Part 3: Final Reflection

This has been a most challenging course.   As I worked through my self assessment, the area of finance seemed to hold the most areas I felt I needed to improve.  So I entered this course ready to dig in!  I was amazed at the number of resources available online to assist a new superintendent.  A document that I found most helpful was the Texas Education Agency’s School Finance 101:  Funding of the Texas Public Schools.  This document walked me through the many layers of funding issues that exist in Texas.  It provided detailed explanations and definitions.  This was especially helpful to me in sorting out the similarities and differences between Texas and Indiana.  The structures may be completely different but many of the components are present in both states.  The lectures each week helped set the stage for the learning that would take place over the course of the week. 

I enjoyed the opportunities to talk with our district level personnel.  I was able to spend time with our superintendent and business manager.   I learned so many things about our accounting practices and audit procedures.  I learned about the specific policies and protocols at work in our district.  These conversations helped me bridge the gap between Indiana finances and Texas finances.

In week four, I was able finally make connection with my wiki group partners.  Since we were not able to connect until we were well into the course, I was forced to deal with assignments each week on my own.  It was unfortunate and a lot a work!  It really made a difference to have others to collaborate with on the week’s assignments.

I participated in three of the four webinars.  This was a time I could ask questions and connect with others in the course.  I found them helpful.  Dr. Holmes was very personable and took time to try to connect with each person participating in the webinar. I tried to take advantage of every opportunity to learn about finances.

Through the lectures, readings, assignments, and collaborations, I find I have a better understanding of financial structures.  I find I feel confident to mark each indicator in the self-assessment as competent.  It is remarkable the amount of information that is conveyed through this course.  During one of our webinars, a classmate asked about tests, Dr. Holmes shared that we would not be taking exams.  He also stated that we would probably wish we did rather than take on the amount of work that was headed our way.  He was right.  It was a rigorous course but well worth the effort.  I appreciate the depth and breadth of information shared.