Journal 9/30 Last Day of September 09!

Domain 3 Professional Development
Two things...

I realized that for 2 or 3 of my plans yesterday, I didn't even use my plan sheet or at least look at it to see what assessments I was to be doing throughout the lesson. I really don't know why I didn't do it, but I definitely missed out. I obviously can remember some of my observations throughout, but I don't know exactly what my students did, nor did I complete the purpose as I set out to (or at least I don't have true proof). So today, I made sure that that is what I looked at so that I know what I need to be assessing. It might sound silly that I would skip looking at such but when I get to just "teaching and learning", I forget what I'm doing. I think part of it is that since most of my plans are stretched and not what I would do if it were my classroom, they don't come as naturally to me. Also, since I have up to 4 assessments going at one time, it's hard to keep track of it all. There's no excuse though. I'm just kind of bummed I missed out on such. But, I've learned my lesson, and I can adapt and do better next time!

Also, I got to speak the the OT today that will be working with my students. Because I have saved most of the boys' work, and she wanted to see their work, I asked permission to take her down to show her. So, I was able to show her their cutting, writing, coloring, etc. She advised me on something I/we could do with one student to improve his wrist strength/control, and we just talked through various things about them. It was a great learning experience....just that communication with her and putting into words what I observe. I was grateful I got to talk with her because my teacher told her we are doing Handwriting without Tears with him. Well, we are, but he is way past the level that we are at right now; he has other handwriting stuff that he does and does well. I guess I never thought about doing a separate lesson for him through HWT; I dont' know if I even thought about it going beyond where he is at now. Stinkers...that would have enlightened my teacher to the fact that he is not there.

Another thing...I know I said two, but I just thought of another. My teacher had to present information to the principal about how the students have grown since last year. She gave me a copy, and I read over it this morning. I found some obvious things that were not valid. And then for other areas, I just wonder where she gets that information and much more she could have put on there if she used standards/IEP goals/aligned assessments. That paper could have been so much stronger. Also, it interests me that she never consulted me about any of it. She wrote down info for one student that only I have worked with; she worked with him, I think, maybe once. Just interesting...You'd think if you really wanted the information, you would ask the person, who at this point, knows the best...especially if they have data to show/prove it:)

I also don't like it when students get helped when they don't need it. I've on this before, but a student was being worked with today and words were basically being put in his mouth, it was being written out for him, and I don't think he has a problem with quality or speed; he just needs a quiet place to work, so I'm not quite sure why he is even helped so much. When I worked with him, I just let him do his thing, waiting to me asked for help. Once I thought he was struggling, I asked him if he needed help, but he said no...grant it, I might be off on the above scenario. Maybe she wasn't helping him that much, but from what I caught...that's what it seemed like. And of course, the student isn't going to say anything!

This ended up being a lot more than two:)!

Thanks for coming today and for just coming in during a somewhat normal time. Let me know when you want to get together for CEC. I'll see if Katie can cover this Monday and then I'll do the 12th!