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792 Capstone Blog

Inspiration and Next Steps

6/1/2019

5 Comments

 

Inspiration.

I’ve always had a heart for working with populations of people in need, in particular, struggling students. My position as an elementary Academic Specialist has allowed me to do this at both an administrative level, as well as in the classroom with students.  I coordinate all K-5 intervention for the school, and have taught intervention for grades 3-5 the past five years. During this time, I have noticed that our earliest learners (Kindergarten-first grade) who arrive less prepared have a nearly impossible time finding their way out of the achievement gap.

After several trimesters of tracking these K-1 students’ growth, implementing interventions, and analyzing the data, I knew that something had to be done differently.  Thankfully, I entered the Innovative Learning Masters Program, where I’ve been afforded the opportunity to explore this issue deeper.

In the first semester of our program, we studied the work of Linda-Darling Hammond in A Flat World and Education: How America's Commitment to Equity Will Determine Our Future.  I was reminded by the author that inequitable situations and experiences before students ever set foot into a Kindergarten classroom start them off at a disadvantage.  I remember finishing the book feeling like it was up to me to find a way to make a difference.

Next Steps.

After working with parents, an after school club, and with siblings to help Kindergarteners achieve more, I have found an unexpected desired outcome: joy surrounding the activity of learning outside the classroom.  I don’t know how to measure it, but I know it’s there, and I know it’s valuable.

When I began my research project in our first trimester, I was all about quantitative data.  I learned how to build pre and posttest data charts, and how to measure the p-value. I wasn’t too interested in collecting qualitative data, because I wanted to prove something quantifiable.  

I think something changed for me when I realized how the SITE Model truly applied to the heart of what I was trying to accomplish: the value of learning.  If we plant a seed in the relationship between parent and child, the seed will grow. The seed represents the value of learning, and we can plant these seeds in a variety of relationships our students have outside the classroom.  We may be able to measure an amount of growth now, but my hope is that the value placed on learning outside of school will carry on for years to come, affecting our students, and students in generations to come. I know it’s a big dream, but why not?

Moving forward next year as a second grade teacher, I want to bring elements of my research to life in my classroom practice, and build on them for years to come.  I want to acknowledge and celebrate the value of existing relationships students have, and help them make room for learning together. I want to help parents, colleagues, and administrators to remember, that it is our job to work with families and communities for the good of our students, and for the good of an educated country!
5 Comments
Monica Knecht
6/4/2019 01:35:10 pm

Jona, I love your heart! I wish more people had your heart and passion about life and their drive for helping others in need. Inspiring life-long learners is a big goal, but not too big. I admire that you dream big and want the very best for your students and their families. It is a pleasure and an honor to work along side of you.

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Jennifer Perkins
6/9/2019 10:38:18 pm

Jona you have done such a phenomenal job with your research! I particularly like how you studied a variety of different student relationships to support learning outside of school. Incorporating the Boys and Girls Club, student’s siblings, and parents successfully incorporates each aspect of a child’s life. Your second graders are so lucky to have you next year!

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Brandon DeJesus
6/10/2019 08:52:31 am

Hey Jona,

I identify so heavily with your work. When I first began teaching I would see Freshman with this nagging feelings that they already needed to catch up. Now, I understand that this feeling has been plaguing our students since childhood and leads to so many complications and anxieties when they reach secondary.

Planting the seed of interest in learning will reward our students for life. I know you will do such an amazing job next year with your second graders! They are lucky to have you!

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Caitlin Mitchell
6/10/2019 11:00:07 am

Jona,
We share similar inspirations. I think that so many children are left behind in our education system. I can honestly say that we need so many more educators out there that are like you who are searching for answers to the hard questions of how do we meet the needs of our underprivileged students and how can we use resources that are already at our disposal. Throwing money at the problem is the last thing that we need to do we need to get creative.... thats what you are doing and I LOVE it.

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Natasha Engering-Ward link
6/11/2019 11:20:38 pm

Hi Jona
I so admire your approach and enthusiasm. I think you are so right to point out that it is relationships that are key at the end of the day. I too during the first semester focused much more on quantitative data, as I felt as if I needed something quantifiable and later, like you came to the realization that qualitative data is just as important.

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    ​I'm a student in the Innovative Learning Master's Program at Touro University.  I'm really excited to make a difference for my students!

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  • Home
  • Innovative Learning Master's Program
    • 701 - Dynamics of Equity
    • 790 - New Literacies Research
    • 702 - Digital Eduvators >
      • 702 Blog
    • 791 - Sensemaking and Design >
      • Tools & Resources
      • Blog
    • 703 - Transliteracy >
      • Blog
    • 792 - Capstone >
      • Driving Question
      • 792 Blog
  • Blog