Getting back to blogging

I have been away for a few weeks, trying to finish up the first two classes at UNCG took its toll on me.  I am happy to say that I am now fully admitted into the program, it was a nightmare trying to get all things done and run my school.  I have enjoyed the different perspective the classes have given me, but the workload at times has been overwhelming. 

Impact V Workshop

I am back at UNCG for another day of training on Impact V.  I do enjoy the ability to get together and discuss the issues we are facing in the implementation.  Since I have been a part of a major reform effort, this type of discussion is critical for success.  I hate being away from my building, but it is necessary for change.

Interview with Steven Anderson

I had the opportunity to interview Steven Anderson yesterday for our group project.  I really appreciated Steven taking time out of his schedule and meet with me at Glenn.  During our conversation I learned quite a lot about social media.  The biggest reason for using the new medium is to acquire information and expand your circle of knowledge.

End in Site

I have started a journey in continuing my education.  This journey has been difficult since on top of being back in school, I am also working around 60-70 hours a week.  When you add this to being a dad, family is often neglected.  I have enjoyed the process of being back in school, it get difficult at times. 

Getting Ready

I am excited to get back together with our group.  I have found a lot of strength and ideas from my classmates.  Hopefully our teachers will find the class to be as user friendly as our class.

Writing Help tonight

I can not wait until we are able to get some writing help tonight.  I often feel that I am lost when it comes to writing papers.  This will hopefully allow me some incite into what our professors are looking for in grading our papers. 

NC falcon

I went through the first three modules yesterday in NC Falcon.  I thought the information was really good, and will cause most people to think about what they are doing in their classroom.  This information is not completely different from what we are doing, but it will cause you to think.  I have already made my teachers go through the first two modules and discuss information in their PLC's.  I hope to get through the other two modules soon.  I know that some of my teachers are looking at how they can change their practice, which is the reason for them going through the exercise. 

Working to finish up first round of observations

I am back in classrooms this morning trying to finish my first round of observations.  I have been impressed with the level of instruction in every classroom.  The teachers are doing a great job, if there is an area we need to improve on it is using the technology we already have in every classroom.  We are still relying on the old standards such as pencil and paper.  We have the twenty first century carts but are not using them to their fullest potential.  I know that there have been some training issues, but I will need to get teachers out of their comfort level to make changes to our overall usage. 

Rachel's challenge

Yesterday we started a journey to make our school a better place.  We were very fortunately to be one of the schools selected to be in the first wave of implementation.  I can honestly say that in my twenty two years in education I have never been in a more powerful assembly.  My students were completely engaged during the entire assembly.  I highly recommend this program to any school or district. 

Negativity

I have come to realize that some people are not happy unless they are complaining.  I find myself working with staff members who always have an issue with something.  I can not remember anytime they were positive about anything.  The days become stressful and they start complaining about any and everything.  How do you change this person, can you change a persons personality?  If not, how do you work with people who are the counter opposite of you?

The stress of the Job (Principalship)

I am somewhat overdue to make a post, so I think I will explain my reasons and discuss my job.  The Principal's job is never complete.  It seems that everyday is completely full of tasks that require my attention.  This in combination with my meeting schedule often makes the job seem impossible.  I arrive most days by 7:30 and work until around 5.  I rush home and grab a bite to eat with my family and return for supervision of athletics or another function.  When I get home usually after 9, I can only shower and try to unwind.  I find myself not sleeping due to the amount of stress I have encountered during the day.  Shortly after I am able to fall asleep, the alarm rings and the days starts all over again. 
I am not complaining since this is my job, and I love it.  I just wonder how it effects my overall health.  Case in point, I was not ADD or ADHD until I became an administrator.  Now I find myself wondering about a problem or test scores.  I am just looking for some amens about this crazy but wonderful job.

Ken Leithwood

I have been doing research on Ken Leithwood for my class.  I would encourage all administrators and those that aspire to become administrators to read some of his work.  His work encouraged me to continue the path I started three years ago at my current school.  Most of his work centers on the job of the leader, and how the actions of the leader translates to student performance.  He has written a number of books and I will buy his last one soon.  It appears it will help me on my path to transforming my school into an awesome place of learning, where students, parents and teachers are all working to a common goal.

Smallest items cause the biggest headaches

Why is it that things I do not see as big deals always caused the biggest headaches.  Homecoming court and club representatives have caused me more problems than a major schedule change this year.  Why do parents and students see this type of recognition more important than what my child is learning?  If clubs and sports are more important, then why do we offer classes?  I guess I am just looking for another voice or someone to explain why?

Class obersvations

I have just completed an observation in a business class this morning.  I was able to watch my teacher keep students involved in the assignments.  The students were creating items in Publisher.  He put an interesting twist in their assignment by having the students take the point of no knowledge of Microsoft.  This caused the students to rethink how they were presenting the material.  Some of the students struggled when he asked them questions, since they assume all have the basic knowledge required to run publisher.  These students made a reference to," using Microsoft publisher since elementary school."  They also stated, "we have made a lot of fliers through out their school years."  Ultimately this shows the experience level of our high school students, and their countless experiences in creating.
One of assignments in graduate school class was to research 21st century learners, and schools.  If students have a lot of experience using different applications, to make the routine assignments more meaningful do we not have change the expectations? Allow them to create, but make sure they move from their comfort level to unknown areas.   I think if we continue to just do things similar, students will continue to just turn in what is expected with little to no thought involved.  The difference between great teaching and just getting the job done centers on higher expectations and making students do more than expected.  This requires more planning, more work and the ability to make appropriate changes.

First real post CWT's

We have to complete fifteen Classroom Walkthroughs a week.  I often feel that this can be an unrealistic number, but I am able to meet the requirement weekly.  I do realize that administrators just like most people allow their plate to get full and not send time in areas that need our attention.  I have to say that the majority of my walks are very useful and makes me understand what my teachers are experiencing in their rooms daily. I have run reports that allows our PLC's to see what we have recorded and develop plans to address weakness. 
We have been doing this in my county for three years, and students still do not fully understand our roles with walks.  I have started allowing groups of my students to assist me in answering the questions.  I learned that students really, when given the chance, understand the questions asked in the walks.  They are often more critical of the teachers when I tell them that they will be anonymous.  This leads me to the question, should students voice be considered in CWT's?  Should I continue to allow my students to assist in filling out the questions in the walks?  I think it is a great practice that allows students a voice in their school.

First Post

Hello and Welcome to my Blog, this is not my first blogging attempt but I am still working to sharpen my skills.  I am using this blog as part of my EdS program at UNCG.  I will be writing about educational topics and the life of a high school principal.