Katherine Becks- 3 part assignment

Strategic Problem-Solving Activity – Monitoring, adjusting, and communicating progress - (It is critical to read the instructions and grading rubric . You cannot do this activity without reading the Resource Packet . It is in the assignment section of Blackboard along with the instructions and rubric. Lastly, it is also critical to have watched the Strategic Problem-Solving Video Series introduced in Module I.)

I. Memo #3 – (Prior to starting this you need to review the Resource Packet. The Resource Packet contains the same documents each week. In the Resource Packet, the superintendent shares a letter of concern and you are provided a lot of other data regarding the campus. The directives in this assignment are related to the issues found in the Resource Packet.) Here are the instructions:

VERY IMPORTANT RUBRIC REQUIREMENT – The new system of gathering and reporting data must reflectively evaluate program improvement and communicate about compliance with laws, rights, policies, and regulations that promote sustainable student success. I recommend a statement directly related to the harassment that has been identified.

b. Use the building blocks identified in this week’s instructions as the base for each paragraph of the memo. Here is the focus of each paragraph based on the building blocks –

*Paragraph one – Initiated a collaborative review process identified in a timeline.

*Paragraph two – Included students in the teaching of values/acceptable behavior to peers.

*Paragraph three – Distributed leadership on the instructional team.

*Paragraph four – Considered the impact of future resources.

Consider these options

Paragraph one – Initiated a collaborative review process in a timeline.

* How would you initiate a review process identified in a timeline?

Some options – develop a calendar with specific times for the review of specific program indicators (remember small bites and not everything at the same time.) You should probably review some of your identified issues from other emails. Include the use of benchmarking to ensure ongoing progress and the opportunity to address issues in a timely manner. Decide who is going to be involved in the reviews and their roles.

Paragraph two – Included students in the teaching of values/acceptable behavior to peers.

* How would you include students in the teaching of values/acceptable behaviors to peers?

Some options – create an organized student leadership structure in the program that has a diverse and large group of students involved and included. Many successful programs make use of an FFA Chapter - a super organization. Perhaps you could develop an induction into the program that could include students sharing their thoughts and dreams for the department. There are many other options - go for it. Remember to specifically tackle harassment!

Paragraph Three – Distributed leadership on the instructional team

* How would you distribute leadership?

Some options – In the last memo, you included capacity building. Now, consider the thought of distributing the leadership roles. Perhaps, this is where you could also introduce the idea of a need for additional staff. Did you note the need for a better curriculum focus? If so, this could also be discussed more fully in the next paragraph.

Paragraph Four - Consider the impact of future resources

Some options – If resource needs are addressed, one will see growth in participation, achievement, and quality of instruction. What instructional tools could be added if the WIFI was extended to the facilities. If the program grows, what other resources will be needed. There is a set of problems when you have a weak program. There is another set of problems when you have a successful program. Do your best to predict future needs of a successful program.

BE CREATIVE!

IT WILL BE FUN FOR US TO SEE HOW YOU ADDRESS THIS ACTIVITY.

II. Documentation – (You are allowed up to two pages of documentation.)

Documentation examples could include:

* Meeting notes

* Committee minutes

* Agendas

* Newspaper articles

* Lesson Plans

* Student leadership opportunities

* New handbook with legal policies addressing harassment

* Facility requests or draft budgets

* Many more items could justify or support your memo.

Remember----the documentation can assist with demonstrating you met the directives of the superintendent. I suggest documentation to support all three of them. Here they are again –

* Develop and share new system of gathering and reporting data to measure continuous sustainable improvement in the Agricultural Science Program;

* Develop and share efforts at developing student leadership/capacity;

* Identify and report needed resources for sustained improvement.

IDEA – try using PowerPoint for your documentation. You could create a “notes” slide that would allow you to post three documents on one page with written notes beside them. You may use other types of software also.

III. Reflection – Do not underestimate the importance of the reflection. Specific questions have been provided in the instructions. You can use the questions that frame the reflection to advocate for all points in the rubric. Of course, this will require you to read the rubric carefully and respond to each component somewhere in the assignment. This is an opportunity for you to connect the dots for your IA. Use it!