Reflection Part 5

     When speaking to the Chief Business Officer, I realized the budget requires everyone’s input.  The responsibilities spiral down and focus on the students.  At the central office level, administrators and staff, data and actual budget is based on what the superintendent wants to accomplish.  This school year, the principals provided the superintendent with information that would help him to determine what cuts needed to be made.  The focus went from macro management to micro management.  Site based decision making committees gave the principal information that would help with that decision.  Teacher organizations always want more for teachers.  They usually present their case to the principal and superintendent.  Key stakeholders are the teachers, administrators, principals, teacher, parents, and taxpayers.  They are the main influence in the budget process.  For example, they may voice their opinion to not increase taxes.  Lastly, the board of trustees adopts the budget. 

Reflection Part 4

The district’s budget preparation and submittal to the board of the approval is the sole responsibility of the superintendent. It is there budget and they have the ultimate say as to what does and doesn’t go into the budget.

According to the Chief Business Officer, Robert Zingelmann, Dr. Thomas brings the budget before the board. The board passes the budget. The superintendent also sets the goals and
parameters that the district is trying to achieve. He then gives Zingelmann directions that he
wants to go in the next fiscal year, and Zingelmann researchers and sees if it’s
feasible. After the research is presented to Dr. Thomas, he brings it before the board for approval.

I didn’t realize that the Superintendent played such a major role in the budget process. I was also shocked to learn that he did not have the last say in the process. The Superintendent must be conscious of the budget and the needs of the community. The budget and budgeting process allows us to use available resources for students while remaining within guidelines.

Reflection: Part 3

Budgeting and Finance has proven itself to be one of the most difficult parts of the certification. There is so much information to attain. Through this, however, I have learned that my
district is doing an outstanding job in following TEA guidelines. It also gives me the opportunity to compare my district with other districts.

Goal Driven Budget

A goal driven budget states your goals. It is very imperative that you make your
goals and determine if they will be short-term, long-term, or recurring. Goals should be prioritized. A good school district will always track their spending while creating and reviewing a spending plan.
Goal driven budgeting should be important to every school district. The school board and the district improvement plan should be aligned. They should also be motivated by setting specific target objectives. A great deal of the district’s budget is already allocated to salaries, maintenance, and transportation, etc. With this in mind, the district has to create
a budget that reflects the vision and goals of the district.
Beaumont ISD District Improvement Plan identifies goals for the district. Along with the
identification of these goals, each goal has objectives, responsible parties, a timeline, resources for funding, and an evaluation procedure. It is very easy to identify if a district’s budget is goal driven if you compare it to the district plan. BISD is driven towards excellence and won’t settle for less. The budget is created with the students and community in mind. Our district is very aware of what’s going on in the community. Our district uses a strategic planning process to shape the educational program and services offered in the schools.
In conclusion, a goal driven budget should be created with the end in mind. The purpose of a goal driven budget, according to Dr. Arterbury, “Is to assist in the attainment of a shared vision
for the school district and every campus. “

Intern Plan

When meeting with Dr. Thomas to discuss the intern plan, I realized why I needed to touch upon every compentency. It allows you to work with a varitey of people. I realize that this is a working document and changes will need to be made.

VITA

BELINDA CHANTELLE GEORGE

Curriculum Supervisor 9XX E. Lucas Drive
Beaumont ISD Beaumont, TX
3395 Harrison Avenue Tel: (409) XXX-XXXX
Beaumont, TX 77706 Tel: (409)XXX-XXXX
Tel: (409)617-XXXX Email: bgeorge@beaumont.k12.tx.us
Fax: (409) 617-5187
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION

M.Ed. Administration, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX. August 2008
BS Interdisciplinary Studies, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX. August 2003

Principal Certificate EC-12, Texas
Teacher Certificate EC-4 Generalist, Texas

ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Early Childhood/Elementary Language Arts Supervisor
Beaumont Independent School District
Beaumont, TX 2011-present

• Developed and supervised curriculum for 16 elementary campuses and 2 early pre-k sites
• Coordinated and planned UIL competition for 6 elementary schools
• Evaluated and provided guidance for a variety of teachers throughout the district using the district’s evaluation instrument and informal observations and conferences
• Identified, developed, and maintained grants that fund programs and services.
• Daily visits to various schools to monitor progress
• Implement successful techniques and strategies
• Plan and implement staff development for K-5 teachers
• Manage a budget with various components
• Coordinate meetings with ELAR lessons

Curriculum Coordinator
Dishman Elementary
Beaumont, TX 2009-2011

• Ensured the faculty had the resources and support they needed to promote students’ abilities to think and create in personally meaningful ways through an inquiry based, integrated curriculum in a nurturing environment.
• Analyzed test data to find out where strengths and weaknesses existed and assisted teachers with coming up with strategies to teach those skills that they were low in
• Researched trends in curriculum development and instructional aids and methods, and served as a resource for teachers.
• Managed after-school tutorials
• Analyzed and disaggregated data using INOVA, iStation, Item Analysis, Ticket to Read, and weekly assessments

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Fourth Grade Teacher
Guess Elementary
Beaumont, TX 2004-2009

• Analyzed student data and tracked student progress
• Administered Reading, Math, and Writing TAKS tests.
• Planned and instructed each subject area using a wide variety of teaching aids, motivational and implementation strategies to engage students in active learning
• Implement technological approaches to subject material.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society Member
• National Alliance of Black School Educators
• Texas Alliance of Black School Educators
• Beaumont Alliance of Black School Educators
• Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association
• Association of Texas Professional Educators

PRESENTATIONS

• George, Belinda. (2011, September). CSCOPE and STAAR Updates. Presentation at Marshall Middle School District Grades K-6 Inservice, Beaumont, TX, 77708
• George, Belinda. (2010, April). Change Management - Embracing Change.
• Presentation at Dishman Elementary Faculty In-service, Beaumont, TX,77707


REFERENCES

• Will be given upon request





 

VITA

BELINDA CHANTELLE GEORGE

Curriculum Supervisor 9XX E. Lucas Drive
Beaumont ISD Beaumont, TX
3395 Harrison Avenue Tel: (409) XXX-XXXX
Beaumont, TX 77706 Tel: (409)XXX-XXXX
Tel: (409)617-XXXX Email: bgeorge@beaumont.k12.tx.us
Fax: (409) 617-5187

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION

M.Ed. Administration, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX. August 2008
BS Interdisciplinary Studies, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX. August 2003
Principal Certificate EC-12, Texas
Teacher Certificate EC-4 Generalist, Texas

ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Early Childhood/Elementary Language Arts Supervisor
Beaumont Independent School District
Beaumont, TX 2011-present

• Developed and supervised curriculum for 16 elementary campuses and 2 early pre-k sites
• Evaluated and provided guidance for a variety of teachers throughout the district using the district’s evaluation instrument and informal observations and conferences
• Identified, developed, and maintained grants that fund programs and services.

Curriculum Coordinator
Dishman Elementary
Beaumont, TX 2009-2011

• Ensured the faculty had the resources and support they needed to promote students’ abilities to think and create in personally meaningful ways through an inquiry based, integrated curriculum in a nurturing environment.
• Analyzed test data to find out where strengths and weaknesses existed and assisted teachers with coming up with strategies to teach those skills that they were low in
• Researched trends in curriculum development and instructional aids and methods, and served as a resource for teachers.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Fourth Grade Teacher
Guess Elementary
Beaumont, TX 2004-2009

• Analyzed student data and tracked student progress
• Administered Reading, Math, and Writing TAKS tests.
• Planned and instructed each subject area using a wide variety of teaching aids, motivational and implementation strategies to engage students in active learning
• Implement technological approaches to subject material.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Presented to K-5 teachers on the components of CSCOPE
• Organized a staff development day for Elementary teachers
• Coordinated a UIL competition for 6 elementary schools
• Wrote Science curriculum for two years

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society Member
• National Alliance of Black School Educators
• Texas Alliance of Black School Educators
• Beaumont Alliance of Black School Educators
• Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association
• Association of Texas Professional Educators

REFERENCES

• Will be given upon request

Vita

VITA FALL 2011
BELINDA CHANTELLE GEORGE

Curriculum Supervisor 9XX E. Lucas Drive
Beaumont ISD Beaumont, TX
3395 Harrison Avenue Tel: (409) XXX-XXXX
Beaumont, TX 77706 Tel: (409)XXX-XXXX
Tel: (409)617-XXXX Email: bgeorge@beaumont.k12.tx.us
Fax: (409) 617-5187
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION

M.Ed. Administration, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX. August 2008
BS Interdisciplinary Studies, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX. August 2003
Principal Certificate EC-12, Texas
Teacher Certificate EC-4 Generalist, Texas

ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Early Childhood/Elementary Language Arts Supervisor
Beaumont Independent School District
Beaumont, TX 2011-present

• Developed and supervised curriculum for 16 elementary campuses and 2 early pre-k sites
• Evaluated and provided guidance for a variety of teachers throughout the district using the district’s evaluation instrument and informal observations and conferences
• Identified, developed, and maintained grants that fund programs and services.

Curriculum Coordinator
Dishman Elementary
Beaumont, TX 2009-2011

• Ensured the faculty had the resources and support they needed to promote students’ abilities to think and create in personally meaningful ways through an inquiry based, integrated curriculum in a nurturing environment.
• Analyzed test data to find out where strengths and weaknesses existed and assisted teachers with coming up with strategies to teach those skills that they were low in
• Researched trends in curriculum development and instructional aids and methods, and served as a resource for teachers.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Fourth Grade Teacher
Guess Elementary
Beaumont, TX 2004-2009

• Analyzed student data and tracked student progress
• Administered Reading, Math, and Writing TAKS tests.
• Planned and instructed each subject area using a wide variety of teaching aids, motivational and implementation strategies to engage students in active learning
• Implement technological approaches to subject material.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society Member
• National Alliance of Black School Educators
• Texas Alliance of Black School Educators
• Beaumont Alliance of Black School Educators
• Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association
• Association of Texas Professional Educators

REFERENCES

• Will be given upon request

Dr. Carrol A. Thomas Interview Reflection

I interviewed Carrol A. Thomas of Beaumont ISD. He has been the Superintendent for 15+ years. He invited the Deputy Superintendent of BISD to sit in on the interview. He is a very knowledgeable and caring individual. He was very informative. Despite how he is portrayed by the media, he is an enjoyable and informative individual. Throughout the interview, I placed an asterisk by responses that were intriguing to me.

The first response that grabbed my attention was the attributes of a good Superintendent. He said that he/she should be supportive. The Superintendent should allow and encourage individuals to take risks. Every employee should know the philosophy of the Superintendent. He stated that the best use of power is when you don't have to use it. If you have the power over the people, then they will only do what you make them. You should always use your power to do good by motivating and encouraging people.

Competency 5 examines the importance of the Superintendent planning and implanting strategic planning that enhances the teaching and learning, ensures alignment of the curriculum, curriculum resources and assessment; uses the current accountability system; and promotes the use of varied assessments to measure student performance. Based upon this competency, I asked Dr. Thomas how he accomplishes such a wide range of strategic planning. He responded by saying that student performance is what we are judged by. To ensure that everyone is aware of this, he sends all central office personnel to schools twice a year to observe and assess the teaching and learning process. They must then report to Dr. Thomas what was seen. The main purpose is so that every department knows what is going on in the schools. He also believes that nothing is good unless student performance is up. Every job in every department should focus on student performance. Curriculum should be based on instruction. He recognized early on that our district has different learners. He implemented the Reteaching Policy. It forces the teacher to reteach the unsuccessful learner in a different manner. He feels as though this is the most

important policy the board has ever passed.

Competency 7 discusses the importance of the Superintendent implementing a staff evaluation and development system, and selecting appropriate models for supervision and staff development to improve the performance of all staff members. This prompted me to ask Dr. Thomas how he addresses these issues aimed at improving the performance of all staff members. He responded by saying that the evaluation performance instrument should mirror your job description. Your job description should be clearly defined. Evaluators are taught how to evaluate. The evaluator should always give the person feedback through informal and formal ways. He believes that you should be candid, honest, open, and provide constructive criticism. You should always voice your concerns with those that you have a problem with, and always confront the person you have a problem with.

The next response that was interesting to me was the response to the following: How should Superintendents approach the management of everything from budgets to technology applications? Dr. Thomas believes that instruction is the number one priority. In Beaumont ISD, more money is spent on instruction through grants and Title funds. He also believes that schools should be safe and orderly. To ensure this he implemented the BISD Police Department. You must also be knowledgeable and always trying to improve, ask a lot of questions, stay in the loop, report the facts, and you must be productive at what you are currently doing.

He gave additional experience, learning, and advice that can help me, as a student, to develop an effective internship. I will forever remember the response listed below:

• Be a student of your profession.
• Model superintendents that are known to be successful.
• Be able to analyze and make good decisions.
• Work smart and not hard.
• Common sense is better than research.
• Look, analyze, and adjust
• Leaders are effective in what he can get people to do.
• Create situations where employees can believe and support you.
• Superintendents work harder than anyone else.
• Don't get complacent.
• Be a risk-taker and make sure that you have a chance to succeed.
• Do a great job where you are right now.

Blogging in the 21st Century

Blogging gives you the capability to share ideas with your peers and others that share the same interest. By following these individuals, you can reflect on your practices. I also believe that blogging within a school district can promote collaboration.

Action Research Reflection

Action research, also known as participatory action research, was designed to allow people to collaborate. It involves a group of people identifying a problem and then attempting to resolve it. It is designed to improve the way they address issues and solve problems. Action research is systematic and involves collecting evidence on which to base rigorous reflection.
As a superintendent, I could use action research to promote collaboration between administrators and teachers. For example, Beaumont ISD has recently adopted a new curriculum called CSCOPE. Teachers are trying to adjust to the new state mandated test, STAAR, and CSCOPE. There have been a slew of questions. Utilizing action research, teachers can study CSCOPE and come up with a plan of action. After acting upon it, all participants can collect and analyze evidence. Finally, they can reflect on the action taken. This process can keep recurring until the anticipated outcome occurs.
I can understand why this practice could be an advantage for a superintendent. It would give school districts with the same demographics to collaborate and share ideas and practices. Action research can be a vital tool for all learners due to the fact that you can collaborate with other organizations all across the world.