The Portfolio Group

The presentation this past Saturday at the American Association for Teaching and Curriculum in Austin, Texas went well. Michael opened the presentation with an overview of the group's history and philosophy of the work. He then discussed the gender equity and technology. Ron then discussed the cultural biases present in education and dealing with educating teachers to these competing values in our society. I (Michaelann) then presented information on creating an equitable learning environment for second language learners and special education students. The audience's questions were right on target and made for a perfect ending to a good presentation. As Ron said, "the team brought their ‘A' game on Saturday." I would be interested in comments from audience members, presenters, or/and portfolio members. Also, Michael it would be great if you could upload some pictures from the presentation and attach the url to see the powerpoint.

The powerpoint presentation file from AATC is quite large. Here is a link to it on the university server. (this is a temporary placement)

http://ceee.rice.edu/temp/

Great work on Saturday. I just finished reading the reviews and I think that the day was very powerful for all the participants - except one who somehow missed the point completely. I personally want to thank all of you for your support and assistance in making my "day" go very smoothly.

Tim

We met at a new place this month, the Daily Grind on Washington (as suggested by Michael) it was a great change. Tim, Donna (and the girls), Cheryl, Ron and I had a fabulous meeting and sharing.

Old Business

Tim opened the meeting talking about the Next Steps agenda and the presentation. (See previous blog entry) We did discuss the agenda and modifications we would make if giving the presentation again. Overall the reflections were very positive.

Cheryl reflected on the AATC prtesentation, (see previous blog entries for powerpoint and meeting reflection) she relayed to the group that the presentation got rave reviews at the AATC Board Meeting and she had received calls from all over North America about the work we have been doing in Houston. She also told us about the great connections some of our UH friends had made through the conference.

New Learning

Ron brought his journal and his new work with the teacher as researcher group and his kids. He brought up a dilemma that many of us face in schools, communication. He struggles with communication among all the stakeholders in the system. He received some great suggestions and we will hear his results during the next meeting.

Tim talked about his changing role and moving into a more train the tainer model. He also talked about moving from one comfort zone to another and dealing with the new working context.

Cheryl had a great book review that she shared with the group. The reviewer took the schools that Cheryl had worked with and created these fabulous poems based on the school's reform work.

Donna brought her work she is doing at her church. She is looking at a way to create chronicles of the 50 years of the church and honor the stories of its members. The group talked about the digital storytelling project at UH and the NPR project. Donna was talking about having a central theme to the work.

I brought the artwork and daily work of one of my students. She has been doing great work and putting in lots of hours on her paperwork. I was curious as to her placement. The group gave me ideas and suggestions to investigate until next meeting time.

New Business

We discussed AERA and we have not heard yet, but the prospects are tight this year.

See everyone at the next meeting.