How will she learn?

Change the Subject...

Follow the link above and think about if we should "change the subject" of future learning, now.

Digital Citizenship

Are we teaching this?

Learning, Not Testing

Great article. Blue ribbon classrooms...
8 Things to Look For in Today’s Classroom

http://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/3586

A colleague's response:

Interesting … why is it so difficult to “find” it in today’s classrooms?

My response:

The first thing that comes to mind is that although one would think that the items listed are pretty obvious, the fact is that it is not easy. It's about unlearning and relearning. Teachers have to start anew and become students in our changed world. It's different from simply creating new lesson plans, educators really have to understand the power of connecting with colleagues outside the school walls and model exploration, vulnerability, failure, and problem solving. I'm not confident that all teachers know how to ask good questions or solve problems. I am confident, however, that we need to spend time teaching teachers how to demand this kind of skill in their classrooms.

Another major road block is the combination of Common Core, State Testing, and Benchmarks. I'm not saying that any of the aforementioned items are bad in and of themselves; however, if they drive the decisions educators make and cause teachers to sacrifice learning and critical thinking so they can "prepare" their students for schooling, it is impossible to find the 8 things listed in the post. It takes time to reflect on learning, and even longer to train students to identify and reflect on their own learning and progress. (it's much easier to complete worksheets, than compile a portfolio).

I've been watching High Tech High School in San Diego, CA for a while. I've added a snapshot video of the magic they are making. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yie4q8LscBs) The truth is that the magic is not from Merlin, it is in the power of setting up a learning environment that is drenched in tinkering with a purpose. The conversations are about crafting problems and continually solving the how and the why. The chatter isn't about filling bubbles or assigning HW. The students are focused and filled with curiosity. They have found a way to marry the "silos" of tech and academic. It might be worth looking into…

Always learning,

Scott

Scott S. Shaw, Principal
Eisenhower Middle School
@EMS_Principal

"In times of change, learners inherit the Earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists…" Eric Hoffer

Although our world is not always a beautiful place, we can choose to live beautifully in it!

The Question

How can we ignite an understanding that the new space of learning must be embraced and push the envelop of tinkering with a purpose without making educators feel as if they are irrelevant?

The children are tinkering...the clock is ticking...

Think, Focus, Ask, Reflect

Source: 1.bp.blogspot.com via Frankie on Pinterest

A Vision of Necessity

                                                          What inspires you?

Recently, my colleagues and I had the opportunity to draft a new vision and mission.  This year we will journey together as we dissect the words of our proposed new direction with stakeholders and collaboratively strive to make the vision a reality!  The photo above represents my motivation, purpose, and necessity!

Vision:

 Preparing the children of today for tomorrow…

Mission:
 The Roxbury Township Public Schools, a dynamic and thriving district, in partnership with a supportive and collaborative community, inspires and empowers all learners to flourish as ethical and global citizens in the 21st century.