Has there really been a change in the quality of education this year?

I will maintain that the answer to this question is yes! There is a different feel to the high school this year. Teachers are again excited about their craft. They're sharing their expertise in true learning communities. Students notice a change in the manner in which teachers present information and solicit their feedback.
These are just a few of the changes attributed to two major initiatives: Thoughtful Education and our Technology Integration initiative.
Thoughful education has provided teachers with a host of strategies to differentiate instruction and learning. The information is presented and shared in learning teams and further shared on a virtual platform. Teachers use technology not only as a tool to enhance learning but as a tool for sharing information and professional growth. Collaboration is always something we encourage amongst our teachers. Now, collaboration can be anyplace, anytime. If that collaboration can't be fact-to-face, it can happen on-line within a virtual platform.
There are two platforms that are beginning to develop. A wiki to share the community of practice and use of a social networking platform on Ning
Pat Aroune has been instrumental in helping us integrate our thoughtful education initiative and technology. I believe we are truly treading on uncharted territory and the journey has been very exciting. Thank you Pat and thank you teachers for embarking on our journey.

Are You Paying Attention?

This year we are meshing three initiatives in our high school. Bill Daggett's Model Schools, Thoughtful Education principles of Strong and Silver and the integration of Web 2.0 technologies. While I was shown this video a few months ago, I had forgotten about it until one of our Elementary Principals sent it to me. If this doesn't illustrate all the things we are talking about this teachers and how we should be changing the way students learn, I don't know what does.
Please take a few moments.....It's worth it!

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