Quality in Education

As of today, 330 CRCSD staff members are enrolled in one of the Continuous Improvement courses offered this summer. Following is a list of those courses and their descriptions. Stay tuned for feedback from the participants.

You may also visit the CRCSD Continuous Improvement website for additional information about Staff Development opportunities.

Quality Classroom Level One
     This class is an introduction to the Quality Classroom components:  ground rules, mission statement, SMART goals, data center, student data folders, student-led conferences, class meetings, PDSA, and quality tools.  The objective is to provide basic information, application help and practice for Quality Classroom Level 1 and introduction to Quality Level 2 competencies as defined by the quality levels and deployment instrument.

 Quality Classroom Level Two
     The objectives of this course are to provide information and practice on the components of the Quality Classroom as defined by the Continuous Improvement Quality Levels 2 & 3.
     Topics covered include the purpose, components, outcomes, tools, and resources need to develop a Quality Classroom Level 2 & 3.  Areas of emphasis include:  data driven decision making, using classroom goals to drive instruction, in-process measures and developing a classroom system for improvement.

 Data Centers , Folders & Quality Tools
     The participants will investigate the benefits and key components of data centers, data folders and quality tools.  Participants create data folders and design quality tools that are aligned with curriculum standards.  The objective of this course is to provide information and practice regarding the use of data folders and how their use focuses the learner, improves student responsibility and performance in addition to enhancing communication with parents.

Leading Continuous Improvement
     This course offers the opportunity for participants to increase their knowledge and skills for leading Continuous Improvement with emphasis on data driven decision making, using classroom goals to drive instruction, in-process measures and developing a classroom system for improvement.  Participants will practice and apply their skills by creating a plan for improvement in their classroom and also be prepared to provide to support to others in their building. Two major expectations.  1) During the course you will develop a plan for using data to drive instruction and develop a classroom system for improvement.  2)  You will be expected to provide support to others in your building regarding Continuous Improvement initiatives.  We will be depending on you to fulfill these obligations.

Posted by Paul Hayes at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Hello all.  It is with nervous anticipation that we accept the baton from Jay for the Quality in Education Blog.  First, a little about us…

My name is Paul Hayes. I’ve worked in education for 19 years as a teacher and counselor of middle school students. Five years ago I accepted a job as a counselor at Taft Middle School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where I met Becky Martin. As her role evolved into her current position, I became more and more interested in the direction the district was headed. Becky was kind (and patient) enough to bring me along on the voyage. In addition to my role as counselor, I currently facilitate the Continuous Improvement efforts at Taft and serve as one of five trainers for the district charged with leading our colleagues down the Continuous Improvement path.

I’m Becky Martin.  This is my 35^th year in education.  I’ve served as a middle school classroom teacher, technology facilitator assisting teachers integrating technology into classroom goals, objectives, and activities and most recently as the continuous improvement facilitator for the Cedar Rapids district.  I have also been involved in curriculum development for courses ranging from middle school to graduate school.  Most importantly, I love learning, kids, teachers and Quality in Education.

Posted by Paul Hayes at 01:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Since November of 2005, I've had the fortunate opportunity to be the first moderator of ASQ's Quality in Education blog. When we embarked on this pilot project together, the waters were uncharted. The global interactions, discussions and professional sharing focused on continuous improvement have been insightful and the experience has been rewarding. 

This is my last "official" posting as the baton will be passed to Becky Martin and Paul Hayes, the next generation of bloggers.  Becky serves as the Continuous Improvement Facilitator for the Cedar Rapids Community School District and works closely with me in our continuous improvement journey.  Becky is a highly-regarded professional, skilled facilitator and effective trainer in our district.  Paul serves as a counselor in one of our middle schools and is one of our district Quality Trainers.  He will bring a unique school-level perspective to the blog.  I believe their passion for quality and continuous improvement will be evident to readers and they will bring fresh ideas to the Quality in Education blog.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you, the readership of the blog, for your interest and interactions over the past year and a half.  I've thoroughly enjoyed your insight and experiences.  The next posting will be authored by Paul and Becky as they introduce themselves in the next few days. 

The journey continues...

Jay

Posted by Jay Marino at 07:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)