Superintendent+Test+Reflection

I just got finished with the first section of the Sup practice test, and I am a little overwhelmed. To think that the real test is 100 questions is hard to comprehend. I had the hardest time going through all 156 pages of info on "CISD" to find the appropriate information relevant to each question. Pretty much it took me nearly three and a half hours to complete the first 22 questions, and I probably got 50% of them correct. I don't really think that is going to cut it. I hope I do better on the second half, but when there is more than one answer that has the possibility of being correct, I get to over thinking in a hurry. I am curious if there is any good test takers out there, that have strategies for exams formatted in this manner. I could use the help. I would call myself a decent test taker, but this format, the huge amount of information, and the time limit create a series of challenging circumstances I have not seen.

Here is a link to the testing materials for my own organizational benefit (maybe yours too):

The Test Prep Manual

WIKI REFLECTION

A Wiki is a web 2.0 tool I have had no experience with over my time learning about technology in education. Our school district began a new website with the ability of using wikis as part of their package, but to my knowledge it has been under utilized in the past year. Creating my Wiki for this assignment was remarkably easy. I set up the url, name and home page quickly. I created a links within and externally from the wiki. Created a wiki and blog role for my own weird organizational mind, but also for others to quickly reference everyone in our cohort from one page. Long story short, I love it. I see this wiki being a place for mass storage of good stuff and an incredible vehicle for collaboration. Like so many new things, it is hard to say what benefits will come from it without some experience with the tool. I can say that there have been multiple times when I have needed a tool to collaborate on an item within our district. We have tried google wave as a resource to accomplish live collaboration, but it proved to be too much. I think this wiki tool may be one or two steps easier, and therefore utilized better. Some examples where collaboration privately within the school district could be facilitated through a wiki include: And so on….. I see the Admin team having a private wiki with things like this located on it. Then as an item becomes relevant in the scope of the year, the Admin team can look at previous versions, modify, improve, and publish without leaving their computer or campus. This screams efficient! And efficient is good!
 * Meeting agendas for committees
 * Improvement Plans
 * Needs Assessments
 * Code of Conduct and Handbook modifications
 * Parental Involvement Policies
 * Employee Handbook
 * Purchasing procedures
 * Grant Procedures

Action Research Reflection

Action research is defined as "Action" in a process of reflective problem solving through collaboration among stakeholders to make data driven decisions. Now that definition is wordy and somewhat confusing, so in simpler terms, action research is collaborative problem solving based on research. What a concept! Making decisions based on data rather than perception. There is no denying the benefits of looking into the world of information we have at our finger tips and weeding through it to find what is relevant to us. Then applying it to provide what is best for students in education can truly be positively impacting. A smaller use of action research, but no less relevant, is the PLC model. If done with student data as the driver of all conversations, they will turn quickly toward student improvement and identification of needs and strengths through quantitative data in a collaborative setting. The impact could be astounding. The action research cycle of identifying problems, planning, action, and reflection is the model required for all Federal Grant programs. Any LEA accepting money from a Federal Grant is required to plan, implement, and reflect on their programs annually. I think it is no surprise that these grant programs, encompassing large piles of money, require a process that will ultimately yield direct benefits to the educational setting. I hear throughout the state that this process is being done, but not with the level of detail needed. I have never read about "Action Research," or seen a definition, but now that the wool has been removed from my eyes, I can see how LEAs are currently using it. I can also see how an emphasis in PLCs with the action research model could dramatically impact student performance. I am sure there are many ways this process can be implemented in LEA, and I cannot wait to investigate more.

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