Internship Final

1. Terran Newman Georgia State University Fall 2008 Internship Final

2. Data Analysis Leader Demonstrates the ability to lead teams to analyze multiple sources of data, to identify improvement needs, symptoms and root causes.

3. Data Analysis Leader G. S. U. Coursework We must focus on analyzing multiple sources of data for all subgroups, to identify improvement needs and to identify systems and processes that constitute best practices for improvement. I have found that this is an area of strength for me, as I enjoy examining data. This skill will be important due to initiatives such as No Child Left Behind. Internship Activities • Strategic Planning Committee - led teacher teams for revisions • Gathered information about new media specialist’s responsibilities • Determined students in danger of retention to put safety nets in place. • Developed action plan with principal about improvement of reading CRCT scores. • Examined benchmark scores and tests to determine question validity

4. Curriculum, Assessment, Instruction Leader Demonstrates the ability to implement a systems approach to instruction in a standards-based environment, prioritizing curriculum standards, developing aligned assessments, and planning instruction to improve student achievement.

5. Curriculum, Assessment, Instruction Leader Academic Coursework We must collaborate to plan standards, then assessments, and then units and resources. The learning should be differentiated, and be focused on what the students need to know. This area is integral for student success, and will run more smoothly if all constituents are “on board”. Internship Activities • Created a timeline for math remediation • Met with grade level to address scores on benchmark tests • Created student lists for tutoring program • Determined the factors to admit students to the Accelerated Math program • Led grade level in planning schedules, pacing of curriculum, and ordering supplies to support curriculum

6. Performance Leader Demonstrates the ability to strategically plan, organize and manage school systems and processes necessary to improve student achievement.

7. Performance Leader Academic Coursework We must develop and align resources, people, and management systems to drive the change for student success. This area is the object of the most focus at my school in the past year. There is a lot of pressure on all of the stakeholders to be very informed in order to be the most efficient in seeking student success. Internship Activities • Participated in a focus group with the superintendent • Shadowed assistant principal and attended the assistant principal meeting • Prepared for and administered the Math League Test • Assisted grade level teachers in performing their end of the year duties • Led meetings, created schedules, and planned units with grade level teachers

8. Operations Leader Demonstrates the ability to effectively and efficiently organize resources, processes and systems to support teaching and learning.

9. Operations Leader Academic Coursework We must manage and organize resources, processes, systems and services to support teaching and learning. As grade level chairperson, I found that this role takes the most time, and has to be managed carefully so as not to infringe on instruction. I imagine it would be very important to delegate some of this responsibility to others, but not to overwhelm teacher leaders. Internship Activities • Organized all areas of a 3 day, 2 night field trip to Skidaway Island, GA • Ordered all supplies for grade level teachers • Arranged for a test question writer to meet with students for test taking tips • Organized grade level activities such as the Wax Museum, the Human Growth & Development talk and the 5th grade honor’s program and celebration

10. Relationship Leader Demonstrates the ability to identify and develop relationships among customer and stakeholder groups, and communicate school goals and priorities focused on student learning.

11. Relationship Leader Academic Coursework We must prioritize opportunities, and create action plans for improvement, as well as to introduce teachers to research based solutions and proven practices. This category relies heavily on communication and being proactive in involving all stakeholders. It is an area that I will have to work at because I tend to be self-reliant and have a quiet personality. Internship Activities • Chaperoned winter dance • Judged the Young Georgia Authors writing contest • Met with parent committee to plan 5th grade carnival • Chaperoned 5th grade visit to Davis Middle School • Presented awards to rising 6th graders at honors program • Gave presentation at Curriculum Night • Building Leadership Team member • Member of committee to meet with SACS interviewer for questions

12. Process Improvement Leader Demonstrates the ability to identify and map core processes and results to create action plans designed to improve student achievement.

13. Process Improvement Leader Academic Coursework We must plan, manage, and implement process and practice improvements to impact teaching and learning organizational effectiveness. As a process improvement leader I feel very interested in being a support for other teachers, and having more of a hand in the process for change at my school. Internship Activities • Created promotion document • Participated in grade level student support team • Led grade level team planning meetings • Attended the Superintendent’s Think Tank, a focus group for teachers • Attended board meeting and assistant principal meetings • Observed two teachers to determine best practices

14. Change Leader Demonstrates the ability to drive and sustain change in a collegial environment focused on continuous improvement in student achievement.

15. Change Leader Academic Coursework We must focus on creating a collegial environment focused on student, teacher, leader and community success. This area is very important for all team members to “buy into” the mission and focus of the school. Its success relies heavily on the school climate, and the ability for constituents to work together for common goals. Internship Activities • Met with vertical teams of teacher groups at different grade levels to review and implement the school’s strategic plan.

16. Learning and Development Leader Demonstrates the ability to guide the development of professional learning communities to development leaders at all levels of the organization.

17. Learning and Development Leader Academic Coursework We must focus on sharing and management of knowledge to develop and organize learning communities. As a teacher support specialist I have enjoyed working with new teachers and student teachers for many years. I have found the sharing of knowledge and experience with other adults to be rewarding, and I look forward to that role as an assistant principal. Leadership Activities • Mentored a high school student who wants to become a teacher • Shared new applications and trained other teachers on their new Activboard • Determined timeline and procedures for upcoming National Geography Bee

18. Final Thoughts After being accepted to the leadership add-on program, I had self-doubts about how successful I would be in going back to school after eleven years. This experience has changed me in many ways, as I now have a different view about how decisions are made at school. It seems that the longer I have been teaching, the more I have been involved with many of the areas of GLISI. Each area is not more important than another, and each depend on the others to develop school leaders and improve schools. I look forward to putting my new knowledge to work soon.