Open House

My colleague and I met with the new teachers to discuss things they would need to know for Open House. I was glad that we met with them, as they had quite a few questions. I spoke to them about using that time to have informational sessions rather than just have the parents come in and look at the room and their child's work. By having sessions, the teachers can use it as a time to inform parents of the expectations for the year.

New Teacher Orientation

My colleague and I met with the new teachers on August 13th at our campus, to take them on a tour of the building and go through the campus policies and procedures. It was a very casual meeting and we tried not to bore them to tears by reading the entire policies and procedures manual verbatim. They were given bags with teaching materials and other fun things from the administrators. We gave them our cell phone numbers in case they needed anything as most were going to be working on their classrooms. A few teachers e-mailed with questions, so I am glad they are taking advantage of having a mentor team.

Updated Action Research Plan

My updated plan is posted under Week 4, Discussion Board. I am unable to post it on my blog. :( Any suggestions?
I feel that I have planned and planned, and then planned some more. I am ready to put my plan into action!
I found out today that I will have the opportunity as an Instructional Specialist to create DVDs of me implementing specific instructional startegies with small groups of students. teachers will be able to use the DVDs as a resource. Exciting stuff!

Action Research Plan

I accidently put my action research plan under "comments". Look there please. : )

Action Research Plan

What types of support do new teachers need to succeed? This will be the topic for my action research. The three goals that will guide my research are: I want the new teachers to know that are welcome and a valued member of our faculty. I want to provide curricular support. I also want to demonstarte ways to communicate effectively with parents.
To conduct the research a colleague and I will meet with new teachers about every 4 weeks. I will have the new teachers complete three surveys throughout the school year, I will review students test scores, take field notes, interview the administrator and make reflections.
I am hoping to learn some specific ways to encourage and help new teachers. This will be beneficial information for me to have as a future adminitsrator, as well as pertinent information for other administartors to acquire.

Action Research and Its Uses/Blogs

Action research is a systematic way of problem solving by completing an in depth study. An in depth study would be one of which various resources are looked at and then applied to a person's specific situation. As a follow up, a reflection would be done to allow for modifications as necessary. If time is not allowed for reflection, how would a person know the true benefits of the study?
In my current position as an Instructional Specialist, I can use action research in a number of ways. First of all, I can use it to analyze what strategies can be taught to improve comprehension. I can also use it to figure out ways to decrease the amount of tardies that occur daily. We need all of our students to begin their day on time. Finally, I can use action research to figure out strategies for developing oral language skills.
In my professional career thus far, it has usually been a challenge for me to allow time for reflection. I want to keep charging ahead to the next issue just because I have put a plan into action. This week as I was reading, I am glad that I read about how administrators must schedule time for reflection in their work day. This will prove to be a helpful suggestion for me.

I think educational leaders can use blogs to help them feel connected. Bloggers can communicate on a daily basis with other professionals from all over the world and hear about how things are being done in schools. Blogging is a superb way of brainstorming and sharing ideas to increase student success.