Week 2 Blog- Coaching Peers to Develop SMART Goals

In working with Mr. Beeler we have created a SMART goal and action steps to better help him integrate technology into his classroom.

SMART Goal: Mr. Beeler will facilitate the use of notation software for students to compose simple pieces of music in support of Creative Communicator ISTE standard by hosting one to two mini-lessons a week where all students will learn basic composition techniques to create a piece of music 16-32 measures long by the end of the term.  

Action Steps: 

1. Identify and explore appropriate notation software tools that accessible for students and approved by the district. If one can not be found, I will work with the district to address the issue (2 weeks). 

2. Introduce students to the Creative Communicator ISTE standard (2 days). 

3. Create an sample piece of music with the students and walk them through how to use the tool. Post a screencast to LMS (1 week).

4. Provide small group instruction to students to support the composing of their music. Review music vocabulary as appropriate (2 weeks).

5. Peer review and teacher review compositions and make adjustments. Reflect on Creative Communicator ISTE standard (2 weeks). 

Triple E Framework: This SMART goal aligns with the Triple E Framework because Mr. Beeler is providing an opportunity to use technology to support student learning. Engagement is provided by students working together to first create a piece of music. This will allow them to get comfortable with the tool and also understanding the challenge at hand while working together. Enhancement comes when students start working on creating their own music. They get the chance to make the music they want to make and it can be personal. Everyone will create a different piece of music which means something to them. Extension is very evident in this goal because students are getting to compose and publish a piece of music. This will allow them to learn skills they can use forever whether it is reading music, composing music, or listening to music. These guided the action steps by providing guidance and checkpoints along the way. Each step needed to fit into one of the "E"s in order to ensure the technology was adding to the learning. 

Student and Educator ISTE standards: Student ISTE standard Creative Communicator is outlined in the SMART goal because they are creating original work and they get to personalize the message. The goal of Creative Communicator is for students to clearly express themselves in a variety of ways. Composing music is one of the most genuine ways to express yourself and be authentic. 

Educator ISTE standard Designer is being met in this goal. Specifically the substandard 2.5b, "Design Authentic Learning Activities." This standard whats educators to create opportunities for students to use technology to meet the standards in a way that is real. Give them access to tools that professionals in the field are using. This goal fits that because they will be using the same software composers are using to write music. It also fits with Collaborator because Mr. Beeler will be working along side the students during small group instruction to help troubleshoot any problems. 

Reflection: I used Educator Leader ISTE Empowering Leader when facilitating this peer. I helped build educator competency by encouraging the use of technology to support student learning and use of student ISTE standards mentioned above. This experience also leads to empowered educators by us working together and bouncing ideas off of each other. It promotes an environment where teachers feel confident in what they are teaching and gives them the chance to be leaders. This fits with Essential Condition of Quality Educator where teachers are supported and have access to professional learning to help the students.