How might ongoing comprehensive training in Special Education Law & Advocacy and the application of its principles for ALL teachers & faculty affect the academic progress of students with disabilities and the amount of meaningful parental involvement on the part of their parents?
Friday, August 27, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Week 2 Reflection
As I listened to the statements made by the scholars interviewed, I was certainly motivated and found myself "in line" with their thinking. Each of these leaders were "forward thinking" and set upon improving instruction, performance, and learning within their campuses/districts. Action research and the passion behind it is what authentic leaders do naturally, I believe. They are never satisfied with the status quo, but instead are always wondering how and then acting on making it better. These are the leaders that influence, captivate, and motivate those they lead.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Blogs: Fad or Function?
Though "blogging" these days has become a type of fad for those seeking attention in a world where some of their "rantings" typically wouldn't be given "the time of day," it has also begun to serve thinkers/inquirers (specifically educational leaders in this context) as an outlet for the collection, storage, and recollection of knowledge. As stated in "Leading with Passion and Knowledge: the principal as action researcher" (Dana, 2009). the principal can utilize blogging in a "multitasking" manner by modeling writing to students, reflecting on her "inquiries," strategies, etc., sharing knowledge with other educators, and displaying support to her teachers of the writing process.
Dana. N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: the principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Dana. N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: the principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Action Research: How it relates to me
Okay, time for honesty! When I saw the word "research" as the title for this course, I immediately went into a "funk." Memories of past high school and undergraduate research papers and projects surfaced with their all too familiar pangs of what my father always called a case of the "DON'TS!" My insides were throwing a 2 year old's tantrum..."I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS!" Nevertheless, due to my untold years of maturity (LOL!) and submissive sense of responsibility, I caved and forced myself to begin reading the "Leading with Passion and Knowledge..." text.
After I was able to force my still rebellious brain to silence the "aftershocks" of its slowly retreating "fit," I suprisingly began to realize that "ACTION RESEARCH" was a seperate species and perhaps I was going to...might I say...ENJOY it, after all!
Though hesitant at first, I have given myself completely over to the premise of this course. Action research, or practitioner's inquiry (or whatever you want to call it) is incredibly captivating and completely necessary for every leader of any industry, let alone education. Not only is it necessary, but (is this just me?) I find it extremely practical, and dare I say, a "no brainer" for all those in leadership positions.
It is plainly put, an on-going inquiry that says, "I want to improve. I want my organization, my staff, my colleagues, my students, and myself to be the very best we can be. Therefore...what do I need to look at first to begin & continue this process? What types of strategies will best meet this need? How will it be implemented? How can I tell if my implementatation is effective? What types of tweaking do I need to do to make it better? Okay, now what? Where/what is the next issue we need to tackle?" And the cycle continues. It's never-ending. It's motivational in and of itself. It builds momentum, pride, camaraderie, community.
To quote my dad again..."NUFF SAID!"
After I was able to force my still rebellious brain to silence the "aftershocks" of its slowly retreating "fit," I suprisingly began to realize that "ACTION RESEARCH" was a seperate species and perhaps I was going to...might I say...ENJOY it, after all!
Though hesitant at first, I have given myself completely over to the premise of this course. Action research, or practitioner's inquiry (or whatever you want to call it) is incredibly captivating and completely necessary for every leader of any industry, let alone education. Not only is it necessary, but (is this just me?) I find it extremely practical, and dare I say, a "no brainer" for all those in leadership positions.
It is plainly put, an on-going inquiry that says, "I want to improve. I want my organization, my staff, my colleagues, my students, and myself to be the very best we can be. Therefore...what do I need to look at first to begin & continue this process? What types of strategies will best meet this need? How will it be implemented? How can I tell if my implementatation is effective? What types of tweaking do I need to do to make it better? Okay, now what? Where/what is the next issue we need to tackle?" And the cycle continues. It's never-ending. It's motivational in and of itself. It builds momentum, pride, camaraderie, community.
To quote my dad again..."NUFF SAID!"
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