The article addresses the 'leadership engagement' component of my practicum plan by presenting a broad perspective of a topic which is currently en vogue in my school. Teaching to mastery is a concept that all educational leaders must consider. The article suggests the inherent risks of subdividing curriculum objectives into smaller pieces might be counter-productive and ineffective.
The article addresses the 'leadership engagement' component of my practicum plan by presenting a broad perspective of a topic which is currently en vogue in my school. Teaching to mastery is a concept that all educational leaders must consider. The article suggests the inherent risks of subdividing curriculum objectives into smaller pieces might be counter-productive and ineffective.
The article addresses the 'leadership engagement' component of my practicum plan by presenting a broad perspective of a topic which is currently en vogue in my school. Teaching to mastery is a concept that all educational leaders must consider. The article suggests the inherent risks of subdividing curriculum objectives into smaller pieces might be counter-productive and ineffective.
FORM MAGAZINE/JOURNAL: TITLE: AUTHOR: ISSUE: TODAYS DATE: NAME:
Educational Leadership How Good is Good Enough? Grant Wiggins December 2013; Vol. 71; No. 4; pg. 10-16 January 28, 2014 Doug Van Pelt
PRACTICUM LEARNING GOALS:
This article addresses the Leadership Engagement component of my practicum plan by presenting a broad perspective of a topic which is currently en vogue in our school teaching to mastery. I appreciate the expressed goal of wanting to improve the rigor through which we are teaching our students but I have wondered if we are approaching the idea from the best way. This article presents another consideration that all educational leaders must consider. I HOPED TO GAIN: A better understanding of the concept of reaching mastery. Central City Public Schools have committed to a district-wide process of improving reading progress (and scores) through programs such as Reading Mastery and Corrective Reading. I would like to have a deeper understanding of where this intervention process should take our students. KEY ARTICLE POINTS: Defining the term mastery = does the key concept relate to acquiring a technical base of knowledge without the ability to apply the information or does mastery mean the ability to resolve fluid situations utilizing the knowledge provided.
The inherent risks of subdividing standards into micro-standards
= suggests the long-standing educational practice of turning curriculum objectives into smaller pieces might be counter-productive and ineffective.
Establishing criteria for determining how high to set the bar =
discusses the difficulty in determining how to accurately evaluate assessment scores and suggests a multi-pronged approach of local and national expectations.
The importance of providing early and frequent feedback to
students = this practice allows for effective tracking of student progress.
IMPACT ON MY LEADERSHIP BELIEFS:
The article helps me evaluate classroom strategies to enhance student learning through application and analysis. It supports a holistic approach of combining local classroom teacher expectations and goals with more national standards-based scores. I dont discount national standards such as Common Core completely but I do have a great deal of faith in the ability of our local educators to establish appropriate curriculum rigor.
HOW I BETTER UNDERSTAND MY PRACTICUM EXPERIENCES:
The activities, readings and discussion we have participated have created new lenses though which to view our local schools. For me, I find myself looking at all district-wide goals and objectives from a more inquisitive perspective I want to know why we are proceeding a certain way and to know if a better practice might be available. I am hearing staff concerns with different ears and am conscientiously considering alternatives which I intend to share with the administrative team when appropriate.. EDL OUTCOMES MOST CLOSELY RELATED: Strategic = this article supports innovations within the school community, emphasizes the use of data to make informed decisions, and demonstrates a philosophy of education that considers both local and national goals and expectations. Instructional = this article promotes the idea of assessment using a variety of techniques, and facilitates curriculum which advocates application and analysis as its ultimate goal for student learning. WHY I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS ARTICLE FOR COLLEAGUES: Many schools are incorporating mastery-based programs for reading and math among other areas. This article discusses the common practices and suggests a more holistic approach. This article addresses the concerns of Nebraska educators who are uncomfortable relying entirely on standardized testing systems such as Common Core. Positive suggestions/actions are evident and are based on research conducted by many other educational leaders LEADERSHIP ACTIONS AS A RESULT OF READING THIS ARTICLE: First, I will include this topic as one of my interview objectives during my school site visits this spring. This will allow me to gain additional perspective on the subject. Next, I will consider and develop a personal strategy for leadership that includes both local and national evaluation methods in determining student achievement. Finally, I will continue researching strategies and practices related to standardized testing and I will continue to study current curriculum and educational practices incorporating authentic performance objectives.