.Hope Wilson's KUWP E-Portfolio

Monday, July 18, 2016

Final Reflection

Hope Wilson

Prof. Kim Kiefer

Final Reflection

July 2016

The Reflections of the Beginnings:

Life Towards a Master Degree

What have I learned in the KUWP summer session? I am not sure where to begin because

I have learned plenty. I have learned how to do extended research in the library. The extended research included using the EndNote Citations application by researching bibliography information and locating books at other libraries. I have increased my knowledge on some political aspects when researching for my assignment to write a letter to the president, regarding immigration. I tapped into my poetic side when completing my assignment for the Author's Chair, regarding a couple of poems about frequent asked life questions. My play writing skills increased when I revised a scene in a play regarding siblings rivalry. I decided to do my academic paper on Charter Schools versus Public Schools. My plan is to become a teacher and learned knowledge regarding the Public Schools and Charter Schools created a great understanding of the school system I plan to work in. A Teacher Inquiry Workshop was another requirement of the program. Knowing how to create a lesson plan is also a requirement of being a teacher also. Learning how to create a lesson plan to structure my lessons was awesome. I strive to be organized when becoming an educator and creating lesson plans will definitely allow me to process that goal. All of my assignments were required to be placed into a portfolio that I had to create on a blog. Creating a portfolio was the most challenging project of them all. Creating a portfolio took an enormous amount of technical skills that I had yet to possess. I had to learn to navigate more efficiently on a computer. I have learned to speak comfortably in front of a group of people. The classroom set up was not traditional. It was a round the table setting that encouraged students to speak to each other in front of the class at every class attendance . I have learn to speak comfortable in front of a group of people and have become more forthcoming regarding my past and future plans. Some of our classes were held via Skype. Which also encourages a round the table discussion and I think that is awesome. I was introduced to The Learning Theories and Philosophies as Applied to School Chart. All of the theories were impressive although progressivism and cognitivism kind of stood out for me. I will like to engage my students in them two theories because; I think it will encourage them to become successful in some aspects of life. The professor’s presentation was relaxing which made for a successful outcome.The atmosphere caused no anxiety and was well organized.

I will apply my technical learned skills in future KUWP classes, at work, and in my every day life. I am now aware of the process of blogging and I am also familiar with the KUWP program and the requirements. I am titling my work better and I have become more visual of my spelling and grammar when writing. My learned writing skills will increase my professionalism at work when replying to emails and writing letters. My learned lessons will also increase my knowledge and skills regarding my teaching and writing career. I have plans to write books and plays as I teach in the urban areas. The KUWP summer session has given me the confidence I need to apply my knowledge to further my careers. I met some great teachers. They exhibited great concerns regarding their students learning their assignments .They acquired a great rapport with their students. They expressed authentic enthusiasm regarding their presentations and portfolios.

My portfolio defines my educational success at the KUWP. It brings awareness to my educational creativity and learned technology. It introduces my personality to the public when I am not present. I will apply my new learned skills when teaching students. I will engage my students in Blogging all of their work into a portfolio . A portfolio gives a technical visual of a completed semester. It also gives easy access to needed work. It is very organized and allows for a great keepsake and encourage technology in class.

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Revision Teacher Inquiry Workshop (TIW)

Hope Wilson

Prof. Kim Kiefer

Teacher Inquiry Workshop

July 2016

Connecting Life Lessons with Education:

"What is a Caged Bird?"

Teaching Context - I am a graduate student preparing to become an educator. My first priority will be to teach the curriculum offered by the school district and prepare my students for the standardized test. My personal plan is to focus on progressivism and cognitivism. I plan to teach a diverse population in the urban area. I plan to engage my students to focus on life and future plans as they continue to learn to think differently. Diversity thinking can always prevent the feeling of being “caged”.

Overview - Learning about life challenges is the goal of this lesson plan. The activities will focus on being capable of knowing when someone may need assistance in figuring out life. According to The Theory Chart progressivism and cognitivism "Learns by solving problems through educative experiences.” will be a great concept for me to use. Also “Develops problem solving abilities.” will constantly engage children in life challenges and the desire for perseverance.

Students will be instructed to respond to the reading, participate in the class discussions, initiate questions to individual students, and directly participate in small peer groups to discuss their responses to the text. These activities will create brainstorming/prewriting opportunities for culminating of "What is a Caged Bird?"

1. Was this poem written directly about a person or for a group of people?

If a group of people which group?

2. Was this poem written for entertainment purposes ? If not then why?

After 15-20 minutes of reflection/discussion, students will share some of their responses in a class discussion. Then write a response focusing on why people may feel "caged".The students will be given 30 minutes to respond and it must be at least one paragraph. The student will take turns reading their response in front of the class.

Theoretical Lens-The reading lesson for writing " I know Why the Caged Bird Sings?" TIW reflects standard 9 21st Century Life and Careers. It integrates career growth for the K-12 curriculum and in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The students are encouraged to become reliable citizens in society and become mentally prepared for life like opportunities in the 21st century work environment. The Clark approach will be encourage. First The Reflection and Quick Overview; During the students reflect on the subject and the context that are being addressed; evaluate the qualifications and motives of the author, examine the reading for additional clues, such as the title, publication information, and easily discernible strategies for organization. Then The Reading for Meaning and Structure; the students read the text for meaning to determine what it is saying. To aid understanding and they are encouraged to look for structural clues within the text and summarize the main points. Last Interacting with the text; The students are encourage to interact with the text, activity engaging in a critical dialogue with it, in order to understand it more deeply and determine how much of it to accept. Such interaction involves distinguishing between fact and opinion, evaluating the type of evidence cited, deciding whether the writer is aware of the complexity of the topic, and paying close attention to how language is being used to shape the reader's perspective.

Standard 9 is composed of the Career Ready Practices and Standard 9.1, 9.2, and 9.3 which are outlined below

• The 12 Career Ready Practices These practices outline the skills that all individuals need to have to truly be adaptable, reflective, and proactive in life and careers. These are researched practices that are essential to career readiness.

• 9.1 Personal Financial Literacy This standard outlines the important fiscal knowledge, habits, and skills that must be mastered in order for students to make informed decisions about personal finance. Financial literacy is an integral component of a student's college and career readiness, enabling students to achieve fulfilling, financially-secure, and successful careers.

• 9.2 Career Awareness, Exploration, and Preparation This standard outlines the importance of being knowledgeable about one's interests and talents, and being well informed about postsecondary and career options, career planning, and career requirements.

• 9.3 Career and Technical Education This standard outlines what students should know and be able to do upon completion of a CTE Program of Study.

Practical Lens - Recognizing when someone is caged, deciding when to evaluate their situation, and when some additional knowledge is necessary. David Foster Wallace wrote " if you're automatically sure that you know what reality is and who and what is really important-if you want to operate on your default-setting-then you, like me, will not consider possibilities that aren't pointless and annoying. But if you've really learned how to think, how to pay attention, then you will know you have other options," empowers a student with the needed knowledge of recognition and give them the option of expression. To enhance their ability to encourage someone to persevere . Educators have a challenging job de Montainge explains " the greatest and most important difficulty known to human learning seems to lie in that area which treats how to bring up children and how to educate them" presentation is important.

Reflection Len-This plan will engage the students in some life matters. They will approach life without fear. It should be successful because it is essential to some success in life. This plan may encourage students to find their balance. This assignment will engage a personal development in the students . Allowing them to consider their challenges and understand the process that

encourages life choices. Which consist of considering one's interest and talent , career options, planning, and requirements. I will definitely explore this lesson plan when I become an educator. I will make enhancements as needed with coaching from my colleagues.

Inquiry Questions

* How can personal growth effect the life changing decisions children will make?

* What grade level can some life lessons be incorporated into a daily class curriculum?

Sources

Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work. (2014, June) The Common Career Technical Core. https://www.careertech.org/cctc

American School Counselor Association, A. S. (2004). ASCA National Standards for Students (Competencies and Indicators). Alexandria, VA.

Angelou, Maya. “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings". 1983. Penguin Random House

Career Readiness Partner Council. (2014). What it Means to be Career Ready? http://www.careerreadynow.org/docs/CRPC_4pager.pdf

Clark, I. L. (2010) College Argument: University the genre. Dubuque. IA: Kendall Hunt.

Folkers, D. R. (2011, October). Setting a New Standard with a Common Career Technical Core.
Techniques.

Partnership for 21st Century Skills. http://www.p21.org/

Verdi, Gail , Ryan, K, & Cooper, J (2000). Those who can teach. New York: Houghton Mifflin. Turner, G. (2003). Foundation on line learning community with Gayle Turner. Gayleturner.net http:homepages.wmich.edu/~Cummings/philosophy_state.html

Do Now-Define Caged. Describe the word usage.

Essential Questions

1). How will you describe a caged bird?

2) Have you ever felt like a caged bird?

3). Can a caged bird free him/herself?

Learning Objectives

When should you reach out to people and should you seek advice before approaching someone concerning their personal life?

1. Do Now Activity ( 5 minutes)

2. "Caged" discussion / reflection/analysis ( 5 minutes)

SWBAT - Analyze text for main idea; identify and cite textual evidence to support analysis,

develop speaking and listening skills, participate activity in peer discussion and idea generation, and strengthen writing skills through narrative generation

1. "Why did The Caged Bird Sings?" individual / Peer Reading Response Question /

Discussion (20 minutes)

2. Write a descriptive paper on ways people can become caged.

3. Read " I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings?" Responses in the author's chair

(30 minutes remaining class time)

“ I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” Reading Discussion Questions

1. Was this poem written directly for a person or a group of people?

If a group of people which group?

2. Was this poem written for entertainment purposes ? If not then why?

" What is a Caged Bird ?" Response Paper

Write a short descriptive paper on how you will assist in

“un-caging” someone. Focusing on your reason for writing by references from " I Know Why did the Caged Bird Sings?” poem. This paper must be at least one complete paragraph and

read in the author's chair. Full credit will be given for clearly focused response letters with

textual evidence that supports writing purpose. Students will have approximately 20 minutes to generate response letters at which time students will begin reading their letters in the author's chair. This activity will continue into the next class until all students have read their responses.

Further Teacher Inquiry

I plan to present this TIW upon becoming an educator. This assignment incorporated with academics may prove to produce a well rounded student. I want to encourage children to live an inspired life. This project with " I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" poem will encourage

students to discuss and write about their progressive and cognitive capabilities.

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill for the caged bird
sings of freedom

The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.

The title and inspiration for this poem came from a line in Paul Dunbar's poem "Sympathy" http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/11717-Paul-Laurence-Dunbar-Sympathy .
It was also the title of the first volume of Dr. Angelou's autobiography published in 1969.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Academic 2nd Draft

Hope Wilson

Prof. Kim Kiefer

Hope Wilson

Academic Writing

July 2016

Charter School vs. Public School:

The Prevention of Overcrowded Classes

A random public lottery is performed to select the students to attend some charter schools. An enormous change from automatically attending the public school in one’s district. Most students that attend Charter Schools are from low-income families that are from other public schools in the surrounding urban areas. Charter Schools are tuition-free like public schools. They are funded according to a per pupil basis and enrollment level. A charter school is " an independently run public school granted greater flexibility in its operations, in return for greater accountability for performance. The "charter" establishing each school is a performance contract detailing the school's mission, program, students served, performance goals, and methods of assessment," giving students greater opportunities to get acceptance into a college of their choice. One elementary school and one high school for each district does not produce enough college graduates. Most parents in the urban areas cannot afford private schooling for their children.

Charter Schools have become a great service for most children in the urban areas. Charter Schools allow for a lesser class size in the public schools. Giving the educators more valuable time to spend with each student. Before the Charter Schools quality time spent, with the students in the public schools system in the urban areas, were insoluble. The public schools can be as successful as the Charter Schools if they obtain an organization similar to Charter management organizations (CMOs), ”these services typically include curriculum development, assessment design, professional development, systems implementation, back-office services, teacher recruitment, and facility services. All decisions are made in the context of what is best for the individual school to ensure student achievement and outstanding academic results," processes that appear to be progressing greatly.

Charter schooled children have shown outstanding improvement over the years

" In the aggregate, both reading and math results show improvement compared to the results reported in Multiple Choice. The analysis of the pooled 27 states shows that charter schools now advance the learning gains of their students’ more than traditional public schools in reading. Improvements in the academic growth of charter students in math, which is now comparable to the learning gains in traditional public schools. On average, students attending charter schools have eight additional days of learning in reading and the same days of learning in math per year compared to their peers in traditional public schools. In both subjects, the trend since 2009 is on an upward trajectory, with the relative performance of the charter sector improving each year. Related results for different student groups indicate that black students, students in poverty, and English language learners benefit from attending charter schools. However, charter school quality is uneven across the states and across schools. These findings are supported by a number of related analyses, including the update on the 16 states first studied in 2009," ( Per the National Charter School Study 2013) encouraging possible college bound students. The mission is " a college preparatory ,high standards for academics and character; a highly structured learning environment; a longer school day and a longer school year; a focus on accountability and data-driven instruction; and a faculty of committed and talented leaders and teachers. Schools within the Uncommon network are modeled on some of the highest-performing urban public charter schools in the country," a mission that should be shared by all elementary and high schools in the urban areas.

Some regulations in the charter school differ from public schools. The Charter schools regulation must be met or closure may be possible. They are contractually required to maintain an academic achievement, organizational stability, and financial management to continue to serve the public. These requirements should be imposed on all public schools. All Charter schools do not operate under the same contractual agreement. Most have proven high performance academics in all areas. Any one or a group of people can submit a proposal for a Charter School to their state's charter authorizing committee.

Before the Charter Schools most public schools were never threatened closure because of their under performance. There were no other options of schooling the children. Once the Charter Schools became available some under achieved public schools were forced closed and some threatened closure if there were no academic improvements.

The smaller the class size the more productive the teachers will be able to engage the students in their assignments. Children need more "one on one" sessions so they can ask what they believe to be the "stupid questions" and gain a better understanding of their assignments. Knowledge encourages great self esteem and confidence which will create great decision making. Staying after school does not always work into student's schedule. A smaller class size may create a greater number in college graduates in the urban areas. There can never be too many schools in the urban areas. Not only does it allows a smaller class size in public schools it also provides more teaching jobs, maintenance job, and cafeteria jobs; just to name a few. Maybe working parents means the children will not go to school hungry.

References

www.uncommonschools.org/faq-what-is-charter-school

Center for Research on Education Outcomes Stanford University

Stanford, CA . 2013 CREDO

http://credo.stanford.edu

Creative Writing 2nd Draft

Hope Wilson

Creative Writing 2

July 13, 2016

Tim - Sharon's fiancé age 35

Aunt Ethel - Sharon & Lisa"s Aunt age 75

Sharon - Lisa"s sister age 35

Tj -Lisa's son age 12

Lisa-Sharon's sister age 27

Bob-Lisa's boy friend age 27

Place: South Carolina

Time: Now

“We are Family”

Everyone is at Sharon’s house waiting for the Dr. to call with the test results concerning TJ biological father. They decided to spend the weekend there to introduce TJ to his new found family.

Sharon

Lisa hates me because I'm happy. I know mom and dad are rolling over in their grave.

Tim

I wish I can do something to change this situation.

Sharon

No baby we good we just have to take care of Jr. first.

Aunt Ethel

I gave the doctor my cell number. I already explained everything to TJ. My girlfriend will be dropping him off from camp soon.

Sharon

ARRR Poor thing I hate putting him through all of this.

Aunt Ethel

No no sweetie its good that you brought this to my attention as soon as you were aware. So Lisa can be the only bad guy.

Tim

If I knew I had a son I would had contacted him immediately.

Aunt Ethel

As soon as Lisa turned 18 she should had contacted him and told you guys about him. I didn't want to force her hand and I promised your parents I will not tell anyone unless it was an emergency. He is really such a well mannered child. He is a pleasure to have around.

Sharon

Were mom and dad ok with her contacting him?

Aunt Ethel

No but I'm your Aunt Ethel I always have you girls back. Who brought you guys bras and cell phones after being told not to by your mom. It was our little secret right? ( Aunt Ethel winks!) Lisa could had visited whenever she wanted for as long as she wanted and your mom would had never known. And I am sure you guys would had kept her secret.

Sharon

I don't think Lisa wants a son. I mean she knows she can't raise a child by herself. The only reason she told us about him is to hurt me and she did. She really did!

Tim

Baby don't look at it like that. Whether he's my son or my nephew he is a blessing to this family.

Sharon

That's my guy ! Aunt Ethel did I pick a great guy or what?

Aunt Ethel

Sweetie you can't make a bad decision if you tried.

The phone rings and Sharon answers …It’s Lisa.

Lisa

I'm sorry we running late is he there yet?

Sharon

No not yet? We still waiting on the Dr. to call ...Wait a minute he is calling now. Hold on!

Aunt Ethel

Hello..huh huh ok yes ...thank you much...(pause) Tim is not the father !!

Sharon

That Little bitch!! She said she was a virgin.

Tim

( looks of disappointment) He is not my son??

Sharon

Hello Lisa, you still there?

Lisa

(Nervously)Yes

Sharon

The test proves Tim is not TJ's father.

Lisa

Wow really? Is that what he calls himself?

Sharon

Yes, who the hell is his father Lisa?

Lisa

I don't know. You are right I slept with another guy the same night I slept with Tim. Someone I met in the bar and I never saw him again. I can't remember his name. We will be there soon…bye

Lisa and Sharon hang up then Lisa turns to John.

John

What do you mean he's not Tim's son?

Lisa

Sharon says he wasn't according to the phone call Aunt Ethel got from the Dr.

John

Do you believe her?

Lisa

I just want to see my son baby.

John

Ok just let it be for now. We know her ass is lying but for TJ sakes we going to do this happy family shit.

The door bell rings. Then The door opens. A young child walks in.

Hello...

Aunt Ethel

Come here baby I want you to meet your family. This is your Aunt Sharon and your Uncle Tim.

( looks at Tim) Am I named after you?

Sharon

Yes, sweetie you are.

( looks at Sharon) How are you my aunt?

Sharon

I am your mother's sister.

How come you didn't bring my mom. Didn't she want to see me?

Sharon

Of course sweetie. She just running a little late she will be here soon.

( smiles) Really?

Aunt Ethel

Of course my love.

Bob and Linda enters the room.

Aunt Ethel

And here is your Uncle Bob and Aunt Linda. Bob is your mother's brother.

WOW... Cool!! I got 2 uncles do you guys like playing catch?

Bob

Of course!

Tim

Hey let's do it tomorrow if it's ok with your mom?

Where is my mom?

The door bell rings.

Lisa

Hello! Word on the street is my son is in here!

Mom?

Lisa

Yes, Timothy come give your old mom a big hug!

TJ starts crying!

How come you never come to visit me?

Lisa

I was so sick...I'm so sorry!

Lisa starts crying.

Lisa

I love you so much. We are all here to welcome you to the family.

Where is my dad?

Lisa

He is out of town. Aren't you hungry Aunt Sharon ordered pizza lets talk over dinner I'm starved

It is now Sunday everyone is leaving John and Lisa stay behind.

John

We need to talk to you about Aunt Ethel's little white lie.

Sharon

What the hell are you talking about ?

John

Lisa was a virgin when she slept with Tim

Sharon

But Lisa on the phone...

Lisa

I didn't want to mess up TJ's weekend

Sharon

( Starts yelling)You make me sick! What is wrong with you??

Tim

(Runs into the room) What's wrong baby?

Sharon

They claiming Auntie lied about you not being TJs father.

Tim

Call her right now!!

Sharon launch at Lisa and grabs her hair throwing her to the ground screaming I hate you. Then she began kicking her until Tim manages to grab her. Lisa not once tries to protect herself.

Lisa

( crying) I'm so sorry, how was I supposed to know you will fall in love with my son's

father?

John

Scene 2

Lisa and Sharon hang up the phone and Lisa turns to John.

John

What do you mean it's not Tim's son?

Lisa

Sharon says he wasn't.

John

Do you believe her?

Lisa

I just want to see my son baby.

John

Ok just let it be for now. We know her ass is lying but for TJ sakes we going to do this

happy family shit.

Aunt Sharon do I have grandparents?

Sharon

Sweetie no not any more they were in a fatal car accident last year.

How come I don't live with my mom didn't she want me?

Sharon

Baby please save all your questions for your mom. Then if you still have questions after you guys talk you can come talk to me.