I saw this video as I was informing others about the dangers of the Internet. I am mixed about who is more at risk – those that are my age or young people. It has become so normal for young people that they don’t think about the consequences. The world is diffferent for them. Should they have fears as we do. Of course but wow they are expected to make important choices about their lives at a much younger age than we did. They are expected to mistrust and be so very very cautious before they even grow up. During our formative years we were allowed to be naive and that is probably what kept us watching Disney and being slightly innocent. So when I was 12 would I want to think about the whole world not just my street and how my actions impact me and everyone else? I think it is too much. Internet safety is critical to teach and keep in our minds as we work through all content areas in school.
The Northwest Regional Education Lab- quality and teaching division, created a guide to develop professional learning teams to bring teachers together as leaders in their own development and growth. High need districts were selected for the study. Teachers were put into teams to look at data, determine instructional strategies based on that data, use research based strategies, collect classroom data and reflect as a team to improve. The process also includes developing teams, resolving conflict, developing trust, and improving communication.
This model puts teachers in the drivers seat and administrators provide them with the resources they need to succeed. Those resources might be access to the data they need, professional development and meeting time, bringing in experts as they identify areas they want to improve, etc. Teachers drive the change by their own research which is what we encourage our students to do. Our teachers become learners, educators and decision makers in their own destiny with a common goal of improving student performance. With this vested interest teachers develop a process for growth and “life long learning” that we so desparately want to instill in our students.
This article provides a guide which I highly recommend. Administrators become supporters and gatherers of resources and teachers implement their plans as teams to provide constant feedback, improving of practice, and reflection.
The article is Improving Instruction through Professional Learning Teams, A guide for school leaders. November 2005, Dr. Susan Sather. I have provided you with a link under other resources.
It is time! I have the need to move. I brought my husband to Morocco last fall – we went back packing and 4-wheeling. The cultural encounters and scenery was beautiful. My mind always makes it back to our children. I wonder how different the world would be if we could come together. I aspire to try and do this with technology. It is difficult to promote that when teachers themselves might not have had these experiences. You have to feel it to understand it. How can technology bring us closer together? There is a place for everything but technology can help us bridge that gap. Back to the trip though- what is next – any ideas to help me out for an adventure.
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