The sense of urgency. How do impact a larger number of teachers?

You know I'm an advocate.....at times crazy over what we need to do and how to make it happen. There are several thoughts. First, we need to change how we do staff development as we know it. I still believe there are a need for "conference days" to present pedagogical changes in our district. With respect to making others aware, there are some incredible resouces I have just come across that we can "professionally borrow and adapt" in the form of powerpoint presentations from a blog "the Fischbowl".
I was stunned at the quality and the message that would be hard for anyone to argue with. I have already downloaded these presentations. They can be placed on our common drive and ask departments to take a department meeting to view them. That will take care of awareness.
With respect to blogging. For those just beginning, there is a step-by-step powerpoint that teachers could follow. That too can and should be on a common drive.
Next, it the notion of meeting the needs of our students. If you do see the presentations from the Fischbowl on "Did you know" and "What If", the imperative will be clear. Teachers are intelligent and in this profession for a reason. The need will become obvious.
In other reading this week, there is another Commission that has been at work. "The National Center on Educatio and the Economy". They had published a resport at the end of the 90's looking at what schools and the business community need to do to function in the world we live in. They are about to release a report that will outline the needs for success in a global economy. I am very interested in see that the report documents and recommends. I think that may become a platform for Iroquois, if not New York State to begin a conversation.
Lastly, while hypothetical, check out the presentation I sent you "2020". Is it time for us to tackle a strategic planning committee to look at what we need to do in order to prepare students for 2020? Why is 2020 "the year"? In September, incoming kindergarteners around the country will graduate in the year 2020. If we are to truly reform schools and teach students in the educational system "differently", does it not make sense to begin at the very beginning with the next generation?
I leave you with those thoughts.