My innovation plan focuses on implementing eportfolios to improve kindergarten literacy. My Big Hairy Audacious goal is to have kindergarteners document their journey using eportfolios so they can learn to read on grade level by the end of the school year. Using ePortfolios is important because it allows for individualized, student-led learning and self-reflection. It provides an opportunity for the students to take ownership of their education and see the progress they have made over the course of the school year. It also helps to bridge the gap between home and school by allowing parents and guardians to see their child's progress and to become more involved in their education. It allows for a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of student progress, as it considers not just test scores but also the various ways in which students demonstrate their understanding of the material. Overall, ePortfolios provide a meaningful way for kindergarteners to achieve the important milestone of reading on grade level by the end of the school year.

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  My course is student-centered, as it provides opportunities for students to take ownership of their learning and actively engage in the learning process. This approach is based on the belief that students are more likely to be motivated and successful when actively involved in their learning rather than passively receiving information from a teacher. Differentiated instruction, formative assessments, and performance-based assessments also support a student-centered approach by providing personalized learning experiences and allowing students to demonstrate their understanding and mastery of the content in a way that aligns with their learning style. I will lead the role of a facilitator, coach, and mentor in my teaching. I plan to facilitate learning by creating an environment conducive to student engagement and active learning. I plan to coach students as they work through the learning activities, provide feedback, and mentor students as they develop the skills and strategies necessary to be successful readers.

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  In the course, students will have the opportunity to communicate with their peers by posting journal reflections. This social networking will allow students to gain and share knowledge with their classmates. 

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  I have chosen a blended learning approach, which combines online and in-person instruction. This approach allows for flexibility, personalized learning, and the ability to incorporate technology and interactive activities. It also allows me to provide the support younger students need to become successful readers. By using a blended learning approach, students will have access to online resources and activities that can be completed outside of the classroom, allowing them to learn at their own pace and in a way that aligns with their individual needs. Additionally, collaborative and interactive activities will allow students to engage in social networking and build peer relationships.

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  My subject is reading skills development for Kindergarten learners, with a focus on phonological awareness, phonics, and decoding. The level of instruction is Kindergarten, and the intended audience is Kindergarten students.

The key institutional documents influencing my design process include the school's district curriculum guidelines and state education standards- TEKS. Therefore, I am mostly using the competency-based education (CBE) model because it focuses on the specific goals that learners should achieve by the end of the course.

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  I will balance assessment for, of, and as learning by incorporating formative assessments throughout the course to monitor student progress and inform instruction, summative assessments at the end of the course to evaluate student understanding and mastery of the content. Students will self-reflect to determine their progress. 

I am moving learners into deeper learning by incorporating activities that require students to think critically, problem-solve, and apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts. I am also encouraging students to take ownership of their learning by providing opportunities for self-reflection.

 

  I used Fink's 3 Column table to organize and align the course goals, learning activities, and assessment activities, which helped to ensure that all necessary content and skills were covered within course outline. This tool allows easy alignment with institutional documents, such as curriculum guidelines.

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  Ultimately, the learners are in control of their own learning by taking an active role in their education. While the teacher provides guidance and instruction, it's the student that determines the level of engagement and willingness to learn.