Some thoughts on education....

Notes for the book....

2007-03-31T20:34:00.000-05:00

Over my years in education, I have commented on many occasions the need to write a book on my experiences and the stories that I have encountered. There are many funny stories, many sad stories, many shocking stories, but they all are true and I'm going to start writing them here. I'd love to hear your stories, so please feel free to share them.

Teamwork...Teamwork....Teamwork.....

2007-03-31T20:09:00.000-05:00

Collaboration in education has become an integral part of increasing student achievement over the past decade. We have seen an increase in the research on creating professional learning communities with Rick DuFour leading the way. Unfortunately, we have not seen the support for collaboration through funding by state and local education agencies to the extent that is necessary. Dufour (2004) writes, "Despite compelling evidence indicating that working collaboratively represents best practice, teachers in many schools continue to work in isolation" (p. 9). I concur with this as existing in most schools. Administrators must build the capacity and train people to work together. Collaboration does not happen by accident, it must be created. Teachers must recognize the importance of collaboration and administration must build capacity for this to occur. As an administrator, I cannot expect my staff to just get together and have it result in significant instructional effectiveness. I must build a community of learning that is expected. As DuFour (2004) writes, "The professional collaboration that characterizes professional learning communities is a systematic process in which teachers work together to analyze and improve their classroom practice" (p. 9). I feel strongly about the need to collaborate for us to take the next steps in education and to meet the challenges of the future. For far too long teachers have been islands in a vast ocean and they need to move to form a continent.
What has your school, district, and state done to support collaboration? What outcomes have occurred as a result of your experiences in collaborating?

FISH! in Schools

2007-03-31T17:13:00.000-05:00

We have definitely begun to adopt the FISH! philosophy at our school over the past several months. Basically, the philosophy revolves around the following four principles: Choosing your attitude, Being there, Making their day, and Play. In my opinion these principles go a long way in creating a healthy work environment and it's applicable in all work type settings.
I'm hoping that others in our school have embraced the concepts as strongly as I have. It has definitely helped me cope with some of the more difficult situations that we have been confronted with this school year.At the end of the year, we will conduct a survey reflecting on our first year with the philosophy in place.
I'm curious to hear of other's experiences with the philosophy. If you are unaware of what I'm even talking or want to know more about FISH! visit the site below, read the books, and watch the video. It will definitely have an impact on you!
Pete

http://www.charthouse.com/content.aspx?nodeid=1200

Teaching the Bible in Public Schools

2007-03-31T16:48:00.000-05:00

After reading a recent Time magazine article on the topic, I was curious to know what others thought about this controversial issue. 'Should United States public schools teach the Bible as a part of their curriculum?'
Growing up in the U.S. citizens are constantly referred to the phrase 'separation of church and state'. This article challenges conventional thinking by rationalizing the need for teaching the Bible as a work of literature due to it's significance in Western (and United States) culture.
Steven Prothero is quoted, "I think the academic study of religion provides a kind of middle space between those two ways of talking. It takes the biblical truth claims seriously and yet brackets them for purpose of classroom discussion....It works in a way that feels safe to both the believer and the unbeliever in the room." The article differentiates between teaching the Bible and preaching the Bible, and there definitely is a difference. However, in my opinion, the distinction is not black and white it is largely gray. The article's author writes, "Concerns about whether a Bible Belt Christian teacher could in good conscience teach a religiously neutral Bible course also plagued me." That is the concern that I have with regards to this issue...and frankly, I couldn't blame that type of teacher. Anyway, let me know what you think.
Thanks.
Pete

Differentiating Instruction Using Technology

2007-03-20T20:13:00.000-05:00

Teachers have been differentiating instruction for over a hundred years in classrooms across the United States. However, the phrase 'differentiating instruction' has only become popular in the past decade or so, particularly through the work of Carol Ann Tomlinson. Also in the past ten years, the integration of instructional technology into classrooms has become an important part of educating our students for the future.

In my opinion, the combination of the two presents some amazing possibilities for our children as they are able to work at their instructional level on topics and using strategies that are engaging and authentic. I hope to see this fusion occur at a greater rate in the coming decade with an increase in the degree of professional development and support that is necessary for this to occur.

How are schools and districts in other areas of the country working to combine these two educational approaches?

Technology Integration in Pre-School

2007-03-20T19:57:00.000-05:00

In our pre-k classrooms, we have a great deal of technology that is used by both students and staff. There are approximately 10 to 12 students, half of which are special needs the other half are typical peers. Each classroom is equipped with a rear-projection Smart Board, several laptops, a digital camera, and an amplification system. Teachers have had significant training/professional development. The children are using technology on a daily basis and the teachers believe that they have noticed increased student engagement and learning. The feedback is very anecdotal and cannot be attributed or linked specifically to the integration of technology. As the building principal, I have definitely worked to create the capacity for this to occur and am very proud of what we have accomplished. The technology is rather expensive, somewhere in the $20,000 per classrooom range.
How can we measure the impact of this type of program and technology integration to support the rationale for this type of funding?

Ideas for PDA Integration

2007-03-10T10:30:00.000-05:00

For a grant project, I am looking for innovative & effective ways to integrate PDA's with students at the elementary school level. I have read about several different uses at the middle school and high school level and some at the elementary level. Additionally, I've brainstormed some of my own ideas. But, I am interested in hearing what others have done or would do if they are given the opportunity to use this type of technology. I love to hear what some outside of the box thinkers would say on this topic. Thank you in advance and I can't wait to hear what you think!
Pete