Interview

FIELD EXPERT INTERVIEW ASSINGMENT 1

Field Expert Interview Assignment

Michelle Dempsey

School of Education, Liberty University

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FIELD EXPERT INTERVIEW ASSINGMENT 2

Introduction Paragraph

My field expert interview is with Mr. Daniel Barnes. At this present time, Mr. Barnes is a

Special Education teacher in the math department at Courtland High School, where he has been

teaching there for 5 years. In attrition to being a Special Education teacher, Mr. Barnes has been

a football coach and mentor at this school as well in Fredericksburg. As the department chair of

the special education department, Mr. Barnes is able to a make a great impact with the students

and staff. He has worked side by side with teachers by co-teaching, which plays a big role in

impacting the students academically and personally. Mr. Barnes, as well as his co-workers, try to

come together to come up with solutions that may help close the achievement gap that our school

system is faced with on a year-to-year basis.

Mr. Barnes taught Special Education in Fredericksburg City Schools as well, for 4 years.

He was a resource teacher at Lafayette Upper Elementary School, in Fredericksburg, VA for a

few years. His family was involved in the education field as well. His mother is a retired teacher,

but due to her love for the students, she still substitutes at the schools from time to time. His

grandmother also worked for the school system as an administrator. Mr. Barnes would like to

become and administrator and is actually taking classes to get to that level.

Transcript Section Ms. Dempsey: What seems to be the emptiest part of the job?

Mr. Barnes: I feel that the emptiest part of my job is not being able to please everyone. No

matter how hard I work to make sure my co-workers are comfortable coming to me with

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FIELD EXPERT INTERVIEW ASSINGMENT 3

concerns or support, somewhere in there, there is always on person who is not comfortable

and will take it personal. I feel like I always have to have my guard up.

Ms. Dempsey: What do you find the most challenging thing about working in the

special education field?

Mr. Barnes: Being a special education teacher, there are many things that are a challenge to

me. Most of all, it would be making sure I am supporting all of my students and providing

them the services they need to be successful.

Ms. Dempsey: What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your job, here at

Courtland High School?

Mr. Barnes: I enjoy being taken out of my comfort zone and being pushed to the next level

by accomplishing newly introduced duties.

Ms. Dempsey: During your time as a Special Education Teacher at Lafayette Upper

Elementary School, which was predominantly an African American school, and now

that Courtland High School, is an array of different cultural, how is it different?

Mr. Barnes: Children are Children. When children are school aged, they only see the love

that people show to them. Children want to be children, have fun and learn. I did notice a

difference within the high school. Students tend to be harsher on their peers and that’s when

the bullying occurs. But I don’t think it’s a race issue. It’s just kids being mean at that age.

Ms. Dempsey: Do you receive a great amount of parental support for your academics?

Mr. Barnes: I do with that all of our parents were supportive as others. But as we all know,

not all of the parents support their children or are involved in their education as much as they

should. There are times when there is a miscommunication between the parents and the

This study source was downloaded by 100000825965683 from CourseHero.com on 05-30-2024 17:50:30 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/116522001/Field-Expert-Interview-Assignment-MDempdocx/

FIELD EXPERT INTERVIEW ASSINGMENT 4

teachers. There are some students who struggle with receiving support from their parents,

because their parents haven’t finished schooling themselves. But, I can say, as an educator, it

is important that we find a solution to help put into place for the student as well as the parent.

Ms. Dempsey: What percentage of the students at Courtland High School are on

reduced or free lunch?

Mr. Barnes: About 50%

Ms. Dempsey: What percentage would you say African American attend Courtland

High School?

Mr. Barnes: 35%

Ms. Dempsey: In your experience of working in the elementary school and at the high

school level, what group of students would you say seem to struggle the most in

academics?

Mr. Barnes: African Americans and ELL’s (English Language Learners)

Ms. Dempsey: Why do you feel this way?

Mr. Barnes: Most African American students or foreign students are raised in single parent

homes or both parents are working late shifts, which leaves the students having to rely on

themselves for their education.

Ms. Dempsey: From another special education teacher’s perspective, what do you think

could be done to help close the academic achievement gap between Caucasian students

and African American students?

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FIELD EXPERT INTERVIEW ASSINGMENT 5

Mr. Barnes: Being an African American parent and an educator, we must find a way to make

sure all students are being treated equally. It is important that we advocate for our parents and

our students. We have to be their voice so we can see change!

Closing Paragraph

In conclusion, my interview with Mr. Barnes was a great experience. He has many

years of generational educational knowledge from both his mother and his grandmother, who

helped pave the way for him to becoming an amazing principal that he is. I have never had

the pleasure to work with anyone who takes the time and knows his student’s name. He sets

the bar for his staff and students to be the best that they can be and whatever obstacles are in

the way, he helps both, student and staff how to overcome them.

This study source was downloaded by 100000825965683 from CourseHero.com on 05-30-2024 17:50:30 GMT -05:00

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EDUC 735

Page 1 of 2

FIELD EXPERT INTERVIEW ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

OVERVIEW

For this assignment, you will conduct an interview with a specialist in your school division (or one nearby) that would have a sound knowledge base of the topic that you are researching. It is preferred that the interview be conducted in person, but an interview by phone will work also. If necessary or desired, you may also reach beyond your local or nearby school division to access someone who would be considered an expert in your research topic.

The purpose of this assignment is to help you develop interview skills that will help you in future research. Often, an interview with an expert and interviews, in general, are a central part of research methodology. The goal is for you to be able to demonstrate the ability to conduct and collect data using interview strategies and to discuss issues related to issues within educational institutions with experts. The ability to write questions that elicit thoughtful and in-depth responses is a valuable skill. Use this assignment to hone that skill.

INSTRUCTIONS

Coordinate a scheduled block of time with your selected expert for the interview to be conducted either in-person or by phone. Before your interview, prepare 8–10 questions prepared to address the topic you have chosen to study. Your focus should be on obtaining insight into the issue you have chosen as well as learning to network and collaborate with a colleague to discuss educational issues. Noting the following will assist you in crafting quality questions:

• Please be sure the questions are open-ended and encourage discussion.

• Questions that can be answered with simple answers are not ideal for collecting the kind of rich qualitative data that an interview seeks to elicit.

• Introductory information (e.g., interviewee’s name, background, position, etc.) cannot be included in the 8-10 questions required for the interview.

• Be open to asking follow-up questions that might not necessarily be planned in advance but that arise out of the answers from your interviewee. This will be especially helpful if your interviewee's answers are not as detailed as you might like.

After the interview, use the provided Field Expert Interview Template to provide the following:

• An introductory paragraph that includes information about the interviewee. Describe their position and why you feel they were a credible resource to recruit for the interview. How do they have expertise in the area that you are researching?

• A transcript that includes the interview questions you composed and the responses you received. Type your questions in bold font and type the responses in regular font.

• A conclusion that includes what you gained by participating in this activity as well as what new insight your chosen expert provided. How might you take the data (interview

EDUC 735

Page 2 of 2

responses are considered a type of qualitative data) you collect during the interview into consideration as you develop your topic?

Review the Field Expert Interview Grading Rubric for more details on the expectations for this assignment.

Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.

Criteria Ratings Points

Introduction 30 to >27 pts

Advanced

The introduction included complete information about the interviewee that demonstrated why they were a suitable participant. Among the information included are the interviewee’s professional background, current position, and explanation of his/her expertise in the field. Degrees held and other services in the field are also included.

27 to >24 pts

Proficient

The introduction included some information about the interviewee that demonstrated the suitability for participation. Some of the interviewee’s background information was included.

24 to >0 pts

Developing

The introduction included little information about the interviewee. The interviewee’s suitability for participation is not clear.

0 pts

Not Present

30 pts

Prepared Questions

60 to >54 pts

Advanced

The candidate prepared 8–10 questions that were relevant to the research topic. The questions were open-ended and encouraged discussion. The question responses serve as qualitative data collection that provide new insight from the chosen expert.

The candidate asked follow-up questions as needed to elicit rich responses.

54 to >49 pts

Proficient

The candidate prepared 8–10 questions relevant to the research topic. Some of the questions were open-ended, but the discussion lagged. The questions demonstrated a basic understanding of the research topic. New insight into the topic from the expert is minimally evident.

The candidate may have asked some follow-up questions to elicit rich responses.

49 to >0 pts

Developing

The candidate prepared fewer than 8 questions. Few questions were constructed to encourage discussion. The questions demonstrated superficial information about the research topic.

The candidate did not ask follow-up questions to elicit rich responses.

0 pts

Not Present

60 pts

Conclusion 15 to >13 pts

Advanced

The conclusion thoroughly explains what the candidate learned from the interview concerning the research topic. This may include new insight gained from the expert, further research needed, and/or current ideas validated. The data collected from the interview is used to explore the appropriate approach to the research topic.

13 to >12 pts

Proficient

The conclusion explains what the candidate learned from the interview concerning the research topic. There is some specific detail included.

12 to >0 pts

Developing

The conclusion does not explain what the candidate learned from the interview concerning the research topic. There is no specific detail included.

0 pts

Not Present

15 pts

Field Expert Interview Grading Rubric | EDUC735_B02_202430

Criteria Ratings Points

Format 20 to >17 pts

Advanced

The assignment is in the required format. The questions are in bold font with the responses in regular font. The responses are a true transcript (word-for-word) representation of the interviewee’s responses to the questions.

17 to >16 pts

Proficient

The assignment is in the required format with questions in bold font and responses in regular font. The interviewees’ responses have been paraphrased rather than reported in true transcript format.

16 to >0 pts

Developing

The assignment is not in the required format with questions in bold font and responses in regular font. The interviewee’s responses have been paraphrased rather than reported in true transcript format.

0 pts

Not Present

20 pts

Grammar, Spelling, and Current APA Formatting

25 to >22 pts

Advanced

Spelling and grammar are correct. Sentences are complete, clear, and concise.

22 to >20 pts

Proficient

There are some spelling and grammar errors. Sentences require some re-reading for understanding.

20 to >0 pts

Developing

Spelling and grammar errors distract the reader. Sentences are incomplete or unclear.

0 pts

Not Present

25 pts

Total Points: 150

Field Expert Interview Grading Rubric | EDUC735_B02_202430

FIELD EXPERT INTERVIEW ASSINGMENT 1

Field Expert Interview Assignment

Michelle Dempsey

School of Education, Liberty University

This study source was downloaded by 100000825965683 from CourseHero.com on 05-30-2024 17:50:30 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/116522001/Field-Expert-Interview-Assignment-MDempdocx/

FIELD EXPERT INTERVIEW ASSINGMENT 2

Introduction Paragraph

My field expert interview is with Mr. Daniel Barnes. At this present time, Mr. Barnes is a

Special Education teacher in the math department at Courtland High School, where he has been

teaching there for 5 years. In attrition to being a Special Education teacher, Mr. Barnes has been

a football coach and mentor at this school as well in Fredericksburg. As the department chair of

the special education department, Mr. Barnes is able to a make a great impact with the students

and staff. He has worked side by side with teachers by co-teaching, which plays a big role in

impacting the students academically and personally. Mr. Barnes, as well as his co-workers, try to

come together to come up with solutions that may help close the achievement gap that our school

system is faced with on a year-to-year basis.

Mr. Barnes taught Special Education in Fredericksburg City Schools as well, for 4 years.

He was a resource teacher at Lafayette Upper Elementary School, in Fredericksburg, VA for a

few years. His family was involved in the education field as well. His mother is a retired teacher,

but due to her love for the students, she still substitutes at the schools from time to time. His

grandmother also worked for the school system as an administrator. Mr. Barnes would like to

become and administrator and is actually taking classes to get to that level.

Transcript Section Ms. Dempsey: What seems to be the emptiest part of the job?

Mr. Barnes: I feel that the emptiest part of my job is not being able to please everyone. No

matter how hard I work to make sure my co-workers are comfortable coming to me with

This study source was downloaded by 100000825965683 from CourseHero.com on 05-30-2024 17:50:30 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/116522001/Field-Expert-Interview-Assignment-MDempdocx/

FIELD EXPERT INTERVIEW ASSINGMENT 3

concerns or support, somewhere in there, there is always on person who is not comfortable

and will take it personal. I feel like I always have to have my guard up.

Ms. Dempsey: What do you find the most challenging thing about working in the

special education field?

Mr. Barnes: Being a special education teacher, there are many things that are a challenge to

me. Most of all, it would be making sure I am supporting all of my students and providing

them the services they need to be successful.

Ms. Dempsey: What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your job, here at

Courtland High School?

Mr. Barnes: I enjoy being taken out of my comfort zone and being pushed to the next level

by accomplishing newly introduced duties.

Ms. Dempsey: During your time as a Special Education Teacher at Lafayette Upper

Elementary School, which was predominantly an African American school, and now

that Courtland High School, is an array of different cultural, how is it different?

Mr. Barnes: Children are Children. When children are school aged, they only see the love

that people show to them. Children want to be children, have fun and learn. I did notice a

difference within the high school. Students tend to be harsher on their peers and that’s when

the bullying occurs. But I don’t think it’s a race issue. It’s just kids being mean at that age.

Ms. Dempsey: Do you receive a great amount of parental support for your academics?

Mr. Barnes: I do with that all of our parents were supportive as others. But as we all know,

not all of the parents support their children or are involved in their education as much as they

should. There are times when there is a miscommunication between the parents and the

This study source was downloaded by 100000825965683 from CourseHero.com on 05-30-2024 17:50:30 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/116522001/Field-Expert-Interview-Assignment-MDempdocx/

FIELD EXPERT INTERVIEW ASSINGMENT 4

teachers. There are some students who struggle with receiving support from their parents,

because their parents haven’t finished schooling themselves. But, I can say, as an educator, it

is important that we find a solution to help put into place for the student as well as the parent.

Ms. Dempsey: What percentage of the students at Courtland High School are on

reduced or free lunch?

Mr. Barnes: About 50%

Ms. Dempsey: What percentage would you say African American attend Courtland

High School?

Mr. Barnes: 35%

Ms. Dempsey: In your experience of working in the elementary school and at the high

school level, what group of students would you say seem to struggle the most in

academics?

Mr. Barnes: African Americans and ELL’s (English Language Learners)

Ms. Dempsey: Why do you feel this way?

Mr. Barnes: Most African American students or foreign students are raised in single parent

homes or both parents are working late shifts, which leaves the students having to rely on

themselves for their education.

Ms. Dempsey: From another special education teacher’s perspective, what do you think

could be done to help close the academic achievement gap between Caucasian students

and African American students?

This study source was downloaded by 100000825965683 from CourseHero.com on 05-30-2024 17:50:30 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/116522001/Field-Expert-Interview-Assignment-MDempdocx/

FIELD EXPERT INTERVIEW ASSINGMENT 5

Mr. Barnes: Being an African American parent and an educator, we must find a way to make

sure all students are being treated equally. It is important that we advocate for our parents and

our students. We have to be their voice so we can see change!

Closing Paragraph

In conclusion, my interview with Mr. Barnes was a great experience. He has many

years of generational educational knowledge from both his mother and his grandmother, who

helped pave the way for him to becoming an amazing principal that he is. I have never had

the pleasure to work with anyone who takes the time and knows his student’s name. He sets

the bar for his staff and students to be the best that they can be and whatever obstacles are in

the way, he helps both, student and staff how to overcome them.

This study source was downloaded by 100000825965683 from CourseHero.com on 05-30-2024 17:50:30 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/116522001/Field-Expert-Interview-Assignment-MDempdocx/ Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)