Andy+Goswick

==**Hey-glad you visited our page and I hope you find some helpful and useful information. My name is Andy Goswick and I currently teach 5th grade at MCES in Douglasville, Ga. I've been teaching for a little over 6 years; 4 in Ga. and 2 in Alabama.**==




 * MODULE 5:** (//This is also module 5 showing my expenses, prices etc. for all materials. Most of the quantities are listed and as you will see, money makes a huge difference in supplies for each student or if they have to share.//)

5th Grade Planters
 * Module 1**


 * Name and location of the organization**

Mt. Tabor Elementary School Douglasville, Georgia


 * Date founded:**

May 15th, 2010


 * Clientele**

Community, teachers, parents, students etc.


 * Organization’s history:**

"Bringing Literature to Life" This project uses pieces of literature as a springboard for hands-on activities, experiments and projects. Through meaningful, exciting and interesting experiences, my students will develop a deeper and lasting understanding of the current curriculum. During the course of the year, the children will plant a butterfly garden, raise ladybugs, create a classroom store and much much more! The project will address the School Improvement Plan, incorporate Math, Reading, Arts, Science, Language/Lang. Arts, and Social Studies.


 * Goals and objectives:** To improve the school grounds with color while implementing responsibility for my students. I want them to develop understanding and excitement as well as take ownership of something that benefits everyone in the process.


 * Key Personnel:** Dr. McGill - Principal, Heather Stewart-Asst. Principal, Annella Branan-Counselor, Parent(s) whom work in/around landscaping for guidance. (Interviews forthcoming at a later date)

Human Performance Problem -- Existing Performance Gap** Our current gap is like most schools in Georgia-low on money. However, one of the skills we are trying to incorporate within our school and community, is integration of all subjects being taught. First factor we are facing, is time. We do not have enough time to integrate all subjects for a more rounded learning environment. Students “hear” and “see” on the internet and from others about how we can relate literature to life but they never gain the experience. “Bringing Literature To Life” will allow this to take place.
 * Module 2: Performance Gap & Cause Analysis


 * Desired Performance**

“Bringing Literature to Life” transforms pieces of literature into EXCITEMENT and ADVENTURE!! It is important for my students to obtain more than just basic, general knowledge on the topics taught in my classroom. I want each child to develop deep understanding, obtain problem-solving skills and enjoy the excitement of learning. I want to take them past the pages of a book and let them actively discover their world. “Bringing Literature to Life” will integrate Reading, Math, Science, Ela and Social Studies through Bloom’s Taxonomy. In this program, literature will be used as a springboard for active learning adventures. Young children must be actively involved to truly understand new and challenging concepts. The hands-on activities in this proposal will create a motivating, meaningful, interesting and exciting atmosphere where children develop higher level thinking skills while participating in projects, experiment and investigations. What an exciting way to learn!! Our School Improvement Plan (SIP) states that subject areas will be integrated into thematic units, students will obtain higher level thinking skills through active learning and reading will continue to be a primary focus. “Bringing Literature to Life” will lead to the achievement of these goals. Parents would be able to access the projects criteria and rubric from their own home computer. Through Moodle, the students will be able to discuss their hypothesis, tipredicons and expected outcomes with the guidance of parent(s)/teacher. Therefore, creating an interactive project and bringing the literature to life for complete understanding.


 * Current Situation:** Currently, our school has not taken on any projects at this time which require outside demands. With the cuts in our funds and after school activities, it’s consumed any extra time we may have.


 * Organization History & Background Part 2:** This project is in the infant stages, there is no continuation of this section.


 * Cause Analysis & Reasons for Gap:** After speaking with my administration, we were able to conclude time and the demands of the teachers are playing a factor in our existent gap. Having to teach so many standards in a short amount of time challenges our ability to integrate all the information we need. Therefore, the relationship between life and literature are lost. Secondly, the demands of our teachers and what we are asked to do throughout the course of a day/week/month/year, it’s hard for us to take upon other projects to make the connections. Most of our projects when implemented, are by teachers after hours and for the ending results; not following the “how” and making the connection.

The low-cost strategy ($5,000):
 * Module 3: Intervention Strategies:** (//See Corresponding Files Above//)

The medium-cost strategy ($25,000): **$24,051.50** //Excel Medium.//

Blue Sky ($50,000) Strategy:

Once complete, the program will be offered to the staff both to teach and to learn through various modes of media. There will be a powerpoint created showing a step by step process of the program. All the books, posters, media projects will also be available to wander and gain ideas as well as implement new ones. The staff will not need to be trained as a powerpoint will guide them through the steps and the process. These fabulous resources will not sit on a shelf collecting dust; they will be used throughout the building by all grade levels. The program is for all ages and can be adapted accordingly even though Mt. Tabor fifth graders have completed the program.
 * Learning Community Interaction on decision:** I want our entire school population to benefit from the program. Throughout the year, our projects, experiments, plants and creatures will be displayed in central locations for everyone to view and enjoy. Our butterflies will hatch from their chrysalises while on display in the media center, the weather station will be located close to the playground, and the butterfly garden will be next to the community picnic tables. Many of the resources requested in this grant will be accessible to everyone in the school through media center circulation.

**Module 3:**

 * Low Cost Strategy:**

One of the issues we are faced with is limited resources on this subject. Therefore, research has been completed to find the best resources for not only this project but others alike. One of the ways we would/could defeat the lack of money is by using the resources of our local library. We ask for the resources we need and use them accordingly to our project and keep records of each one. As we continue the low cost method, we can use the people we have in our own school, PTA members and other people in our own school to speak to the class about both literature and the creation of a “garden.” This in turn can be used in class to do a comparison/contrast paper in which to type and edit. Using the comparison, the students will be asked to produce hypothesis, predictions and assumptions on what the program will look like and what the expected outcome may look like.


 * Medium Cost Strategy:**

Upon receiving more funds, we can step up my use of technology more in the classroom rather than just basic computer usage. We can use the internet to do research on what others have attempted and done using this same method and research. We can contact those schools or people to discuss their outcome, methods of implementation and what they would or would not have done different. Upon receiving this information, we can put together a powerpoint of our findings, create a data chart and use this data chart to drive further instruction of our program. We could place webcams in/around the programs area to monitor all changes which would take place daily, weekly and monthly. We could compare our findings to the data chart and all information we’ve collected and begin to make a more accurate hypothesis.


 * High Cost Strategy:**

3. If the sky is the limit, this project would involve and include the school as a whole as well as the community. A green house would be constructed with a controlled computer thermostat as well as lighting for cloudy or dark days. Webcams would be placed throughout each stage and monitored for activity. Parents would be able to access each camera or the cameras as a whole to review and discuss with their child. A Moodle account would be set up for discussion boards between the students, parents and teacher. To help with watering an automatic sprinkler would be added on a timer to ensure proper watering. All the automated electronics will be controlled through the teacher’s laptop for ease and portability. A virtual classroom would be set up so you can deliver classes while in the greenhouse without the students present. Virtual classroom and virtual tours will be given at the beginning of school, during 4th period and at the end of the school day. During this time using Moodle, interaction will take place between all parties signed into the account. The account will be set up by the teacher and each student will have his/her own with the teacher being the administrator over the account. Educational power points as well as videos can be used in and outside the classroom to enhance learning and ensure understanding. The students will soon operate the greenhouse from the school with monitoring from the teacher to ensure safety and success.


 * OPTION CHOSEN:**


 * Option Most Fitting:** As much as I would LOVE to have the "Skies The Limit" option, we did implement option 2. With the exception of webcams which we wanted to install but due to money, we were unable. The program worked well, the students were able to learn more than if they were in a seat or just reading a book. The students took responsibility for the program, worked hard to make it successful and documented their errors for future correction. While observing their behavior with this project, I truly see how each student learned something from this project. They enjoyed the fact they were responsible for something the whole community benefited from and the "enduring understanding" was present with their performance.

**Module 4: Best Intervention Strategy**
Strengths: It allows for learning to become exciting and hands on. It continues deeper learning and understanding through higher learning skills fit to each child's needs. Through active learning and not passive, understanding and comprehension will be evident through their performance activities, post test, Moodle accounts and classroom discussions.**
 * The strategy that works best for my school district is option 2.


 * Limitations: Our school has limited funds during these hard times economically. Whereas we were going on 2-3 field trips a year, has now dwindled to one 3 miles from school. As far as technology is concerned all additions, upgrades and even some repairs have been placed on hold until further notice. Programs which were implemented prior to the economic drought are still in place but are very fragile in operation and some are inoperable. Due to this and many more limitations, it paralyzes any further progress with "newer" technology, programs or new additions which require money.**


 * Justification: This program is needed to challenge our students, demonstrate responsibility and accountability. These past two years the students have become numb to taking on responsibility and have no pride in anything they do. A "high C" is good to them yet they are capable of an "A." In order to implement some pride within each student and the moral of others in our community/school, this project is a necessity. The cost is low, learning comes through a variety of media already present in our school and all the work is completed during school hours; requiring no extra resources before/after school. Our community and school has worked diligently to assure learning on a variety of levels and in many ways; this year most of the learning seems to be more hands-on with this group.**

//Educational Technology: A Definition with Commentary.// > > My role as Project Manager will be to prepare all research material or make it accessible. I will monitor all activity within the project, make all the changes if needed, add or take away and/or guide the students if needed for their desired outcome. Even though they are “technically” in charge of the project, there are some tasks, skills and outcomes I would like for them to experience. Management refers to effectively orchestrating people, processes, physical infrastructure, and financial resources to achieve predetermined goals (Donaldson, Smaldino, & Pearson, 2008, p. 178). Therefore, I must be able to effectively orchestrate people to where I need them to be. As a change agent, my priority is to “sell it” to my staff/school. This will not be too difficult due to the landscaping of our school and the desire by others to see some color. The challenge lies in the terrain of our property and finding the appropriate spot for the garden to truly “come to life.” Once this is chosen, I would proceed to the internet and visit other schools, take pictures, speak with administration, children and teachers regarding their success and challenges. I would develop a powerpoint or video documenting my research and present it to the staff. I would answer any questions they may have and ask for volunteers to help write a grant for the funds I need. However, as Rogers stated in 2003, “people must recognize a need for an innovation before they will adopt it effectively (Rogers, 2003). I feel through this excitement, change of scenery and enhancement of our school grounds, they will be more than willing to help fulfill our SIP and our school/community. Resource management techniques will be various in order to cover the research thoroughly and precisely. Learning Focused as well as Integrating Techniques will help to enhance our prior knowledge and be used to draw upon for further knowledge and ideas. Students will be able to use computers to type their reports and their research, produce powerpoints for those more advanced while others will produce posters and personal writings for color. As we progress, a “thermometer” will be placed upon entering the school documenting our progress on a weekly basis. Any changes will be added to the wall as needed and documented. The students and myself will video the process from the beginning to aide in the training of teachers and administration for future projects. The students will occasionally take the camera and video camera to students, teachers and administration to gather data on what they think about the project, any changes they could suggest and/or ideas and comments.
 * Document project management techniques: Explain your role as project manager for this intervention strategy. **My role as project manager will be to get the materials together, organize them for each students job/skill and monitor all actions. Guidance and direction will be offered and given on a need to basis so the students learning can be their own unless they ask.**
 * Document resource management techniques: Describe the resources that will be used for this intervention and how they will be tracked. **There will be many resources for this project. From the books, internet research and interviews will cascade a plethora of information we'll be able to place on a data chart to drive the program/instruction. Landscaping help will be required by the parents, students and the teacher in order to prepare for this project. Other examples of programs alike will be used to help determine the positives and the negatives of the program.**
 * Document delivery system management techniques: Identify the medium for the delivery of the intervention strategy and how the technology will be implemented within the instructional context. **The intervention will be introduced to the students via media projector. We will look at other projects which are similar and through this appeal, announce our program and it's expected outcome. Through the use of various instructional methods, the content will be presented in several different methods to ensure proper learning. Through this method, the all learners are given equal chance for learning to be acquired on their level and understanding.**
 * Document information management techniques: Describe how information related to this intervention strategy will be stored, accessed, and processed. This may include information that will be used for evaluation of the intervention. **We will use various assessments including formative, summative, pre-test and post test as well as performance based activities to demonstrate understanding. These assessments and techniques will be recorded via video, edited and reviewed with the class for feedback and criticism. In this manner, all pieces of the strategies used as well as the interventions will be preserved for future reference.**

Mt. Tabor will be able to follow the progress of our project not only through the thermometer but also via updated web page and through the following methods:

Observation of daily integration of technology by teachers Observation of each class as they work together towards completion Classroom discussions Pencil/paper Formative and informative assessments Student to student discussions Posting of discussions via school website and outside of our classroom on the wall

(Please see appendix B using the link below..)



Research: Bringing Literature to Life
 * Appendix A**

"Bringing literature to life and bringing children to literature is the motive of Chris Fascione's engaging performance. Chris uses his special talents to unlock the secrets of what makes good literature so appealing. Using a unique combination of storytelling, acting, mime, clowning, comedy, and a dash of juggling, Chris' performances stimulate children's imaginations to bring literature to life!"

When students use Literature and bring it to Life frequently, research gives us these skills:

1. In order to help motivate students to diversify what they are reading, teachers will embark upon a “Reading Expedition,” and learn how to use this tool in their classroom. 2. Teachers will receive a Reading Expedition handout and help students choose a book to read for each genre listed. 3. Teachers will learn how to create a welcoming read aloud atmosphere by choosing books that students would like to have read based on a teacher “Book Talk.” 4. Teachers will learn how to perform an enticing “Book Talk” to their class on books that hold a common thread. Teachers can choose books of their choice, or books that students in their classes have shown interest in. 5. Teachers will learn another strategy to best utilize time in class for additional integration and how to use literacy across a variety of content areas in a variety of topics. 6. Teachers will comprise a list of possible Theme and Author Studies on their grade level that can possibly be used in conjunction with a Core Knowledge or State Core Content Area. 7. Teachers will learn how to use a Reader’s Theater to best utilize all students in reading. 8. Teachers will participate by reading in a Reader’s Theater.

Bringing Literature to Life has many positive signs:

"He advocated really understanding a concept rather than just memorizing it," Lavorato said. "When we discussed anything, it wasn't just the facts. He also taught me how to really be an academic and to research, to go down to the (Main) Stacks and pick out the most useful information from 16 books."

http://www.dailycal.org/article/108729/professor_remembered_for_integrity_ability_to_brin

Hi Andy, I'm attaching a link to one of our elementary schools here in Oceanside, Ca. They did a wonderful school board presentation earlier this year on their Butterfly Garden. Go to the site and you'll see the Butterfly Garden link at the top of the page ( [] ). The garden is simply magnificent! The entire school has used the garden to address the same curriculum areas as you are considering. Let me know what you think? Good luck, Duane