The Partnership for 21st Century Skills is a site devoted to creating an awareness of the the skills that our students need today to be successful in our rapidly changing world.
The link below leads you to a definition of those skills. Check it out!
P21 Learning Skills
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
How would you feel if insead of reading from the text or doing a worksheet, your child is instead holding a video conference on Skype or is engaged in an online exchange through Moodle. These students are joined remotely with other students from their class and are learning 21st Century communications skills.
While it seems like something students will be doing in a rather distant future, this either is or soon will be the reality for students in Tri-Creek Schools.
Both Skype and Moodle are open source software programs that Tri-Creek teachers are learning and beginning to practice with their students. Classroom walkthroughs last week yielded any number of Lowell Middle School teachers who are catching the vision of 21st Century learning skills for their students.
The goals are student engagment through technology resulting in students who have strong academic skills and the necessary "soft skills" to compete in today's global market.
While it seems like something students will be doing in a rather distant future, this either is or soon will be the reality for students in Tri-Creek Schools.
Both Skype and Moodle are open source software programs that Tri-Creek teachers are learning and beginning to practice with their students. Classroom walkthroughs last week yielded any number of Lowell Middle School teachers who are catching the vision of 21st Century learning skills for their students.
The goals are student engagment through technology resulting in students who have strong academic skills and the necessary "soft skills" to compete in today's global market.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Preparation for 21st Century Workforce and College Readiness
We constantly hear about demands for "change" in education without understanding the master plan behind it. In fact, the change is coming so rapidly that we sometimes wonder if there is a master plan from our federal and state governments.
Minds are hard at work at Lowell High School to continue to lay the foundation of our local master plan. It began with the freshman and sophomore academies, which are well underway, and the vision that is evolving for juniors and seniors is focused on a number of curricular and skills-based components that will result in graduates who are both workforce and college ready.
Lowell High School has implemented two "late starts" this year to do the work that is critical for high school reform that produces 21st Century Learners. One of the critical initiatives is what we call curriculum mapping.
The process aligns content and Indiana standards to ensure that students get a very similar educational experience from each course, regardless of the teacher. In addition, curriculum mapping eliminates content redundancy between courses allowing more time for teaching the seven critical skills for success in the global economy. (Please see posting that features these skills.)
Reform is complex, challenging, and requires patience and commitment. Kudos to the Lowell High School teachers, administration, and support staff for their progress and commitment to education reform that benefits our students. Thanks to each of you who may be a parent or community member for your trust and patience as they strive get the job done!
Minds are hard at work at Lowell High School to continue to lay the foundation of our local master plan. It began with the freshman and sophomore academies, which are well underway, and the vision that is evolving for juniors and seniors is focused on a number of curricular and skills-based components that will result in graduates who are both workforce and college ready.
Lowell High School has implemented two "late starts" this year to do the work that is critical for high school reform that produces 21st Century Learners. One of the critical initiatives is what we call curriculum mapping.
The process aligns content and Indiana standards to ensure that students get a very similar educational experience from each course, regardless of the teacher. In addition, curriculum mapping eliminates content redundancy between courses allowing more time for teaching the seven critical skills for success in the global economy. (Please see posting that features these skills.)
Reform is complex, challenging, and requires patience and commitment. Kudos to the Lowell High School teachers, administration, and support staff for their progress and commitment to education reform that benefits our students. Thanks to each of you who may be a parent or community member for your trust and patience as they strive get the job done!
The Learning Connection
About a year ago Tri-Creek Technology Director Bob Hopper collaborated with a group of technology directors from across the state to evaluate the beta version of what is now The Indiana Department of Education Learning Connection.
The project was launched last spring, and teachers are now discovering the many advantages of this tool which provides data from ISTEP and the Growth Model. In addition the site features a number of "communities" that collaborate on various topics that provide rich information about teaching strategies.
The IDOE also provides webinars and podcasts on pertinent topics at least once a week.
To date there are 54 Tri-Creek participants with 25 of those being from Oak Hill Elementary. Teachers, sign in to access this great resource!
The project was launched last spring, and teachers are now discovering the many advantages of this tool which provides data from ISTEP and the Growth Model. In addition the site features a number of "communities" that collaborate on various topics that provide rich information about teaching strategies.
The IDOE also provides webinars and podcasts on pertinent topics at least once a week.
To date there are 54 Tri-Creek participants with 25 of those being from Oak Hill Elementary. Teachers, sign in to access this great resource!
Apangea Math Debuts at Lowell Middle School
Lowell Middle School launched the use of Apangea Math in four computer labs on Tuesday, September 14. The program ensures that all students are challenged and support in mathematics education.
Apangea provides one-student-to-one-teacher differentiated math instruction through a unique integration of proprietary tutoring technology and live, online certified teachers. As a web-based solution, Apangea Math can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection – ensuring students can learn math anytime, anywhere.
Apangea provides one-student-to-one-teacher differentiated math instruction through a unique integration of proprietary tutoring technology and live, online certified teachers. As a web-based solution, Apangea Math can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection – ensuring students can learn math anytime, anywhere.
Study Finds Quality Leadership Is Crucial to Student Achievement
A new study of education leadership by researchers from the University of Minnesota and University of Toronto and commissioned by the Wallace Foundation concludes that “the effects of school leadership directly influence school and classroom conditions” and that quality educational leadership is “central in addressing and facilitating the work of teaching and learning.”
The report finds very strong correlations between student and community demographics and effective educational leadership. “Both principal and teacher leadership that is focused on improving student learning decreases as poverty and diversity increase, and teachers in schools located in larger metropolitan areas and districts report significantly less leadership, even when we control for school level, size, and urban location,” the report states.
Overall, the study concludes that effective school leadership at all levels depends on the integration of three main concepts: holding high expectations, fostering a sense of efficacy in leaders, and developing engagement with stakeholders throughout organizations. To access the full report, go to http://www.wallacefoundation.org/.
The report finds very strong correlations between student and community demographics and effective educational leadership. “Both principal and teacher leadership that is focused on improving student learning decreases as poverty and diversity increase, and teachers in schools located in larger metropolitan areas and districts report significantly less leadership, even when we control for school level, size, and urban location,” the report states.
Overall, the study concludes that effective school leadership at all levels depends on the integration of three main concepts: holding high expectations, fostering a sense of efficacy in leaders, and developing engagement with stakeholders throughout organizations. To access the full report, go to http://www.wallacefoundation.org/.
Curriculum Leader from District Administration, Volume 1, Issue 14 | September 15, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
The Nifty Fifty on LearniT-TeachiT
The Nifty Fifty is a new collection of lesson plans created by teachers participating in the 21st Century e-Teacher program. These truly innovative, and fun to use, project-based lesson plans showcase best practices for technology integration while inspiring students towards their academic success. Check it out!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Classrooms of the (not-too-distant) Future
Scott McLeod, associate professor at Iowa State University and ed-tech expert, cited the five educational technology devices he believes should be in today's classrooms in an article from SmartBrief on EdTech [edtech@smartbrief.com].
Though his assessment is certainly not the only one or the final one, it it worth considering. He encourages the following devices as necessities in today's classroom.
1. Laptops for every student and teacher, complete with integrated webcams.
2. Blog accounts for every student and teacher.
3. Actively read RSS readers for every student and teacher.
4. A ceiling-mounted projector with speakers.
5. A classroom set of digital, pocket-sized camcorders with still-photo capability.
Kyle Pace a blogger :and instructional technology specialist for a district near Kansas City, Mo. suggests the following additions.
6. Interactive whiteboards for teachers to deliver interactive content.
8. Wireless connectivity to enable learning anywhere in a school.
9. Mobile devices to allow immediate access to content in and out of school.
10. The ability for students to publish work online via a learning-management system, class blog, wiki or other publishing platform to house their e-portfolio.
How are we doing in Tri-Creek? Watch for more information!
Though his assessment is certainly not the only one or the final one, it it worth considering. He encourages the following devices as necessities in today's classroom.
1. Laptops for every student and teacher, complete with integrated webcams.
2. Blog accounts for every student and teacher.
3. Actively read RSS readers for every student and teacher.
4. A ceiling-mounted projector with speakers.
5. A classroom set of digital, pocket-sized camcorders with still-photo capability.
Kyle Pace a blogger :and instructional technology specialist for a district near Kansas City, Mo. suggests the following additions.
6. Interactive whiteboards for teachers to deliver interactive content.
8. Wireless connectivity to enable learning anywhere in a school.
9. Mobile devices to allow immediate access to content in and out of school.
10. The ability for students to publish work online via a learning-management system, class blog, wiki or other publishing platform to house their e-portfolio.
How are we doing in Tri-Creek? Watch for more information!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Twenty-first Century Survival Skills
Tony Wagner, the author of The Global Achievement Gap: Why Even Our Best Schools Don't Teach the New Survival Skills Our Children Need--And What We Can Do About It, has done hundreds of walk-throughs in the best public and private high schools. He says that even the best are missing the Seven Survival Skills critical for future generations.
He promotes these skills as the "Three R's" of this generation. They are the "new basic skills" for work, learning, and citizenship in the twenty-first century.
The Seven Survival Skills are as follows:
1. Critical thinking and problem solving
2. Collaboration across networks and leading by influence
3. Agility and adaptability
4. Initiative and Entrepreneurialism
5. Effective Oral and Written Communication
6. Accessing and Analyzing Information
7. Curiosity and Imagination
The content of the book challenges the way we think about teaching and learning. It is well worth the read or check out the video in the links!
He promotes these skills as the "Three R's" of this generation. They are the "new basic skills" for work, learning, and citizenship in the twenty-first century.
The Seven Survival Skills are as follows:
1. Critical thinking and problem solving
2. Collaboration across networks and leading by influence
3. Agility and adaptability
4. Initiative and Entrepreneurialism
5. Effective Oral and Written Communication
6. Accessing and Analyzing Information
7. Curiosity and Imagination
The content of the book challenges the way we think about teaching and learning. It is well worth the read or check out the video in the links!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
KID TV--Supporting Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships!
An absolute must for all to check out! This site is called "KID TV" and is produced by elementary school children in Thompson School District Colorado. The concept of students developing video presentations can be used across the district K-12.
Bob Hopper says that you can use Windows Movie Maker (free) and a video camera. Lowell Middle School already has a number of flip cams, and Bob is planning the purchase of at least one for each of the other buildings. You can still use any video camera that is available, and the Tech Department will add Windows Movie Maker for those who submit a service request. We are looking for a few innovators in each building to develop this vision in Tri-Creek!
http://www.thompson.k12.co.us/video/kidtv.html
Bob Hopper says that you can use Windows Movie Maker (free) and a video camera. Lowell Middle School already has a number of flip cams, and Bob is planning the purchase of at least one for each of the other buildings. You can still use any video camera that is available, and the Tech Department will add Windows Movie Maker for those who submit a service request. We are looking for a few innovators in each building to develop this vision in Tri-Creek!
http://www.thompson.k12.co.us/video/kidtv.html
Friday, September 3, 2010
Online Teaching
Please review the online teaching video on the link to the right. It gives you an excellent vision of how instruction is being delivered to students via a web delivery system called Elluminate.
In addition, I just read about the Thompson School District online high school that is opening this fall in Loveland, Colorado. Their website provided this statement, "Research indicates that within 10 years, 50% of K-12 courses will be online."
In addition, I just read about the Thompson School District online high school that is opening this fall in Loveland, Colorado. Their website provided this statement, "Research indicates that within 10 years, 50% of K-12 courses will be online."
States to Create Next Generation Standardized Tests
The Education Department awarded $330 million to two groups of states to begin work on new national standardized assessments to test students' skills in math and English. The two groups -- which include 44 states -- will work with testing experts and university professors to design computer-based tests that measure higher-level abilities, such as synthesizing information and completing performance-based tasks. The tests, which will be given as end-of-year exams as well as during the school year to monitor progress, are expected to be in place by the 2014-15 school year.-- Source ASCD Smart Brief 9/3/2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Three Creeks Significantly Reduces Copy Counts
Good news! Connie Bales reported that Three Creeks has reduced its copy count by 30,000 copies in the first month of school. This translates to a savings of approximately $1,500 based on a five cent per page cost.
Mrs. Bales believes that two factors have contributed to the savings: paperless registration and teacher response to her plea to reduce the count.
Good work on the part of all. Thank you!
Mrs. Bales believes that two factors have contributed to the savings: paperless registration and teacher response to her plea to reduce the count.
Good work on the part of all. Thank you!