Summer Update

Let me first apologize to my readers . I have received a couple of comments inquiring to my absence and my only excuse is graduate school. My mind has been focused on leadership and not readership. :( This semester I am taking 2 classes, Leadership Theory and Practice and Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. I really had no idea how much time I would have to dedicate to assignments but I promise you it is all in the name of Special Education! Before I began the program my knowledge base of school leadership, policies and operations was limited and opinion-oriented. I can honestly say that I had no idea what it entails to be an effective school leader, but with only one month in my knowledge base has grown immensely. I look forward to the next semesters and am excited about the skills and experiences I will gain. Having passion for special ed change is not enough; I must be able to communicate a vision for change and implement this vision in a manner that establishes urgency and promotes collegial collaboration.
Several (sped) friends have questioned my move towards leadership. I assume they fear special education taking a backseat, but like I said earlier, I promise that this is all in the name of Special Ed!!!! My first assignment was to write my "Leadership Obituary"; what I want to be remembered for. This was my catalyst for defining a direction. Before this, I had no idea what I wanted to do, just that I wanted to change special ed perceptions. Now I know I must aim high.
Other than school not much else has been really going on. I have helped out at my school a few times and plan on continuing. Working on the master schedule and plan on working with a close colleague/ friend and redesigning the special ed schedule. We need to focus more on placing students in classes based on their needs and not on convenience (which is how it has been in my school for tooooooo manyyyyy yearssss!) I am incredible excited about this venture and look forward to seeing the positive effect it will have on our population. I am heading to Denver July 1st for my old roommates wedding too. I can't wait; all my friends from Charleston will be there! I miss them so much! Then, when classes end for the summer, I look forward to spending a significant time by the pool working on my tan....