Re: Using resources effectively in the classroom and accessing available funding.

Dear Amy,


                     It seems that you are fortunate to have been placed in a school with an abundance of resources up their sleeves. This is great for you…… but this can be a little overwhelming. As a new, beginning teacher it is vital that you know how to access and use the resources that are available within your school. Resources are a critical element in the interactions that occur between teachers and students in classrooms (Marsh, 2004). The tremendous increase in resources over the past 10 years, especially computer and internet programs, has seen a huge expansion in the range of resources available for use in the classroom. However it is very apparent in the teaching profession, that having resources doesn’t necessarily mean they will be used. Resources are only valuable to a school if they are carefully and continuously used, up until a point where they are no longer considered appropriate (Marsh, 2004).

Amy, you seem like the type of teacher who is willing to use a range of resources and experiment with different resources in a number of creative ways. This is great; however, it can be time consuming and distracting to your learners. Your principal has already told you and the rest of the staff at your school to share resources and work collaboratively. This is a key aspect of the teaching profession and something you probably haven’t had much exposure to yet, having just come straight out of University. Sharing resources and giving advice on different teaching tools is a fundamental part of using your time effectively as a teacher and will help you filter out useful and valid resources. Davis and Krajcik (2005), note that resources are at their most useful stage when they are not only benefiting students, but are also educating teachers. This can be achieved by means of sharing and discussing resources with other staff members and contributing to the field of ideas. Just a quick tip for the classroom Amy; try to have your frequently used teaching supplies and resources readily available and accessible. Easy access to these for students will enable them to start and conclude the teaching and learning activities promptly and will minimise disruptions and delays (Somekh & Davis, 1998). 

Amy, the school you have been appointed to resides in a low socio-economic area of South Western Sydney. This means your school would fit under the bracket of the Priority Schools Program (PSP). The PSP program has been set up by the New South Wales Department of Education and Training to support schools in low socio-economic status communities to improve the educational outcomes of their students (NSW DETa, 2010). The program is underpinned by principles of equity and is part of the NSW government's commitment to social inclusion. This program provides resources to improve the literacy and numeracy achievements and engagement of students from low socio-economic status backgrounds. As a teacher you have the opportunity and responsibility to familiarise yourself with some of the resources and programs which are funded by the PSP at your school.

One such program which your school has been involved with, is the Literacy and Numeracy National Partnership. The National Partnership focuses on the key areas of quality teaching of literacy and numeracy; stronger school leadership and the effective use of student performance information to identify where students need support (NSW DETb, 2010). This will lead to improvements in literacy and numeracy outcomes for all students, with a priority focus on those primary aged students most in need of support. Park Hill Primary School has received funding by the Australian and NSW Government to improve their whole school literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and develop strong leadership amongst both staff and students. Amy, as a new teacher at this school it is important that you discuss this program with other staff members and the principal, so you are aware of any special programs or funding which you may be able to access for your students. To find out further information about the Literacy and Numeracy National Partnership visit this website, which has a vast amount of valuable background information on the Program:


http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/national/index.htm

Another program which your school has been given funding and support to run is the National Accelerated Literacy Program. As a recent graduate you may not be aware of the role that the NALP plays within a school. The main goal or aim of NALP is to remove the educational divide faced by students who can’t read (NALP, 2009). NALP is an intervention tool and because your school has had great success using this approach, it is vital that you learn about the program and the way it has been structured and set up in your school. For more information on the NALP program, we strongly suggest you visit the NALP website at: http://www.nalp.edu.au/  This will give you a far deeper understanding of the value and impact that this program has had on the lives of many students.

Amy, because your school is so well resourced, you will without a doubt have an Interactive Whiteboard in your classroom. Interactive whiteboards are one of the newest resources available in schools and can be a fantastic teaching tool, when used appropriately (Warren, 2003). If you haven’t already had experience using an IWB, we would suggest that you ask your principal if you could attend a training day or in-service so you can learn the basics of this amazing technology.  Here are just a few websites that might help you find your feet with regards to Interactive Whiteboard resources:

Smart Exchange- A great website which gives you access to resources which can be used on Interactive whiteboards. This website will let you access hundreds of interactive lesson plans and also let you connect with other classroom teachers.

http://exchange.smarttech.com/#tab=0ww

Top marks- Is a UK based website that has a wide array of educational resources which can be used on Interactive Whiteboards. The resources are organised by subject, age group and category to make them easy for you to find and are constantly being updated.

http://www.topmarks.co.uk/Interactive.aspx?cat=47

We hope this gives you a bit of a heads up start as you venture into the classroom

Goodluck
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