Setting goals is an important part of identifying areas that
need improvement. Several goals came to mind in looking over the objectives for
this course. As a Speech and Language Pathologist I am only knowledgeable of
those laws, policies and systems that affect a child’s speech and language ability.
The three goals that I will set for myself this semester in order to be a more effective
professional include 1) Become more familiar with the laws and policies for
early childhood education in Virginia 2) Understand what professional
developments teachers can use in regards to the laws and policies in each state
and 3) providing support under the law for families who are English Language
Learners (ELL).
- . Becoming more familiar with the laws and policies for early childhood programs in VA is critical as a scholar practitioner. New laws are passed all the time and many teachers do not adjust or account for the different laws. I would especially like to better understand what laws and policies are in place in VA for determining if an ELL student needs special education.
- . Understanding what professional development teachers can use in regards to laws and policies for their home state is a critical factor in becoming a more effective professional. I currently am not as knowledgeable of the various laws and systems that apply to early childhood teachers, students and families. Professional developments can also bring focus groups that offer support to teachers in regards to laws, policies and systems.
- During this class I hope to learn more about what policies, laws and systems support ELL students and their families. In my school system there is no set policy to follow when determining if an ELL child should be referred for special education. It is also important to understand what resources are available for Ell families under the law.
Each factor mentioned above will help me to make a better
impact on the lives of young children and their families. Improving on these
three goals will help me to identify what laws and policies are not effective
or non-existent within my school system. I look forward to learning more on
this subject and growing as a scholar practitioner.
Kara, I will be interested in seeing what you discover when you look beyond your own practice to the wider policy world. My guess is that you'll discover policies that affect even who gets speech path services and who is ignored... that how things are funded in the Big World impacts your niche within that world.... This course should be eye-opening; I hope it is!... I'll email you your blog rubric. Thanks for this.
ReplyDeletePatricia
Thank you so much for your feedback! I can tell already that it will be eye-opening!!!!!
DeleteHi Kara,
ReplyDeleteProfessional development is an area that interests me as well. In my community, there are limited opportunities for professional development and there is a vagueness about what exactly is needed and what qualifies as acceptable. And then there is the question of those teachers and directors who were "grandfathered in". I think the whole policy could stand revamping to make it clear, assessable, and equitable for all. Thank you for this thought-provoking post!
Julie
Thank you for your feedback. We have a similar issue with people being grandfathered in to speech language pathology. Some of the therapist are not required to have their CCC certification because they were grandfathered in. They are unfamiliar with the policies and coursework that are required to gain that certification which causes somewhat of a division. Increase professional development helps everyone get on the same page!!!!
DeleteHi Kara!
ReplyDeleteYour post was very clear and really focused on you position as a Speech and Language Pathologist. Our goals are very similar, I also lack background knowledge surrounding policies and systems. I like that one of your goals focuses on your particular state, so that you can learn more about your specific area. As a student, I love learning new ideas that I can apply immediately. This allows me to provide my students will the most current practices. Your goals demonstrate your role in the educational system and your drive to help all students. I think that this class will give you great insight into your role in the school system. Thank you for sharing!
Randi
Thank you for your response. This class is going to be so eye-opening on what's going on in my own county. I'm sure I will be sharing these policies and systems with other teachers because I don't think that they are knowledgeable of them either.this is where professional development hopes everyone to be more aware of what policies are going on in their own school system.
DeleteThank you for your blog post Kara! I think you have set wonderful goals and by learning about practices and procedures for all early childhood areas, I think you will be an even more successful Speech and Language Pathologist and you will help your students and families and teachers. Thank you and good luck! Cissy
ReplyDeleteKara,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Setting goals are important for moving to the next level. It is exciting that you already understand the policies and systems for Speech and Language Pathologist. You have some wonderful goals set and I think learning and understanding the ELL policies and systems are esstential to helping the students and building the community.