The document outlines the requirements for summarizing assigned readings in the 'educ 742' course, emphasizing the importance of reflecting on main principles to relate them to personal educational experiences. It provides specific instructions on the word count for summaries and reflections and encourages critiquing ideas from a biblical perspective. The content discusses various educational topics including assessment methods, the role of administrators, systemic changes in education, and challenges faced by Christian educators in public schools.

1. EDUC 742
EDUC 742
Reading Summary and Reflective Comments Form &
Instructions
For each assigned reading, summarize the main principles and
reflect on these principles in order to make the content
meaningful to you. This will ensure that you understand the
reading and understand its relationship to daily life experiences
within your educational setting or work environment. The
reflective statements may draw on previous experiences or
future plans to use the information from the reading. You are
also encouraged to critique ideas in light of a biblical
worldview. Summaries will be 100-125 words and will be in
paragraph form, and the reflections will be 150-200 words.
(Submit the Reading Summary by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday in
Modules/Weeks 1, 3, 4, 5, and on Friday in Module/Week 8,
adding the new entries each time.)
STUDENT NAME:
Bridget Pruitt
Reading
Assignment
Main Principles
Reflective Comments
Reading Summary 1
Razik and Swanson
Data within the United States is processed based on four

2. assessments. The assessments are reading, math, science, and
other subjects. They are based on 4th, 8th, and 12th graders.
They are also broken up into different ethnic groups. There are
a lot of data that is alarming within the U.S. Data is based on
household characteristics, family and peer influences, and
student achievement. Also in this chapter it reaches on the
education reform movement. Global forces and the specific
causes that are concerning within the U.S. education system.
What are the causes of failure within the U.S. school system and
what changes can be implemented to improve the rapid downfall
of our education system.
When all of the assessments were implemented on the different
groups that provided data that broke up the groups that is when
I feel our education system had been broken. Ways of
instruction as well as curriculum has not changed much,
however, all of the testing data is what has changed and the
ways that the data is being implemented. Schools have become
all about the numbers instead of the importance of what is being
taught to our children. If the U.S. school systems were not all
about the numbers and teaching our children how to read and
write I feel that our schools would be more successful in all the
data assessments that are being implemented. The problem is
that special attention is given to achievement gaps among ethnic
and economic groups instead of teaching everyone the same way
that was taught years and years ago. With all the changes within
the school systems and how they are wanting teachers to teach
their children has caused a lot of confusion as well as stress
upon the teachers as well as the children.
Van
Brummelen
First of all, I love this book. It goes into practices and
prospective within the interaction between theory and practice.
It explains why in public schools that God cannot be taught and
how the Christian schools central theme is focused in the

3. teachings of Jesus Christ. In this chapter it provides classroom
examples for several different teachers and how they implement
their assignments. This chapter emphasizes on the teaching of
Jesus Christ within the classroom as well as how to implement
it in public school classrooms. There are ways to implement
God in the curriculum without explicitly practicing the word of
God.
This chapter focuses a lot on the biblical worldview of Jesus
Christ within the classroom. God is everywhere even when some
may not realize it. The questions that are answered within this
chapter are why do we have schools, aims of teaching and
learning, and school functions in the community. Each one of
these questions are answered thoroughly with examples
provided. It is easier to focus these questions in a Christian
school rather than a public school. In a public school setting
you have to be careful what is being taught and when it is being
taught about Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, this is a huge issue
within some of the public school education. Providing different
scenarios is a good thing within this chapter and it explains in
detail what education stands for and how to implement
education in different viewpoints. It explains nurture and
education. Education is like nurture in many different
perspectives. Children learn from parent modeling and
sometimes that is not a good thing.
Reading Summary 2
Razik and Swanson
Chapter 2 reflects on the different development of systems that
involve with the duties of school administrators. The main
reflection is the way an organizational change is implemented
and orchestrated within the school system. The important role
of the school administrator is the structure and shape of how
they run the school system; in which is very important.
Chapter 7 reflects on the philosophical foundations which is
very important within the school settings. Values and morals are

4. effective ways of implementing when being an administrator in
the schools. The intrapersonal cycle is a self-oriented
philosophy which is effective if used with values in the
organization.
Values are essential to effective leadership. Because of the
values within a person in his heart, his words express truth. The
presence of God and lives a blameless life is the one who
speaks the truth from the heart and an effective administrator
does just that. In chapter 2 and 7 it emphasizes on the
importance of administrators and how they shape the structure
within the school system. Chapter 2 emphasizes on the system
and fundamental concepts that a system needs to be shaped to
become effective. For instance, Karen has to restructure her way
of thinking to create an effective way to meet her goal of
becoming an administrator. Chapter 7 emphasizes on values and
issues within the school settings. Placing values and beliefs can
sometimes be difficult, however, God places his values within
his heart and values kindness. I enjoyed chapter 7 better than 2
only because I feel that values and beliefs are extremely
important when working with children. Children need to be
taught the importance of values and in chapter 7 it expresses the
importance through the philosophical foundations.
Van Brummelen
Chapter 2 explains the ways in which the Bible informs teaching
and learning. Teaching and learning are both essential but I
believe learning is more of a priority over teaching. Teaching
the Word of God is emphasized throughout Christian schools,
however, not in public schools. We need God to be placed in all
schools. Chapter 3 is about how to shape the curriculum so the
students are able to understand. Placing emphasize on
curriculum is essential for learning. Both of these chapters work
together and express a lot of well needed knowledge. Lesson
plans are done daily and at times may be changed throughout
the day.

5. I love this book it expresses so much knowledge within the
teaching and learning process. Chapter 2 allows ways teachers
are able to teach their students without really placing God into
the picture. For instance, in public education where I teach God
cannot be placed in the curriculum as easy as it can be in a
Christian view. Chapter 3 shaping the curriculum is an
interesting chapter. I feel that this chapter is essential when
implementing lesson plans and incorporating God into the
lesson. If a teacher provides a good lesson plan then the lesson
is whether knowledgeable to the student and the lesson becomes
effective. Both of these chapters were effective but chapter 7
was more knowledgeable to me. Learning is important to me
because it seems that material is a constant change and learning
never ends.Books are references just as the Bible is my
reference. Placing God above everything is where the goals are
attainable.
Reading Summary 3
Razik and Swanson
Chapter 8 is about the evaluation in education. Evaluations have
been around for some time, however, they have not evaluated
the same things. Much of this chapter is talking about two
different types of evaluation: summative and formative
evaluations. Evaluation processes are targets of concern. They
can be on the teacher, administrators, or students. Teacher
evaluations are receiveing a lot of attention because of some of
the incompetencies. Teacher evaluations are important because
of the student achievements. If the teacher has incompetencies
then the student’s will not be able to acquire their goals.
Teacher models are divided into two catergories: planning and
quantitative models. Both of these models are essential and
needed.
This chapter was well informative. I really did not realize there
was as many evaluations as there are. The evaluation models

6. started back in the 1800s with The Age of Reform. Although, it
really did not evaluate the teachers it was important for many
reasons. An evaluation measures, assesses, and provides
accountability. It depends on what you are evaluationg as to
what is measures and assessed. The evaluations have targets and
processes that are gone through. In Table 8.1 it explains in
detail what the educational evaluation models mean. This table
was real informative to me when I did not understand what the
model was evaluating. I feel that teachers do need evaluated
because from my opinion it seems that once a teacher has tenure
they begin to slack off and not teach appropriately. Being a
special needs teacher I enter different classrooms and see
different teaching styles. Not all the styles are the same and not
all the curriculum is taught the same. This is the main reason I
feel that teachers should be evaluated.
Van Brummelen
Chapter 5 explains the assesses the ways to enhance student
learning. Assessments are the way that most teacher’s predict
the way student’s are learning and their mastery skills towards
that lesson. Training student’s to understand the material is
essential. Making sure the student’s are able to master the
lessons provided to them is a task for teacher’s and can become
difficult at times. Assessments can be taken without testing. For
example, chapter 5 explains the different ways of implementing
assessments. Teaching and learning can be provided by different
activities. Students like different styles of being taught lessons.
Role playing, solving problems, holding debates, and discussing
new ideas are just a few that Van Brummelen talk about.
I felt that this chapter explains a lot of good ways of assessing
students learning. It does not always have to be testing because
not all student’s do well on test. It can be broken up into
different types of assessments. Enhancing students learning is a
top priority and whatever way works for the student is the way
it should be assessed. Students learn a lot better by sometimes

7. setting goals for them and letting them master those goals. I’m
not big on standardized testing because I feel students become
bored with the test and rush through them without even thinking
of the answers chosen. Encouragement is always an effective
way to students learning improvements. Students enjoy being
encouraged. Formal and informal assessments can be different
each time. The same ways of testing is boreing to the students
and they definitely lose interest. Things have to be interesting
to the student for them to become motivated in their
assessments.
Reading Summary 4
Razik and Swanson
Chapter 11 allowed me to understand the different models of
decision-making. As I become an administrator all of these
models will be extremely helpful. Providing productive
decision-making to my staff will allow them to become
productive for our students. This chapter also emphasizes on
bias. Straegy formation provides a course of action for the
future that will allow me to organize and provide good direction
to others.
Chapter 12 focuses on allocation of funds. As schools are
costing more is the allocations funded equally and correctly.
This chapter allows you to see the external and internal
spendage. Is the funds being allocated effectively for the
achievement of our students.
I found chapter 11 for informative to me than chapter 12.
Although, it is more formative now to me in the future as I
become an administrator the shift will change. I will want to
know where allocations are funded and if they are funded
properly. I will want my students to have what is needed for
their achievements. As educational models for decision-making
is essential for daily or weekly activities the funding is just as
essential. As a school in poverty sections are allocated less than
the higher achieving areas that is a huge problem to me. All

8. students are equal and should be treated equally just as the
funding should be equally allocated. I know first hand that it is
not. I worked in a title 1 school as well as a high achievement
school and I seen the difference first hand. Not fair at all.
School districts either should place emphasizes on all schools
are redistrict the schools so they are equal.
Van Brummelen
Chapter 9 focuses on believing in Jesus Christ and how it
affects teachers when they are teaching in public schools. There
are many challenges that Christians face as a public education
educator. As the schools are ideological diverse there are lack
of understanding to some. There are often times when unethical
aspects are presented and teachers have to act upon. Providing
good character encourages students to act ethically. Although,
the fact that religion is out of the question in public education it
has some huge drawbacks presented. At times you have to hide
your beliefs because it can cause issues, however, teachers also
have to be careful and not lecture upon religion. Religion and
spirituality can be taught put it has to be meaningful and
nonindoctrinating.
I absolutely love this chapter. As a Christian and a public
education teacher, I have to often bite my tougue on somethings
I see. It is extremely unethical but I ask for forgiveness at the
end of the day. Unfortuately, God understands because I need to
pay my bills. I believe that if public education were to place
religion back in their schools that students would provide moral
and ethical perspectives within their lives. Some students do not
know anything about religion. By placing religion back in
schools would at least reach out to the students that does not
know anything about religion and hopefully place them in the
proper hands of God. It is difficult to see students going down
the wrong path because it is unlawful to teach them God’s Word
and the right way to be. Working in public education is a task
and extremely challenging. I really do not understand how

9. schools can dictate whom represents God and when they
represent Him.
Reading Summary 5
Razik and Swanson
Chapter 13 focuses on systemic change. Not everyone likes
change, however, it happens quite often. Change is not an
adjustment it is a process in which can either me detrimental or
beneficial. There are 4 models based upon change. They are
identification and priority ranking of needs, developmental of
specific plans and broad strategies, implementation of selected
approaches, and assessment of outcomes. All of these are
essential for effectiveness when it comes to change.
Chapter 14 focuses upon educational leadership. This chapter is
quite interesting to read. Providing the challenges that
educational leaders face can be a draw back if your not strong
enough for the position. Placing emphasis upon God will allow
the individual to place their heart in the position and follow on
with their goals.
I enjoyed both chapters, however, I would have to say chapter
14 was more beneficial to me than chapter 13. As a educational
leader one day I felt that chapter 14 provided me with a lot of
insight that will benefit me as a leader. Allowing me to see the
challenges that I face as I become a educational leader one day
will allow me to see how I may fix the issues before they arise.
Explaining the difference between structural reform allows me
to choice the best schools that I can be effective as a leader in.
Transformational and moral leadership is important to me
because I feel that morals has been lost within our school
systems. I hope to become a principal and be able to put a
difference within my students. I want to show them the
importance of beliefs, morals, and values. These three things
are not among some of the schools that I have worked at. I want
to make changes in my students and one day hopefully they will

10. look back and see that I have made them successful individuals.
Page 2 of 2
EDUC 742
Reading Summary and Reflective Comments Grading Rubric
Criteria
Levels of Achievement
Content
70%
Advanced
Proficient
Developing
Not present
Critical Thinking
5 points
· Rich in content: full of thought, insight, and analysis.
· Ideas are critiqued in light of a biblical worldview.
4 points
· Substantial information: a degree of thought, insight, and
analysis has taken place.
· Most ideas are critiqued in light of a biblical worldview.
1 to 3 points
· Generally competent: information is superficial and
commonplace.
· Few ideas are critiqued in light of a biblical worldview.
0 points
Not present.
Connections
5 points
· The summaries are reflective.
· Ideas are critiqued in light of a biblical worldview.
· Clear connections to real-life situations.
4 points
· New connections lack depth and/or detail.

11. · Most ideas are critiqued in light of a biblical worldview.
· Mostly clear connections to real-life situations.
1 to 3 points
· Limited, if any, connections. Vague generalities.
· Few ideas are critiqued in light of a biblical worldview.
· Unclear connections to real-life situations.
0 points
Not present.
Uniqueness
4 points
· New ideas and new connections display depth and detail.
3 points
· New ideas lack depth and /or detail.
1 to 2 points
· Few, if any, new ideas or connections: simply restates or
summarizes.
0 points
Not present.
Structure
30%
Advanced
Proficient
Developing
Not present
Word Count Ranges
3 points
· Summaries are 100-125 words and reflections are 150-200
words.
2 points
· Either the summaries or reflections do not meet the word
count range.
1 point
· Both the summaries and reflections do not meet the word
count range.
0 points

12. Not present.
Grammar, Spelling, & Current APA Formatting
3 points
· Spelling and grammar are correct.
· Sentences are complete, clear, and concise.
· Paragraphs contain appropriately varied sentence structures.
· References are cited in current APA format.
2 points
· Some spelling and grammar errors are present.
· Sentences are presented well.
· Paragraphs contain some varied sentence structures.
· References are cited with some current APA formatting.
1 point
· Spelling and grammar errors distract.
· Sentences are incomplete or unclear. Paragraphs are poorly
formed.
· References are minimally or not cited in current APA format.
0 points
Not present.
Page 2 of 2
EDUC 742
EDUC 742
Reading Summary and Reflective Comments Form &
Instructions
For each assigned reading, summarize the main principles and

13. reflect on these principles in order to make the content
meaningful to you. This will ensure that you understand the
reading and understand its relationship to daily life experiences
within your educational setting or work environment. The
reflective statements may draw on previous experiences or
future plans to use the information from the reading. You are
also encouraged to critique ideas in light of a biblical
worldview. Summaries will be 100-125 words and will be in
paragraph form, and the reflections will be 150-200 words.
(Submit the Reading Summary by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday in
Modules/Weeks 1, 3, 4, 5, and on Friday in Module/Week 8,
adding the new entries each time.)
STUDENT NAME:
Reading
Assignment
Main Principles
Reflective Comments
Reading Summary 1
Razik and Swanson
Van
Brummelen
Reading Summary 2
Razik and Swanson

14. Van Brummelen
Reading Summary 3
Razik and Swanson
Van Brummelen
Reading Summary 4
Razik and Swanson
Van Brummelen
Reading Summary 5
Razik and Swanson

15. Page 2 of 2