Saturday, February 21, 2009
AASA Tours
Even though my wife was thoroughly disappointed that Goldie Hawn was ill and wasn't able to speak at the opening session, she was pleasantly surprised with The Giant Redwoods and Sausalito Tour. In the spirit of Ian Jukes and providing for digital learners, I took my video camera along and put together a digital landscape of the Muir Woods. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then I am "walking on sunshine" when it comes to covering my blogging expectations for the day. Tomorrow, its Art and Wine in Napa Valley.
AASA Author's Breakfast
I had the privilege of attending the AASA Author's breakfast at 7:00 AM today at the San Francisco Marriott. As a contributing author to one of the books selected as for the AASA Professional library (click here), we were treated to round table discussions with the other authors.
For all you AASA members, don't forget to check out the benefits of membership in AASA Professional Library. (details here).
The breakfast was sponsored by Corwin Press and free books were distributed to the visitors that stopped by.
For all you AASA members, don't forget to check out the benefits of membership in AASA Professional Library. (details here).
The breakfast was sponsored by Corwin Press and free books were distributed to the visitors that stopped by.
Friday, February 20, 2009
What a Team!!
As I listened to Patrick Lencioni talk about teams this morning, I reflected on what a great team it takes to pull off the AASA National Conference on Education. I have been truly impressed with President Randy Collins, Executive Director Dan Domenech, and the whole AASA team. I knew the team was very good, however, I did not realize how organized and to what level of detail they followed until today. The morning started with the Superintendent of the Year line up and rehearsal. Everything was well planned and last minute changes were handled with minimum commotion. Herding a bunch of school superintendents is like herding a bunch of cats, however, the AASA team did a great job. Then the Superintendent of the Year luncheon was a wonderful event. To see the legends like Rudy Crews, Bill McNeal and other former Superintendents of the Year sharing war stories at the lunch table was a lot of fun.
Patrick Lencioni talked about 5 dysfunctions of teams. I like to think that Executive Director Dan Domenech has assembled a team that exhibits the 5 components of great teams. You can tell when working with the AASA team that there is trust within the team. You can tell that Dan encourages diverse opinions. The commitment to the organization is evident in all that is done. Also, you see accountability in that everyone expects a job well done and corrects mistakes when they are made. The job well done is very visible with the daily on-line accounts of the conference. Jay Goldman and his team are doing a terrific job. As a presenter, I can also say that Molly O'Neill and the conference planning staff left no detail to chance!!! Finally, the results speak for themselves. General sessions have gone off flawlessly and we have had outstanding speakers and education sessions.
The team is very creative. I am looking forward to the weekly webinars concerning the stimulus package. Yes, I think Patrick Lencioni could use the AASA team as an example of a high functioning team. His five components of dysfunctional team are certainly reversed as you look at the AASA team - trust, seeking diverse opinions, commitment, accountability and results are very positive and apparent. Hats off to Dan and the team for a great conference. If you see team members on the final day of the conference, let them know what a great job they have done!!!
Patrick Lencioni talked about 5 dysfunctions of teams. I like to think that Executive Director Dan Domenech has assembled a team that exhibits the 5 components of great teams. You can tell when working with the AASA team that there is trust within the team. You can tell that Dan encourages diverse opinions. The commitment to the organization is evident in all that is done. Also, you see accountability in that everyone expects a job well done and corrects mistakes when they are made. The job well done is very visible with the daily on-line accounts of the conference. Jay Goldman and his team are doing a terrific job. As a presenter, I can also say that Molly O'Neill and the conference planning staff left no detail to chance!!! Finally, the results speak for themselves. General sessions have gone off flawlessly and we have had outstanding speakers and education sessions.
The team is very creative. I am looking forward to the weekly webinars concerning the stimulus package. Yes, I think Patrick Lencioni could use the AASA team as an example of a high functioning team. His five components of dysfunctional team are certainly reversed as you look at the AASA team - trust, seeking diverse opinions, commitment, accountability and results are very positive and apparent. Hats off to Dan and the team for a great conference. If you see team members on the final day of the conference, let them know what a great job they have done!!!
The Digital Divide
Ian Jukes made some provocative statements today. Here is a short list of my favorites.
Many of this year's presenters have pounded home the idea that we are in an era of unbelievable change and the changes are only going to get faster and faster.
If educators don't try to catch up with the students technologically and learn to harness the tools they use daily - we are going to lose more and more students.
Gives you something to think about.
- Speaking about the great digital divide between generations he said, "Schools are doing a great job of preparing students for the year 1960!"
- Speaking about teachers and their teaching styles he said, "When the going gets tough the tough get traditional."
- "Digital kids think differently."
- "Today's students are not disabled, they are other abled."
- "Today's students will have 10 - 17 careers (not jobs - careers) ............by the time they are 35."
Many of this year's presenters have pounded home the idea that we are in an era of unbelievable change and the changes are only going to get faster and faster.
If educators don't try to catch up with the students technologically and learn to harness the tools they use daily - we are going to lose more and more students.
Gives you something to think about.
The Challenges of Educating Digital Natives!
Ian Jukes is a dynamic, passionate, thought provoking and convincing speaker. Ian spoke to us about some incredible new brain research regarding the emergence of a digital culture. This research supports that chronic bombardment of digital experiences changes the way kids receive, process, interpret and learn new information. This has amazing implications for the way we design and implement instruction. His message was clear. The children in our classrooms are more prepared with 21st century skills than the teachers who are responsible for educating them.
Brain research is not new to our field. For many years we have been trying to understand the implications of this research in terms of differentiated instruction and multiple intelligences. In our district we are finally beginning to see the results of this research and the impact it has on instructional practices and student learning. But Ian is right. This new brain research implies that the brain is highly adaptable and the intensity and duration of experiences can change students’ neuro-procesing powers enhancing visual memory and visual processing. Our students think graphically. They are not auditory or text based learners. They are visual or visual kinesthetic learners.
This raises so many questions for us as we move forward. We have asked ourselves, how do we provide our students with the skills they need to be successful in the 21st century? According to Ian, they already have these skills. So the real question is, how do we prepare our teachers to understand the needs of the 21st century learner and adjust their instructional practices so that students can capitalize on the skills that they already possess? How are our universities preparing new teachers to address this new generation of “digital first language learners”? How do we help our seasoned teachers to understand that students think and process information differently and their instructional practices must respond to the needs of this new generation of learners?
I found this session very enlightening and validating but left with more questions than answers. Ian challenged my thinking and will change the conversations I will have in my district. The implications of this new research impacts curriculum, instruction and assessment practices and cannot be ignored.
Brain research is not new to our field. For many years we have been trying to understand the implications of this research in terms of differentiated instruction and multiple intelligences. In our district we are finally beginning to see the results of this research and the impact it has on instructional practices and student learning. But Ian is right. This new brain research implies that the brain is highly adaptable and the intensity and duration of experiences can change students’ neuro-procesing powers enhancing visual memory and visual processing. Our students think graphically. They are not auditory or text based learners. They are visual or visual kinesthetic learners.
This raises so many questions for us as we move forward. We have asked ourselves, how do we provide our students with the skills they need to be successful in the 21st century? According to Ian, they already have these skills. So the real question is, how do we prepare our teachers to understand the needs of the 21st century learner and adjust their instructional practices so that students can capitalize on the skills that they already possess? How are our universities preparing new teachers to address this new generation of “digital first language learners”? How do we help our seasoned teachers to understand that students think and process information differently and their instructional practices must respond to the needs of this new generation of learners?
I found this session very enlightening and validating but left with more questions than answers. Ian challenged my thinking and will change the conversations I will have in my district. The implications of this new research impacts curriculum, instruction and assessment practices and cannot be ignored.
Networking Night Life
The AASA Conference bring a number of opportunities to those who attend. Networking with colleagues is probably as important as any. The Wyoming Association of School Administrators dined at John's Grill on Thursday evening. This is an annual event that is always well planned by the Executive Director Dan Stephan. It provides an opportunity to address issues, personal and professional, in a relaxed setting while discussing the Conference. For a State that only has 48 public school superintendents, we are well represented at the Conference. Tonight I am looking forward to attending and networking with superintendents at the Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota Reception at the Marriott.
Photo: Former Wyoming State Superintendents of the Year, Mike Hejtmanek and Dan Espeland enjoy the San Francisco spirit after dinning at John's Grill.
State Superintendents Recognized
Forty-eight State Superintendents of the Year were recognized in this morning's general session. Beverly Hall from Atlanta Public Schools was named the AASA Superintendent of the year.I believe this celebration is as important as anything we do here at the National Conference. It compliments Donna Brazile's concept on finding the good and praising it. Celebrating success is a research based requirement in promoting lasting change. I was especially proud of my state superintendent of the year, Kevin Mitchell. Kevin works in the same county as I do and it is heart warming to see a colleague share the stage with other esteemed superintendents.
We all dare to dream and I am sure 48 superintendents lived out part of their dreams today. Well done ladies and gentlemen!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A Day of Inspiration
What a day! It started out with the delightful young singers from the East Bay Choral Project reminding us all why we became educators. All of their songs echoed the same message that they are somebody and they deserve our collective commitment to ensuring that our public school systems avail them of the resources and opportunities they deserve so they can be what they want to be.
Randy Collins and Donna Brazile both stressed that with the Obama administration there is a new energy, optimism and opportunity to make creative and sustainable changes in public education and that we have a chance to make a real difference in the lives of the children we serve. As I reflected on their message I was inspired but also troubled. The challenges we have today seem overwhelming. With the crisis in the economy we are all trying to do more with less. Although I am extremely grateful for the stimulus package and the opportunities it has for education, I am concerned that it will not provide us with the resources to implement new and creative school reform initiatives that are needed to address the difficult challenges ahead. I left the session feeling hopeful but also anxious.
My final session was with Josh Sundquist. What a great way to end the day! This young man’s message of optimism was different then the morning speakers. He lost his leg to cancer at the age of ten, was cured at age thirteen and nine years later was named to the United States Paralympic Ski Team. Josh left his audience with more that a feeling of just hope. He reminded us that life is tough and that there will always be obstacles, some harder than others, but that these obstacles can be amazing opportunties and can cause us to accomplish things that we never thought we could.
Perhaps this economic crisis coupled with the hope of this new administration will provide us with avenues to “right the wrongs” of our education system, ensure equity and excellence for all and see our obstacles as opportunities to accompish things we never dreamed we could.
Randy Collins and Donna Brazile both stressed that with the Obama administration there is a new energy, optimism and opportunity to make creative and sustainable changes in public education and that we have a chance to make a real difference in the lives of the children we serve. As I reflected on their message I was inspired but also troubled. The challenges we have today seem overwhelming. With the crisis in the economy we are all trying to do more with less. Although I am extremely grateful for the stimulus package and the opportunities it has for education, I am concerned that it will not provide us with the resources to implement new and creative school reform initiatives that are needed to address the difficult challenges ahead. I left the session feeling hopeful but also anxious.
My final session was with Josh Sundquist. What a great way to end the day! This young man’s message of optimism was different then the morning speakers. He lost his leg to cancer at the age of ten, was cured at age thirteen and nine years later was named to the United States Paralympic Ski Team. Josh left his audience with more that a feeling of just hope. He reminded us that life is tough and that there will always be obstacles, some harder than others, but that these obstacles can be amazing opportunties and can cause us to accomplish things that we never thought we could.
Perhaps this economic crisis coupled with the hope of this new administration will provide us with avenues to “right the wrongs” of our education system, ensure equity and excellence for all and see our obstacles as opportunities to accompish things we never dreamed we could.
Faces of Children
It was an exciting first day for the AASA National Conference on Education. The theme for the day seemed to be about change. Donna Brazile talked about winds of change and I was reminded of the opening of Tom Friedman's book - Hot, Flat and Crowded. He talks in the introduction about a Chinese saying - when the strong winds blow, some people build walls to block the wind and others build windmills to harness the wind. All of the speakers today seemed to talk about building those windmills and harnessing the change that is sweeping across our nation.
Friedman talks about the new generation of builders in our country and Brazile talked about that group also. They are the 19-23 year olds that made a difference in the recent presidential election. They are the next generation of leaders who want to restore America to the pride and hope that the world used to expect from our country. Yes, all of the speakers today inspired and talked about harnessing the winds of change and then I saw the faces of children.
I saw a choir of amazing diversity. A choir of children from all types of schools and all ages. I saw pride in the faces of children from all backgrounds. The pride came from performing music to a large audience of adults. I saw and heard children singing about the hope and the winds of change that are awaiting them as they grow up and assume responsibility for this great country.
I saw a Latin Jazz Band full of students who loved the music and loved performing. I saw a bass player who showed his emotion for the music with every pluck of the strings. I saw a saxophone player perform like a professional musician. Again, I saw a wide range of diversity in the group.
Bottom line for me is the children. I was excited by the speakers, however, I was moved to continue the work that we do everyday by the faces of the children. Donna Brazile probably had it right. She said we are doing God's work. I'm certain that God would have loved the music today and would have loved seeing the faces of the children.
Friedman talks about the new generation of builders in our country and Brazile talked about that group also. They are the 19-23 year olds that made a difference in the recent presidential election. They are the next generation of leaders who want to restore America to the pride and hope that the world used to expect from our country. Yes, all of the speakers today inspired and talked about harnessing the winds of change and then I saw the faces of children.
I saw a choir of amazing diversity. A choir of children from all types of schools and all ages. I saw pride in the faces of children from all backgrounds. The pride came from performing music to a large audience of adults. I saw and heard children singing about the hope and the winds of change that are awaiting them as they grow up and assume responsibility for this great country.
I saw a Latin Jazz Band full of students who loved the music and loved performing. I saw a bass player who showed his emotion for the music with every pluck of the strings. I saw a saxophone player perform like a professional musician. Again, I saw a wide range of diversity in the group.
Bottom line for me is the children. I was excited by the speakers, however, I was moved to continue the work that we do everyday by the faces of the children. Donna Brazile probably had it right. She said we are doing God's work. I'm certain that God would have loved the music today and would have loved seeing the faces of the children.
Educational Shepherds
"There is no better time than now to make sure hope and optimism are not lost." (AASA President Randall Collins)
Educational shepherds, as referenced by AASA President Randall Collins, waited outside Hall A of the Moscone Center for the opening general session. Fifteen minutes before the first presentation the doors were finally opened. My wife, Deb, and I rushed in along with the other administrators like a bunch of sheep waiting to be pastured. We found a place right behind the reserved seating (6 rows back). This was the closest we have been to the front of the class since we were freshmen in college. I sat between my wife and a gentleman that I have never met before. His name was Greg Bartlett, an assistant superintendent from Maine. As we waited, we exchanged small talk about our districts and the cultural differences between the coastal east and the western inland of Wyoming. Then the lights went up and the voices of children in song gave note to the 2009 AASA National Convention.
San Francisco Unifed School District Superintendent Carlos Garcia provided the welcome and greeting for this city. He said that his district is the first to recognize NCLB as a civil rights issue and invited all districts to do the same. I enjoyed his enthusiasm, but have always thought that NCLB origins were based on civil rights. Garcia went on to say that social justice can not exist without equity in education. This is so true, especially if equity is defined as what it takes to be the same. This applies to everything from educational funding models to basic civil rights. At any rate, the stage was set for Randall Collins and Donna Brazile to follow.
Collins was fantastic! He was very matter of fact and powerful in his description of a new energy that he senses in education and in the country as well. He called it optimism. He believes that the American power from within will generate a burning for change and with the new Presidential Administration, hope has ignited a flame. He described educational leaders as Educational Shepherds for the future saying our calling is noble and our success is critical. This country is hungry for success and it is up to the Shepherds to provide the guidance.
Thinking that Collins provided a difficult act to follow, the "Road Diva" as Donna Brazile called herself, came out to "stir things up." To say she was an advocate of our newly elected president is an understatment. She said that she was so glad we have a black president that she could now become Irish. Brazile's humor was fitting, but lead into a more serious message of hope. I enjoyed Brazile because of her tell-it-like-it-is approach to solving problems. Brazile went on advocating for hope, pleading with education leaders not to be afraid of creating lasting change. She said that many politicians don't know how to find their spine when it comes to standing up for change unless the polls say its OK.
Donna Brazile is the real thing. Her message supported what she is calling "a season of hope." She ended her presentation with Verse 6, Chapter 9 out of Revelations. Look it up...as Brazile said, find the good and praise it.
San Francisco Unifed School District Superintendent Carlos Garcia provided the welcome and greeting for this city. He said that his district is the first to recognize NCLB as a civil rights issue and invited all districts to do the same. I enjoyed his enthusiasm, but have always thought that NCLB origins were based on civil rights. Garcia went on to say that social justice can not exist without equity in education. This is so true, especially if equity is defined as what it takes to be the same. This applies to everything from educational funding models to basic civil rights. At any rate, the stage was set for Randall Collins and Donna Brazile to follow.
Collins was fantastic! He was very matter of fact and powerful in his description of a new energy that he senses in education and in the country as well. He called it optimism. He believes that the American power from within will generate a burning for change and with the new Presidential Administration, hope has ignited a flame. He described educational leaders as Educational Shepherds for the future saying our calling is noble and our success is critical. This country is hungry for success and it is up to the Shepherds to provide the guidance.
Thinking that Collins provided a difficult act to follow, the "Road Diva" as Donna Brazile called herself, came out to "stir things up." To say she was an advocate of our newly elected president is an understatment. She said that she was so glad we have a black president that she could now become Irish. Brazile's humor was fitting, but lead into a more serious message of hope. I enjoyed Brazile because of her tell-it-like-it-is approach to solving problems. Brazile went on advocating for hope, pleading with education leaders not to be afraid of creating lasting change. She said that many politicians don't know how to find their spine when it comes to standing up for change unless the polls say its OK.
Donna Brazile is the real thing. Her message supported what she is calling "a season of hope." She ended her presentation with Verse 6, Chapter 9 out of Revelations. Look it up...as Brazile said, find the good and praise it.
NCLB has failed and cannot be fixed
"NCLB has failed and cannot be fixed."
With these provocative words, Richard Rothstein began his presentation today. Rothstein spent much of his time explaining that NCLB will not be reauthorized as we know it and that for education to step forward it will take a "broader, bolder approach." This broader, bolder approach is described at the website http://www.boldapproach.org/
Rothstein, a researcher at the Economic Policy Institute, also said that "school people cannot be the sole agents for raising student achievement."
The "broader, bolder approach" for improving American education has three key ingredients,
1. High quality early childhood programs
2. Improving health quality of youngsters by providing health care at the school site
3. High quality after school and summer programing
Rothstein says that NCLB was predicated on the notion that high standards, high quality curriculum and strong assessments would be enough to close the achievement gap. It isn't.
With these provocative words, Richard Rothstein began his presentation today. Rothstein spent much of his time explaining that NCLB will not be reauthorized as we know it and that for education to step forward it will take a "broader, bolder approach." This broader, bolder approach is described at the website http://www.boldapproach.org/
Rothstein, a researcher at the Economic Policy Institute, also said that "school people cannot be the sole agents for raising student achievement."
The "broader, bolder approach" for improving American education has three key ingredients,
1. High quality early childhood programs
2. Improving health quality of youngsters by providing health care at the school site
3. High quality after school and summer programing
Rothstein says that NCLB was predicated on the notion that high standards, high quality curriculum and strong assessments would be enough to close the achievement gap. It isn't.
San Francisco
What a beautiful welcome to San Francisco. The rain left just before we came and the sun came out. The streets were full of shoppers, business folks and conference attendees enjoying the sunshine and warm weather.
It is about 8:15 AM and the well organized registration booths are getting active. The General Session will begin at 10:00 this morning with an address by Donna Brazille. Donna will talk about the impact young people had on the recent political changes in Washington.
What's on every one's mind here? Economics and Politics are the buzz topics of the week. What does it all mean for schools? What does the change in national political structures mean for schools? What does economic hardship for the country mean for schools?
One of my professors once defined "politics" as "Competition for scare resources!"
Economics and politics....the hot topics of the conference.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Welcome to San Francisco
The weather is clearing. The sun is warming. The brains are really working. You need to be here and personally I am looking forward to talking to many of you who will be here. I am certain that I will hear the latest ideas in dealing with budget shortfalls. I am certain hot conversations will ensue about which state is getting the most money from the stimulus package. Who will be the first school system to apply for a Qualified Academy Zone bond or who will be the first to get access to zero interest school construction bonds?
It was my honor today to sit with fellow Superintendents of the Year from over 36 states. We were led in our discussion by Ben C. DeSpain who has conducted a survey of SOYs for a number of years. Interesting results from the survey provide a picture of school superintendents across the nation. It was interesting to learn that none of us read books on the internet. It was interesting to learn how many of us had received music and art lessons (Daniel Pink may have been on to something). It was also interesting to hear that Jim Collins (Good to Great) predicts that business leaders of the future will come from education leader ranks. Maybe someone among us will take over General Motors!!!
At the end of our meeting today, we talked about what superintendents might want to tell Institutes of Higher Education about administration preparation programs. It seemed a strong consensus that higher education needed to have a better screening process for candidates and that programs in school administration needed a better blend of practical and theory. A year long internship with lots of practical experiences is essential to prepare leaders for the schools of tomorrow. Finally, there seems to be a lot of conversation in the nation about alternative licensure and programs like the New York Leadership Academy and New Leaders for New Schools.
It is always a terrific professional development to learn from your peers about issues that we are all facing. That is what you have to look forward to at this conference. We know budgets are tight, however, you can always pick up some ideas that will more than pay for the trip.
I am honored to be among the SOY group and groups like Don Hopper's CQL and Larry Lezotte's Superintendency Institute. However, I am often reminded that Mark Twain said he wasn't certain he wanted to be a member of a group that would have him as a member. Thank you all for letting me be a part of your AASA experience. See you in San Francisco!!!!
It was my honor today to sit with fellow Superintendents of the Year from over 36 states. We were led in our discussion by Ben C. DeSpain who has conducted a survey of SOYs for a number of years. Interesting results from the survey provide a picture of school superintendents across the nation. It was interesting to learn that none of us read books on the internet. It was interesting to learn how many of us had received music and art lessons (Daniel Pink may have been on to something). It was also interesting to hear that Jim Collins (Good to Great) predicts that business leaders of the future will come from education leader ranks. Maybe someone among us will take over General Motors!!!
At the end of our meeting today, we talked about what superintendents might want to tell Institutes of Higher Education about administration preparation programs. It seemed a strong consensus that higher education needed to have a better screening process for candidates and that programs in school administration needed a better blend of practical and theory. A year long internship with lots of practical experiences is essential to prepare leaders for the schools of tomorrow. Finally, there seems to be a lot of conversation in the nation about alternative licensure and programs like the New York Leadership Academy and New Leaders for New Schools.
It is always a terrific professional development to learn from your peers about issues that we are all facing. That is what you have to look forward to at this conference. We know budgets are tight, however, you can always pick up some ideas that will more than pay for the trip.
I am honored to be among the SOY group and groups like Don Hopper's CQL and Larry Lezotte's Superintendency Institute. However, I am often reminded that Mark Twain said he wasn't certain he wanted to be a member of a group that would have him as a member. Thank you all for letting me be a part of your AASA experience. See you in San Francisco!!!!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
San Francisco Here I Come
Although I am currently a Superintendent in New York, I spent the preceding 21 years of my career as an educator in California. So, you can imagine my excitement at attending the AASA Conference in San Francisco. I do admit that I am dreaming about having clam chowder and fresh sourdough bread at Bistro Boudin, Dim Sum at Yang Sing and a great Italian meal at the North Beach Restaurant!
In spite of my fascination with the culinary attractions in San Francisco, I have also been thinking about what I want to gain from this opportunity. In some respects, I feel like I am coming home to a family reunion by reconnecting with my friends and colleagues, from both southern and northern California, and being able to catch up both personally and professionally. I am also looking forward to allowing time for myself to learn and grow by listening to our well informed and experienced speakers, participating in meaningful presentations or just networking with colleagues and sharing ideas and experiences.
As an entrée to this time, I would like to share an experience I had today which made me reflect on why I love being an educator. Like all of you, I am trying to make our District a thriving learning organization for students, faculty, staff and administrators. Today, I observed an elementary fourth grade teacher who is a tenure candidate this year. During our pre-observation conference, she shared with me that she was going to be teaching a lesson on fractions to her 4th graders and was going to try using some new strategies that she learned, while participating on our District Math Committee. Bravo! She was willingly taking a risk and trying out new strategies that would deepen students’ understanding of fractions. I entered her classroom a few minutes early, and she explained that she recently gave her students a formative math assessment and developed a new template to engage them in self-reflection, so that they could identify their strengths and the areas in which they needed to improve. I was delighted as one of our District’s goals, this year, is to begin to use formative assessments to better inform our instruction and improve student outcomes. She understood that self-assessment is a necessary part of the learning process. This new teacher was opening herself up to new learning through participation on a District committee, as well as, in-service training. This new learning was having a direct impact on student achievement.
Afterwards, I stopped in the principal’s office and found Doug, our Principal and Lisa, the Assistant Principal, debriefing after completing a joint walk-through of third grade classrooms. Our administrative cabinet’s learning goal this year is to investigate how walk-throughs can be used to improve instructional practice and impact student achievement. We have been reading articles, sharing strategies and templates and trying to find ways of making this practice part of our daily work. I was so encouraged to see these two professionals engaged in an in-depth discussion on what they observed and valued in each classroom and how to provide constructive feedback to each teacher that would promote meaningful dialogue and reflection. Doug and Lisa were doing it! They were opening themselves up to new learning and putting it into practice! I felt validated that our administrative cabinet was indeed a learning community.
As I left the elementary school, I thought of Jane Pollock’s books; Improving Student Learning One Teacher at a Time and Improving Student Learning One Principal at a Time. So, what do I want to get out of this conference? I too want the opportunity to open myself up to new learning. Now it is my turn, one Superintendent at a time!
In spite of my fascination with the culinary attractions in San Francisco, I have also been thinking about what I want to gain from this opportunity. In some respects, I feel like I am coming home to a family reunion by reconnecting with my friends and colleagues, from both southern and northern California, and being able to catch up both personally and professionally. I am also looking forward to allowing time for myself to learn and grow by listening to our well informed and experienced speakers, participating in meaningful presentations or just networking with colleagues and sharing ideas and experiences.
As an entrée to this time, I would like to share an experience I had today which made me reflect on why I love being an educator. Like all of you, I am trying to make our District a thriving learning organization for students, faculty, staff and administrators. Today, I observed an elementary fourth grade teacher who is a tenure candidate this year. During our pre-observation conference, she shared with me that she was going to be teaching a lesson on fractions to her 4th graders and was going to try using some new strategies that she learned, while participating on our District Math Committee. Bravo! She was willingly taking a risk and trying out new strategies that would deepen students’ understanding of fractions. I entered her classroom a few minutes early, and she explained that she recently gave her students a formative math assessment and developed a new template to engage them in self-reflection, so that they could identify their strengths and the areas in which they needed to improve. I was delighted as one of our District’s goals, this year, is to begin to use formative assessments to better inform our instruction and improve student outcomes. She understood that self-assessment is a necessary part of the learning process. This new teacher was opening herself up to new learning through participation on a District committee, as well as, in-service training. This new learning was having a direct impact on student achievement.
Afterwards, I stopped in the principal’s office and found Doug, our Principal and Lisa, the Assistant Principal, debriefing after completing a joint walk-through of third grade classrooms. Our administrative cabinet’s learning goal this year is to investigate how walk-throughs can be used to improve instructional practice and impact student achievement. We have been reading articles, sharing strategies and templates and trying to find ways of making this practice part of our daily work. I was so encouraged to see these two professionals engaged in an in-depth discussion on what they observed and valued in each classroom and how to provide constructive feedback to each teacher that would promote meaningful dialogue and reflection. Doug and Lisa were doing it! They were opening themselves up to new learning and putting it into practice! I felt validated that our administrative cabinet was indeed a learning community.
As I left the elementary school, I thought of Jane Pollock’s books; Improving Student Learning One Teacher at a Time and Improving Student Learning One Principal at a Time. So, what do I want to get out of this conference? I too want the opportunity to open myself up to new learning. Now it is my turn, one Superintendent at a time!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Geared Up for the Golden Gate City
When you live in Wyoming, you reside in the least populated state in the nation, a place where February is not the shortest month of the year. It gets so cold and lonely that running the mule deer off the football field is entertaining. It isn’t exactly what you see on the Outdoor Channel, but it certainly describes the mid-winter “wild” life here in Wyoming. To say I am not excited about this year’s conference in San Francisco would be a lie. I have read through this year’s program and am equally excited about the professional opportunities that wait. If the program isn’t enough to get you exited, your increased office mail from all of the vendors at this year’s conference should be tickling your anxieties to get out of the office for another annual AASA National Conference.
When I think about this year’s conference, I also think about Mark Twain’s quip, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” I just wonder if Mark ever visited Wyoming in February. I guess it doesn’t make a difference; I’ll be in the Golden Gate City soon. No mule deer, sheep (that’s right, I raise sheep – and live in Wyoming), no constituency meetings, board agendas, legislative bills or other obligations or crisis that demand my attention as a superintendent. My focus will be on relaxing and learning in the waterfront city that is the home of the original yuppie. For sure and for certain, it is that time of year again… I’ll look forward to blogging with you in San Francisco!
When I think about this year’s conference, I also think about Mark Twain’s quip, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” I just wonder if Mark ever visited Wyoming in February. I guess it doesn’t make a difference; I’ll be in the Golden Gate City soon. No mule deer, sheep (that’s right, I raise sheep – and live in Wyoming), no constituency meetings, board agendas, legislative bills or other obligations or crisis that demand my attention as a superintendent. My focus will be on relaxing and learning in the waterfront city that is the home of the original yuppie. For sure and for certain, it is that time of year again… I’ll look forward to blogging with you in San Francisco!
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