Education Specialist Program Outcome Reflection Log

The goal of the Education Specialist Program in Curriculum and Instruction is to develop distinguished teacher leaders who effect positive change for schools and for students.The ASCD (2015) describes teacher leadership as the process by which teachers, individually or collectively, influence their colleagues, principals, and other members of the school community to improve teaching and learning practices with the aim of increased student learning and achievement.An effective teacher leader must acquire specialized knowledge and skills as well as sophisticated habits of mind. One of the central habits of mind necessary for teacher leaders is honest and ongoing self-reflection.To support the development of this skill, candidates will reflect on two Program Outcomes at the end of each course and compile these in a log.Instructors will provide feedback that guides the candidate in making meaningful connections between experiences in courses and the important outcomes that will become the foundation of a transformative skill set. The written reflection will be recorded as a grade in each course, and it will comprise 5% of the overall course grade.Candidates must successfully complete the Outcome Log for a course before a final grade is assigned.Grades of Incomplete will be assigned if the Outcome Log is not complete satisfactorally.

This skill set is represented in the Education Specialist Program Outcomes.These six outcomes are essential to the role of the teacher leader, but they are not an exhaustive list.Candidates must understand and reflect upon these six during the program, but they must also work to identify other skills and competencies that are relevant to their unique professional contexts and areas of content specialization.

start this process by considering the sum of your experiences in the classroom, in discussion with peers, readings, and field experiences.Based on those, you will choose a minimum of two of the six PROGRAM OUTCOMES, and compose structured reflections that connect your experiences in the course to your gradual mastery of those outcomes.You may reflect on more than two of the five outcomes, but two is a minimum for each course.

At some point in the program, you must reflect on each Program Outcome at least once. The Program Outcome Reflection Matrix will help you to monitor your progress.Its likely that some courses will connect to more than two outcomes (maybe even all five).Other courses, while essential, may connect to only a few of the outcomes.

Full Answer Section

      Key Skill: Honest and Ongoing Self-Reflection This program emphasizes honest and ongoing self-reflection as a central habit of mind for teacher leaders. To support this skill, you will reflect on your experiences throughout the program and connect them to the six Program Outcomes. Course Reflection Process:
  1. Consider Your Experiences: Reflect on your combined experiences in the classroom, discussions with peers, readings, and field placements.
  2. Choose Program Outcomes: Select a minimum of two Program Outcomes that resonate most with your experiences in this particular course. You can choose more than two if applicable.
  3. Structured Reflection: For each chosen Outcome, write a structured reflection that connects your course experiences to developing your mastery of that Outcome.
Program Outcomes: The six Program Outcomes are essential for teacher leadership, but not an exhaustive list. You may identify additional skills relevant to your specific context and content area. However, ensure you reflect on all six outcomes at least once throughout the program. The Program Outcome Reflection Matrix can help you track your progress. Reflection Matrix (Optional): Consider creating a table to track which Program Outcomes you reflect on in each course. This can help visualize your progress and identify any outcomes that haven't been addressed yet. Remember:
  • Your written reflection will be graded and contributes 5% to your overall course grade.
  • A complete and satisfactory Outcome Log is required to receive a final grade.
  • Grades of Incomplete will be assigned if the Outcome Log is not completed satisfactorily.
By reflecting on your experiences and connecting them to the Program Outcomes, you will strengthen your self-reflection skills and develop the knowledge and skills needed to become a distinguished teacher leader.  

Sample Answer

       

This guide will help you complete your Outcome Log for the Education Specialist Program in Curriculum and Instruction.

Program Goal:

The program aims to develop teacher leaders who can drive positive change for schools and student success.

Teacher Leadership Definition:

As defined by ASCD (2015), teacher leadership involves individual or collective efforts by teachers to influence colleagues, principals, and others within the school community. The goal is to improve teaching and learning practices, ultimately leading to increased student achievement.