Artifact 57  3 lesson plans with critical thinking skills activities highlighted

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Artifact 58 -Examples of completed student assignments from Artifact 57

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Artifact 59 -Example of project - or problem- based learning unit

Students of the Computer Information Systems Program are required to complete several projects and/or problem based learning units.  One major project they are required to complete is a National Microsoft Certification Test. In the Advanced Computer Information Systems Program students are required to complete multiple National Microsoft Certification tests.  The Microsoft Certification testing demonstrates various tasks and simulations that the students have completed throughout the school year.

Students who are members of FBLA on the regional and state level are encouraged to enter competitions. Students have the opportunity to participate in individual events or team events.

One very important project based unit students work on is their "end of the year" memory book. Students use Microsoft Powerpoint to complete an intense presentation that is shown to the classmates, burned to CD for their parents, and finally printed in color and bound in a hard cover book. The book resembles a high school annual. Students work countless hours on this project and some even come back after graduation to add their graduation photos to their book before binding it.

Artifact 60 - 3 Instructional Practices Resulting From Participation in Professional Development:

In the Lee County School System we are required to complete 30 hours per school year on professional development activities. One of the best professional developments we have received is the process of using "Taskstream".  Taskstream is web-based software that helps teachers create lesson plans, websites, and create e-portfolios. TaskStream has been a vital learning tool that I use daily.

Another professional development course we have recently covered is the process of using “PowerSchool”. This is a web based software that helps teachers keep better track of student grades, discipline, Individual Educational Plan ( IEP’s),  and attendance. The PowerSchool has an extension to the program known as “PowerParent”. PowerParent gives parents access to check student’s grades, attendance, and discipline problems. The PowerSchool program allows teachers and parents to work hand in hand to better help the student.

 I have also completed and participated in several Virtual On-Line Academies sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education.  The on-line academies are created to help all Business Education teachers become Industry Certified. Through these academies I have received numerous certifications. With certification I am better able to help the students understand what needs to be covered for them to become certified.  I would  like to see the Virtual Online Academies be opened to students.