School Year has started--Professional Growth Plan

It seems to be weeks, but the vacation was much needed. Between camp, vacation, and the first days of school, time has disappeared.



This past week, I had to share my professional growth plan...and of course, being the over-achiever (yes, I will complete the 23 ) I had put more on my plate then I needed to do--so my plate has been emptied and the two things that remain are:

1. Development of a common assessment just for research skills.


2. Developing library relationships through curriculum meetings.

Common Assessments--I'm going to begin with building a common assessment first--since we,the librarians will be working on this as well.

Common assessments--For some reason this seems to be a difficult task for some. Maybe I have the wrong idea. In my mind, a common assessment is one that can be used across the curriculum, not just used in communication arts,etc. (maybe it should be renamed to a Universal or District or School assessment).

One example would be that someone would write the common assessment for how map questions should be answered. This same assessment would be used on history, science, health, facs, and other class tests. It seems that the assessments only stay in the arenas of where they were created.

As an example for the library, I could create an assessment that can be used by all forms research. Research is Research and the steps are the same no matter what the subject. (o.k. I use the big6 approach to life--it works for me...unfortunately, the librarians can't get the teachers to use any one particular style...but again the steps are the same..).

I can use this assessment this week with the German research and use it again for the American History class the followin week. I can always highlight just those steps that the teacher wants to assess or have me assess.

So...

Beginning with the tradtional route--I'm beginning with the literature. Although I have my traditional printed tools, I'm also starting to look at the assessment tools that are available to teachers.


My favorite assessment tool is rubistar: http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php


Here I can use what is available or modify to my needs. As a librarian, I have used this method for my research classes and independent research class. I have also created student assessment of the library, and a self assessment of research skills.

The goal this week: Create the assessment-and then meet with the teachers to get their ideas and modify the assessment if needed. Hopefully this will be posted next week...See you then!

O.k. it is Sunday evening...It's created. Now the meetings.

Independent Research Project

Curriculum meetings.

Library meeting--Share and update.

History, Science, Math, Health, and Foreign Language--Bringing your class in for Research. These are the skills I can teach (what skills and guidance would you like me to provide) and here is how these skills can be assessed.