Time To Reflect!!

The last three day that I spent with cohort4 was fantastic!!! I am ready to go back to work this Monday, with a new energy and thoughts on my role as a twenty-first century leader.  I believe every aspect of the learning that occured for me during our class time was no conincidence.  Lots of infomation to think about, digest and act on in some kind of positive manner.  Don't know how that will look, but I know I've been changed for the better.  

One of the key concepts, I have been rolling around in my brain is the meaning of what an "intentional learner" is. Exactly what does an intentional learner look like in elementary, middle and high school.  What would I see the students doing in my building and saying as I conducted observation, walkthroughs and conversations with these students.   The Greater Expectations National Panel Report truly made me think about how can I as someone who believes that what she does is a calling from GOD, do the right thing by the students  I serve at Amelia Earhart Learning Center.  What can I do differently in the delivery of service, attention,  and support to my boys and girls at this little school of three hundred plus school that sits in the heart of West Dallas.  How can I help these student acquire  an education, which gives them the options to choose!

As I stated in class on Friday it is of great concern and with great dismay how many of my colleagues use certain buzz words, like they are flavors of the month (e.g. overaged-learning, college/career ready, response to intervention, etc).  I am sure that you can think of a few your self.  In chapter two of the The Greater Expectation National Panel Report it states the following,

"Today’s primary and secondary school students bring diverse learning styles to the classroom. They learn at different rates, in different ways,starting from different points, and with different levels of parental involvement. Yet, by and large, educators assume they will all fit into onestandard pattern. While excellent teachers employ a range of instructional methods to match their students’ learning styles, such master teachers are not available in all schools. Schools also are organized so that a set quantity of learning is expected in a given time frame. In only a few exceptional schools are all students held to high standards by adjusting both the kind and amount of instruction to meet individual student learning needs."

As implied by the quotation educators must rethink how we go about creating students who are "intentional learners". Many variables and factors must be considered if education is used equalize opportunity for all.  It is my quest to develop teachers who can help students become"intentional learners" who are capable of  developing self-awareness and deep understanding the reason for study, the learning process itself, and how education is used. We as a campus  produce students that  can adapt the skills learned in one situation to problems encountered in another. I want our students to make  connections to their  personal life, formal education and knowledge to social responsibility.

As I said at the beginning of this posting I am reflecting, digesting and evolving------stay tuned for next weeks posting.  I truly don't know where is new little journey of  the mind is taking me.    I hope that each and everyone of you have a great week!!!!!