Describe your goals for professional growth in the area of developing as an urban educator...

Conferences and workshops attended.

September 2010

Goal one, better use of data to close achievement gaps

Goal two, data driven instruction at Champion

Goal three, start thinking of an area of research that can be applied to my academics and my professional position. 

Goal four, really invest my time on the assigned literature for the Diversity council of which I am a member. 

October 2010

As far as goal one, using data to close achievement gaps, we had a good start. We disaggregated data and began formalizing our data meetings. The results were mind blowing. The data driven instruction goal is inherently linked to this data. Although, we are not to the point of curricula modifications we are well on our way.  As far as my area of research, I am still unclear as to where I am going. I am unhappy with not knowing yet. I am some where between data, achievement gaps, and culturally competent schools. I have already read a Delpin and Tatum book cover to cover so I am definitely invested in that literature. 

November 2010

We are now in the process of analyzing disaggregated data to the extent that we can define student learning problems and effect curricular changes. This process is supported by collaborative inquiry at the teacher level. At this point we are just starting to look at strand and cluster data. These data, disaggregated, are rather insightful. To this end, we will modify and evaluate our current standards of focus and priority. As an urban educators we have committed to truly delving into these data to seek out inequities. Great stuff! 

December 2010

At this point we are engaging in discrouse relevant to the characteristics of urban standards at our school. Often philosophically different the mission of the school remains the same. Disaggregated data for Brockton has a whole exhibits a decreased achievement gap. Thsi not the case at our school at this point. This up and coming sememster we will delve into the data meetings full swhing. 

January 2011

An added value to working with regard to this topic is gaining a deeper understanding of the concepts of school socialziation and more specifically social reproduction. As an educational leader it is important to understand the roles of schools and society to the extent of which it affects students. I am convinced that the program I am in at Northeastern was philosophically a great choice. The dichotomy between an urban university and those "not so much" is one of deep philosophical value. 

February 2011

I have taken classes on educational policies and ethics that have really added to my urban educator toolbox. I have grown as a teacher and teacher leader. It is refreshing to know that higher educational programs are committed to urban districts.

March 2011

The diversity council I am on did a wonderful presentation for the school committee on the topic of teacher recruitment and diversity in the public school system. It was well received.

April 2011

Plan to host a student work exhibition for three urban districts. The purpose is for students to showcase their work while reaching out to the community.