CEDO 565 Entry Two

One of the things that I am really trying to learn more about is the use of data in schools. Although we have taken an entire course that focused on it, I still am a bit unsure and skeptical about some of its uses. Even with that, considering the increasing importance of data in education, I need to jump on the bandwagon soon.

My current struggle with data is the lack of training that educators get. New evaluation systems and No Child Left Behind evaluate districts and will likely evaluate teachers on data that most people do not understand and cannot put into context. Looking at the WINSS site was a good exercise as it is an excellent tool that provides great information but my first thought is,"how can an average person understand or measure the significance of this?". Jargon such as AYP, advanced and proficient, or composite score have meaning to educators but likely do not mean much to the general public.

The message that I am sending is that more training is needed and needed soon for teachers. If districts and states are creating systems to evaluate teachers based on all of this data and then using it to determine salary or even hiring/firing it is imperative that teachers understand it. And even then there are questions about the quality of data used and likely the need to acquire more data. More data will likely cost more money which means cuts from other important places. Although I understand the purpose of goals and measuring success, it just seems that education is coming to a place where jargon and statistics will mean more  than quality instruction and supporting educators.

CEDO 565 Entry One

One of my main goals in taking the MEIT Program is to become a technology leader for other teachers. Although by no means do I claim to know all there is to know about Instruction Technology, I have felt that I am very proficient in its use and the next step is to find ways to become a leader.

Schools have historically had a top-down leadership structure but educational reforms are giving more leadership options for teachers. Whether attending a conference, being on a committee, or presenting to the staff there are a growing number of ways that teachers are taking a leadership role. I have had experience doing all of those three things and they have been a good first step in taking a leadership role in my school.

It is my hope that this class teaches me some tools and strategies to enhance my leadership role in my school. I feel my knowledge of instructional technology is something that could benefit many other teachers, and in turn would help students. It is my hope that after this course my influence will spread in my building and beyond.