Reflection and Analysis
Steve Hiner
Purpose
Compliance-Driven
One strength of the compliance-driven approach is that the learning teams are working towards required goals. Learning the new curriculum is important if we are expecting students to learn it. However, teachers are often left feeling that they have little say in their own learning teams and what areas they feel they should focus on.
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Workshop-Inspired
One strength of this approach is that a school has a true desire to improve and follow models that worked in other districts. However, there likely was not enough detail provided to get the initiative up and running right away.
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Technology-Enhanced
Technology can be used in the classroom to help teams reflect on best practices and classroom strategies. Knight (2012) states that video cameras can be used to provide four important functions with professional learning:
1. They help teachers and coaches come to an accurate view of themselves in the classroom.
2. They inspire teachers towards changing their practice.
3. They can be used to set goals within coaching.
4. They can be used to measure progress towards the goals of the team.
These cameras can be used by instructional coaches, by teachers to improve their own teaching practice, and by learning teams when implementing the same teaching practice.
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Which is most appropriate for us?
Ohio has changed math standards, is in the process of revising science and computer science standards, and ELA tests have been updated. Therefore, we need to focus on preparing students for the changes coming to the state tests in each subject. Passing state tests at the high school level is required for graduation, so getting students to take the tests seriously at the middle school level is important. Students must learn the skills necessary to succeed at the next level.
Teachers will use the practice tests provided by the state and the curriculum resources provided by the district such as Problems of the Day. Students will be exposed to actual tested items and samples of other items to prepare for the tests. Teams will share the results of student work during meetings to discuss strengths and weaknesses. We will work to find supplemental materials to address any weaknesses found. By sharing student work, we can help each other determine areas to improve upon, those helping students achieve better results on the state tests.