Professional Development Plan Review

It is rather obvious the importance of creating a professional development plan for this simple reason, education is always changing. In order to be proficient and up to date with new and innovative trends, a person in a leadership role needs to be experienced in developing a plan to enhance their knowledge in the field of education. The plan may be an important opportunity to work with others as we are creating our educational vision and goals or addressing our personal needs in education by enhancing our knowledge and skills to influence the quality of education. This plan may allow us to think outside the box concerning different opportunities and expectations. All these reasons reflect the importance of creating a professional development plan. In my opinion, the most important aspect that we as interns should be focused on is our assessments that we have given ourselves regarding our areas of needed improvement. This needs assessment can be synthesized in the campus document provided, the three year professional development plan. This plan somewhat resembles a campus or district improvement plan. The most important section, the objective, will focus on the areas of need and be written to explain the proposed outcome. The next section will focus on what types of trainings or materials are needed to support reaching the objective, and who will or can offer support for achievement. There always must be a goal set to explain a particular ending date, or a time frame the objective should be completed. A method of evaluation will determine whether the objective was mastered, or if support was offered. All the plans that are included in the three year professional development plan will relate to particular TExES Domain and Competency.  Overall the benefits of creating this plan will help outline the needs of a school administrator, as well as document the growth being attained.

EDLD 5396 Reflection

After reading the passage from the text School Leader Internship it is imperative to understand the process of reflection as it relates to our professional improvement and growth. Throughout this course, we have had ample opportunities to reflect on our past knowledge, as well as learning new information that supports our current knowledge. In week one, we had the opportunity to assess our strengths and weaknesses concerning the ten competencies embedded in the three domains of the superintendents program. This reflection upon our current state of strength and weakness will help focus the attention of the selected activities that are included in the internship plan. In addition the TExES exam provided some support to the personal assessment that was developed. A current opinion regarding the practice TExES exam is that participating in the disaggregation of data utilizing TAAS data is irrelevant to the current AEIS data that is currently being utilized in the current education system. In week two I had the opportunity to interview our Superintendent and visualizing the needed knowledge to successfully be the Chief Executive Officer of the school district. I had the opportunity of learning this knowledge and utilizing this information in the development of my internship plan. Further meetings with the Superintendent gave me the opportunity to refine my internship plan into the document that I will be working with throughout the continuation of this certification program. In visiting with my Superintendent, who is also my site supervisor, he has challenged me to focus certain areas of my education program towards finance and operations. This is an area he had to learn quickly, and recommends learning this area slowly and in depth to have a firm understanding and ease of transition into a district leadership position. Being a Superintendent in the school district, it is imperative to stay current on the new innovations of technology and how it will benefit the school environment. Utilizing blogs in our coursework has been a valuable tool to share the information we have learned and developed with our peers. I have never utilized a blog before, and now that I have experience with this, I see where this is a valuable tool. In addition, I am not as impressed in using a wiki. As of now, I do not feel like this has been a valuable tool, however, I am still novice and unsure how this tool could be utilized to its full potential. Everything I have completed on my wiki, I feel has been best utilized using the blog. The discussion boards have been a valuable tool in sharing our information with peers. This has also been a good area to ask questions and receive feedback on concerns we have had. I was concerned whenever I registered for these online classes, because of the lack of networking that I have been accustomed to, however, the EPIC and Adobe system has given us the opportunity to network by the way of discussion boards and web conferencing. On the subject of web conferencing, I enjoyed the opportunity of seeing and hearing from the peers involved in our class, and knowing where everyone is from. However, I do offer some criticism to the web conference, due to everyone not understanding the components of the web conferencing system. For example, not understanding when to mute the microphones; this makes it difficult for everyone hearing echo’s whenever someone is talking. I would like to recommend that everyone have headsets so the feedback is eliminated. After week five, and our last web conference, I had some technical issues and had to restart my computer and whenever I signed back into the system, the class was complete. With this being said, there were a few students still visiting with each other, and I had the opportunity to jump in and ask what I missed in the last few minutes. With only four people involved in the conference, we were able to work with each other collaboratively explaining different aspects of the program and concerns about requirements on assignments. In my opinion, this was the most valuable opportunity I had in utilizing the web conferencing program. I would like to recommend that we have the opportunity to utilize this small group discussing using the web conference program. Overall, from the first week, getting familiar with the system and working through all the technical issues up until week five, I feel like I have had tremendous growth utilizing the online program. I would like to thank everyone who has offered comments and assistance throughout this first course as well.

Superintendent Interview - September 21, 2011

I had met with Mr. John Valastro, Superintendent of Lumberton ISD on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 4:00 pm in my office at Lumberton Intermediate School.  The internship plan that I had developed had previously been e-mailed to Mr. Valastro for his review so he would not have to take a lot of time out of his busy schedule to visit. We have actually had several meetings prior to this meeting to discuss various aspects of the internship plan, and the particular items he is wanting me to focus my experiences with. In reality all these meetings have culminated into my internship plan.

A little background on Mr. Valastro’s position of Superintendent and the current state of Lumberton Independent School District is important to know. He is currently the only sole central office administrator for the district, with less than a few months of experience as the Superintendent. Due to budget constraints, he does not have an Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum or an Assistant Superintendent for Operations. Both of these positions are currently on hold to fill. These are the reasons we have had several informal meetings to discuss my internship experience – he’s just a busy man!

He was impressed with the selections I had chosen to include in my plan explaining that I have chosen to focus on many different aspects of the position. He is particularly excited that I took his advice in one of our prior meetings to gain ample knowledge in the area of school finance and the operations of the school district. Due to the lack of positions at the central office level, he has asked that I leave some room for modification in my internship plan, as there may be a strong need for assistance for true and real opportunities with decisions and actions of the district. It was explained to him that the internship plan that was developed was an open ended document that is subject modification.

I have worked with Mr. Valastro for several years prior to becoming the Principal of Lumberton Intermediate School as his Assistant Principal of Lumberton High School. We have a strong working relationship, and he knows my personal demeanor and focus towards advancement. In our discussions, he has spoken many times regarding a position in the near future with the opportunity of working at central office. He currently did not ask that I add anything to my plan, however, he just reiterated that he wishes that I focus on the school finance and operations strongly because his future plans are dependent upon it.

Internship Plan

INTERNSHIP PLAN

Activity Number	TExES Competency .	Summary of Activity	Resource Person	Projected Completion Date
1C	2	Review and compare two different district vision statements. Note the strengths and weaknesses of each, and make recommendations for the Lumberton School District vision statement.	Self	September, 2011
2A	2	Coordinate and develop a strategic plan in association with the Lead4ward system to facilitate knowledge of the STAAR assessment and incorporation of the TEKS readiness and supporting standards that are assessed.	Self	December, 2011
3B	2	Review board policy and administrative guidelines regarding data collection, assessment, and evaluation. Evaluate the degree to which the policy and guidelines are being implemented. Modify or redevelop the existing policy for board consideration.	Self, Superintendent, Coordinator of Support Services	September, 2011
5A	2	Review board policy and administrative guidelines. Assess compliance and the leadership culture in the district. Determine how frequently top-down leadership vs. consensus leadership is used. Reflection will be provided regarding the leadership style most often used and validate compliance with school policy and administrative guidelines.	Self, Superintendent, Coordinator of Support Services	October, 2011
6A	2	The superintendent has assigned the duties of District Site Base Decision Making committee chairman to me and will satisfy the requirements by creating agenda statements and facilitating the District Site Base Decision Making Committee meetings. Minutes of the meeting will be formally shared with the superintendent at the conclusion of each meeting. I have currently scheduled six meetings for the school year.	Self, District Site Base Committee, Superintendent	April, 2012
4A	3	Review board policy and administrative guidelines regarding the procedures of district communications management in the district. A reflection will be provided recommending improvements to the program.	Superintendent, District Communication Coordinator	October, 2011
25A	3	Interview the District Communication Coordinator regarding strategies for effective communication to and from the community and the issue of community politics. A summary of the interview will be provided.	District Communication Coordinator	October, 2011
26A	3	Develop a general questionnaire or survey addressing school policy, instruction, homework, activities, discipline, and parent involvement. Distribute the questionnaire or survey to a group of parents. A reflection of the results will be provided.	Parents	December, 2011
27A	3	Examine and evaluate the Intermediate School library with regard to resources that address the heritage and values of culturally diverse populations. A copy of the evaluation and recommendations will be provided.	Campus Librarian, Reading Teacher	October, 2011
28C	3	Interview two community leaders that reside in the district. Focus on their perceptions of the quality of education, concerns, and recommendations for the schools. A summary of the interview will be provided.	Chamber of Commerce	February, 2012
29A	1,4	Obtain a copy of the job description of the Superintendent of Schools and the evaluation instrument used for the position. Analyze the correlation between the requirements listed in the job description and the performance standards of evaluation.  Evidence of the job description and evaluation will be provided with a written analysis.	Superintendent, President of the School Board	November, 2011
30A	1	Interview Dr. Betty Iles, retired employee from Lumberton ISD. Interview highlights will be provided.	Dr. Betty Iles	November, 2011
31B	1	Meet with two groups of school staff members (secretaries and custodians) and compare the perspectives of both groups regarding the ethical /unethical behaviors exhibited by certified personnel in the district. Recommendation for policy changes may be made, and a reflection will be provided.	Campus Secretary Group, and Campus Custodial Group	December, 2011
32A	1	Avoiding interrupting others while speaking. Reflective examples will be provided.	Self	December, 2011
32A	1	Avoid being defensive when challenged. Reflective examples will be provided.	Self	December, 2011
32A	1	Attempt to resolve conflict constructively. Reflective examples will be provided.	Self	December, 2011
32A	1	Encourages consideration of varying perspectives. Reflective examples of the coordination of teachers and their views of the special education staff requirements as compared to the general education staff requirements will be provided.	Self	November, 2011
33A	4	Attend board meetings. Current agenda and listings of decisions will be provided.	Self, School Board	April, 2012
7G	5	Create a new process for curriculum evaluation for the districts new CSCOPE curriculum. Current evaluation methods will be examined and recommendations for methods introduced. Surveys of teachers will be provided as well as a reflection of the evaluation method.	Superintendent, Math Curriculum Coordinator, Teachers	April, 2012
8*	5	Create three drafts of the school district calendar and provide to the District Site Base Decision Making committee. Recommendations and concerns will be provided.	Self, District Site Base Decision Making Committee	December, 2011
9A	5	Conduct an audit to determine the degree to which the school or district has incorporated brain-based learning theory into the instructional program. A reflection and recommendation will be provided.	Self	December, 2011
13C	5	Work collaboratively with the Intermediate School counselor regarding the development of a student council program on the campus. A reflection and recommendation to the board will be provided.	Self, Counselor	November, 2011
34F	5	Interview the Coordinator or Support Services about the process of writing grants. Utilize information learned from the interview and include in the application for HEB Healthy Campus Grant.	Coordinator of Support Services	October, 2011
10E	6	Compile a list of all options for student belonging that the high school offers. Calculate the percentage of students that belong to one or more student groups. Survey students why they choose to join or not to join. A reflection and recommendation will be provided	High School Principal, Various Activity Sponsors	March, 2012
11C	6, 8	Interview the district technology coordinator and discuss the roles, process and responsibilities for assessing technology software. Evaluate the process and discuss concerns and recommendations for improvement. A reflection will be provided.	District Technology Coordinator	December, 2011
12C	6	Analyze district, state, and national normed test results. Assess the current strengths and weaknesses in student achievement. Recommendations for improvement in student performance will be provided.	Self	April, 2012
16B	6	Examine the districts discipline policy and provide and analysis of the strengths and weaknesses. An analysis and recommendations will be provided.	Self	March, 2012
36A	6	Compile a list of current issues that affect teaching and learning. Research literature and perspectives from administrators will be included in the analysis examining the degree of importance for each issue. A reflection and any recommendations will be provided.	Self	March, 2012
14C	7	Collaborate with the Middle School Principal in the development and implementation of the Lead4ward staff development training. A copy of the plan, and materials covered, and agenda will be provided as well as a reflection.	Self, Middle School Principal	November, 2011
23A	7	Interview the District Personnel Director and determine the major requirements and issues such as planning, recruitment, selection, induction, compensation, evaluation and dismissal of personnel. A reflection will be provided	District Personnel Director	November, 2011
18E	8	Review the policy and budget for administrative technology. Evaluate the policy and resources with regard to the job descriptions and evaluation forms for selected district office personnel. Evaluation and recommendations will be provided	District Office Personnel, Director of Technology	March, 2012
19A	8	Review the policies for district operations. Evaluate the extent to which the district is in compliance with these policies. Recommendations for increasing compliance and an evaluation will be provided.	Director of Support Services, Director of Business Services	March, 2012
24C	8	Participate in the budget planning process for the district. An overview of the process and any recommendations will be provided.	Superintendent, Director of Business Services	April, 2012
37A	8	Compile a list of professional organizations and outline the scope of their expertise and service to the superintendent. The list of resources and the major area of service will be provided.	Self	October, 2011
38A	8	Compile al list of books, publications, training manuals, and district publications recommended for the superintendent’s position. A prioritized listing will be provided.	Self	October, 2011
20*	9	Develop and implement a school safety emergency procedure’s guidebook to be distributed to each campus. A copy of the guidebook will be provided.	Director of Support Services, Self	October, 2011
21A	9	Interview the director of transportation to discuss current issues and needs for transportation. Cost, maintenance, personnel issues, training and safety, and student problems will be included. A summary will be provided.	Director of Transportation	November, 2011
22A	9	Interview the food nutrition director to discuss current requirements, concerns, and issues of the food nutrition program. A summary will be provided.	Food Nutrition Director	November, 2011
15A	10	Review board policy regarding curriculum innovations and change in the school district. Select readings from journals and discuss content with the faculty and administration concerning curriculum changes. A reflective statement will be provided.	Self	February, 2012
17C	10	Interview the districts head nurse to discuss the major requirements, concerns, and goals for the school health program. Information from the School Health Advisory Committee will be introduced as well. A summary of the issues and recommendations will be provided.	District Head Nurse, Self	February, 2012
35A	10	Choose a current issue in the district. Interview at least two sides of the issue. Create a resolution between the opposing sides of the situation and introduce a resolution. A summary and any recommendations will be provided.	Self	April, 2012