Sunset from the house
Well, I'm coming up quickly on the end of the first five weeks in my summer doc program marathon. Loved these first two classes. Best part of the doctoral program, so far. The next two will be more challenging, because the subject matter isn't as exciting. For these first classes, we were reading books that were more about real schools and leaders, whereas the next classes are more about philosophy and how to conduct research.
The really good news: I have a focus for my dissertation work! Amazing how these things evolve. A week ago, I had no idea, and then, suddenly, it came together. For anyone who's interested, here's the story. I did my master's work on differentiated instruction, which basically means making sure that kids are learning what they need to learn, are interested in learning, and are ready to learn. Didn't want to do any more work in that area, because it is being done, on a large scale. I visited this charter school here, and have gone to several events at the school. It is an "Expeditionary Learning" school, and if I'd known there was such a thing as "Expeditionary Learning" I would have been involved with it at Blue Heron. Because it is what I love to do best- get kids deeply involved in learning and doing, with narrow focus (coverage is not the issue, but depth of involvement, understanding, and knowledge is.). For example, the 7th and 8th graders spent the year studying Africa and Scientists. I went to their exhibition day, where they shared their culminating projects. Holy Cow. Amazing. I tried to dabble in Expeditionary Learning my whole career, with out realizing that's what I was doing. To top it off, Expeditionary Learning utilizes differentiated instruction AND writing workshop models. Actually, it thrives on workshop models in all subjects, so I'm pretty excited.
Long story, not getting any shorter... I was talking to my adviser about doing an internship at this charter school, because I'm thinking what I'd like to do is start an Expeditionary Learning school somewhere, perhaps back in Humboldt. So I need to understand this, thoroughly. We talked about whether this could lead to my dissertation, and bam, it hit me. All I can say right now is that my dissertation will have something to do with Expeditionary Learning and this charter school. I'll divulge the details when I can.
Now, you may be wondering why I am so interested in having a dissertation topic, when I've just started my program. Truth is, I'm working on being finished December 2010, so I need to be hopping. Plus, one of the classes the next five weeks is a research methods class, where we get to work on a literature review. In case you aren't sure what that is, a literature review means reading the research that has been done on a particular topic/area, to build back ground knowledge and find out where the holes are in the research. These holes can become a dissertation focus. So, you may have guessed that I am conducting a literature review on Expeditionary Learning. Way, way cool.
As for the rest of the program, I will be taking four classes this fall; I will be taking independent study/internship credits, collecting data for my dissertation, and working on my "Comprehensive Exams" in the spring 2010, and I will be doing more independent study credits and working on my dissertation Summer/Fall 2010 while taking the one class I can't take this fall. I may not actually finish my dissertation until May 2011, depending on how things go, but I can move back to Humboldt the end of 2010 and finish writing, if need be. During all this time, I'll keep working for my graduate assistantship, which has me doing research, writing, publishing, and teaching. I might try to work for the summer writing program for kids next summer, here in Boise, as I deeply miss the Young Writers Program back in Humboldt. This fall I'll hook up with the Boise Writing Project to see what I can do with them.
Phew. That was a lot of details. On to other aspects of life in Boise...
I've started helping in the garden of my first landlords. They have a large, large garden in Eagle. The dirt is actually Hot during the day. And things grow so fast! I am eating squash, potatoes, basil, rhubarb, and lettuce. I'll be able to do some canning with them, too. I believe we are making rhubarb/ginger jam this weekend. (Yes!!!!).
Giovanna, modeling western wear.
Ber and Giovanna are doing well. Giovanna has three more weeks on her rehabilitation program before she gets checked to see if I can start riding. Her slew of injuries have healed up nicely, and now I'm just getting her muscles built back up after the month and a half of forced down time.
Berhwood is picking up some serious muscle as well, though I am keeping it light on the riding until I get a new bit for him.
Berhwood trying on the repaired western saddle. Need to get a different pad.
Somehow in the last few months, he outgrew his bit! So rather than teach him that bits pinch and are painful, we'll wait. I've heard he's getting one for my birthday, but don't tell him. :)
The girls are thrilled that I finally broke down and purchased a window-mount air conditioner. After a week of 85-90 degrees IN THE HOUSE, I visited Sears. It works great, and the dogs are quite comfey. Georgia prefers to lay with her belly to the fan:
Arcy in her bed next to my computer. Now that she can't jump up on the couch, this is where she hangs out.
However, I am looking forward to taking them back down to Humboldt for a week, between summer and fall semesters. We'll be soaking up the cool moist air, and living the temperate life. :) For all my Humboldt friends, I'll see you the 3rd week of August!
Until next post, here's some pics of bird life around my Boise house.
Hummingbird. When it's in the 80's and 90's, the hummers fly around with their feet hanging down, instead of tucked up under themselves.
Baby Robin, fell out of nest. Took a bath while waiting to learn to fly.
Though I put this water bowl here for the wild birds, because I saw them panting with the heat, the neighbor's herd of 5 roosters comes by every day to tank up.
Three baby yellow breasted birds (they act like swallows, but aren't swallows) branching out on their own. First day of flying!
Same baby birds, in nest, before branching out. They are right above the hitching post.
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