Path Planning (Part 2)

How Do We Plan A Path?

Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas

Once we have met the needs of path planning, we can begin to plan a path by addressing the following areas: Where Do We Start? When Do We Finish? How Do We Get There?  Meeting the needs of path planning allows us to address the design and creation of the path. 

Where do we start?  We should start with organization, inventory, and structure.  Path planning requires organization.  We must get organized to start planning a path.  Organization requires us to take an inventory of what we have available from those things that are concrete, as well as those which are abstract.  

When we have become organized, and taken inventory, we must develop a structure that will support our organization, and secure our inventory.

A structure gives shape and helps hold form.  Without it, all the organization and inventory would just remain a mound of possibilities and what if's.

When do we finish?  We finish when we have achieved a successfully planned path which leads toward goals, accomplishments, and rewards.  The goals we set out to fulfill should be specific, developed, researched, and flexible enough to accommodate all possible needs.

Accomplishments will arise and come to light all throughout the path.  Each accomplishment should be acknowledge at the proper time, and should be celebrated by all those who have participated in the realization of the accomplishment.

It is also a good idea to create rewards which can be reached by completing tasks and stages of different magnitude.

How do we get there?  We get there by developing and creating direct, alternate, and staggered paths which allow for all to reach the same goal, at a pace that is appropriate, while allowing us to set challenges which can be overcome with determination, perseverance, and creativity.

A direct path will have the benefit of maintaining the end in sight.  For those who do best when they forge on ahead, without the need to look back, this can be the path that leads them to success.  

An alternate path has the benefit of reaching the end by taking turns and side-paths which present a unique and flexible path which helps us reach the same end that he direct path maintains in sight.  For those who do best when allowed to wonder and explore beyond the linear straight forward approach, the alternate path would be the most efficient path toward success.

A staggered path can be the most efficient path toward success for those who require many multiple stages with specifically defined transition stages where progress and improvement takes place.  A staggered path reaches the ending that the direct path maintains in sight, and the alternate path reaches through turns and side-paths that are explored as we wonder.

There may be many paths, but they all should end equally and fairly.

Copyright 2013.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Starting the Year (Part 2)

Classroom Status

Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas

As noted previously, educators have 6 months from now until Year-End's graduation.  A large portion of this time will be taking place in our schools and classrooms.  Educators not only need to take the time to map out and plan the next 6 months, but also need to take the time to review the status of the classroom.  After all, this is the place where we, and our students, will be spending a large portion of our education time.

• Structure

1. Take a tour of your own classroom.
2. How does it look on the first day of the year?  
3. How did it look on the first day of school?
4. How can the classroom be improved?

• Weather

1. From the cold of winter to the heat of summer.
2. Check for heating during winter and cooling for summer.
3. Can students be comfortable indoors during bad weather.

• Lighting

1. Sunlight continues to increase as we move toward summer.
2. Indoor lighting should be adequate for visual reception.
3. Spring should remind us with its equinox that outdoors and indoors are equal.

• Basic Supplies

1. Paper and pencil are still the most basic supplies needed for education.
2. Pens and colors provide a new dimension of professionalism and art.
3. Boards, both writing and bulletin.   They provide communication.

Educators will spend the next 6 months in their classrooms.  As we begin the new year, and prepare to get back into these places of learning, let us take a look at our classroom status, to ensure that these places of learning have all that is needed, from the basics like pencils and paper, to the advanced like LCD projectors and climate control.  We should request the supplies that are needed, replenish the ones we have exhausted, and share with others the surpluses we won't need.  Let us prepare the place where we will spend our time learning.

Copyright 2013.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.