Vision - in a nutshell

This is my short, sweet vision

• Students that are engaged in meaningful learning that excites and motivates them – kids that are truly excited about what they're learning!
• Schedules that accommodate the effective integration of Science and Social Studies into our curriculum.
• Teachers that feel they have the freedom to teach creatively.
• Updated Social Studies curriculum that is meaningful to our students.
• New Science curriculum that is hands-on with many manipulatives, an indoor Science lab, and an outdoor Science lab.
• Project-Based Learning!
• Students involved in how and what they learn.

• Collaboration among teachers as well as the whole building.

• A school culture that is open to change, where ideas are discussed/considered without fear.

Book Study - Questions to Ponder

I'm currently reading Breaking Free by Allison Zmuda and love this book! There are some great reflection questions that I'd like to share with you. Please feel free to comment on these.

What do students think about during the school day because of how we design learning?

How do those thoughts help students grow? How do they limit students?

How much has the work in your school changed in the past two decades? Have those changes led to increased engagement?

What is the most innovative idea that has improved the thinking or staff? Of students?

The author wrote the following "I believe..." statements:

*Learning is a joyful experience when it commands our attention.

*Schools can transform into learning organizations the moment that you decide there must be a better way, and then pursue it.

*Exploring unfamiliar territories creates the uncertainty and discomfort needed to begin to think anew.

*The power of educators to affect the lives of children is breathtaking!!!

Governor's Reading Bill - KASB - KNEA

I attempted to muddle through the governor's reading bill and find it disturbing that politicians are making such critical decisions about literacy. These decisions could be detrimental to our students. I'm sorry but focusing on holding back 3rd graders instead of placing our focus and funds on early literacy is completely INSANE!!!!!! Who is making these uneducated decisions about our kids? Research shows that early literacy is the key to successful reading in the later grades, not the opposite! I'm  hoping that some of the amendments will prevent this stupidity. 

I have fears that if we tie state assessment results to our students either pass/fail with the possibility of being retained, that we will focus even more on teaching to the test. Not only that, but what kind of pressure are we placing on our kids with the fear of being retained held over their heads if they fail a test. What about our dyslexic students that don't have IEPs and struggle with reading? Statistics prove that holding back a dyslexic student does them more harm than good. Honestly, I'm terrified of the damage that this type of thinking can lead to.

I spent some time this evening on both the KASB and KNEA sites to get a feel for both. It is my observation that KASB is more neutral and factual. I found more detailed information on the various bills without any biased opinions. On KNEA's site, I observed articles that were more biased with limited details and facts on the bills. I also feel that KNEA's site is more negative, and the authors of the articles seem a little paranoid.

I'm curious to know more about the bill concerning carry conceal in public buildings. Does this mean that teachers will be able to carry to protect their students? I know Texas and Oklahoma have passed a similar bill, if this is what I'm thinking it is.