GHS STaR Chart

GHS STaR Chart"
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Blog #3 National Educational Technology Plan 2010

The National Educational Technology Plan(NETP) 2010, calls of the revamping of the educational system to bring it in to the 21st century. The government is insisting on the implementation of "technology-based learning and assessment systems" to put the United States in position to produce graduates who are equipped to compete in ever increasingly competitive global marketplace. President Obama's current administration has placed significant emphasis at the high school level concerning college readiness for all students in order to reach a goal of elevating the number of college graduates to 60% from 39%. Technological development at the high school level will be a first and seminal step in meeting the lofty goals.

The NETP has developed a series of five goals to meet the demands of the Obama Administration.

1.0 Learning: develop and adopt learning strategies that are flexible in and to the power of technology, science, mathematics, and engineering.

2.0 Assessment: design, develop assessments that will give the students and teachers timely feedback on student achievement. Use gaming technology and simulations to engage the learner and measure student learning, while ensuring student privacy.

3.0 Teaching: having teachers that are "skilled in online instruction" . Teachers would design, develop the assessments, and curriculum for the learner to develop skills needed in the business world. Instructors would be supported by data, experience and expertise.

4.0 Infrastructure: All students and instructors with have access to one computer and Broadband Internet access to communicate and collaborate with others.

5.0 Productivity: design, develop and fund technological programs K-16. The intent is to produce business, technologically savvy graduates.

It is my observation that the largest challenge to the above mentioned goals will be the training and development of educators who are aged above the technological boom. These staff members will need the proper training to efficiently and effectively utilize these technologies in the classroom. The second challenge will come from budgetary capabilities and or constraints. In Texas we are currently experiencing educational cutbacks on a scale not seen in recent history. The availability of funds needed to construct the type of technological infrastructure needed is the issue of the day.

I am quite certain there are other draw backs as well however, the message is still clear; in order for our young people to compete in today’s marketplace they sorely need this training. It is our responsibility as educators to overcome any obstacles in our path.  I question I would pose is:  Where is the funding coming from? We all know of the fiscal challenges facing education by the federal government.  As government cutbacks continue, would this be an area that is cut?

Blog #2 Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020

Today's public education is unlike anything ever seen before. I can vividly recall my high school years (1985-1989) when communication from teacher to parent was via letters brought home to parents informing  them of everything that was going on in the school. Sometimes the informational sheets made it to my parents, sometimes they did not.  Definitely not the most effective form of teacher to parent communication.

Today parents do not have to rely on their children to get the information they need from the school. Evidence of this can be found in the survey taken from parents of students K-12 in Texas. Of the 2,338 parents surveyed 83% were mothers and with the majority of parents had children in grades 6-8. 56% stated they had average technology skills, 37% claiming they had above average technology skills while 7% having below average computer skills. Interestingly enough however, was fact that 89% stated they have Internet access on their home, with DSL or cable access. This figure was in line with the national average. That amount of domestic  Internet access in Texas was surprising. 

Further research shows that 94% of parents surveyed claimed that they utilize the Internet to correspond with teachers and administrators at their children's schools. A majority of those polled also stated that they use the web sites established by these schools to get information such as coming events, homework assignments, and student grades. This is a figure that can be felt by the staff members of all schools, who have recently been charged with the task of developing personal websites for each class, posting notes and assignments as well as announcements which are readily available to the parents.

The survey goes on to mention that parents feel more connected with the available information through use of the Internet. This brought the parents closer to the school and the teacher, the line of the communication is open on both sides.

Blog #1 Infrastructure for Technology

Success in any program must always be established and built on a solid foundation.  In order obtain and facilitate the type of technological development prescribed by the Long-Range Plan for Technology by the State of Texas infrastructure is vital in achieving such development.  If properly implemented and maintained, this infrastructure will serve as the foundation on which we can instruct, develop, and assess our students to compete in the 21st century.

Fiscal responsibility in the form of proper budgetary allotment is priority one. Technology is quite an investment especially when you are striving to utilize the latest in instructional technology to assist our students compete in the ever evolving marketplace. Therefore budgets must reflect the goals set forth by school districts. At John Paul II High School, every student is equipped with a laptop computer, making available digital resources to every student and every classroom on a daily basis. This provides all JPIIHS students and faculty with a major tool to facilitate learning at an advanced technological level.

Professional development is also a huge priority at JPIIHS; comprising priority two. The latest technology is paramount, however the capability to deliver the message our students need we must train the staff to efficiently implement these products in their everyday instruction. Listed below is a menu of technology based professional opportunities for February at JPIIHS:

Wednesday, February 1

7:45am

DyKnow Monitor Training

7:45am

DyKnow Vision Training

Monday, February 6

4:00pm

Google - Digital Story Telling Training

4:00pm

Wordpress Training

Wednesday, February 8

7:45am

Google Calendar

7:45am

Google Docs Training

Wednesday, February 15

4:00pm

RSS Feeds Training

4:00pm

Sugar Sync Training

Monday, February 27

7:45am

DyKnow Monitor Training

7:45am

DyKnow Vision Training

7:45am

Twitter Training

Wednesday, February 29

4:00pm

Google - Digital Story Telling Training

4:00pm

Wordpress Training

The 21st century demands fast paced, current, relevant, development in order to compete. We must not only rightly discern the technological times we are facing today, but also understand and accept the challenges we face in developing students with the skills needed to compete other American studetns as well as students abroad. We have a responsibility to our young people to expose them to the latest technologies as well as equip them in their ethical, effective usage. Without this type of infrastructure we will fall behind, and in this world we may never catch up.

Diacussion Board Feedback: Holding Up The Mirror

I wanted to emphasize the importance of the feedback we provide on the weekly discussion boards.  Below is an exerpt from my Week Five Assignment, Part 2 – Final Reflections. 

I have certainly gotten insightful feedback from the discussion board.  From week 1, Christopher Granger confirmed the need for my research by commenting: “I think this is a great idea. According to my site supervisor there are bullying cases in the court system right now. With the advancement of technology I think this may be the tip of the ice burg as kids can be relentless.”  

Chad Holder in our week 2 discussion board echoed the need for my research as well as added some insight on ‘honor based courses’ sorely needed with his comment: Very interesting idea!! I don't believe that there is anything such as honors courses anymore ... all the group work and the study halls and kids just do a few problems while others do a few and then they swap papers and fill in the blanks!!”

In the week 3 discussion Shawn Jensen weighed in with his observation that ‘cheating’ has become a society wide epidemic!  He commented: “This sounds like very interesting and involved undertaking that will really provide you with some great information. Cheating is becoming all to prevalent in our society, and sadly often times goes unrecognized/unpunished. Whether it is through plagiarism or using a program to flick answers from one IPhone to another, some students give little thought to producing ethical work but rather look for the easy road. I look forward to your results. They could potentially impact many other campuses as well.”

In the week 4 discussion board concerning challenges that I would face in my research journey I found Elizabeth Rasch comment that: “I am glad to see that I am not the only one with the same dilemma. I am hoping that my time line will help me keep track of it all.” It is comforting to see that others face the same challenges I do.

Finally, in my week 5 discussions, Misty Chesnut confirms what I had hoped would be the case as I completed this course.  She commented: “You certainly seem like you've taken a lot from the course. I agree - I have always felt overwhelmed by curriculum development as well. It is great that your experience has already led you to seek out changes in your own thinking to become a better educational leader. Maintaining that openness and willingness to grow as a leader will surely serve you well as an educator and an administrator. I'm also very interested in seeing your action research data, my topic is also related to classroom ethics.” I do feel that I have taken a lot from this course and relish the upcoming opportunities to use this knowledge to become an effective educational leader.

A big thanks to all mentioned and those I did not include for your input into my action research process.  I firmly believe that peer reflection is vital to the success of my research.

Operation Academic Integrity: Revised Action Research Plan

"In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don't have the first, the other two will kill you." — Warren Buffet

The purpose of this action research study is to determine what the impact of the JPIIHS Academic Honor Code on academic dishonesty among students and measure the number of instances of cheating that occur following each Honor Code investigation.  The following research questions will be investigated:

The Revised Plan

School Vision

To develop leaders who are critical thinkers and effective communicators, committed to service and rooted in faith.

Goal

Determine what the impact of the JPIIHS Academic Honor Code on academic integrity among students.

Action Research

 Is there a relationship between the number of instances of academic dishonesty and Honor Code investigations/hearings?

OUTCOMES	ACTIVITIES	RESOURCES/RESEARCH TOOLS NEEDED	RESPONSIBILITY TO ADDRESS ACTIVITIES	TIMELINE	ASSESSMENT
Educate the student body about the academic honor code and its student body elected, student led committee.	Class Visits Accompany the Honor Code Student Committee will visit all Theology classes and educate the student body on the purpose of the Honor Code. Program Promotion Assist with the production of all Honor Code Program promotional materials Program Promotion Production Assist with the practicing of the Honor Code Student Committee delivery of the Honor Code Program promotional materials. Family Survey *Plan, and conduct an Honor Code Family Survey gathering data as to the what, why, and how of academic dishonesty. Academic Integrity Community Program *Organize and facilitate a Promoting Academic Integrity Program that brings in community leaders that can address the JPIIHS Student Body as well JPIIHS Organizations, Athletic Programs etc.. on the importance of Integrity in the Work Place and the consequences of the lack there of.	Class Visits *Time allotted/scheduled to attend each training session. *Any audio/visual teaching tools to facilitate in Honor Code education Program Promotion *Honor Code Program promotion production materials *Building space to produce promotional materials Program Promotion Production *Audio/Video technology to record Honor Code Program promotions rehearsals *Building space to produce promotional materials Family Survey *Electronic survey to get to all JPIIHS families via e-mail Academic Integrity Community Program *Media communication with a balances variety of local businesses.  Digital and traditional forms of Honor Code Promotional Materials.  evites set up to coordinate actual visits to the campus.  Schedule media opportunities to showcase the businesses involvement with the program.	Class Visits *Myself to record all data and evaluate presentation Honor Code Curriculum. *Honor Code Student Committee to present Honor Code Curriculum and answer any student body questions. Program Promotion *Myself to oversee/assist production of materials. *Honor Code Student Committee to produce production materials. Program Promotion Production *Myself to assist in and evaluate the rehearsal video production. *Honor Code Student Committee for the production and editing of the rehearsal videos. Family Survey *Myself , Mrs. Nelson, Mr. Mininger to construct survey questions. Academic Integrity Community Program Myself, Mrs. Nelson, JPIIHS Office of Development, JPIIHS Administration, Collin County Business Owners	All 3 Activities This Academic Honor Code Orientation process would begin the third week of school and would take 1 month to implement.	Class Visits *Observe/Document attentiveness and inquisitive interaction of student body to the Honor Code Program Presentation. Program Promotion Spell Check, proof, approve content, and observe student body observations of all Honor Code Program promotional materials. Program Polish Honor Code Student Committee peer rehearsal written critiques. Family Survey *The returned family surveys Academic Integrity Community Program *Post Business Visit/Assembly Student and Faculty Evaluations
Develop an Honor Code Student Committee discussion forum to discuss/ provide data explaining student motivations for academic dishonesty.	Honor Code Committee Forum *Attend/Observe/record data from Honor Code Student Committee meetings as to when, why, and how students cheat. Honor Code Committee Peer Counseling Sessions *Attend/Observe/Record the peer to peer counseling session following each student Honor Code Violation. Honor Code Awareness Parent Meeting *Schedule, organize, plan, and facilitate a Parent Meeting to discuss the survey and other academic integrity issues.	Honor Code Committee Forum *Classroom, Advisory Class Period (20 minutes daily). *Researched questions to ask Committee *Digital resource to record and assess Committee Data Honor Code Committee Peer Counseling Sessions *Honor Code Counseling Session Expectations/Guidelines *Digital resource to record and assess Committee Data Honor Code Awareness Parent Meeting *Power Point Presentation, Presentation Hall, Meeting Scribe to record all data needed to take back and discuss with Student Honor Code Committee	Honor Code Committee Forum *Myself to record all needed data, Soryia Nelson; Honor Code Faculty Coordinator to facilitate the meetings, and the Honor Code Student Committee to share needed information.  Honor Code Committee Peer Counseling Sessions *Myself, Mrs. Nelson, Honor Code Student Committee, and Honor Code Violators Honor Code Awareness Parent Meeting *Myself, Mrs. Nelson, Mr. Mininger, Honor Code Parent Committee Chair	Both Activities Begin during the third week of the school year continuing throughout the 2011-2012 school year.	Honor Code Committee Forum *Evaluate instances/category of first time and repeat Honor Code violators for a 9 week grading period.  Assess data and repeat process for next 2 grading periods.              Honor Code Committee Peer Counseling Sessions *Construct and Utilize Counseling Session Evaluation Form to assess effectiveness of these sessions Honor Code Awareness Parent Meeting *Meeting Action Items to be completed with target dates.
Determine the validity of each accusation of academic dishonesty as well as assess the level of moral ineptitude involved.	Honor Code Violation Hearing Participation *Participate in the Hearing as a Panel Member (either three TRUTH students and two teachers, or two TRUTH students and three teachers) Honor Code Violation Hearing Facilitation           *Facilitate the process which involves all aspects of the hearing, provide the materials needed, time is kept, officiating to ensure procedural policies are kept.	Both Activities *Referring teacher’s hearing documentation            * Honor Council Report form *Note taking materials made available to entire panel	Both Activities *Panel of five (either three TRUTH students and two teachers, or two TRUTH students and three teachers) *Referring teacher *Student (must be present) *Parent or counselor (silent observer invited by student) *Coordinator of the Academic Honor Code or school Administrator  (silent observer)	Both Activities Begin with the first scheduled Honor Code Violation Hearing continuing throughout the 2011-2012 school year.	Both Activities *Assess the expedient nature of communication, discipline and the facilitation of the process by: *The referring teacher (if the teacher cannot be present the original office referral will be their statement) will have no more than 10 minutes to explain their position. *The student will have no more than 10 minutes to explain their position.  *Referring teacher is allowed a 5 minute rebuttal. *The student is allowed a 5 minute rebuttal. *Student and referring teacher are excused *Deliberation will last no longer than 15 minutes. *A majority decision  will determine if the student did or did not violate the Academic Honor Code *A unanimous decision will determine whether a school service project is warranted due to violation of the Academic Honor Code premise on lying. *The panel will complete the Honor Council Report form and return it to appropriate school personnel immediately after the hearing

Action Research Plan: Operation Academic Integrity

"In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don't have the first, the other two will kill you." — Warren Buffet

Whenever a child takes on any academic endeavor the primary purpose is to learn.  Learning can occur in any number of ways but the one thing that is consistent throughout all of its varying forms is the responsibility each child has for their individual ‘academic honesty’ throughout the learning process.  At the heart of this responsibility lies the issue of ‘academic integrity’; the moral code or ethical policy of academia. This includes values such as avoidance of cheating or plagiarism; maintenance of academic standards; honesty and rigor in research and academic publishing.

The purpose of this action research study is to determine what the impact of the JPIIHS Academic Honor Code on academic dishonesty among students and measure the number of instances of cheating that occur following each Honor Code investigation.  The following research questions will be investigated:

1. What are the procedures for Suspected Violations of the Academic Honor Code?
2. Is there any correlation between Honor Code violators who accept or challenge the violation accusation?
3. How do hearing procedures affect the outcome of each Honor Code investigation decision?
4. Analyze the levels of disciplinary action as to their effectiveness in preventing repeat and future first time Honor Code violations.

The Research Plan...

School Vision: To develop leaders who are critical thinkers and effective communicators, committed to service and rooted in faith.

Goal: Determine what the impact of the JPIIHS Academic Honor Code on academic integrity among students.

Action Research:  Is there a relationship between the number of instances of academic dishonesty and Honor Code investigations/hearings?

OUTCOMES	ACTIVITIES	RESOURCES/RESEARCH TOOLS NEEDED	RESPONSIBILITY TO ADDRESS ACTIVITIES	TIMELINE	ASSESSMENT
Educate the student body about the academic honor code and its student body elected, student led committee.	Class Visits Accompany the Honor Code Student Committee will visit all Theology classes and educate the student body on the purpose of the Honor Code. Program Promotion Assist with the production of all Honor Code Program promotional materials Program Promotion Production Assist with the practicing of the Honor Code Student Committee delivery of the Honor Code Program promotional materials.	Class Visits *Time allotted/scheduled to attend each training session. *Any audio/visual teaching tools to facilitate in Honor Code education Program Promotion *Honor Code Program promotion production materials *Building space to produce promotional materials Program Promotion Production *Audio/Video technology to record Honor Code Program promotions rehearsals *Building space to produce promotional materials	Class Visits *Myself to record all data and evaluate presentation Honor Code Curriculum. *Honor Code Student Committee to present Honor Code Curriculum and answer any student body questions. Program Promotion *Myself to oversee/assist production of materials. *Honor Code Student Committee to produce production materials. Program Promotion Production *Myself to assist in and evaluate the rehearsal video production. *Honor Code Student Committee for the production and editing of the rehearsal videos.	All 3 Activities This Academic Honor Code Orientation process would begin the third week of school and would take 1 month to implement.	Class Visits *Observe/Document attentiveness and inquisitive interaction of student body to the Honor Code Program Presentation. Program Promotion Spell Check, proof, approve content, and observe student body observations of all Honor Code Program promotional materials. Program Polish Honor Code Student Committee peer rehearsal written critiques.
Develop an Honor Code Student Committee discussion forum to discuss/ provide data explaining student motivations for academic dishonesty.	Honor Code Committee Forum *Attend/Observe/record data from Honor Code Student Committee meetings as to when, why, and how students cheat. Honor Code Committee Peer Counseling Sessions *Attend/Observe/Record the peer to peer counseling session following each student Honor Code Violation.	Honor Code Committee Forum *Classroom, Advisory Class Period (20 minutes daily). *Researched questions to ask Committee *Digital resource to record and assess Committee Data Honor Code Committee Peer Counseling Sessions *Honor Code Counseling Session Expectations/Guidelines *Digital resource to record and assess Committee Data	Honor Code Committee Forum *Myself to record all needed data, Soryia Nelson; Honor Code Faculty Coordinator to facilitate the meetings, and the Honor Code Student Committee to share needed information.  Honor Code Committee Peer Counseling Sessions *Myself, Mrs. Nelson, Honor Code Student Committee, and Honor Code Violators	Both Activities Begin during the third week of the school year continuing throughout the 2011-2012 school year.	Honor Code Committee Forum *Evaluate instances/category of first time and repeat Honor Code violators for a 9 week grading period.  Assess data and repeat process for next 2 grading periods.              Honor Code Committee Peer Counseling Sessions *Construct and Utilize Counseling Session Evaluation Form to assess effectiveness of these sessions
Determine the validity of each accusation of academic dishonesty as well as assess the level of moral ineptitude involved.	Honor Code Violation Hearing Participation *Participate in the Hearing as a Panel Member (either three TRUTH students and two teachers, or two TRUTH students and three teachers) Honor Code Violation Hearing Facilitation           *Facilitate the process which involves all aspects of the hearing, provide the materials needed, time is kept, officiating to ensure procedural policies are kept.	Both Activities *Referring teacher’s hearing documentation            * Honor Council Report form *Note taking materials made available to entire panel	Both Activities *Panel of five (either three TRUTH students and two teachers, or two TRUTH students and three teachers) *Referring teacher *Student (must be present) *Parent or counselor (silent observer invited by student) *Coordinator of the Academic Honor Code or school Administrator  (silent observer)	Both Activities Begin with the first scheduled Honor Code Violation Hearing continuing throughout the 2011-2012 school year.	Both Activities *Assess the expedient nature of communication, discipline and the facilitation of the process by: *The referring teacher (if the teacher cannot be present the original office referral will be their statement) will have no more than 10 minutes to explain their position. *The student will have no more than 10 minutes to explain their position.  *Referring teacher is allowed a 5 minute rebuttal. *The student is allowed a 5 minute rebuttal. *Student and referring teacher are excused *Deliberation will last no longer than 15 minutes. *A majority decision  will determine if the student did or did not violate the Academic Honor Code *A unanimous decision will determine whether a school service project is warranted due to violation of the Academic Honor Code premise on lying. *The panel will complete the Honor Council Report form and return it to appropriate school personnel immediately after the hearing