Week 11 Reflection

Sarah Gilbert

Thursday October 30, 2015

Week Rating: 3

Questions to end the week:

What pleasant surprises/accomplishments did I achieve this week?

This week has been especially busy, and I am exhausted, but in a happy way.  The week didn’t get off to a great start, but it got better, and I proved to myself it could be better.  The best part of this week has been the increased excitement of my students in math.  Math is my hardest subject area, and I have been working very hard at better engagement in math, so I can see how it has helped. 

What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

This week, I worked hard to be involved and as rehearsed as I could possibly be in my lessons, and as on top of things as I could.  My hooks were better and more engaging, and I know better ways to eliminate side conversations in my math lessons.  

How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

I am still working on efficiently planning lessons.  Daily recording of math has been very helpful, and I am very thankful for the daily feedback, and the very specific feedback that I have been receiving from my CE.

What could I have spent more or less time doing?

As always, I feel like I could have spent more time planning for next week.  I think that no matter how much I plan and prepare, I will never feel like I am completely covered.  Recording my lesson previews has been beneficial, but not quite as much as the daily recording.

How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

Indecision wasn’t a problem this week, but apprehension has.  I am constantly afraid of doing something wrong, and it has definitely been getting to me this week.  I am in the mindset (and I’m not sure how I got there) that if I make the smallest mistake, it means the worst will happen.  This is usually my response to this section, but it is constantly relevant.  I feel like there is constantly someone watching over my shoulder for the smallest error on my part.

What is the first logical steps for next week?  What mental clutter can I clear?

As always, the first steps for next week is to get a head start on planning.  Again, I don’t think that it is possible to start planning too early.  As for mental clutter, this week has been highly evaluated, and next week will be as well, I’m sure.  I need to prepare for next week, as well as focus on all of the positive notes that my CE has given me this week.

What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help did it help guide your decisions?

While the MAP progress monitoring occurred last week, the scores did not change my flex group at all.  While most of my students improved, none of them placed out of my group, and no more came into it either.

North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards

·             Standard 1a – Teachers lead their classrooms:  I have definitely been leading the classroom in every way I can.  I am also beginning to become a little more involved in school activities.  Since I could not attend the parent involvement night, I planned one of my own.  I do not know if Mrs. Lawson will ever use it, but I planned it and provided all needed materials. 

·             Standard 2d -Teachers adapt their teaching for the benefit of students with special needs:

I am still finding ways to help my special needs students.  I am still recording books for some of my students, and all of my special needs students read aloud to me multiple times throughout the week.  I am also working with students individually to help them with skills that they are not completely getting in class.

·             Standard 3b – Teachers know the content appropriate to their teaching specialty:  I am constantly trying to catch-up with the new math methodology, which is getting better.  This week, we have been working with the standard algorithm as well as estimating and adding numbers, which was confusing at first, but overall, the students caught on very quickly.  I worked with two students to help them grasp the concept, and they both picked up on it very quickly when I worked with them separately.  They went on to solve several more problems on their own, and I was very proud.

·             Standard 4b – Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students:  This week, I have been planning the lessons that I will be teaching next week.  I am also working to find more ways to boost my effectiveness in planning and teaching.  I have also been working to continue to integrate subjects areas more thoroughly. 

·             Standard 5c – Teachers function effectively in a complex, dynamic environment: This week, we have been all over the place, with Halloween excitement from the kids, fire safety day, field trip day,  and my being sick, it feels like it has been an up and down week, but reflecting upon it, I can see successes in the week.

Other:

·             Components of the portfolio started/completed:

o   PDP – in progress (updates are shared)

o   Global Awareness updated

o   Professional Development updated

o   Parent Involvement Night planned and delivered to Mrs. Lawson

o   Student Work Samples collected

·             My CE does not need anything from Dr. Parker at this time.

·             I do not need anything from Dr. Parker at this time.