EXPERIENCE LOG
Name: Melissa McDonald School : Ballou High School, Washington, DC
Grade Level: 9-12
Dates: 2/27-3/9/12
The experience log is a detailed account of the levels and types of activities completed in the field. The candidates will objectively document their experiences. The log will have the following parts: time spent on experience, detailed description of experience, role played during experience, reflection on experience (what was learned during the experience), how experience impacts student learning, relationships among factors that impact student learning with references to current research literature, relationships built via the experience (when appropriate). This extensive log provides an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate best practices and make connections between current research issues and school-level practice. An entry into the experience log will be completed at the end of every day. The cooperating SLMS will have access to the final log and use it in addition to the final checklist to evaluate the internship.
1
Date
2/27
Time Spent on Experience 5 hours
Description of Experience
Role Played During Experience
Field trip to Poetry Slam @ Reagan Airport – Black History Month Celebration http://www.mwaa.com/46 61.htm
I was observer (asked questions). Field trip planned by Melissa Jackson as tie in with poetry, literacy, and English class.
Learned from Experience
Impact on Student Learning
Relationship(s) Made to Current Ideas in Field
How hard Melissa works with her students to prepare them for Poetry Slams and providing field trip opportunities for her students
Students met poet Nikki Giovanni & author Kwame Alexander, and watched and cheered for each other during performances
Engagement
2/27
20 min
Started research process with student (named Trioni )– science project (key word search for books)
Teacher - 1:1
That I have enough knowledge about how school online catalogs are set up to find resources (when I have never before used their computer)
Student has a better idea where to begin when he comes to the library tomorrow
Information literacy
2/27
1 hour
Collaborative Meeting with YWCA- NCA http://www.ywcanca.org/i ndex.php?option=com_co ntent&view=article&id=20 8&Itemid=141
I was observer (took notes/asked questions)
This urban school offers more diverse learning opps than suburban school in Maryland
Advocacy – learning about stopping racial issues (Stand Against Racism) and mentoring program for girls (Dream Girls) http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=32Xkg9Phi2o
Collaboration
Tour of Building
Observer
How well Melissa is liked by her fellow staff members, administration, and students, and the many ways in which she collaborates
Watching her interact with the students gives me a good understanding of how to begin working with the Ballou students.
Communication, collaboration, and engagement
2/27
1 hours
Melissa Jackson acting in a cooperation /collaboration partnership with DC Chess Club.
2
2/28
5+ hours
Cataloging and processing of donated books
Program administrator
That processing in DC schools is much simpler than MCPS! But still takes lots of time. Impressed that Melissa had coordinated help from fellow DC librarian to process on their own time after school.
More books available at school for student research & reading for pleasure
Kids need books in their hands
2/28
2 hours
Shelving, organizing, moving books and shelving units
Program administrator
Nothing new learned about shelving, but I plan to suggest reorganization of shelving units to help students find he books (fiction shelves are sort of in a circular shape around the library, but I think A (where K is now) should start at the door, and wrap around to Z in the back of the library (where G is now)
More books on shelves for student research & reading for pleasure
Kids need books in their hands
2/28
1 hour
Library hosted history class project display and also hosted Harriet Frost – expert on the Rosewood Florida massacre – who talked about the historical event and also the importance of researching one’s family tree.
I was observer (took notes), but Melissa invited her to come as part of the library’s Black History Month celebration (in house fieldtrip)
The presenter was a fellow librarian in DCPS.
Students learned about an event in black history that they probably had not heard about before. This presentation inspired Tiffany (the girl that won 4th place yesterday) to quickly write a SLAM poem – which she performed at the end of the day for Ms. Frost.
Cooperation
3
2/28
2/29
1 hours
45 min
After Melissa found that the Poetry event was in the paper, I located the online version and emailed to her and to Tiffany ( a frequent visitor to the library, and member of the Poetry Club, and won 4th place in the event)
Advocate for library, its programming, and the students.http://www.wash ingtonpost.com/local/highschool-poets-takeflight/2012/02/27/gIQAKa 8xeR_story.html
That even reaching out to a student in a small way makes a huge difference.
Validated student’s excitement for winning 4th place and being quoted in the Washington Post.
Engagement
In-house workshop on Differentiating in the classroom
Observer. Took notes, listened, discussed with neighboring teachers.
Quality teaching is an ongoing experience.
Major impact on below and above level readers.
Literacy
Tiffany: http://www.washingtontim es.com/multimedia/enlarge /image/20120227-190436pic-344427510jpg/
2/29
45 min
Checked- in returned books and reshelved
Program administrator
How to check in books on the DCPS system. Also learned that Melissa doesn’t collect fines. She wants the books in the hands of the students, and doesn’t want to penalize them if they cannot find the book.
Literacy – the more books the students take out and read, the higher their reading level!
Program administration is an important part of the overall program. Need to get books on the shelves so that student can read them.
2/29
45 min
Planning events with Melissa (Dr Suess Day celebration with the daycare preschoolers (children of the students) and Teen Tech Week.
Teacher-Librarian
That there is lots to do, and that because DCPS has limited funds for supplies, it is important to not have papers to pass out and complete. Direct interaction with the students. Read to’s and up and moving.
Bringing up the literacy level of the toddlers may translate in to quality readers later in life. It is important to expose the students to both the good and bad of technology (created cyberbullying PPT and book display and
Collaboration; engaging directly with the student; Infusing technology into information literacy.
4
handout with Tech theme. 2/29
2 hours
Created Teen Tech Week book display; created book list; created Anticyberbullying PPT
Teacher-Librarian
That BLMC has limited # books that met my criteria, but ended up with a pretty good display
Increased awareness, and increased reading and literacy.
Creating new information to share with students.
2/29
1.5 hours
Lunch periods –Scrabble Team, Chess Team met; movie in lounge area Others doing research. Melissa found article about her Read-In on the DCPS website
Observer –watched interaction between /among the students, Melissa, and the chess master.
Amazing amount of things Melissa does for the students.
Safe space for the students.
Engagement
2/29
45 min
Discussed, created, and had Melissa look at the research method “poster” I created based on AGOPPE research model.
Teacher Librarian
Communication the key. Although I confirmed (at Melissa’s request) with Patricae Brown that AGOPPE is “the” DCPS research model, she doesn’t want the emphasis on the AGOPPE, but rather, the steps.
Issues with maintaining internet access has limited my ability to complete this. I have spent a few more hours on these projects here at home, but keep losing connection.
Information literacy … helping the students achieve independence.
2/29
30 min
Discussed rearranging the 92/920/921 -everything mixed together right now. Spoke with the student that will be helping me with the project.
Program administrator.
That sometimes you need to point out that there is something wrong and offer to fix it.
Connecting with a student regarding a project is a good way to help them become more independent and to develop a skill.
Engagement
Offered to teach another student (Tiffany) how to shelve books tomorrow.
5
2/29
2 hours
More cataloging and shelving with LMSs.
Program administrator
That many hands make the chore lighter. Four of us (3 LMSs from other DC schools) worked on the the books while Melissa attended the 21st Century Labs afterschool academy meeting…meeting was in LMC, so I listened in….
More books to read.
Literacy
3/1
.5 hour
Academic Success Meeting w/Dept Heads and Asst Principal
Observer - listened to interactions between Asst Principal and teachers
That it takes a village to educate child.
Extensive! Teachers target the kids at risk.
Collaboration
3/1
2 hours
Reshelved books from yesterdays Cataloging Blitz; sorted,moved organized, and reshelved B92, 92, 920, and 921 in preparation for Melissa’s collection inventory in the spring.
Program administrator
That I will be sore in a couple of days!
Easier for students to find the book they are looking for
Literacy
3/1
30 min
Reviewed the AGGOPE poster with Melisa and discussed changes to improve it (to keep consistent with the DCPS way)
Teacher -- preparing presentation for students
Good to have a separate set of eyes reviewing a project
To be hung in the library (and perhaps iLab to help students be independent researchers
Information literacy
3/1
1.5 hrs
Monitored the library during lunch period when many students come in to study, play chess, read, watch movie, and hang out.
Teacher – responsible for students ;
Watched Melissa interact effectively with all sorts of students – from the tough guys to the studious girls- and everyone in between
Safe place for students to be during lunch.
Engagement
6
3/1
2 hours
More cataloging/shelvingLMS Cataloging Blitz
Program Administrator
Melissa’s mantra “work smarter, not harder”
Easier for students to find the book they are looking for
Literacy
3/1
.5 hours
Planning meeting with English RT, Melissa Mortimer, Melissa Jackson, and myself
Collaborator
I learned that finding time to collaborate takes effort and patience! Learned about a different topic for research – modern genocide as compared to Holocaust
Decreasing the teacher to student ratio is always a good thing
Collaboration
3/1
2 hrs
More cataloging and shelving with LMSs.
Program Administrator
Many hands make lighter work.
More books available at school for student research & reading for pleasure
Literacy – the more books the students take out and read, the higher their reading level!
3/2
45 min
Department Head/RT Meeting w/ Principal Rahman Branch
Program Administrator/Collabor ation
I learned that DCPS schools, and Ballou in particular, are dedicated to helping their students achieve new heights.
Anything that helps student s focus and stay organized is a good thing when it comes to academic achievement.
Collaboration
3/2
1 hour
Prepare LMC and lead Dr. Suess program for the daycare students (birth-3 year olds)
Teacher
Working with babies and toddlers is much different than working with high schoolers.
Giving the babies and toddlers an opportunity to come into the library is a wonderful thing
Literacy
3/2
1 hour
1st lunch: Monitor library and assisted with book club
Teacher
Nice to see a mixed group of students (boys and girls).
Providing an opportunity for both boys and girls to come together and read a book for pleasure and discuss it is a positive step toward literacy
Literacy
3/2
1 hour
2nd lunch: collected
Teacher
Outreach – getting to
Reading is fun --- books
Literacy
7
donated books and pushed cart around lunch room passing out free books and “I love to read” hand-made stickers – Melissa dressed as Cat & the Hat , and I dressed in red for Read Across America Day 3/2
2 hrs
Meeting with Jewel Walwyn, Academy Coordinator, about increasing student/college enrollment. Created two GooglePolls – one for students, one for staff regarding the above
Advocacy Needs Assessment Survey for Students: https://docs.google.com/sp readsheet/viewform?formk ey=dFRBYUZGb3Jmd21 YcnB6b1JscXUzMEE6M Q#gid=0 Staff Input Survey: https://docs.google.com/sp readsheet/viewform?formk ey=dHhNNXFveHBkMD NYdmpvTy1CaUo0NEE6 MQ#gid=0
kids where they are …. Reached many students that are not normally in the library. Students loved that Melissa had dressed as Cat & the Hat -- got them talking about their favorite Dr. Suess books
for their home libraries. Students really thankful that they were able to choose as many free books as they cared to take!
How forward thinking DCPS is, and how much planning and thought goes into helping their students succeed.
Helping the students focus and plan for their future.
Engagement
3/2
30 min
Read Across America Day –2:30-2:45pm set aside to catch students and staff reading……walked around and took pictures
Advocacy
The students loved getting caught reading - posing and smiling with their books!
Hopefully they will continue reading, or at least this may be the seed for them to start reading for pleasure
Literacy
3/2
2 hours
More cataloging/shelvingLMS Cataloging Blitz
Program Administrator
Melissa’s mantra “work smarter, not harder”
Students more likely to find the book they are looking for with a bigger collection
Literacy/Collection Development
3/5
7 hours
Advisory
Advocate/Collaborator
Eye-opening experience
Learning how to help
Student Engagement/
8
Meeting/Training Career Exploration
– how much perception of racial issues plays a role in a DCPS student’s future. Succeed DC: http://dcps.dc.gov/DCPS/C ollege+and+Careers/Colle ge+and+Career+Planning/ Career+and+Technical+Ed ucation
http://esrnational.org/
students explore career opportunities (and ways to reach their goals) is all important
Advocacy
3/5
Evening
Created lesson plan and e-mailed to both Melissa’s for review
Teacher-Librarian
Collaboration
3/6
30 min
Review of lesson plan/ collaboration with English teacher Melissa Mortimer
Teacher/Collaborator
Formal research process new to the students, so Melissa is excited about introducing the project to her students
We will be getting the students prepared for this and future research projects.
Information Literacy
3/6
1 hour
Review of lesson plan with LMS Melissa Jackson, suggested updates, Q & A about library program.
Teacher/Collaborator/ Program Administrator
Amazing what one person can do with zero budget, but a network of friends and colleagues, and the burning desire to create a better library for her students!
Creating opportunity for her students to have access to a diverse library collection.
Information Literacy
3/6
2 hours
Chess tournament [1st & 2nd lunches]– helped Melissa set up and monitor library during the event
Observer for the most part – LMS and Mr. Wallace (chess master) facilitated the tournament.
How focused the students are when it comes to chess!
Creating unique opportunity for student learning and building positive communication and reasoning skills
Engagement
3/6
Evening
Updated and tweaked lesson plan and Prezi http://prezi.com/l_ruw ahzdnvk/the-ballouresearch-method/
Teacher-Librarian
Collaboration
9
3/7
45 min
Professional Development class – led internally by staff members – discussed reaching both above/below level students in lessons
Observer in the Professional development workshop
Mixture of departments in the workshop working together to come up with effective lesson plans.
Teaching to the students at their level so that they can be successful.
Teaching
3/7
1 hour
Reviewed lesson plan with Melissa Jackson, copied student packets, brief meeting with Melissa Mortimer; check out iLab to find out no internet. Prezi:
Teacher and collaborator.
Surprised at how challenging it was to 1) Find time to collaborate, and 2) Find a copier that works!
Creating opportunity for students to work independently
Teaching, collaborating, engagement
3/7
90 minutes
Led library lesson in Melissa Mortimer’s class.
Teacher and collaborator
How well behaved and polite the students are (with only one exception) – students regularly introduce themselves to me as I walk through the hallways, in the library, and in the classroom.
Students will be able to use this research method for this project, and future assignments in HS and Beyond.
Teaching, collaborating, engagement
3/7
2 hours
Chess tournament [1st & 2nd lunches]– helped Melissa set up and monitor library during the event
Observer for the most part – LMS and Mr. Wallace (chess master) facilitated the tournament.
How focused the students are when it comes to chess!
Students (participants and observers) saw and experienced the benefit of chess.
Engagement
3/7
3 hours
More cataloging /processing of donated books, as of last check …6830 books cataloged in Destiny
Program Administrator
Lots of good books donated – especially great selection of poetry!
Students more likely to find the book they are looking for with a bigger collection
Literacy/Collection Development
3/7
30 min
Updated AGOPPE
Teacher-Librarian
n/a
Reminder of the
Information Literacy
10
research poster for BLMC, and hung it up for students to see it
research process for students who are working independently.
3/7
After school 3:30-5:30pm
Resume writing workshop after school (volunteers from……) – very thorough interviews by the volunteers. The students left with a packet of information that would also them to type up their resumes.
Observer – observed Melissa’s interaction with the volunteers, and the volunteer’s interactions with the students
3/7
Evening
Reprinted vertical AGOPPE poster with Melissa’s updates;
Teacher-Librarian Program Administrator
I learned that Melissa has a wonderful network of volunteers. Even with zero budget she has put together a wonderfully diverse library program.
Students were able to assess what they have done (or not done!) to put together an impressive resume for jobs and scholarship applications.
Engagement/ Advocacy
I learned how many dedicated people – administrators and teachers- are working together to help the students achieve academic success
It takes a whole school to teach students and help them become successful
Collaboration- Melissa seeks all ways of participating in student success
Created LiveBinder with all documents related to the field study (needed to convert to pdf, then upload to Issuu.com to create URL, then to LiveBinder
http://www.livebinders.co m/edit/index/303047 3/8
45 min
10th Grade Academy Team Meeting in the LMC
Observer – Melissa is a member of all of the department and academy teams
11
3/8
15 min
Shelved books and got more ready to be cataloged and processed
Program administrator
Learned that it takes time and effort to get the books processed and shelved, and that if you are the only one staffing the library, having the books preprocessed by the book seller is a lifesaver.
Making sure that the donated books get on the shelves and into the students’ hands
Literacy/Collection Development
3/8
90 min
10th Grade English class with Melissa Mortimer and Melissa Jackson
Teacher-Librarian – Continued 2nd part of information literacy/research lesson
I learned that although students want to succeed, sometimes learning a new skill is barrier to learning.
Team effort circulating around the classroom, assisting students in their research process.
Information literacy/collaboration
3/8
3.5 hours
Health classes in iLab with teachers and guest public health graduate students from GWUassisting students as they researched illegal drugs for project.
Teacher-librarian – assisted students 1:1 with research process. Melissa had created a LibGuide for the health class and had resources available for them to complete their research.
Learned that no matter what we do, there is always a student (or two or three) that does not want to participate in their education.
Assisting students with the research process will benefit them now and in the future.
Information Literacy / collaboration
3/8
15 min
Played chess with student at lunch … ( I won!!)
Participant
Learned that with a little help from a friend, I can win a chess game.
Helped student to hone his skill at chess by teaching me.
Engagement
3/8
90 min
Cataloged & processed books
Program Administrator
Learned that the library collection can grow little by little with the help of many donors and volunteers.
Helping to put books on shelves so that they can get into the hands of the students.
Literacy/Collection Development
Poetry Club
Observer- watched the 3 volunteers from 826DC (http://826dc.org/ )work with two very dedicated student poets
During these two weeks I have learned that Melissa has a battalion of dedicated volunteers!
The Ballou Poetry Club is an amazingly empowering group.
Engagement
3/8
12
3/8
Evening
Created Animoto slide show of pictures for Melissa Jackson
Advocacy
3/9
45 min
Department Head meeting with Asst Principal
Teacher-Librarian As they were discussing how to help the students stay organized with assignments, I told them about the things that MCPS does that we have found works (assignment notebooks and Edline)
I was surprised to learn that DCPS does not invest in technology such as Edline to help teachers/students/pare nts with communication and organization for academic acheivement
Anything that helps student s focus and stay organized is a good thing when it comes to academic achievement.
Collaboration
3/9
2+ hours
Cataloging and processing books
Program Administrator
I learned that keeping on keeping on gets the job done….last count n the collection – 6,938 books!
Making sure that the donated books get on the shelves and into the students’ hands
Literacy/Collection Development
3/9
3+ hours
Assisting Health classes with their drug research project (guest speakers from GWU Public Health programs led the workshops)
Teacher-Librarian – I was fully part of this workshop again today. I helped students locate the proper websites, demonstrated how to access the online citation creator, and how to use Web2.0 tools like Wordle.net and Tagxedeo.com. I was even asked by the visiting professor to lead the introduction for the last class of the day.
I learned that the students were all at different levels of understanding about not only drugs, but how to properly do research, and that you have to repeat the instruction s, and show them, several times before they get the hang of it.
Teamwork and low teacher to student ratio creates positive relationships with the students.
Collaboration /Engagement
3/9
90 min
Lunch periods - lots of students take advantage of the warm and
Teacher-Librarian -- I mostly observed during this time as I was back
The students are so excited about the chess tournament’s final
Empowerment. The students can see that their dedication to the
Engagement
13
welcoming library media center
3/9
30 min
and forth between Melissa Mortimer’s English class and the library. That day, the author of Salvaged Pages – Alexandra Zapruder – was giving a book talk to the English students who had been studying the Holocaust.
competition next week and are flooding the library at lunch to practice. The “Elite Eight” are meeting next Wednesday after school for the final showdown.
“sport” is paying off – figuratively and literally! Melissa herself was donating the $100 grand prize, and another donor is providing gift cards as concession prizes to the “final four”. Principal Branch came in at lunch to announce to Melissa that he planned to match her $100.
Reviewed my last minute questions and discussed the field study
14