Our first portfolio meeting of this school year was last Wednesday and there was great turn out. Ron, Michael, Tim, Gayle, Cheryl, Allison, and myself (Donna was in Dallas, Janet got called to a grant meeting, and Jennifer had a parents meeting at her school) were all in attendance.
The meeting started with a modified connections. Allison had a great story and we were catching up with everyone's summer adventures (If you read the previous blog about China and Korea - everything turn out just fine).
The first item of business was going over the grant submission and how we are going to continue with the researcher grant. Brainstorming on the next steps focused on the question, "How we learn from other people?" The case studies were talked about and if each researcher was going to continue with their focus or because of the new school year change. Members talked about this idea (suggestions I remember, if you remember more please comment - my notes are sketchy in this area). Ron mentioned how we are learning from the English Language Arts specialist on incorporating more literacy into the arts curriculum. Michael talked about learning from the reflections of the computer camps, and Allison talked about learning from mentoring. Gayle also talked about the next steps that her high school is taking in teacher portfolios. Cheryl stated she has the same student that she will continue her investigation. I was talking about trying to make our work more public through the use of the blog.
Upcoming events for the group are the AATC presentation in Austin, TX. The group's presentation is Saturday at 11:15am. This works out especially well for those members who have a hard time getting off of school. The presentation will be a continuation of the Falling through the Cracks presentation given at the Annual AERA conference (see previous blog entries). Cheryl talked about the wonderful researchers who will be presenting and encouraged all members to attend as many days as possible.
Other upcoming presentations were also noted (see Houston A+ Challenge website). Cheryl is also working on possibly having Tom Barone speak about his book "Touching Eternity".
For next meeting: Each member is to bring one piece of new evidence of learning (could be based on the initial focusing question How we learn from each other?) and one piece of old evidence to share at the next meeting September 7, 2005 at 4:30 at the coffeehouse.
Please add in the comments because I am sure I missed items or add new thoughts.