Reflections

= = **Reflections from a Coach...**

My focus this week has been touching base with as many teachers as possible and working on a piece to combine EM lessons with tested indicators on our pacing guide. It has been good to see when (or if) tested indicators are taught during the year.
 * __Week: December 15-19__**

I wish each of you a wonderful break, a Merry Christmas, and a blessed New Year (with extra prayers for Halee)! ~ Kevin

Getting technology ready for Open House on Monday took more time than I thought it would. The patrons (especially the elderly) truly enjoyed signing a guest book utilizing the Airliner Slates. They also had the opportunity to watch a short video that I created showing how technology is utilized in Valley Center. The attendance overall was around 17 patrons. Throughout the rest of the week I spent time working on the next Technology Academy Day and the Technology Plan, researching SIP's and typing programs, and coaching with the technicians. The highlight of my week was when individuals that I had coached had come up with their own solution instead of relying on me to come up with the answer. This just reinterates to me the importance of continuing to practice my coaching skills which can be so rewarding. My only question is, "How long before that brain of mine will be rewired?" ~Sherrie
 * __Week: December 8-12__**


 * __Week: December 1-5__**

Wow, it is December, and I continue to marvel at the amazing evolution that is happening in our district. For one, the coaching training continues to be a cornerstone in my mind in each conversation that I have. I continually realize how much I must work at becoming increasingly proficient at these skills. Secondly, I have been excited to provide training to our k-3 support staff, related to the overall picture of reading and learning techniquies and to the teachers who have joined our district on the topic of reading strategies. The gift of shared knowledge will continue to be powerful for our students! One other thing that really strikes me is the power of having an assessment schedule and plan, created COLLECTIVELY and COLLABORATIVELY. This document will provide much needed communication as we embark on the state assessment process as a VILLAGE. What power and excitement there is in the process of change! Becky

This week I was focused on delivering our district's problem solving initiative to Abilene. I found it challenging to try and work together the key stakeholder's important ideals without losing fidelity to our core program. Tamara, you were very helpful in directing our meeting to accomplish that end. The current product is a nice first step, and It will be interesting to see how the data determines our direction from here. ~ Kevin

Putting new processes in place can sometimes happen quickly and efficiently which was proof with this week's Assessment Meeting. The Assessment Schedule was the result of buildings coming together in a postivie manner as well as the ability to "think outside the box" which was a highlight of my week. During the rest of the week, I wrapped up my MP3 involvement with MTSS at West, continued to have coaching conversations with staff members on technology, and attended a Technology Integration Specialists User Meeting wherein I learned many new things that I can bring back to the district to share with staff. Now that the Assessment Schedule is in place and I can get a technology training schedule in place! ~Sherrie


 * __Week: November 17-21__**

Everytime I attend a coaching session I realize how important it is to continue practicing these skills whether I am using them with colleagues, friends or family. I have realized how that hard wiring in my brain continues to be a stumbling block, but I also know that practicing the coaching skills that I am learning will hopefully make it hard wired in my brain. The two sessions with Toni this week were so stimulating, but so mentally exhausing at the same time which is a good thing!

I am wrapping up my MP3 training with second graders over at West this week. I have trained about half of the students during the MTSS block. I have teamed up with the Librarian to make sure students are reading books not only at their reading level, but do not have an audio recording with them. Our goal is to save these recordings on a shared student drive so that any student in the building can listen to an audio recording of a particular book. ~Sherrie

I was glad to be able to attend the Assessment Conference as I gained some valuable information on the MTSS process and was able to get to know the rest of you a little better. I was dissappointed that I didn't gain much on the state assessment process (maybe that means I know more than I think). We are all praying for the best for Halee and that her tests will come back with excellent news. ~ Kevin
 * __Week: October 20-24__**

This has been another learning week for me as I have spend a lot of time researching different math diagnostic assessments for the district to implement next year. My first attempt to test a program did not go very well, but I'm back in the saddle again this morning working on a different one to test. In some ways, I feel like a kid learning to swim at his Uncle's pond - "Just throw him in and he'll learn how to swim!" I'm learning, but there seems to be a lot of splashing and flailing in the process. The extra day this weekend will be nice to enjoy! ~ Kevin
 * __Week: October 6 - 9__**

Even though the intention was there, I didn't get around to writing my reflection last week so I am combining last week with this week. So here goes.
 * __Week: September 29 - October 3__**

The week of September 22-26th continues to be a wonderful learning and growing experience with Toni. I continue to work hard at positive presuppositions. I have realized the importance of slowing down and thinking of how to word things in a positive manner before I say them. Even though it is hard to change that hard wiring in my limited brain, I am so dedicated to changing this about myself as I can see the continued professional and personal growth. Hang with me, team and thanks to Kevin for helping me out in this area this week!

Great things are happening in our district! I am so grateful for the wonderful training center and can't wait to get into the building and working together there with our team. Too cool!!! Today at ESSDACK I am learning new exciting technologies that will be exciting to share with our staff. Even though I am still paying for a wedding (I'm not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel on this one yet) I'm sitting here at ESSDACK during lunch thinking that I just might be purchasing my own personal flip video this weekend after watching tech integration specialists utilizing them today and giving me some great ideas.....

I truly know why I got into education: I love working with people and I love learning new things!

What a week! Toni is so easy to work with and she brings a level of acheivement to us that scares me a little. My personal ceiling of what I think I'm capable of rises each time from working with her.
 * __Week: September 22-26__**

It's amazing to me how well the four of us work together and how quickly our TEAM is developing. We all have very different skills and we seem to mesh incredibly well that our collective results (I can't spell effisacy) will be amazing. Tamara, you have had an incredible impact on each of us. Keep up the good work - you're an incredible LEADER! ~ Kevin

What excitement there is in working with a team to become an increasingly proficient practitioner! Last week, I was amazed at the amount the MTSS Team was able to accomplish during our meeting by incorporating cooperative learning structures. I also witnessed the power of building relationships and group unity with around the table responses to the simple question, "How are you feeling today?" I think we were able to get much more accomplished starting out valuing the affective component that people were bringing to the table.

Fast forward to today. I so appreciate Toni and the type of higher level thought that she is bringing out. Though it is a challenge at times, I value the times where we apply the skills that we are learning in such a safe environment. Thank you, Kevin, Sherrie, and Tamara, for being my safety net as I learn (Gosh this sounds like I am writing a narrative for a CD insert, huh???)! WHAT A BLESSING!!!

Tamara, thank you for all of the time that you invest in us and the support that you provide our team. You are always so willing to help and are there to lend a hand with positivity, humor, and valuable thoughts. I am learning so much, personally and professionally. Becky
 * __Week: September 8-12__**

After reflecting this week on the coaching we received last week and then on Tuesday with Toni, I'm amazed at the power at our disposal to elevate the the thinking of our colleagues and to improve the process of learning in our district. I have learned to listen better and to think more deeply than in the past! How great would it have been to have these tools earlier in my career. And think, we've only just scratched the surface. ~ Kevin

I really appreciate the additional coaching time that we get to spend with Toni. She really clarified and extended my learning from the previous week at ESSDACK. The week just seems to fly and my professional ring is getting heavy with elephants that need repriortized!


 * __Week: September 2-5__**

As I sit in the coaching institute, I look at three wonderful colleagues (Kevin, Sherrie, and Becky) and think how lucky I am to get to work with such talent. I genuinely feel blessed. This CIA team is dynamic. I can't wait to look back in five years and see the positive changes that have occurred and I hope that the one major change is to promote all staff and students to become THINKERS and PROBLEM SOLVERS! I believe that is the best gift we can give them. We can get there if we ask them the right questions, be good listeners, and hold back from giving too much ADVICE! I am looking forward to spending time at each of our meetings practicing these skills we are learning. Application and guided practice is KEY. ~Tamara


 * __Week: August 25-29, 2008__**

Sitting here at the end of my first week back, I am inspired, exhausted, and feel positive that I was able to accomplish a great deal. I am inspired by the teams of people with whom I am surrounded. There truly is strength in the positivity of others. I am exhausted mentally and physically by the tasks completed this week, yet excited to delve into those yet to come. Even though I felt as if my mind was swirling in a multitude of topics at today's Title I Meeting, I feel that we do have a common direction as a team and will accomplish amazing things this year. It is powerful to see the differing perspectives and personalities at work in the interest of our students. Time and continued dialogue will provide increased clarity for how MTSS will look for us. I think this will be a great framework for most of the topics that we will discuss. As far as our team here in the office, I am so glad to have the ongoing communication that will help to give us continued direction as a collective group. The assessment visuals that we will create will be helpful to teachers and our district's process, I am sure. I cannot wait to attend the training next week to continue to improve my own craft and ability. Becky 8/29/08

I am TIRED, but it was so rewarding to work with students today over at the middle school. Had some technology issues that required the tech crew which made the first class not go as smooth as I had wished it had, but the rest of the day was sure smooth sailing! I can't wait to read the elephant book this weekend. I truly enjoy the instructional coaching collaboration, but have to remind myself to clear my mind of everything else that I need to do and to dedicate myself to being in that moment (maybe it has to do something with adhd (self-diagnosed...) ~ Sherrie

Spoke with Mark Hoy re Problem Solver. No collaboration, bought with remaining funds based on Lynette's suggestion it would be helpful. I will prepare myself to provide training for any teachers that would like to incorporate the materials. I need to stop by and pick up a package as I forgot to take one with me last Friday. **Kevin**

__Week: August 18-22, 2008__

~Yes...that is one of the MANY issues we are dealing with :-). Tamara
 * I just found out today that Consumer Problems doesn't have a curriculum. I hope this class is one you are already working on, Tamara. Do you have a timeline on when the materials will be available?

Sherrie's Reflection for the week of 08/18/2008: I got some great ideas this week for training that I will share with principals as I start meeting with them. I am still "dreaming big, dreaming valley" when it comes to the Tech Troupe! ~Sherri...I am equally excited about the possibilities and I am so pleased with your detailed planning and big picture vision thus far! What a powerful plan for teachers, which will result in better learning for all! Thanks for thinking "outside" the box! Funds can get in the way....but there is always a way around those barriers! Tama **ra

__Week: August 11-15, 2008__

Weekly Reflection: I was challenged and inspired by Tammy's presentation Tuesday. I have used some of my time to look up many of the websites and videos she mentioned. One in particular caught my attention: Michael Welsh (KSU) was talking about teaching in the 21st century and how it needs to change to meet the demands of an ever changing culture - one that is now digital and who knows what it will be in a few years. Very powerful (and long). www.mediatedcultures.net/ksudigg Meeting with teachers and principals has been slow, but good. We have so many great people teaching in the district. I'm excited about what I will be doing in spite of the typical first year challenges I expect to work through. ~ Kevin

Tammy Worcester is a great presenter and the information that she presented was prevalent for teachers in that the resources she provided were timely and could be taken back to the classroom for implementation. On another note, the training on the delicious website was a little bit frustrating in the morning, however, that is why with technology I try to have a backup plan. The afternoon session went a lot better due to a smaller number of participants and the overall comments were positive. After my meeting with Tamara and Derrick on Friday I was very excited as to what the future could hold with technology integration. I am eager to work on the Tech Troupe plan today and continued to think about it over the weekend as to ways to improve upon it. ~ Sherrie**