itself! My study buddy Kate is with me again (we paired up back in stats class), and she'll keep me moving along no doubt.
I am looking forward to being able to apply this new information to some of the articles I may be reading related to work. And I believe this course will be very helpful in choosing the statistical processes related to my dissertation.
Wish me luck!!!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Sunday, December 7, 2008
It's All About the RESEARCH
I am just starting my Educational Research Strategies course, following a killer Statistics class. I was worried about picking the "right" topic....one that would help me on my dissertation path. What do I want to write about for my dissertation? I had not a clue. YIKES! I have what seems to be too many interests.
It came to me though, after perusing the internet, that one topic I am interested in yet tend to see little about, is Extended School Year services for students with disabilities. My research will be applicable not only to educational practitioners in the field but state level officials responsible for assisting districts with implementing the IEP process, including the provision of ESY services where applicable.
Having a topic has put my mind at considerable ease....for now. I've been warned that my topic today might not look like my topic when dissertation time rolls around. That's OK, I'm set for now!
Time to dig in.....
It came to me though, after perusing the internet, that one topic I am interested in yet tend to see little about, is Extended School Year services for students with disabilities. My research will be applicable not only to educational practitioners in the field but state level officials responsible for assisting districts with implementing the IEP process, including the provision of ESY services where applicable.
Having a topic has put my mind at considerable ease....for now. I've been warned that my topic today might not look like my topic when dissertation time rolls around. That's OK, I'm set for now!
Time to dig in.....
Saturday, February 16, 2008
It's All About Data!
On Monday I have the privilege of working with a group of middle school staff in the Wausau School District. I will walk them through a process of systematically analyzing available student test data, paying attention to various student groups as we go. It should be an eye opening time for all participants involved.
The requirements associated with NCLB are quite stringent, and while we're all hopeful that a new administration will result in at least a "revision" of NCLB, for now we are held to current standards. That means we must all make progess toward 100% proficiency of ALL students in the areas of reading and math. Reasonably, I think we could achieve 100% progress, focusing on unique and individual needs that in some cases, are more than any child should ever be expected to handle. Do public schools do a good job? You bet! We educate ALL students, and we're darn proud to do it.
The middle school staff will review group scores, test items, their curriculum and current goals to determine any needed changes or information or training that will enhance their ability to improve student achievement.
Hats off to all educators!
The requirements associated with NCLB are quite stringent, and while we're all hopeful that a new administration will result in at least a "revision" of NCLB, for now we are held to current standards. That means we must all make progess toward 100% proficiency of ALL students in the areas of reading and math. Reasonably, I think we could achieve 100% progress, focusing on unique and individual needs that in some cases, are more than any child should ever be expected to handle. Do public schools do a good job? You bet! We educate ALL students, and we're darn proud to do it.
The middle school staff will review group scores, test items, their curriculum and current goals to determine any needed changes or information or training that will enhance their ability to improve student achievement.
Hats off to all educators!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Branching over to poverty
Since a large portion of my job involves staff development and training, I have been fortunate enough to be able to branch into areas that are not necessarily directly related to special education. Today, take poverty for example. I have just finished a day long training for a group of educators. In preparation, I began reviewing my materials which took me on an internet path toward additional information to share with the participants. Some simple exploration on DPI's WINSS (Wisconsin Information Network for Successful Schools) website has yielded some very interesting information around student achievement and poverty....not necessarily surprising, but maybe shocking for some communities. After viewing some data for todays participating schools, many teachers were not aware that this data even exists. what the might find about their school and community.
Take a minute to check your district data! Visit WINSS at http://www.dpi.wi.gov/sig/index.html. Check the Data Analysis portion to find out student demographics as well as academic performance by various subgroups. Are you surprised? Poverty is becoming a serious issue facing many regions of our state and nation. How is your community addressing this? How are your students doing? Students with disabilities living in a poverty situation face even bigger obstacles than many of our other students. Are schools making conscious efforts to increase awareness and services? Resources: http://www.dpi.wi.gov/
Take a minute to check your district data! Visit WINSS at http://www.dpi.wi.gov/sig/index.html. Check the Data Analysis portion to find out student demographics as well as academic performance by various subgroups. Are you surprised? Poverty is becoming a serious issue facing many regions of our state and nation. How is your community addressing this? How are your students doing? Students with disabilities living in a poverty situation face even bigger obstacles than many of our other students. Are schools making conscious efforts to increase awareness and services? Resources: http://www.dpi.wi.gov/
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Genesis
I have created this blog after a particularly challenging day in a district, and I hope to disclose some of my experiences and insights in a productive, reflective manner....hence the title of this blog. My entries will be related to special education - students, staff, parents, legalities, wants, desires, dreams....the possibilities are endless.
I am quite new to this type of pursuit; I never kept a diary as a child and journaling in courses was never my favorite activity, but nonetheless I look forward to a new methodology of communication and expression. Welcome!
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