When I was a classroom teacher I looked forward to summer break. I was able to close out one school year, leave myself a ton of reminders for the start of the next and was ready to turn my mind and body to other pursuits. I could come back fresh, excited and eager to dive right in. I am now a instructional technology specialist and though my school year officially ends and I will soon be on summer break my…
Repeatedly we hear the call to base everything on data driven research, not a bad idea in itself but when you live in the world of technology and innovation then it possess quite a stumbling block. How can you collect data on the future? It takes years to develop a good research plan, carry it out and draw any conclusion. Somebody has to go first. Districts that will only make decisions based on what has gone on before will forever be…
I feel like I am stuck in an episode of the twilight zone doomed to repeat past mistakes. It is as if someone has put my professional life on a loop. I just can’t break out of the cyclical madness of educational programs and trends. Let’s take a walk down memory lane. There are many terms, phrases and programs that keep reappearing in education. Below are a list of some that have appeared in recent times, though likely they are…
Many school curricula have remained pretty much unchanged for decades some could argue centuries. The basic common elements of English, Math, Science and History are constants, it is the other curricular options that seem to come and go over time. When I was in middle school/ high school we had a choice of home economics options; sewing, cooking, money matters, early childhood education. There was also a “shop” track; woodworking, automotive repair, metal working, business accounting, keyboarding, and short hand. …
I had pledge to myself when I started this blog so many years ago that I would post at least twice a month. I was not able to keep that commitment and did not make a single post in February. The crazy New England winter and family matters played a role. It is now March and time to recommit to at least a twice a month post.
A new year means a time for reflection and a new start, as educators we get two every year. We start fresh each school year and get a boost mid-way through with the start of a new calendar year. I take the winter break to reflect on how the year is going and what type of course corrections need to be made. How will I make the most of the second half of the school year? How will I make…
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for reading my thoughts over the course of the year and sharing yours as we continue to learn. I wish you all a Joyous New Year may it be filled grace, peace and love.