GAME plan set up

As everyone who enjoys the cinema knows, you cannot have action without first cueing the lights and camera. Likewise, one cannot attempt an educational action plan without determining the necessary components of such plan. This week’s assignment essentially asks what I need to accomplish my GAME plan (tech resources, collaboration, and specific actions). As my game plan focuses on developing assessments and leadership skills, my greatest need will be for research. This will involve both paper and online searches of current educational journals for the varying standards used in assessments in the state. Collaboration with grade and content level colleagues would provide the most useful information, but other teachers within my district are also a valuable resource in discussing the success and failure of different forms of evaluation. In terms of leadership, I believe the greatest resource would be my department head as he could help in identifying core curriculum that could be addressed through technology. Furthermore, he has the experience of creating professional development workshops and collaboratives for the past few years.

One specific piece of additional information I need is how computerized testing is actually implemented. My school was able to get a computer program set up this year, but it was only for the multiple choice math assessment. I wouldn’t feel comfortable designing a test that involves technology that I have never used before. Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer (2009) note the increased reliance upon data to develop and modify instruction. Lessons are supposed to be altered to raise scores. However, if the test and/or answer sheet is created incorrectly, the data becomes skewed and instruction suffers as a result.

I would also need to learn the process that one has to undertake in order to create a workshop program. Creating an informative and worthwhile presentation would be rather futile if I was unable to gain permission through the proper channels to run the program.

Currently, I am part of the planning commission to review the common assessments used by our district. Since they were only implemented within the past two years, I am on the same level of understanding as the other teachers within the group. This has helped my confidence in suggesting changes and discussing complaints from myself and other teachers who give the tests within my building. While I see success with these first steps, I know my leadership goal will be harder to attain as our professional development program is being completely revamped by our administration for the upcoming year.

My learning strategy will be based upon opportunity. Not only will I become involved in collaborative groups that I have avoided in my first years of teaching, I will also seek out opportunities to broaden my technology information base. This will help me develop the skills to think in new terms and practice flexibility in my professional life. Having a set time to research and contemplate novel ideas is not necessarily the best or only method.

Reference:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.