"Where there is no community,trust, respect, ethical behavior are difficult for the young to learn and for the old to maintain". Robert k. Greenleaf
Describe: Three artifacts used in this category; are the Action Plans for ELLs (English Language Learners, SWD (Students with Disabilities), and the CEP (Comprehensive Educational Plan). These artifacts were all group projects and distributive leadership was used which resulted in work being completed successfully. As a group, tasks were assigned individually and if anyone needed additional support all members contributed. In this reflection I will discuss the connections between the artifacts and the ELCC standards.
Analyze: Connections to the ELCC Standards.
a. 5.1 Acts with Integrity- There are many definitions of integrity and one that stands out is acting for what is right .These artifacts illustrates what it means to act with integrity. We can begin by addressing this standard with three underlying themes. The first one is working with all stakeholders, primarily teachers, counselors, and parents to identify areas where there are achievement gaps. For example, the first steps in completing the Action Plan was to discuss with the School Leadership Committee and teachers what support they need so that students with the various disabilities can be supported. Students and teachers need to have access to a wealth of data collected from a system of assessment that promotes ongoing revision and improvement. If we are asking of teachers to design units and lesson plans that explicitly account for how they will move their students to the next level we should also provide them with the necessary resources. The second theme is being aware of the political environment and allocating funds for these goals. The three artifacts addresses this by showing the ways monies will be allocated for the different needs. For example, in the Action Plan materials/resources were selected that will facilitate learning. Books will be purchased for teachers and students, software that students can use and materials for assessment. The plan also addresses the fact that teachers need to be supported and monies will be spent for professional development.The third theme is assessing the different plans. For example in the inquiry team plan, systems for euvaluating whether the plan was successful or not/areas that need improvement was clearly identified.
b. 5.2 Acts Fairly- From these three artifacts special educational funds were used to support classroom instructions. These funds were spent on specific services for example; in the Action Plans monies were allocated for Literacy software.
c. Acts Ethically- All artifacts show the commitment to students learning. Different supports were provided - for example an advisory system was put in place so students can get additional support, communication between parents and teachers was also part of this system. Moreover, all educators were provided with professional development creating a collegial learning environment.
Appraise: A persistent achievement gap, political intrusion and weak classroom pedagogy all cast lingering shadows across efforts to maximize learning opportunities for students hampered with learning context skills at the same time they are learning the vocabulary and syntax of a second language. So how do we help these students and teachers is very important. Working collaboratively ensures that goals will be met and the achievement will increase. In addition it is important that students feel safe in schools, and for that happen a safety plan should also be on place.
Transform: As a perspective administrator, with the knowledge that our schools demographics is changing so drastically, I am now aware of the requirements that schools need to have to show that all students are being supported. In addition, teachers need to also feel supported and it is the responsibility of administrators to provide the necessary resources.