TechTeachers.com

Sweeping School Reform Article Made Me Think

admin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:44:42 +0000

The Chicago Tribune today had an article titled Major School Reform Vowed to get U.S. Funds. Stephanie Banchero wrote about a grant that was compiled by the state of Illinois and signed off on by 368 of the 869 school districts in the state. This grant was written to capture part of the Race to the Top initiative funds. The time line on page 14 is very aggressive and could dramatically change what is happening in the classroom. I said could, not will at this point.
A few changes would be no more ISAT testing, a tougher exam would take the place along with testing at every grade level. Teachers and administrators will be rated on students’ test results, and the process for fixing a failing school will change. Evaluating a teacher and administrators will change that 50% of the evaluation will be tied to student test scores.
There is a lot of fuel for powerful discussion, and I do not agree with all parts of the proposal. I don’t know an educator that believes a standardized test alone should determine anything.

But the article did make me think about professional development and how this COULD potentially change everything.

• Imagine if more teachers would create a PLN and netWORK to get better.
• Imagine if each educator and administrator sought out learning opportunities that translate to change in the classroom.
• Imagine if educators would come to professional development excited to learn, grow and stretch instead of reading the newspaper or grading papers.
• Imagine teachers energized by the data, and letting that drive instruction, differentiating as needed.

There needs to be a major shift from the attitude professional development is something my school district does to me a few times a year, to “look what I learned yesterday, let me show you how it will help my students”. Professional development must become a personal mission for every professional educator. I do hope we see sweeping changes!

Playing with Metaplace

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:14:33 +0000

New to me, this reminds me of Second Life, yet not the scary side of Second Life. I am still learning, but I see amazing possibilities.

Extra! Extra! Meg makes the evening news!

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:25:42 +0000

Meg is in New York State doing several presentations and workshops this week. A local news crew caught her in action working with a group of school administrators. Check out the footage here.

A Work in Progress

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:07:47 +0000

There are changes happening all around the TechTeachers Website. We’re working hard to update our content to bring our visitors the most relevant and current ideas and resources involving bringing technology into the classroom. Please be patient while we pretty much overhaul everything! There are great resources and learning opportunities on the way!

A Full Day of Learning on Twitter

admin — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:10:32 +0000

Today I had one of the rare days in the home office and I learned so much, I really do love the power of Twitter. My new assistant Laurie and I are redesigning this website and we were debating where to place the blog. Those of you that know me know I am not a good blogger, but I did miss it today. So, now we have to figure out WordPress and relink it where we need it.

Always revising!

YouTube – Did You Know 4.0

admin — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:13:44 +0000

I finally had a chance to Watch Did You Know 4.0. I like the remake.

Did You Know 4.0

Welcome | ShareThis

admin — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:38:29 +0000

Welcome | ShareThis. Two posts in one day, I know amazing. I am on a mission to learn how my geeky friends use all these tools. the one I am playing with now is press this for quick blog posting about the cool tool called Share This. the next step is figuring out how to add this to the updated web site.

Learning So Much as We Tackle WordPress 2.8.4

admin — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:33:44 +0000

I love the new version of WordPress! I was afraid to upgrade but it was a snap. the new dashboard makes everything easier. We still have a long way to go to clean up my infoclutter, but at least it is started! I have set a number of goals for the web site, now I just have to make them happen!

Dan Ormiston

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:13:32 +0000

dans-movie-for-geo_0001Check out this great video!

Happy Eighth Grade Graduation!

admin — Thu, 28 May 2009 21:46:38 +0000

Now I have finally figured out why I bought the school pictures every year! I created this with an awesome little program called Sqirlz Morph http://www.tucows.com/preview/365265 I saved the animation to Flash, it took a long time to build.

Tonight is the big night, Happy Graduation son! Homemade gifts are always the best!