Arts and Humanities Program Review

Even though my school isn't exactly evaluated on this, I still like to stay on top of our district's expectations and goals.  This Program Review is technically for all schools in Fayette County and I recently went through and put the District's 20 page document into my own cliff notes, cough cough, only 3 pages thank you.  The District's version can be found here, my version can be found here.

One thing that I like to do is read through at the beginning of the year, and then once a month throughout the school year and just document evidence of the things I've done (pertaining to the cliff notes) and also schedule things for the future.

Feel free to use yourself or share what you've done to cover some of the items!

I will be double checking and posting my evidence here on the blog for others to see and for myself as documentation.

Portfolio 2014

I know professionally it is always a good idea to have an updated portfolio of the work you've done, awards and recognitions, etc.  It is also very personally uplifting to reflect back and see all you've accomplished, like opening a family photo album that brings back fond memories. 

I recently updated my portfolio and it was exciting!  Updating resumes are always painful, but the rest is a lot of fun!  In this portfolio, I included a Letter of Intro, 2 page resume, articles from FCPS where I was featured and/or contributed (such as this FCPS article, FCPS Teacher Spotlight and an EcoART Grant with other art teachers),  the 16th District PTSA Award, photos of Museum Exhibits and Tours, my Museum CSIP, my Unit Planner, my AH Content Standards "Bingo" cheat sheet and photos of examples of student work including Calendar Art Competition entires. I also included image examples of my leadership roles including Tom's Squad and our movement to take over a quality lunch program with our OLC and Aquaponics.

Phew!!!  Seems like a lot, I know!! 

and that's only in 4 years!  It's very exciting to see what the next 4 years will bring!  

Unit Planner

So, our district came out with a 7 page lesson planning template for teachers to use in their classes.  I thought, "Holy Moly! 7 pages, that is crazy!"  Maybe an in-depth collaborative Unit, but not for every day use!  So I tried to really digest all of the information on it, then..... they came out with a 2 pager.  Getting warmer, but still too much paperwork!  My administrative team asked me to combine the 7 pager, the 2 pager and our "school philosophy" and see what I could come up with.  Well, here ya go! Brace yourself...... it's all of one page, but pretty in-depth.  There are explanations of the items as it pertains to the district wish list, but also organized realistically and user-friendly.

Assessment Criteria:  Teacher completes expectations that are concrete, measurable and rigorous in the Teacher Goals/Growth Targets.  This must be completed after class pre-assessment and data sets/funds of knowledge are accounted for.  

Enduring Standards:  By incorporating interdisciplinary standards, literacy standards and employability/21st Century standards into the Unit creation, we are providing students with opportunity to practice “life long skills that have value in multiple disciplines and will set them up for success in the next grade level”.  

Formative assessments are planned after Teacher Goals and Growth Targets are identified.  Dates for formative activities/assessment are set throughout the unit for teacher-to-student consultation and review of progress. (Stop and Checks) Communication home to parent/guardian is encouraged for partnership as well as development/recognition focus notes within eOS.

Instructional Outcomes/Essential Questions:  Classroom effort after pre-assessments and data sets/funds of knowledge are applied to topic/theme.  Students can decide what the Inquiry-based essential questions could be in keeping with the enduring and supporting standards.  Teacher acts as guide/facilitator in approving essential questions that are within the instructional outcomes/learning targets theme.  

Learning Activities:  Learning activities stem from the Standards, Literacy and Employability Framework while taking into account Teacher Goals and Growth Targets.  Learning actives are planned with formative assessments and stop and check dates in mind.  

Lesson Objectives/Learning Targets/Instructional Outcomes - are all decided at the beginning of the Theme/Topic/Idea.  These criteria are decided based on societal criteria, developmental criteria and student individual criteria.  (How does this topic function in society, where the student is currently in their development and engaging the student with their interests/strengths.)  

Resources:  Include texts (books, articles, graphics, etc), digital, library resources, school/parent community resources and professional community resources.

Summative Assessment:  Taking into account any and all measured growth of student within the Unit.  Each activity develops or allows practice of a specific skill.  Formative assessment is practice of specific skills and criteria.  Summative Assessment is the application of skills and criteria within an authentic assessment (product/project/performance based).  

Tough Mudder Nashville 2014

I can't believe I conquered my 2nd Tough Mudder this past weekend! Myself and a small group of friends went to Nashville to go up against challenging obstacles such as Mud Mile, Berlin Walls, Mount Everest, Arctic Enema and Funky Monkey!  Oh yeah, and it's on a 10.6 mile course.  No sweat, right!? Well, kind of.  I trained for several months with a good friend of mine, who eventually joined our team and ran her first Tough Mudder!  Way to go Ashlee!!  Here is a pic of us girls, before the event.

(before the event: Ashlee, Megan and Myself)

Everyone had a great time!  I think my stomach hurts the most from laughing so much!  Only a few minor cuts and bruises, but the memories and amazing friendships are worth it!  I am so proud of myself and my friends for 1) being brave enough to train and commit to such a crazy event 2) not dying or giving up and 3) looking forward to doing it again soon!

(my clothes afterwards)

My washing machine looked like it was brewing coffee when I was cleaning up from the trip!  But I didn't wash my number!    :) 

If anyone is interested in participating in a Tough Mudder, here is there website.  I highly recommend it!!