I was just involved with the school improvement plan process as part of the whole group and the database committee. We unfortunately had to record ourselves in the "just getting started" area of the improvement plan due to the fact we had not centrally collected and used data to drive school-wide and curriculum decisions. Our primary data base is our Power Grade software where we are able to collect attendance, lunch information, and student academic progress. Testing data was also used in the form of MEAP scores. Prior to this year we had also used the data from Stanford 9 testing, but our new management company decided not to implement the test this year. This will unfortunately not allow us to gather data and analyze trends over a five year period or be able to show student growth from our kindergartners (who where with us when we opened) to our current fourth grade. Teachers also do not have access to school wide data, only the students in their own classroom. We have recently imported data from Power School into the database on our school website, but no training has been offered to guide teachers on how to use that information.
Students use databases when they conduct surveys, create electronic lists of spelling words and work on collaborative projects. We just finished classroom wide collaborative projects for Black History Month where students collected and shared facts. This information was stored using Microsoft Access and other Office Suite features on the student drive of the school server. I observed a class pull from this database and create a whole group time line on Motown legends. Upper elementary students also create their own databases in the contacts portion of email accounts and using excel to create graphs and charts.
I know a successful teacher needs to become more aware of creating, using and sharing data throughout the school. For assessment purposes, we will be purchasing NWEA assessment programming which collects and analyzes data from test results for the teacher. Our school website will need to have complete student data imported and input over the summer so that teachers may have access to quickly change and update information and use data to make classroom decisions. I personally have not done a mail merge and look forward to creating a database separated by grade and class to easily send our homework, reminders, and class information to parents.
MET 6203: Module 4 - Word Processing
I use a computer to create, edit, and print documents on a daily basis. The great advantage of word processing over using a typewriter is that you can make changes without retyping the entire document and I rely on software, as a first step, to check the spelling and grammar within the body of my document. I use word processing to write letters and email, do homework assignments and papers for school, create cards, flyers and worksheets, and create a running record of student progress for portfolios. A weekly newsletter about events in the classroom is a required task for all teachers. The ability to use word processing to create a template makes this task much easier. Email has become a primary form of communication for me and the word processing component within email programs make the appearance and readability of that communication significantly better. I did have an electric typewriter (with an erase feature within the ink cartridge) and can’t believe I ever thought it was the only thing needed to present written work.
Students at Woodmont Academy use Word Processors in the classroom, the computer lab on a weekly basis and infrequently at home. Lower elementary students use this technology to assist in the communication of their ideas on paper. This is done using Microsoft Word and Power Point. I especially use this feature to have them create flash cards. Words are copied from a list, using word processing and then pictures from clip art or student folders are inserted to create deeper meaning. Upper Elementary students include the publishing, printing and saving of documents along with formatting text and layout options to creatively express ideas. Research papers are only one way of assessing what the student has learned. They create brochures and newsletters too. These students also use word processors to email and blog within the classroom and school environment.
I would like for use formatting more extensively to create summary sheets with the space for students to fill in the blanks and take notes. I definitely see the advantages of using processing programs like Write-Out-Loud, Paint, Write & Play, Storybook Weaver, and Inspiration for lower elementary students. The additional graphics would make the instruction much easier on my part! Using word processing to continue to make comments in our on-line grade books would assist in keeping track of student progress. I will attempt to use the Power Grade feature more effectively.
Students at Woodmont Academy use Word Processors in the classroom, the computer lab on a weekly basis and infrequently at home. Lower elementary students use this technology to assist in the communication of their ideas on paper. This is done using Microsoft Word and Power Point. I especially use this feature to have them create flash cards. Words are copied from a list, using word processing and then pictures from clip art or student folders are inserted to create deeper meaning. Upper Elementary students include the publishing, printing and saving of documents along with formatting text and layout options to creatively express ideas. Research papers are only one way of assessing what the student has learned. They create brochures and newsletters too. These students also use word processors to email and blog within the classroom and school environment.
I would like for use formatting more extensively to create summary sheets with the space for students to fill in the blanks and take notes. I definitely see the advantages of using processing programs like Write-Out-Loud, Paint, Write & Play, Storybook Weaver, and Inspiration for lower elementary students. The additional graphics would make the instruction much easier on my part! Using word processing to continue to make comments in our on-line grade books would assist in keeping track of student progress. I will attempt to use the Power Grade feature more effectively.
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