COURSE CATALOG

Plan Thoughtfully for Team Time: Discussion Forum

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 62
Date: 06-29-2005 14:45
Author: Leonard, Pauline <pleonard@woodard.latech.edu>
Subject Reading 1


On Day 1 of this workshop, we examined four goals of Project EPAS. You will remember that Goal 4 of this workshop is to help prepare you for sharing what you have learned about EPAS with your school faculty. All school principals have signed an agreement to provide a professional development day for you to share project curricula and materials with other teams in your school. Additionally, principals have agreed to allot time for working with your teacher teams throughout the fall semester. To that end, the first reading for this Blackboard forum has to do with planning for team time. After you have read ?Plan thoughtfully for team time?, share your initial thoughts about what you need to consider when planning for sharing your EPAS learning and materials with teachers in your school.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 15
Date: 06-30-2005 15:39
Author: Jones, Douglas <djones.vhs@wpsb.org>
Subject Re: Reading 1


I have learned a lot from all of the sessions that I have attended. On several occasions I have discussed with my school team the need to take back and present as much information to our faculty as possible. We plan to meet when we return before school begins to review the information that we have accumulated and digest the meat of it. Then, we will plan a series of staff development sessions for faculty members. Our principal was on a sabatical last year, and we will have to communicate this information to her since she has recently returned. Our goal is the same as the EPAS goal # 4 which is to share with teachers and administrators at local sites. This may include visiting other schools in the parish as well. It is definitely going to require a lot more work on our part. We have only just begun!

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 19
Date: 06-30-2005 15:54
Author: Allen, Ashley <aallen@mpsb.us>
Subject Re: Reading 1


In preparation for presenting EPAS information, we must first consider the fact that many teachers are not familiar at all with EXPLORE and PLAN. We will include every faculty member and show them how their knowledge of EPAS can influence student results. We will also brag on how well our 05 tenth graders did on PLAN. The EXPLORE and PLAN results are valuable to teachers in areas of student weaknesses. Teacher buy-in is probably the most important achievement we can make at the first meeting with our faculty.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 26
Date: 06-30-2005 15:54
Author: Weston, Doretha <doretha.weston@cpsb.org>
Subject Plan thoughtfully for team time


Being a LINCS school, our principal has established team meeting time. It follows in the article that time during the day requires planning. Teachers on each team were grouped according to planning periods. Maybe not the most scientific method, but time is the key. Teams must be prepared to meet established goals or objectives and must have materials ready for discussion.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 11
Date: 06-30-2005 16:05
Author: Sanders, Rachel Quinn <rachel.sanders@cpsb.org>
Subject Plan Thoughtfully for Team Time


Meeting in teams is a bi-weekly norm at Washington-Marion Magnet High School. We are a LINCS Participating school, so we have established Whole Faculty Study Groups that meet at a common planning time to discuss strategies, student work, school improvement plans, and now..... EPAS. In addition to our students' IOWA and PLAN scores, we can now use the components of EPAS to help our students succeed. It is important to establish goals and expectations for the meetings, work toward accomplishing these goals, and keeping a log of members present and information shared.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 9
Date: 06-30-2005 16:06
Author: Sanders, Rachel Quinn <rachel.sanders@cpsb.org>
Subject Re: Plan thoughtfully for team time


Yes, we must meet on a regular basis. Mrs. Miller checks our binders and calls our team leader to her office if our logs are not in the school's LINCS binder located in the office. Accountability is a must!

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 14
Date: 06-30-2005 16:07
Author: Baker, Carolyn E. <cbaker@caddo.k12.la.us>
Subject Re: Reading 1


As the LINCS Content Leader of my school, I truly believe in making adequate preparation for getting new and vital information to our colleagues. We do not have a lot of down time, so it is important to make the most our study group times. As like the article, communication is important and looking at students' work is the key to campus-wide improvement. Leslie Thompson, Kenneth Williams, and Mrs. C. McDonald, our assist principal should be able to bring this info with some detail.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 10
Date: 06-30-2005 16:07
Author: Seal, Patricia W. <pwseal.vhs@wpsb.org>
Subject great team members


My team members, Hannah Adams, Brenda Nevels and Douglas Jones, and I work very well together and should have no trouble introducing the rest of the faculty to the idea of EPAS. I have enjoying working with the pleasant staff members who have been so helpful and patient.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 11
Date: 06-30-2005 16:10
Author: McDonald, Chenita <cmcdonald@caddo.k12.la.us>
Subject Re: Reading 1


I agree wholeheartedly with this article. I feel that most teachers do not mind taking participating in professional development activities if they are well structured. The activities need to be well planned and purposeful. Some of the worst professional development activities in which I have participated had no agendas. It was obvious to see that they were not well planned.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 13
Date: 06-30-2005 16:10
Author: Allen, Ashley <aallen@mpsb.us>
Subject Re: Plan thoughtfully for team time


We are also a LINCS school. We are too small to place teachers in WFSG with the same planning time. We are grouped by interest. LINCS will be a very good time to introduce and discuss EPAS.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 8
Date: 06-30-2005 16:11
Author: Jones, Douglas <djones.vhs@wpsb.org>
Subject Re: Plan Thoughtfully for Team Time


It sounds as though your school has planned thoughtfully for team meetings. Are you on a block schedule or does your school have 6 or 7 period days? I agree that adding EPAS data will be an asset to helping to see where our students are at and also helping them to improve academically.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 10
Date: 06-30-2005 16:12
Author: Winzer, Katherine <kathywinzer@nls.k12.la.us>
Subject Re: Reading 1


Careful time planning is very important for presenting the EPAS information to the other teachers. The EPAS team must also consider what the others need to know and be able to do after information has been presented to them.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 8
Date: 06-30-2005 16:12
Author: Jones, Elaine <ejones@mpsb.us>
Subject Reading 1


Since we already have LINCS at our school, teachers are used to working in teams and know that student improvement is our ultimate goal. Therefore, I think we can work through WFSG's to find the time and to address the goals of EPAS. Our principal would also be supportive because he is familiar with the process. Teachers would see EPAS as an extention of what they already do and not as something new and extra to do. Elaine Jones

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 12
Date: 06-30-2005 16:13
Author: Winzer, Katherine <kathywinzer@nls.k12.la.us>
Subject Re: Reading 1


What is WFSGs?

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 15
Date: 06-30-2005 16:13
Author: Boykins, James <ninnypooh40@hotmail.com>
Subject Reading 1


First of all, I believe a teacher should evaluate all information on his or her comprehensive curriculums and then discuss how that curriculum correlates with the EPAS data they received at this workshop. Although, I am not directly involved with teaching math at my school, I will make sure the information I received is given to or shared with the appropriate teacher responsible for teaching math at my school.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 9
Date: 06-30-2005 16:13
Author: McDonald, Chenita <cmcdonald@caddo.k12.la.us>
Subject Re: great team members


I have been fortunate in the composition of my team also. Leslie Thompson, Ken Williams, and Carolyn Baker are dedicated educators. They are always willing to go the extra mile. I feel that we will be able to redeliver this information in a clear and concise manner.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 11
Date: 06-30-2005 16:14
Author: Winzer, Katherine <kathywinzer@nls.k12.la.us>
Subject Plan thoughtfully for team time


Careful time planning is very important for presenting the EPAS information to the other teachers. The EPAS team must also consider what the others need to know and be able to do after information has been presented to them.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 10
Date: 06-30-2005 16:14
Author: Lemoine, Kathy Mayeaux <klemoine@avoyellespsb.com>
Subject Re: Reading 1


Time is the key. There is no easy way to get all teachers together after school for meetings, the key is to hold meetings during the school day. The first year we had team meetings worked excellently, the second year however was not productive due to external controls that were beyond teachers' control. Keeping teams on task can sometimes be a problem. A suggestion would be to develop action plans and a set of rules to follow in meetings.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 7
Date: 06-30-2005 16:15
Author: Commings, Louise <sweetlou82@hotmail.com>
Subject Ron and Louise's Answer


I agree with the reading that time is truly important. I will start sharing what I have learned to my fellow teachers by conducting some of the activities we did in this workshop. Ron

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 7
Date: 06-30-2005 16:15
Author: Aulds, Kenneth <Auldsk@bellsouth.net>
Subject Reading Forum 1


Currently at our school, there is not many opportunities for teams to meet, especially those in the same content areas. However, time has been and always will be a topic that we all agree on in faculty meetings. Our principal has continually stressed the need for teachers to maximize their time in the classroom where there is no distraction or deviation from the material. With this idea in mind, our school can adopt segments of time for the content area leaders to meet in an undistracting environment to discuss. As the article suggested, the leaders can refrain from wandering subjects that have little to do with the topic, and maintain peak attention on the topic. Until then, our faculty meetings are strictly focused on teaching matters and strategies that we can use to overcome problems within the learning process.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 9
Date: 06-30-2005 16:16
Author: Winzer, Katherine <kathywinzer@nls.k12.la.us>
Subject Re: Plan thoughtfully for team time


Do you find that having meeting time set up this way is effective?

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 9
Date: 06-30-2005 16:16
Author: Norcross, Aimee Anne <aimee.norcross@bossierschools.org>
Subject Plan thoughtfully....


The key to planning thoughtfully is not just finding more time but to use that time wisely. We need to select a team facilitator that can build consensus, deal with conflict, negotiate, guide conversations, run effective meetings, and engage all participants. It is also important to establish expectations for team learning before preparing to meet. Learning teams must specify the content that needs to be addressed with the students. I feel that if we are positive and excited about the information we have learned this week, and if we present it in an extraordinary way, it will be easy to affect change at Rusheon Middle School.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 10
Date: 06-30-2005 16:17
Author: Commings, Louise <sweetlou82@hotmail.com>
Subject Louise's and Ron's Answer


I totally agree because most of the teachers need more information about EPAS.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 6
Date: 06-30-2005 16:17
Author: Aulds, Kenneth <Auldsk@bellsouth.net>
Subject Re: Plan thoughtfully for team time


I agree with what you are saying. We need to coordinate time to meet with the other teachers to discuss how we are going to utilize the EPAS material without having to worry about schedule changes, rosters, and planning period times.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 11
Date: 06-30-2005 16:17
Author: Petry, Sherrone DeVall <educator1971@hotmail.com>
Subject Re: Reading 1


During the last four days I have learned a great deal about EPAS and the Comprehensive Curriculum as well. Being that we are already grouped in grade level teams at the school in which I am employed, I feel that we have an advantage of being able to meet. We are fortunate to have two planning periods and one of those is a team planning period. Furthermore, we have a new principal who will be entering her second year with us and she believes in helping us in every way that she can so that we can meet the needs of our students. Additionally, I myself teach seventh grade and I want to be able to help prepare the students that I teach to meet the challenges of the eight grade. Therefore, I believe that as I get ready to enter into a new year, I can take the information gained here this summer back to the classroom and school to help our students become better academically as well as productive citizens. It is a fact that team planning will take some time and effort, but our goal will be accomplished with team work. Having said that, our work has only begun and we will move forward with determination and pride.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 7
Date: 06-30-2005 16:17
Author: Thompson, Leslie <adreasa@bellsouth.net>
Subject Plan for time


We are a LINCS school which would provide great opportunities (if allowed) to discuss and address the standards, assessments, and content that would help improve EPAS, LEAP, and I-LEAP scores. Because my school team consist of members that are familiar with facilitating learning communities I will have great mentors to aid in fostering successful communities.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 11
Date: 06-30-2005 16:17
Author: Kelly, Rochelle <fifty2fine@yahoo.com>
Subject Thoughtfully planning: Dianne Turner & R. Kelley


I agree with the article, but I am not sure that it will be fully successfully, without practice and well informed leaders. The author is correct. The time element is important. Used wisley, teachers will advance student learning. Used wrongly, it will be just another failed tool. The key is administrative and teacher collaberation.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 8
Date: 06-30-2005 16:17
Author: Lemoine, Kathy Mayeaux <klemoine@avoyellespsb.com>
Subject Re: Plan thoughtfully for team time


We are also a LINCS school. We were grouped according to grade levels for WFSG. However this year all things will be changed. I don't know if LINCS would be a good place to introduce the EPAS materials or if meeting after school as a whole faculty would be better and pay teachers a stipend through the LINCS budget.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 7
Date: 06-30-2005 16:18
Author: Commings, Louise <sweetlou82@hotmail.com>
Subject Louise's and Ron's Answer


If you are a true teacher; you should understand that one of the requirements of teaching is after-school meetings.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 5
Date: 06-30-2005 16:21
Author: Commings, Louise <sweetlou82@hotmail.com>
Subject About LINCS


Delta high school is also a LINCS school. We could ustilize the time we have during our meetings to discuss about EPAS as a Professional Learning Committee.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 5
Date: 06-30-2005 16:23
Author: Richardson, Blanche <blancherichardson123@hotmail.com>
Subject Team Time


Team time has become one of the leading ways to helps students learning time. The content addresses what the students need to know and be able to do. Effective meetings send a message that the teachers who participate are respected valued by the school.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 7
Date: 06-30-2005 16:23
Author: Mitchell, Ethel <ethel.mitchell@cpsb.org>
Subject Re: Reading 1


Student learning is the focus of team learning time. The focus of the work should be standards, assessments, and conten knowledge. To be effective, teams must be formulated for the purpose of collaboration. However, how well the team members interact with one another is important. Therefore, it is important that they build consensus and address conflict. The administrator and group leaders have a great responsibility ensuring that this happens.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 5
Date: 06-30-2005 16:23
Author: Miller, Madelyn <madelyn.miller@cpsb.org>
Subject Re:Plan Thoughtfully For Team Time


In thoughtful planning for team time we must recognize how precious time is and utilize every moment of it to ensure student learning. The educational leader must ensure that each teacher has time for teaming meeting s and he/she must ensure that the meetings are well planned and is utilize with the focus of improving and enhancing student learning.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 6
Date: 06-30-2005 16:24
Author: Lemoine, Kathy Mayeaux <klemoine@avoyellespsb.com>
Subject Re: Louise's and Ron's Answer


I do understand that meetings after school are a must. Other teachers do not. I am one of the few on my faculty that attends all faculty meetings after school. I frequently do not leave school until after 5:00. Our school day next year will be extended with school beginning earlier in the morning and staying later in the evenings due to the fact that our school board has adopted a 4 day school week. Our classes will begin at approximately 7:30 in the morning and ending anytime between 4:00 and 4:30 in the afternoons.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 6
Date: 06-30-2005 16:24
Author: Adams, Hannah <Hadams.vbs@wpsb.org>
Subject fFORUM -reading 1


I will share information to others during planning time and after school.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 9
Date: 06-30-2005 16:24
Author: Kelly, Rochelle <fifty2fine@yahoo.com>
Subject Re: Louise's and Ron's Answer


Not just after school meetings, but effective ones.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 11
Date: 06-30-2005 16:25
Author: Duck, Daisy <daisy@disney.com>
Subject Reading I


I have enjoyed learning about EPAS. I will take all information back to my school and share it with the staff. We have a great team to work with, and I think that we will do a wonderful job in presenting the information to the faculty.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 6
Date: 06-30-2005 16:25
Author: Commings, Louise <sweetlou82@hotmail.com>
Subject Ron and Louise's Answer


It should not be all during LINCS time. We need to meet as a whole faculty so that we will be on the same page and will be aiming for the same objective.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 6
Date: 06-30-2005 16:26
Author: Richardson, Blanche <blancherichardson123@hotmail.com>
Subject Re: Thoughtfully planning: Dianne Turner & R. Kelley


This is true that everyone has to work together to make learning for our students more successful.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 5
Date: 06-30-2005 16:26
Author: Jones, Elaine <ejones@mpsb.us>
Subject Re: Reading 1


Ashley, I agree that LINCS is the place to introduce EPAS and that students are your ultimate goal. Elaine

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 5
Date: 06-30-2005 16:26
Author: Miller, Madelyn <madelyn.miller@cpsb.org>
Subject Re: Plan thoughtfully for team time


Dorthea, I agree that time is precious and must be guarded and used for improving students learning.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 7
Date: 06-30-2005 16:26
Author: Weston, Doretha <doretha.weston@cpsb.org>
Subject Re: Plan thoughtfully for team time


There are advantages and disadvantages to to this method for me because, as a counselor,I do not have a set planning period. Yet, teachers across the board come together to discuss assigned issues and you get responses from different points of view. As a counselor, I may be out of touch with classroom concerns and what I conclude may not be appropriate from a teacher's view.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 4
Date: 06-30-2005 16:26
Author: Thompson, Leslie <adreasa@bellsouth.net>
Subject Re: Plan thoughtfully for team time


I am not sure what you mean by "this way". Can you be more specific?

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 4
Date: 06-30-2005 16:26
Author: Norcross, Aimee Anne <aimee.norcross@bossierschools.org>
Subject Re: Reading 1


We agree that action plans are a key. We appreciate your concerns.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 7
Date: 06-30-2005 16:27
Author: Tullos, Lynne <ltullos@laregents.org>
Subject Re: Reading 1


Katherne, WFSG stands for Whole Faculty Study Groups. This is a copy-writed title for a group of teachers in a school, described in the book writen by Carleen Murphy. This is the professional learning communities format begun in LINCS, but they are now called LINCS Faculty Study Groups. Please ask your Asst. Principal for information, or call your LINCS Regional Coordinator.

Forum: Reading 1 Forum -- Plan thoughtfully for team time	Times Read: 5
Date: 06-30-2005 16:27