http://dawntaylor05.edublogs.org Just another Edublogs.org weblog Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:16:14 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en What inspires me?  I have a lot of inspirations.  My students inspire me...I love to see the A-ha moments when the light bulbs go on and something new is learned.  I am inspired by students who come from "less than perfect" homes, only to strive for excellence and succeed.  I ... http://dawntaylor05.edublogs.org/2008/04/29/what-inspires-me/ I am reminded of Oprah...Last week she had a career consultant on her show talking with men and women who were "dissatisfied" with their current careers.  Of particular interest was a young woman, 29 or 30, who had been teaching for 7 years.  She was, to put in her own ... http://dawntaylor05.edublogs.org/2008/04/21/a-profession-and-a-hopeful-struggle/ One of the greatest benefits of "looping" this year has been the continued connection with my students and their families.  I have greater insight than most teachers based upon my extended experiences.  Of the 14 families in my second grade class, 13 work full time at at least one job.  ... http://dawntaylor05.edublogs.org/2008/04/07/chp-10-connections-with-families-and-communities/ When I think about assessment, I think back to my days in special education.  Each student was thoroughly evaluated using norm based measurement tools and based upon the results, an individualized educational plan (IEP) was developed.  The IEP contained goals and objectives for the individual student as well as strategies ... http://dawntaylor05.edublogs.org/2008/04/07/chp-6-instruction-and-assessment/ Having taught at my current school for the past 4 years, I have taken on the role as 2nd grade team leader.  In doing so, I now attend weekly "Leadership Team Meetings" and I am responsible for disseminating information to my colleagues.  The Leadership team is a diverse group made ... http://dawntaylor05.edublogs.org/2008/04/07/chp-9-the-school-culture/ My journey this year to realize my "white identity" has been like a roller coaster ride.  At times I have been very passionate about my beliefs, other times I have felt very guilty and somewhat embarrassed by statements I have made.  Yet, I know that I have a long way ... http://dawntaylor05.edublogs.org/2008/03/25/paul-gorsky/ I started this program last summer "color-blind" to the differences in my students.  After spending much time this summer discussing multi-cultural education and really examining my value and belief system, I began this school year with a different "lens".  Looking for the "make and take" solutions of the ails of my ... http://dawntaylor05.edublogs.org/2008/03/17/savage-unrealities/ I really enjoyed the two articles that were written by Gorski and published on this website.  For me, it finally felt like practical solutions or suggestions in response to multi-cultural teaching!  I'm always looking for the "what can I do know in my classroom?" in response to our discussions.  These ... http://dawntaylor05.edublogs.org/2008/03/03/edchange-reforming-ourselves-tranforming-our-world/ I was a special education teacher for more than 11 years...given that background, I was trained in behavior modification, positive reinforcers, and classroom/behavior management!  It was always my job to shape behaviors, mostly inappropriate!  I still strongly believe in many of those principles and have been able to apply them ... http://dawntaylor05.edublogs.org/2008/02/25/oakes-lipton-chp-7-behavior-management/ I've thought a lot about what Rhina said on Thursday...what if an outside observer, new to our educational settings observed my classroom.  What would they think was happening and what are my students actually learning?  How do I help my students construct meaning from specialized lesson plans in various content ... http://dawntaylor05.edublogs.org/2008/02/11/oakes-lipton-chp-4-what-should-students-learn/