Scholar Practitioners Who Impact Future Change

          As a scholar practitioner, it is my responsibility to lead evaluation initiatives for many reasons. One reason is to ensure that what goes on in classrooms is effective and open toward growth and change. It is our responsibility, as teachers, to see that we are finding ways to make programs more effective and to ensure they’re being utilized in the best possible way, in order to produce the most accurate results. The term scholar practitioner expresses an ideal of professional excellence grounded in theory and research, informed by experiential knowledge, and motivated by personal values. (Distefano, Rudestam, & Silverman, 2004).

            The greatest barrier during this process will be to ensure that everyone buys into and supports the evaluation initiative. The most difficult stakeholder to engage in this process is the parents. It seems that their support falls by the wayside more and more every year. Parents often work long hours and cannot attend school functions, or are just not informed of events taking place at their children’s school. This is not due to the schools not necessarily delivering news of such events, but perhaps children not always providing parents with the information that was to go home. When there is no parental support, achievement and grades suffer. Children need someone at home who can work with them and see that they’re on the right track.

            In a family-based involvement program, collaboration among families, schools, and communities is vital to reduce risk factors and enhance protective factors by encouraging supportive family relationships, increasing positive parenting skills, promoting adequate parental supervision, providing parents with information, and urging consistency of discipline in the home (Baek & Bullock, 2015). Since schools do try to encourage parental involvement, the way to go to help see this takes place is to get the community involved, as well. When businesses around the community are partners in education with schools, it is a great way of providing parental involvement.

References

Baek, J., & Bullock, L. L. (2015). Evidence-Based Parental Involvement Programs in the United

States of America and Korea. Journal Of Child & Family Studies, 24(6), 1544-1550. doi:10.1007/s10826-014-9958-8

Distefano, A., Rudestam, K., & Silverman, R. (Eds.). (2004). Scholar practitioner model. In

Encyclopedia of distributed learning (pp. 393–397). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Suss, D. (2015). T4 MAP™: A Scholar-Practitioner Model for Performance Improvement. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 27(4), 49-75. doi:10.1002/piq.21179

Scholar Practitioners as Program Evaluators

          The content learned from this course may impact my work in early childhood in multiple ways. One way is that I will learn the ways that evaluating program quality is a necessary step when it comes to education. As a teacher, I am constantly looking for ways to improve my teaching and programs I may be utilizing in my classroom. For my children to grow using these programs, I need to ensure that the programs providing my students with the necessary growth opportunities. Knowing how these programs are evaluated, and by which standards they’re evaluated, can only help my students and me in the long run.

Some questions that arise regarding program evaluation are:

When program evaluations take place and results are received, what is the typical turnaround for the program to be revamped?

How do program evaluators work with the program leaders to inform and improve the quality of the program?

Are all programs given some kind of evaluation, and if not, what causes some to be over others?

          I may be impacted by program evaluation because of the different programs that my students are involved in at school. I will begin to ask questions regarding the effectiveness of these programs once I learn more information about how evaluations are performed. I do not want my students spending time on online programs that do not benefit the quality of their education. I will question the programs and look into the research showing the quality of the implemented programs. Another way it could impact me is through the programs that I am associated with in my work. If I know ways in which to evaluate programs, then I will be better able to lead the programs at school, or at least help them to be more quality programs.         

Serving as Advocates for Families/Engaging Families in the Assessment Process

http://slideonline.com/presentation/229238-md6assgnbeguee-pptx-1

Assistive Technology

The application of assistive technology (AT) may support differentiating instruction (Claes, Van Hove, Vandevelde, van Loon, and Schalock, 2012) and enable students with disabilities to learn skills that are critical to academic and life success (Gillette and Depompei, 2008). It is important to use and modify assistive/supportive technology within the classroom because it is necessary for student achievement. As educators know, all students learn differently and we must incorporate all means necessary in order for them to have access to resources that will help them achieve their highest academic level.

Two examples of assistive technology are the use of talking calculators and electronic worksheets (Nielsen, 2011). Talking calculators can help assist both the visually impaired and the learning disabled, as they relay mathematics via audio. This could be useful for showing students’ content knowledge by allowing them to hear the answers if they’re visually impaired and cannot view the small calculator’s screen. This would be geared toward late middle school/high school-aged children, as those in grade school are not permitted to use calculators.

The use of electronic worksheets could be used with any aged child. Some students always struggle with lining up math problems, even though they know the proper way to set it up. I use electronic worksheets in my classroom every day and it helps the students perform better, as it takes pressure off them. It is still important, though, that they know the correct way to write the standard algorithms, so we still practice it in class. This can help with developing skills, as well as showing understanding of content knowledge.

The assistive technology devices mentioned are culturally responsive because of their ability to include and reach all types of learners. They allow students to feel included and do not single any children out, but help make them feel welcomed and understood by providing services they need to be successful. These devices are helping students make meaningful connections to their work.

Some issues that may come with the use of these assistive technologies may be the normal struggle that comes with internet use. If the worksheets are on an interactive website, such as ItsLearning, then the student would need to have internet access. As we all know, this can work one day and be out the next. A way to solve this issue would be to make the electronic worksheet available on OneNote, where internet access is not a necessity.

Resources

Claes, C., Van Hove, G., Vandevelde, S., van Loon, J., & Schalock, R. L. (2012). The influence

of support strategies, environmental factors, and client characteristics on quality-of-life-related personal outcomes. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 33, 96–103.

Etscheidt, S. s. (2016). Assistive Technology for Students With Disabilities: A Legal Analysis of

Issues. Journal Of Special Education Technology, 31(4), 183-194. doi:10.1177/0162643416673912

Gillette, Y., & Depompei, R. (2008). Do PDAs enhance the organization and memory skills of

students with cognitive disabilities? Psychology in the Schools, 45, 665–677

Nielsen, L. (2011). 25 incredible assistive technologies. Retrieved from

http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2011/06/25-incredible-assistive-technologies.html

Purposeful Assessment

The following scenarios are proposed to help gain knowledge as to the most appropriate assessment and/or intervention for each child. Each child has their own issues and behaviors that limits his or her learning, but both would benefit from different assessments.

Purposeful assessments require frequent opportunities to examine student performance in a variety of formats (Cobb, 2003). Black and William (1998) stated that assessments that are frequent and short are more effective than assessments that are infrequent and lengthy.

Purposeful assessments are important to educators because if we are going to start making a difference, then we need to start doing things differently (International Reading Association, 2000).

Kalil is an 8-year old boy in third grade. His teacher has noticed Kalil's behavior has gotten worse as the year progresses. He is constantly out of his seat, yells out, interrupts the teacher's lessons, and talks back. His behavior in the cafeteria and specials classes is even worse. The teachers are constantly reporting his rude and disruptive behavior. He is also failing every subject and has a difficult time focusing on anything for more than a couple minutes. Although he seems to not care about his grades, his teacher knows better and has formed a great relationship with him over the course of the school year. She can tell that he wants to do better, but it appears he doesn't know how to correct his impulsive behavior. There isn't much support at home, as his mother responds to the teacher's request for meetings, but never shows. His teacher is oftentimes at a loss and feels helpless when it comes to helping Kalil. 

Suzie is a bright, observant, and likeable 7-year old child, but a terror in the classroom. Suzie will not sit down at carpet time and wanders around when she is not supposed to. When she is corrected, she will growl and/or make loud animal noises. She also has been known to bite and snarl. She has openly told the adults in her classroom that she enjoys when the adults chase her around the classroom. Suzie talks excessively and seems to always needs adult attention. She does well on her schoolwork, but cannot sit still and shouts out randomly and is a constant disruption to her classmates. At home, she does not display these actions. Teachers have tried time outs and breaks where she can leave the room, but as soon as she reenters, the behaviors begin again. Teachers are at a loss as to how they can help Suzie reach her full potential.

References

Black, P., & William, D. (1998). Inside the black box: Raising standards through classroom

assessment. Retrieved April 1, 2003, from http://www.pdkintl.org/kappan/kbla9810.htm

Cobb, C. (2003). Effective instruction begins with purposeful assessments. Reading Teacher,

57(4), 386-388.

International Reading Association. (2000). Making a difference means making it different:

Honoring children’s rights to excellent reading instruction. Newark, DE: Author.

Standards for Early Childhood Education

The Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS) support the growth of the entire child, from birth to age five. These standards focus on physical development and motor skills, social and emotional development, approaches to play and learning, communication, language and literacy, and cognitive development and general knowledge.

            The purpose of the GELDS is to help guide teachers who work with children during this period in their lives to ensure that quality learning experiences and provides, and well as helping to guide the parents in the support of their children’s growth, development, and learning potential. The GELDS also lay the groundwork for applying the standards in pre-service training, professional development, curriculum planning, and child outcome documentation. They also help to create a universal language for all stakeholders to use regarding the learning and development of children, as well as raising public awareness about the significance of the early years as the foundation for school success and lifelong learning (Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes, 2016). The information can be accessed by visiting GELDS. This program is also similar to the Georgia Department of Education (GADOE), as one of its programs focuses on supporting teachers and leader effectiveness to improve student learning in every classroom in the state (Georgia Department of Education, 2015).

            The National Association for the Education of Young and Children (NAEYC) is one way similar to the standards of the GELDS in the aspect of involving those who are around and work with children in the process of carrying out the standards for healthy development and learning. The intentions are also like the GELDS in other ways. Another way being to work with individuals regarding child assessment practices and implementing planning and professional development. Focusing on the actual assessments of children is needed more in education, due to over-assessing and creating assessments that are authentic. As Bagnato (2011) stated, assessment information should be immediately helpful to teachers and other providers as they work to identify functional learning targets that are matched to the child’s skills and guide systematic intervention.

            A way in which they’re different is that the NAEYC seems to also put time into creating satisfying learning experiences and better educational and developmental outcomes for all young children. Investments are also being stimulated to create assessable, affordable, high-quality learning environments that support the implementation of excellent early childhood curriculum, assessment and program evaluation.       The GELDS does not appear to focus as much on the assessments and learning experiences as much as the NAEYC, however they still do shed light on its importance. Both programs could possibly focus on the importance of feedback regarding the assessments given. To help create a beneficial learning experience for all students, design one with allows for enhanced opportunities for in which to give the most specific, individualized feedback (Wheatley, McInch & Fleming, 2015).

            While both policies have the same intention when it comes to the healthy development and learning of our children, their approaches tend to lean toward different ways of reading the intended goal.

            Some questions that may be generated regarding this information may be:

How are schools ensuring that their curriculum and professional learning for teachers is effective in promoting healthy development for children?

Are the created assessments effective in preparing the children for the Georgia Milestone test in April? What measures are put into place to provide evidence to whether they are or are not?

Are these assessments created by people from the GELDS or NAEYC? Who is making the assessments for the children?

References

Bagnato, S. J., McLean, M., Macy, M., & Neisworth, J. T. (2011). Identifying Instructional

Targets for Early Childhood via Authentic Assessment: Alignment of Professional Standards and Practice-Based Evidence. Journal Of Early Intervention, 33(4), 243-253. doi:10.1177/1053815111427565

Center on Enhancing Learning Outcomes (2016). State-by-state. Retrieved from

http://ceelo.org/state-information/state-map/

Georgia Department of Education (GADOE). (2015). Retrived from http://www.gadoe.org

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). (2003). Early childhood

curriculum, assessment, and program evaluation. Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/postitions/CAPEex-pand.pdf

Wheatley, L. l., McInch, A. a., Fleming, S. s., & Lord, R. r. (2015). Feeding back to feed

forward: Formative assessment as a platform for effective learning. Kentucky Journal Of Higher Education Policy & Practice, 3(2), 34-63.

Classroom Learning Environment Observation

One critical component that I observed in the fifth grade classroom I sat in on that helped to create a positive classroom culture was the relationships the teacher had with her students. She would joke with them and make comments that showed she really knew her students and cared deeply for them. Because of the way she interacted with them, the students knew that she cared and this made them want to do well in her classroom. She praised them often and let them know she was proud of them for trying their best.

Another critical component I observed was the routines and procedures the students were involved in. They knew what to do and how to do it. If they got off task, the teacher simply looked at them and they were able to redirect themselves. This had a lot do to with the relationships that had been built, as the students respected their teacher and wanted her to be proud of them.

It was obvious that the teacher had taken time to get to know her students because of the way they interacted and joked with one another. The students knew when to joke and when to get back to work. Mutual respect was apparent within the classroom. The teacher said she had given the students interest inventories at the beginning of the year in order to get to know them.

This age group needs someone who shows they care in order to create a positive classroom culture. It is hard for young students to engage in school activities effectively when they are not made to feel like they are important. Building a positive classroom environment is all about taking the time to build those positive relationships with the students in order for them to feel comfortable and loved when they are with the teacher, as well as when they’re in the grade levels to come.

One challenge that was apparent was the different levels and needs of the students in the classroom. The majority of the students had IEPs and needed extra help from the teacher. She stated that it was oftentimes hard for her to keep up with all the demands of the differing students in her class. She said sometimes this affected the culture because the students would get frustrated with the work. She also said that the other students did a great job of encouraging one another to try their best.

The teacher said she takes the time to get to know her students prior to the first day of school by driving through neighborhoods her students live in, in order to gain an understanding of where they come from. She then makes sure to look them up in previous yearbooks to make sure she is able to greet the appropriately when they come for open house or the first day of school.                 

While this teacher already has a positive learning environment, the following articles provide a great depth of knowledge regarding ways to increase and/or improve the learning environments within a classroom:

 

McDonald, T. (2010). Positive Learning Framework: Creating Learning Environments in Which

All Children Thrive. Reclaiming Children & Youth, 19(2), 16-20.

 

Pickett, L., & Fraser, B. (2010). Creating and Assessing Positive Classroom Learning

Environments. Childhood Education, 86(5), 321-326.

Van Stone, B. b. (2013) Creating a Positive Classroom Environment. Teach, 11-23.