Implementing CCRS in Career & Technical Education.

On today, I participated in a following professional development training that involves CCRS - Alabama College and Career Ready Standards & Support. I am pleased with the responses from some of Alabama's educators; however I am concerned with some of the dispositions that surround the acceptance of these best practices.

I am an educator who welcomes professional discourse and innovation within the classroom. The lack of concern and the resistance presented by some again is alarming. Often education fails due to the lack of support from the team members. I did not say "buy-in" but lack of support and/or interest. I do not feel that there must be a buy-in to do your job. The act of teaching comes with the territory of being an educator.

This is just a post from my observation. This is not a voiced opinion towards the CCRS program; however to be clear, I do support its implementation. I am pointing out my observation of educators and their practices towards common goals in all Alabama classroom.

Instructional Technology Resources for CTE

Instructional Technology Resources for CTE.

The following websites/blogs sites are recommended for all teachers specifically for Career & Technical Education. The development of global learning domains in public education classrooms is paramount in the readiness efforts of preparing students for employment. The natures of these sites are for educators to explore resources and to share methods and material within the teaching and learning processes.

I have viewed each of these sites and see resourcefulness in the materials presented. The conversations from those who have made post have been enlightening. I would like to recommend to all who share in the quest of education a visit to these blogs. I welcome your feedback, disposition, and outcomes.

http://www.freetech4teachers.com – Free Technology For Teachers.

http://blog.web20classroom.org – Blogging About The WEB 2.0 Connected Classroom

http://www.educatorstechnology.com  - Educational Technology and Mobile Learning.

 

Bests,

Melvin A. Lowe, III, EdD

lowemelvin724@gmail.com

Educational Practice in All Settings...

Educational Practice in All Settings...

In my reading of educational resources and materials, I have found the following. In assuming that human behavior is learned, behaviorists also hold that all behaviors can also be unlearned, and replaced by new behaviors; that is, when a behavior becomes unacceptable, it can be replaced by an acceptable one. A key element to this theory of learning is the rewarded response. The desired response must be rewarded in order for learning to take place (Parkay & Hass, 2000).

The association of recognizing ones' worth is most valuable in the teaching and learning processes. In my leadership it is paramount that I reward all individuals for their compliance towards policy to include academic successes. The nature of a successful outcome is closely related to the prepartation given towards the practice. To maintain a professional disposition with colleagues and stakeholders there must be clearly communicated expectations. In a conversation that I held with a staff member we discussed the instructional outcomes for our students. I expressed my areas of concern as they related to the teaching and learning methods used in the classroom setting. Our conversation lead many returns. My goal was to establish that there must be expectations and the guidance from the educator which arecrucial in the enactment of a positive learner outcome.

The nature of psychology in education has an ongoing definition. I see so many theories in isolation as well as those that are paired in their implementation. Theorist have yet to define all of the learning curves currently practiced in education. This is where the development of best practices, collaboration, and reflective leadership takes place. There are better approaches towards meeting the needs of the learner than those that are most common. To discover these methods, it requires planning and program development.

Many times the learning outcomes are greater when there is more attention is given to the differences of the student. As I closed the conversation with my staff member I reminded them that the instructional setting really has not changed from their time in the student's seat as to now. I expressed, you then wanted to achieve and the student now wants the same outcome. The only thing that has changed is that we have more resources available towards meeting the learning needs of the 21 century student. This is a conversation that I plan to have with all staff members individually. I think this will provide a new view of what is expected in our program on this year.

Resources:

Parkay, F.W. & Hass, G. (2000). Curriculum Planning (7th Ed.). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

A Conversation with ASU's Theatre Students..

On last evening, I was invited to meet and greet some of the Theatre Arts students at Alabama State University. In my conversation I encouraged the students to reach for all of their dreams. To share their blessings with others, to show less and hide more, and to save the pity parties for later.

Many may not understand why I chose these discussion points. It is very simply. Dr. Tommie Stewart spoke to my graduating class at St. Jude Educational Institute in 1991. Part of her message included a statement "it isn't what you always show it is sometimes what you hide". This remained with me for many many years. It is something that I tell students often. Save the I can't. Save the unfavorable disposition, and save the always expecting something from others. Prepare yourself is the message that I give. This is done through education.

My message was very short, it was just one of encouragement and support. I challenged each to remember that Alabama State University is a Academic Institution. You must leave with what you came for; your degree. This was my message. I hope the students received it well.

Dr. Lowe

Superintendent's Cabinet Retreat 2014 - Day 1

On today, I participated in a Leadership Retreat. The event consisted of all of the Educational Directors,  Coordinators, and Supervisors in the district. The information shared is per the continued improvement practices for the students we serve.

I expressed to my Superintendent Dr. Jacqueline A. Brooks how must I appreciated this professional development. We discussed many new initiatives that we will implement on this year as well as those that we will critique for more fidelity. The local  presenters who presented today were Ms. Tanika  Jones - Educational Coordinator for Special Education and Dr. Kenneth P. Oliver - Educational Director for Student Services.

In attendance were:

Mr. Leroy Straw - Transportation Supervisor
Dr. Vernecia McClaney - Educational Director for Curriculum & Instruction
Ms. Melissa William  - Human Resources Director
Mr. John Curry - Educational Coordinator for Technology
Ms. Tanika Jones - Educational Coordinator for Special  Education
Dr. Kenneth P. Oliver - Educational Director for Student Services
Mrs. Natalie Young - Chief Financial Officer
Mrs. Emma Wilson James - Director for Child Nutrition
Dr. Melvin A. Lowe, III - Educational Director for Career& Technical Education
Dr. Jacqueline A. Brooks - Superintendent of Education

We have two more days of intense professional learning

How To Approach Effective Communication.

Effective and concise communication in the workplace is most important when developing professional relationships and outcomes. The skills necessary to institute such practices and expectation require vision on the part of the leader. This is what makes the leadership role in organizational development crucial. As Gary Fenstertnacher (1990) states, “Education is not something we do to people; education is something people do for themselves – assisted we hope by the efforts of teachers” (p. 759). The first step in meeting the needs of learners is to understand how they learn — to recognize that organization, searching for detailed information, problem solving, and risk taking are not natural learning behaviors for all students. The next is to have students understand how they can make their unique learning patterns work for them.

            As an administrator in a public school setting it is necessary to understand the psychology behind all learning and leadership practices. If there is no understanding of the individual’s learning process it will matter less how exact the implementation plan is developed. In short, there will be no favorable outcomes. The science of teaching and learning is connected to all that is managed in an educational setting. The relationships that foster great outcomes are vested in the manner of communication and the platform used convey program expectations.

            In a revisit of how I communicate I have determined that I am very thorough within my written communications. Now, this is not always the best for all learners, staff, and stakeholders who I must interact with. Nevertheless, I have noted this fact but I am not yet ready to make a change in my informational delivery method. I choose to communicate in this manner as I a posturing a behavior to remain clear from too many misunderstandings and problematic concerns. Again, this is not always welcomed by all but it is the method that I find is best well documented for further references.

            In organizations is must say that the emergence of effective communications plans, actions, and protocols are very important. Within my current organizations the senior leader has established documents that will better allow for the communication between individuals and departments. The practice is working but it requires the use of communication devices such as: telephones, Ipads, PDAs, e-mails, and e-calendars. Yes, this is a lot but it is a necessity for a productive work environment. As I close, the need for ongoing support towards professional practice begins with understanding and knowing what is expected. In order to do this, you must have a clear and open line of communication. This is the essence of building and maintaining organizational growth.

Resources:

 Book Excerpt: Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2008). Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership (4th ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Chapter 12, "Organizational Symbols and Culture" (pp. 251–278)
Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice, and Leadership (4th ed.) by Bolman, L. G. & Deal, T. E. Copyright 2008 by John Wiley & Sons Inc. Reproduced with permission of John Wiley & Sons Inc. in the format electronic usage via Copyright Clearance Center.

Fenstermacher, G. (1990). “Some Considerations on Teaching as a Moral Profession.” In The Moral Dimensions of Teaching, edited by J. Goodlad, R. Soder, and K. Sirotnik. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. - See more at: http://www.letmelearn.org/research/articles/ed_leadership/#sthash.llhuceiT.dpuf