5.3 Program Evaluation
Candidates design and implement program evaluations to determine the overall effectiveness of professional learning on deepening teacher content knowledge, improving teacher pedagogical skills and/or increasing student learning. (PSC 5.3/ISTE 4c)
Artifact: ITEC 7460 GAPSS Reality
Reflection:
The artifact is the Current Reality assignment that I completed for the course ITEC 460. While completing this assignment I investigated the current reality of my school’s technology plan and technology vision in relation to professional technology. The school’s improvement plan and professional development strategies were investigated as well. These investigations were completed to evaluate the effectiveness of professional learning in this school.
The artifact demonstrates mastery of the standard 5.3 because it showcases that I understand how to design and implement a program evaluation to determine if the professional learning deepens teacher content knowledge, improves teacher pedagogical skills, or increases student learning. While completing such evaluation, I investigated the school’s vision, school improvement plan, and professional learning attributes. I found that the professional learning opportunities were effective because they were decided upon on a collaborative effort, were aligned to the school improvement goals, aligned with the vision, and adequate funding and incentives were available.
I learned that it is essential for professional learning to be present and effective in schools. For professional learning to be effective teachers must buy into the learning atmosphere. Additionally, the professional learning should be aligned with the School Improvement Goals, and the school’s vision. Ensuring these things are interconnected allows for a more cohesive program to deepen teacher content knowledge and pedagogical skills that will increase student learning. Although most of the professional learning in my school is based on the SIP goals, the rest is based on teacher interest. For example, during last school year, upper grade teachers wanted a more similar way for grading where parents and teachers would not be confused when the transition from fourth to fifth grade occurred. In result to this, a book study was created where monthly meetings with the principal were held to decide the best way to input grades into our online gradebook.
This artifact taught me a lot about my school the vision my principal has for the staff. During my interview to gather data for this artifact, I learned that my school is considered a professional learning school due to the partnership it has with the local college; Dalton State College. This partnership has helped aspiring future teachers in the education department to work closely with our teachers and students. Our school also has offers an program for these college students to apply which gives them the opportunity to complete their final year at our school. Those students accepted get more individual professional development from our principal, including learning the role of administration at our school. These teacher candidates even get the opportunity to shadow our administration and support teachers to get a full picture of what it takes for a school to be successful. If I were to complete this project again, I would like to complete a program evaluation on a much larger scale, like a school district.
The work that went into creating the artifact impacted school improvement and faculty development. The school could use this information to improve professional learning efforts. If professional learning improves then faculty development and practices could improve as well. The impact can be assessed through observational data.
Reflection:
The artifact is the Current Reality assignment that I completed for the course ITEC 460. While completing this assignment I investigated the current reality of my school’s technology plan and technology vision in relation to professional technology. The school’s improvement plan and professional development strategies were investigated as well. These investigations were completed to evaluate the effectiveness of professional learning in this school.
The artifact demonstrates mastery of the standard 5.3 because it showcases that I understand how to design and implement a program evaluation to determine if the professional learning deepens teacher content knowledge, improves teacher pedagogical skills, or increases student learning. While completing such evaluation, I investigated the school’s vision, school improvement plan, and professional learning attributes. I found that the professional learning opportunities were effective because they were decided upon on a collaborative effort, were aligned to the school improvement goals, aligned with the vision, and adequate funding and incentives were available.
I learned that it is essential for professional learning to be present and effective in schools. For professional learning to be effective teachers must buy into the learning atmosphere. Additionally, the professional learning should be aligned with the School Improvement Goals, and the school’s vision. Ensuring these things are interconnected allows for a more cohesive program to deepen teacher content knowledge and pedagogical skills that will increase student learning. Although most of the professional learning in my school is based on the SIP goals, the rest is based on teacher interest. For example, during last school year, upper grade teachers wanted a more similar way for grading where parents and teachers would not be confused when the transition from fourth to fifth grade occurred. In result to this, a book study was created where monthly meetings with the principal were held to decide the best way to input grades into our online gradebook.
This artifact taught me a lot about my school the vision my principal has for the staff. During my interview to gather data for this artifact, I learned that my school is considered a professional learning school due to the partnership it has with the local college; Dalton State College. This partnership has helped aspiring future teachers in the education department to work closely with our teachers and students. Our school also has offers an program for these college students to apply which gives them the opportunity to complete their final year at our school. Those students accepted get more individual professional development from our principal, including learning the role of administration at our school. These teacher candidates even get the opportunity to shadow our administration and support teachers to get a full picture of what it takes for a school to be successful. If I were to complete this project again, I would like to complete a program evaluation on a much larger scale, like a school district.
The work that went into creating the artifact impacted school improvement and faculty development. The school could use this information to improve professional learning efforts. If professional learning improves then faculty development and practices could improve as well. The impact can be assessed through observational data.