I have to admit I am just so overwhelmed at this point of the course. I feel like I understand the questions when I am reading the assignments and I put more detail then is asked of most; often turning in at least 5 pages (not including reference or cover page) compared to the requirement of 2 pages. Then when I review my grades the comments are that I am passionate about my advocacy but that I have not answered or provided enough details. Although I am currently getting a B in this course I fear that I will fall below the passing grade. I had a 3.96 grade point average entering this last course and really do not want to see that be shattered with one course. Actually the only B I have on my transcript was another course I did take with Professor McGee-Swope so I anticipated having to work even harder than I have been. Am I the only one?
For this assignment I am not even sure which questions to ask of you all. I keep coming back to the struggle of second guessing if I am even doing this assignment and subsequent presentation correctly. I was not so nervous at the beginning of the course because I knew that I was comfortable at my internship placement (which is my employers - this quarter with my "sister" Head Start center; we are in the same county but about 10 minutes apart from each other and cover different towns). I knew who I would be presenting to and what I wanted to see happen. The Site Administrator (Director) and the Lead Teachers have been discussing our want to be in collaboration with the new Pre-K program in our county school system since it just came to our county this school year. We have seen our other centers (there are 7 other Head Start centers in our program) struggle with their respected school board systems and we did not want to start our collaboration on a rocky relationship. I have felt I was sure who was going to be in my audience group and had been looking forward to sharing. Now that we are getting there I am worried that what I have prepared is just not enough. My questions for you are how many are doing power point presentations? Is there anyone else that is choosing to give an informative speech approach? I have gained a few ideas for helpful Internet sites from our discussion but if anyone has others that they have found useful that would always be appreciated.
My advocacy plan is to gain a collaborative relationship with our local Virginia Preschool Initiative program with the ultimate hope that we can house a collaborative classroom within the center I am currently working. We have an empty classroom that would be an ideal location! If anyone has any tips on any collaboration relationships that have worked they would be greatly appreciated. I feel that I have a great professional relationship now since we do use the school board special education director for concerns with developmental and speech needs for our children each year. We have helped parents begin the Child Find process or Speech Assessments and I attend subsequent IEP's eligilibity and annual meetings. Can you think of any questions that you would like to hear if you were to attend my presentation?
There is one site that really took me for a surprise, not so much because of the content but that fact that I was only the 17th person to use this site to contact local governmental respresentative to show my support for Head Start; at least from the State of Virginia. The site is http://www.nhsa.org/news_and_advocacy/advocacy. Again, since my advocacy is based with the importance of Head Start and a relationship with other programs I felt it was important to find facts on Head Start. This site was helpful!
Hi Julie:
ReplyDeleteI, too, am strugging with this class but we have to plow through it and hope for the best. The main question we need to ask ourselves is what is the goal of our plan and what do we want to accomplish? I keep asking this myself and my thoughts go back and forth to various goals I guess because the topics can be so broad.
I think that the fact that you have an empty classroom is a sign that soething needs to be filled in there. If you are willing to do the legwork, then the rest will fall into place. Because you also have the school board special education director to go to, it sounds like, definitely tap into her/him for help. Also, getting the parents on board as well for perhaps a petition might aid in your goal.
P.S. I went to the website from Head Start and it is phenomenal. I always had known Head Start does great work as well as those that I have met that have worked with them.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I decided to go with the Power Point Presentation as it is cleaner, very good to work with and manipulate as well as it is very "portable".
Hope this helps.
Julie:
ReplyDeleteHang in there. It has been a roller coaster ride but we are almost at the top of that climb and the ride down to the finish is fast.
I want to thank you for your support in the course and your words of encouragement when I needed them. I hope to offer you the same. Do your best!
Thank-you too for sharing your knowledge about working with young children. Your passion for your work shows.
Best to you.
Diane