The Portfolio Group

Our first meeting was Tuesday 9/19/06 at the Daily Grind. In attendance: Allison, Ron, Jennifer, Cheryl and Michaelann (Donna, Tim and Gayle sent their regrets).

Allison reconnected with the group and brought us up to speed at her school.

Jennifer shared the musings of her school and family.

Cheryl relayed information on her educational landscape.

Ron shared about the memory project he and his students are working on to share and learn about children all over the world.

Michaelann talked about her new classroom challenges and the introduction of austistic children into the classroom.

While the group reconnected a list of ideas was generated for possible topics for the travelling journals.

The journals distributed are as follows:

Keith Harring Journal - Special Needs Students - Ron
Gray Journal - Politics of Education - ????
Black Cover Journal - Reflective Practice - Michaelann
Buddha Journal - Leadership - Allison
Flower Journal - Relationships - ????
Blue/Map Journal - Culture/Climate - Gayle
Pink Circles Journal - Community - Jennifer
I feel... Journal - Emergent Issues - Cheryl
Dream Journal - Literacy - ????

Tim, Donna and Janet need to pick one of the three journals left for the next month. (Michaelann has all the journals left.)

Next meeting will be October 24th at 4:30pm - 6:30pm.

I am suggesting that we all read Action Research in Education by Ernie Stringer pages 1-61 (Chapters 1-3) and do a test-based protocol the next meeting. Group thoughts??

Tuesday was the first meeting of my Portfolio Group. It was great seeing everyone again since the long summer break. I have to be honest; it was so hard getting back into the routine of scheduling time and being prepared for the meeting. Even though it was hard getting back into the swing of things, I realized that when you find something positive and worth while, you find the time. I guess that is why it is easy for me to find the time for those other things that I enjoy so much like going to the movies, out to eat at our special restaurant or going to the beach. The Portfolio Group keeps me focused on what is important to my practice and school climate. The group gives me such an opportunity to learn from so many of my peers in and across school districts and grade levels. These professionals have such vast experience and knowledge that I feel this old dog is learning something new every time.