Name: Diana Miladinovic ERP: 16114 Training Venue: Emirates College for Advanced Education Group: One General Information 1. Number of members in the target group : Ten  Monia Nasr Ben Farhat  Dedra Thornton  Aimee Rhoden  Marisa Johns  Anna Bullock  Kulthum Ismail  Lucy Kibbler  Jacqueline Jollife  Ayanna Hampton  Huda Al Daheri 2. Place and date of implementation:SalamahBintButti School, Monday, 16/1/2017. 3. The following tools were used and here are the reasons: Tool 1 : Survey  It is a quick and an efficient way to gather data. It takes five- ten minutes to complete. This is an important factor in this context as the only time the participants can do an additional task like completing a survey is towards the end of our weekly departmental meeting.  It is low cost. (only printing costs)  It is a written record.  Anonymity ensures honesty and a sense of reality. The concerns of the respondents are reflected in their answers.  Data is gathered to establish what trainings needs are to be developed to assist teachers in boosting student overall performance (common assessments and exams), thus accomplish the school’s SEF goals.  It is a useful tool to identify any gaps or areas of need.  It involves educators have a say in the design and the manner in which the professional development is implemented. This is a refreshing change. It has the potential to change teachers’ attitudes towards PD sessions, increase the participants’ motivation and a willingness to implement relevant strategies that are put forward in the PDs. Tool 2: Semi-structured interview This tool is useful due to the following reasons: • The management’s perspectives are brought to life with a semi-structured interview. • The managements’ perspectives are based on their formal observations and walk-throughs of teachers as well as a consideration of the Irtiqua’a inspection report on SalamaBintButti. • It will be interesting to see what management believes are the training needs of the school. Tool 3: Data analysis of the school’s exam results. Exam results are connected to the Salamah Bint Butti’s School Improvement Plan which emphasizes the aim to increase student achievement and an improvement in student behaviour. (Student engagement in learning is crucial. Learning needs to be fun, hence behaviour problems like truancy, lateness and absences can be decreased.) “1. By May 2017, students in Salama Bint Butti Girls School will close the achievement gap as measured by Weekly Assessment Sheet with teacher targets. (This goal is directly linked to the key area of weakness in our Irtiqa Inspection and will also include the better identification of SEN students). 2. By September 2016, students in Salama Bint Butti Girls School will demonstrate growth in following Cycle 3 Directives in accordance to ADEC Policy and Procedures. 3. By July 2017, students in Salama Bint Butti Girls School will demonstrate growth in behavior…” Salamah Bint Butti School Report, page 4. • Data analysis is an important tool for teachers as it is about making instruction more effective for the students. • It used strategically as a diagnostic tool. Some examples:identify trouble spots like reading skills; low ability students; high achievers) in the beginning of the semester. • It gives the teacher knowledge; affects the teacher’s planning and directs the educator to what areas/ skills need focus and thus the teacher variesand/or implements new strategies with the aim to boost student achievement. As Ronald.S.Thomas (a reputable data coach for teachers) stated teachers need to “reflect on their work and to make ongoing instructional adjustments based on their analysis of what does and does not work for their students.” 1 • It is factual and precise. Its shows the need to prioritize exam strategies in our daily lesson planning. Footnotes: 1. www.mobile.edweek.org, “My nine truths of data analysis”, June 14, 2011. Bibliography: • www.snapsurveys.com : “4 main benefits of survey results” • www.mobile.edweek.org, “My nine truths of data analysis”, June 14, 2011. Describe what you did to analyze the needs on the professional level. I have utilized three tools to identify the training needs on a professional level, those being, a PD Analysis Survey, Semi-structured interview with the Principal, Ms Mariam Al Shamsi and AVP, Ms Heather and data analysis of the school’s exam results. TOOL 1: Salamah Bint Butti School PD Analysis Survey 1. How many years of teaching experience do you have? 2 years 3-5 6-10 More than 10 years 2. What sort of PD model you would like or suggest per each school year? 4 full days designated for PD 3 full days designated for PD 8 half days designated for PD 6 half days designated for PD 3. What format of PD delivery method you would like? Workshop online/self-paced Mentoring/coaching Small study group Hands on/ fields -based Seminar/conference 4. I can benefit from professional development opportunities addressing effective instructional strategies and teaching methods in the following areas: Math skills Reading skills Writing skills Science skills Language skills Computer/Technology Data Analysis skills 5. Please indicate which of the following areas you would be interested in getting training: Addressing the instructional needs of students who are gifted and talented Teaching and addressing the needs of students with special needs and/or disabilities Teaching (and addressing the needs of) limited English proficient students Identifying early and appropriate interventions to help students with different learning styles Differentiated instruction methods/strategies Effective methods for improving student behavior in the classroom General classroom management skills Strategies for involving families in their child's education Understanding and using data and assessments to improve classroom practice and student learning The effective use of technological resources (technologies) to improve teaching practice and student learning. Motivation and student engagement strategies Student counselling/ guidance 6. What sort of PD activities you would like to have or would suggest for in-service trainings? 7. The MOST effective professional development course/activity that I participated in my career was: 8. Why was this PD activity/course/training you participated MOST effective? 9. What are your suggestions, ideas to have a better and productive trainings? Training domains: Reading skills Teaching and addressing the needs of students with special needs. Place and date of conducting the analysis: Salamah Bint Butti School, Tuesday 24th of January, 2017. Interview 1: Ms Heather Ericson (AVP) Place : Salamah Bint Butti School Period 1. 8.20 am 31.1.2017 Copy the signed interview. Interview 2: Ms Mariam (Principal) Salamah Bint Butti School Period 4 , February, 1st, 2017. Copy the signed interview. Training Domains : Student engagement Classroom management Data analysis Classroom environment Data analysis powerpoint – Exam results- please see attached. Place: Salamah Bint Butti Date: February, 2017. Training Domains: First of all, I read all the answers of the participants to get an idea of their desires and needs for professional training.The emphasis was on “hands-on” method of training. I used the survey monkey online services to create the survey and I used questions from the:YSCP CS Professional Development Needs Assessment survey. I manually put the answers of each participant into the survey monkey portal. The system came out with graph results to each question. This gave me direction as to where the top needs are. Following this, I wrote two focus questions to make the interview succinct bearing in mind time management for both management and myself in our busy daily schedules, which have unpredictabledaily changes. ( ie. interview times were postponed.)The interviews shed light on a common thread- student engagement. Subsequently, I decided to look at data. Data gives educators knowledge, which used well in a specific context can lead to increased student achievement (R.S.Thomas) and thus will be valuable as an indicator of a need. The data highlights the need for teachers to implement exam strategies on a daily basis and use strategies to engage students to be active learners. The high amount of failures across grades 10-12 indicates that students are not using exam strategies , including reading strategies. Training Needs Tool 1: Survey The survey has nine questions. The questions focus on needs and desires of the participants for professional training. Ten participants took part in this survey, nine teachers from the English department and one from the ICT department. Results of the survey: (Please use this link.) https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-RG9V2B83 Summary of the survey:  Three full days designated for Pd is the preferred option.  The majority of teachers prefer “hands-on/ field based” training days. A few teachers liked the idea of self-paced/ online option type of training.  The order of preference for effective instructional strategies and teaching methods in : 1. Reading skills 40 % 2. Computer/Technology Data and language skills got an equal 20%. 3. Data and writing skills got an equal 10%.  Other training options that were selected were: (30%) • Teaching and addressing the needs of students with special needs. • Strategies for involving parents in their child’s education.  The next popular choice : • Teaching limited English proficient students: 20%. • student counseling got 10%.  The method of training : The emphasis is on a “Hands on” type of approach of training that is engaging and realistic for teachers. Teachers like the idea of training that shows innovative trends like the use of games and music in the classroom. Considering the cultural significance here, perhaps the use of “nature sounds” like the ocean rather, could be calming, dynamic and appropriate in the classroom rather than the use of music. In addition, teachers like the idea of resources being provided at the training, too. Training Needs Tool 2: Semi-structured interviews with management of the school. 1. Number of members in the targeted group: Two. 2. Place and date of implementation: SalamaBintButti School. 31.1.2017. The management’s perspective is brought to life with a semi-structured interview. It is based on the management’s formal observations and walk-throughs of teachers as well as consideration of the Irtiqua’a inspection report. It will be interesting to see what management believes are the training needs of the school. Interview 1: Ms Heather Ericson (AVP) Period 1. 8.20 am 31.1.2017 Miss Diana: Good morning Ms Heather. How are you? According to the Irtiqua’a report and your observations of teachers, what do you believe are the training needs of the school?. Ms Heather: “ Data analysis- looking at it. Knowing what to look at and have a plan of action after- a real one. Classroom environment. Grade 12 has classrooms now. What is an enriched classroom environment? There needs to be a nurturing feel to the learning environment. Student engagement in learning- making learning fun. They will stay in class. Miss Diana:What training need for teachers do you think is of utmost importance? Ms Heather:Student engagement. It incorporates class environment and data analysis. There is a lack of caring and nurturing towards the students. Every student has the power to move forward. Some strategies that will be suggested at the grade 12 meeting today are: 1. Turn starters into the form of an exam question. 2. Classroom environment There is a NEED to change the mindset of teachers.(Tunnel vision). It should be,students first. Miss Diana:Thank you for your time and input, very much appreciated. Interview 2: Ms Mariam (Principal) Period 4 , February, 1st, 2017. MsDiana :Good morning Ms Mariam. How are you? According to the Irtiqua’a report and your observations of teachers, what do you believe are the training needs of the school?.” Ms Mariam:Classroom management. Teaching strategies to engage the students and the curriculum, something specific to the curriculum. Miss Diana: What training need for teachers do you think is of utmost importance? MsMariam:Classroom management. Teachers need to engage students. It involves a caring learning environment. Miss Diana:Thank you for your time and input, very much appreciated. Tool 3: Analysis of data a. The SalamaBintButti grades 12 exam results show that sixty percent of grade 12 students passed the term one exams. The school’s strategies include: • Focus on the teacher as facilitator (fun, student-centred lessons) • Provide additional support for identified “bubble students” (students who achieved a mark in the 50s), • Streaming of classes. • Teachers who get a cover class are to revise exam strategies with the students. Analysis of the interviews with school management Interviewees Classroom management Data analysis Classroom environment Student engagement Ms Mariam (P)   Ms Heather ( AVP)    Conclusion : Training needs are teacher strategies to motivate and thus trigger student engagement that will ensure learning and thus, boost student academic achievement and confidence, of course. I believe factors like data analysis and a classroom nurturing environment that is conducive to learning are all interlinked with STUDENT ENGAGEMENT. Analysis of Grade 12 exam results The results reveal the need to put into effect effective teaching strategies that will target exam skills on a daily basis. (Starters: practice reading strategies like elimination of wrong answers in a multiple choice question; Main activity : highlighting key words and the topic sentence of each paragraph, to name a few) These strategies need to ignite student engagement during the lesson. For example, in a multiple choice question like : What is the root of the word education? Teacher uses a soft ball, throws it to reluctant readers and/or learners to answer – which multiple choice is wrong. (skill of elimination) DATA : JOB GAP ANALYSIS FORM Task Recurrence Rate Relative importance Difficulty level Total points 1. Planning 4 3 4 11 2. Classroom management 4 3 3 10 3. Experts in curriculum 4 3 3 10 4. AFL 4 3 3 10 5. Teaching strategies 4 3 2 9 6. Community and parents 4 3 2 9 7. Integration (across curricular) 3 3 3 9 8. PD 3 3 4 10 Individual level: Tasks Targeted level of performance Current level of performance Gaps Training gaps Student engagement 4/3/4= 11 3/3/2=8 3 Strategies to increase student engagement Reading skills 4/3/4=11 3/3/2=8 3 Reading strategies. Teaching and addressing the needs of students with special needs. 4/3/3=10 3/3/3=9 1 Differentiation Strategies for involving parents in their child’s education. 4/3/3=10 3/3/3=9 1 Community Out-Reach Programs Professional Learning Communities Parent volunteer workshops Teaching limited English proficient students 4/3/3=10 3/3/3=9 1 Differentiation for students who lack basic English skills Computer/data skills 4/3/3=10 3/3/3=9 1 How to read data and what to do with the knowledge. Language skills 4/3/3=10 3/3/3=9 1 Differentiation Counselling 2/2/3=7 2/1/3=6 1 Psychology workshops …. The focus for my two training sessions(45 minutes in length): Student engagement 1. Moving work stations and the use of the student engagement wheel 2. Crazy Professor game; DEAR and the three stars and a wish exit pass. Both strategies are proven to engage students ; are fun and boost students’ existing academic skills ( reading, writing, listening and speaking). The two strategies also boost interpersonal skills like leadership, teamwork, confidence, ambition, time management, collaboration, critical thinking skills and creativity, too). One can link the learning outcomes with the specific task. For example, 12L2.6- ability to write a variety of sentences correctly. One can also differentiate the task. For example, one working station focuses on the pre-reading stage of reading and in it, the students are to predict the story. The students can a. Draw b. Write words c. Write sentences d. Make connections to the idea. In addition, each working station targets different learning styles like kinesthetic (Be a fashion designer. Use toilet paper and create a wedding dress in 5 minutes, visual (use of pictures), auditory. (Actively listening to each other and reacting to each other). Finally, I have started using the strategy of moving work stations and every time, students were engaged and loved the idea of moving around with time limits to focus on different tasks. Abu Dhabi Education Council School Year 2016-2017 Term 2 SALAMA BINT BUTTI SECONDARY SCHOOL مدرسة سلامة بنت بطي للتعليم الثانوي Department Meeting of Minutesاجتماع القسم التاريخ DATE: Monday, February 6th, 2017 Attendees :الحضور Monia, Jacqueline, Dedra, Aimee, Lucy, Kulthum, Marisa, Ayanna, Anna, Diana Absent: Marisa Scribeالكاتب Dedra Minutesملخص\ محضر الجلسة Agenda Itemجدول الأعمال Notesالملاحظات • Three tools were used for the training needs analysis:  Survey of 10 participants.  Data analysis of grade 12 exam results  Interviews with school management. The results point to student engagement. Impressions of the target group about the results: 3 tools: - Analysed results and data from grade 12 results to determine her focus (Diana) - Focus will be student engagement. Will look at reading skills. Thoughts and suggestions from teachers: Aimee :- Any studies on multi-level language classrooms? -Need another teacher in class? Any info? Monia : Group reading activities at their level Anna- giving students work at their level they can do so they feel good about. Lucy- need more time (teachers) to create multiple level activities/resources to address the needs and levels of students. Monia- use great writing book to address the higher level students. Dedra- short breaks to do short check activities for vocab, grammar using whiteboards for quick check in. REPORT • The results were discussed at the English faculty meeting. The target group gave suggestions and ideas that they have worked for them. • Some are skeptical of PDs as is seen in their interview answers, whereby “ I believe even the most spectacular PD session can’t erase the failure of these students to be properly placed.” • Challenges faced : The only time that the group can meet together is during the Faculty meeting time, which is jam-packed with departmental and school items, making the time to complete the survey very tight, even tighter when it comes to discussion/feedback time.Participants are very busy with the daily routines and duties, additional duties like peer observations on a weekly basis, so it is hard to squeeze in discussion time on any other day. Bibliography :  www.surveymonkey.com  “ YSCP CS Professional Development Needs Survey”- (www.surveymonkey.com- YSCP)  Ms Heather’s powerpoint: Grade 12 Exam data.  www.mobile.edweek.org, “My nine truths of Data Analysis”, June 14,2011.