Shannon Dacey - PSP Independent Study Goals

Through her PSP independent study, Shannon will strengthen skills that will prepare her for success in college and
her future teaching career. To do this, she will:
1. Improve public speaking [culminating opportunity to speak at a large community event]
a. Confidence in front of a group [practice in PSP class, at Friends of the Grayslake Library board meeting, an
Exchange Club meeting, Book Bridge event]
b. Thoughtful preparation [study rhetoric/public speaking and examples of great speeches, learn how to lesson
plan, and practice planning lessons as well as speeches]
2. Gain more project management experience
a. Practice strong time management in planning [practice prioritizing daily schedule and overall project
schedules in Independent Study, organize a campaign to make Book Bridge more well-known, and help with
large PSP projects such as Food Drive, Passion Project Expo, etc.]
b. Successful outreach to potential supporters and volunteers [study techniques for increasing support for a
cause, interview/research leaders who have been successful, arrange an expert to come and talk to class, and
practice membership outreach for the Teen Advisory Board for Grayslake Library and Book Bridge]
3. Gain more leadership experience
a. Solve problems with confidence (no intimidation!) [study/research problem solving techniques and learn
from others experiences of overcoming challenges, teach PSP how to find solutions to common problems in
event organizing, continued practice in problem solving in range of different situations]
b. Establish control while also listening to others input [study/research classroom management and learn to
connect with students, observe/interview teachers about their own classroom management, organize
meetings before events, and lesson plan and run PSP class once a month]
In order for this Independent Study to be successful, we need to be clear on responsibilities.
Shannons Responsibilities include:
- Maintain a portfolio (binder) divided into the three goal areas
- Use Apple Calendar to keep schedule and reminders
- Update Naviance and Resume with successes and achievements
- Continue to be independent, professional and curious in working towards planned goals
- Be open to instructor about personal reflection and outside feedback on challenges and successes
Shared Responsibilities include:
- Work out a plan for how this Independent Study fits into the school year in a way that allows balance with school and
home life
- Meet monthly (maybe during lunch?) to review goals, growth, and plan ahead
- Setting up speaking engagements at local community groups
- Coordinating lesson plans for PSP class
- Work together to develop plan for measured growth on goals
Ms. Weisss Responsibilities include:
- Give recommendations for resources, organizations, people and books to support goals (such as Classroom
Management Textbook and Courage to Teach, by Parker J. Palmer)
- Offer potential opportunities for growth
- Give feedback in monthly meetings as we review portfolio and plan for class
- Give advice for college and career readiness
- Continue to be helpful, encouraging and optimistic in working towards planned goals

A few things were building on is that Shannon recently received the Rising Star Award from the Friends of the Grayslake
Library (Mrs. DeGroh), she has found great success in PSP this year, and she learns best through reading and writing.