Students Controlling Their Own Education?

In this video at a TED convention in Australia, Peter Hutton (2014) describes perceived problems with high school curriculum and instruction. In his opinion, only about a third of high school students experience achievement that enables them to find a career they enjoy and grow into educated and content adults. Another third perform average work in school, but often do not find a suitable career with which they are happy. The bottom third may not like school and fail to meet learning objectives. Some may even drop out of school. Hutton (2014) adds that there are several reasons this may occur. First, teachers often come from the first third and do not understand why children are not motivated to succeed in school. Second, the curriculum and instruction are designed to meet the needs of the top third.
In describing student control in education, he uses the analogy of a bus where students are only allowed off at certain stops. At his Australian charter type school, students have a tremendous amount of choice. The school allows students to take advanced classes based on test scores, so an 8^th grader can choose to take an 11^th grade physics course. Once a student accomplishes basic reading and math competencies, they are allowed to choose from over 120 classes. The student, with their parent, can determine their schedule and workload. For example, as early as 7^th grade, a student can choose between animal care, video game coding, and “Geek Class” (science and computer focused learning). 
In addition to classroom instruction, the students must put in at least 10 hours of "home learning" a week doing independent research, creating art, learning an instrument, etc. Students also mentor or tutor other students who may be struggling to learn a concept, which is far more cost effective than hiring a tutor. The students even have a voice on curriculum committees helping to make decisions regarding classes and textbooks. His final thought is that we should resolve that this is our children's education, not ours, and we need to involve them in the process. What do you think of his approach?

Reference:

What if students controlled their own learning? | Peter Hutton | TEDxMelbourne. (2014, November 20). Retrieved April 24, 2017, from https://youtu.be/nMxqEkg3wQ0

Study of Best Countries for Education

US News reports on a survey conducted to collect data on 80 countries and rank them based on the attributes of public education quality and whether one would consider attending college there. The survey used a sample of over 21,000 people from 4 regions. An interesting finding was that some of the top ranked countries have centralized and federally controlled education systems. Some of the countries even have school 7 days a week instead of the more common 5 days a week. Overall, Canada was ranked #1, and the United States was ranked #7. While a definitive cause for the higher success of some countries is not easily determined, one leading indicator was the amount of money spent on education. The amount of money spent per child did not directly correlate to being the best country in education, but those spending more money did finish relatively high. Some might find it concerning that the United States dropped 4 spots from the previous year.

Read the Article:

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/best-education

Reference:

McPhillips, D. (2017, March 07). Best countries for education. Retrieved April 24, 2017, from https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/best-education

Teacher Satisfaction

Gallup organization completed a survey of 9,467 teachers to see how they feel about their positions. Those indicating that they were happy and comfortable in their current role and enjoy what they do was 68.8%. That is second to only physicians who scored at 74.9%. The main reason cited for this result is that they experience joy in teaching. Teachers score even higher than physicians when asked if they smile or laugh on a daily basis with 88% giving a positive response. One area of concern identified by the respondents was their relationship with their supervisors. Teachers scored the lowest of 14 occupations when they were asked if they felt they had a trusting, open relationship with their school administration. The biggest complaint cited was that they do not feel involved in decision making. This is surprising to me with the current trends for Professional Learning Communities and teachers as leaders.

Read the Article:

http://www.gallup.com/poll/161516/teachers-love-lives-struggle-workplace.aspx

Reference:

Lopez, S. & Sidhu, P. (2013, March 28). U.S. Teachers Love Their Lives, but Struggle in the Workplace. Retrieved April 24, 2017, from http://www.gallup.com/poll/161516/teachers-love-lives-struggle-workplace.aspx

Jobs in Curriculum Development

Curriculum writers and developers will be a growing career trend through at least the year 2024 with a 7% growth increase in jobs expected. The current median salary is $62,270 for curriculum writers who are commonly employed by public and private schools, colleges, professional schools, and the government. It is important to note that there will continue to be a need for curriculum writers for Christian textbooks and educational materials as well.

Curriculum writers are responsible for creating education curriculum and coordinating materials as well as developing training for the new materials. They are often licensed teachers or administrators.

Read the article:

http://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/teaching-careers/curriculum-writer/

Reference:

How to become a curriculum writer. (n.d.). Retrieved April 24, 2017, from http://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/teaching-careers/curriculum-writer/

Ten Common Core Promoters Laughing All The Way To The Bank

We can often determine the motives and whose in charge by researching who is financially backing an idea, program, or initiative. Common Core has been a controversial issue, and there has been little recognition concerning the key players involved in developing these standards. In this article, the author goes through several of the top authors of the plan. Pullman (2015)  also explains that many of them have benefited financially by speaking on Common Core, training teachers how to use Common Core, and using their influence to receive financially advantageous jobs in government as well as education resource companies. Any time new educational initiatives are promoted we need to make sure that we diligently investigate who stands to profit from them and whether the motivation for the program is really increasing student achievement.

Read the article:

http://thefederalist.com/2015/01/05/ten-common-core-promoters-laughing-all-the-way-to-the-bank/

References:

Pullman, J. (2015, January 08). Ten common core promoters laughing all the way to the bank. Retrieved April 24, 2017, from http://thefederalist.com/2015/01/05/ten-common-core-promoters-laughing-all-the-way-to-the-bank/

Adjusting the High School Curriculum

This brief video highlights suggested changes to high school curriculum and classes offered. He points out that current and typical class offerings are 50 years old and out of date and says they should be replaced with more modern and relevant classes and skills. The video is from a secular viewpoint, so it does not include any Bible classes. The creator of this video refers to the book “Stop Stealing Dreams, What is school for?” written by Seth Godin as the basis for his research.

Reference:

Adjusting the high school curriculum. (2012, March 05). Retrieved April 23, 2017, from https://youtu.be/Q7iVCaL0Sk0

Paragraph and Essay Punch

Many students struggle with developing and writing paragraphs and essays. In addition, teachers often do not have the time to sit individually with students in class to go through the steps needed to write well. Paragraph Punch and Essay Punch are websites that allow teachers to assign students a topic to write about and have them walked through the writing process by the software. I believe that it would be very beneficial to the students for the teachers to use this software.

Find out more at these websites:
http://www.paragraphpunch.com/index.php
http://www.essaypunch.com/

The Importance of PE and Recess

In an opinion in the Johnson City Press, "How much recess is too much recess?" was posed. The Tennessee General Assembly has been debating whether changes should be made to legislation mandating a certain amount of recess. There are those who argue that recess takes away from instructional time and the mandate needs to be small, those who argue that it should be left to the local school district, and those who believe that the growing issue of lack of physical activity for children requires that schools before for physical activity. The article discusses the fact that children are engaged with electronics large portions of the day and get very little active play, and therefore, issues of obesity and other health problems are becoming more prevalent. I personally believe that children need the opportunity to play. It promotes good health, builds relationships, and can even improve academic performance.

Read the article:
http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/Editorial/2017/04/16/P-E-and-recess-are-important-to-a-student-s-development  

References:
Johnson City Press. (2017). P.E. and recess are also key to an education. Retrieved April 22, 2017, from http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/Editorial/2017/04/16/P-E-and-recess-are-important-to-a-student-s-development

Foreign Language as a Crucial Skill

Would you consider foreign language a crucial skill for students? In an article on Middlebury Interactive Languages website, the point is made that some in the business world consider the most essential skill for success in business in the future is empathy. They point to the fact that working with people from other countries is commonplace in business today, and empathy allows for better relationships with those customers and co-workers. Learning a foreign language is an important way to learn empathy by learning about different cultures. As a Christian, I think that it is important to learn other languages as a greater means of carrying out the Great Commission by reaching people who may not speak English.

Read the article:
http://www.middleburyinteractive.com/digital-courses/world-language-learning/school-solutions/research-reports/special-report-why-foreign?utm_source=DistrictAdmin&utm_medium=WeekendRoundup_20170421

References:
Special report: Why foreign languages are a crucial skill. (n.d.). Retrieved April 22, 2017, from http://www.middleburyinteractive.com/digital-courses/world-language-learning/school-solutions/research-reports/special-report-why-foreign?utm_source=DistrictAdmin&utm_medium=WeekendRoundup_20170421

Late School Start for Teens

USA Today recently published an article stating that research from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine supports findings that students between 13 and 18 benefit from later start times for school. The studies pointed out that the sleep cycles during these years change, and that most teenagers are getting 7 or less hours of sleep on school nights compared with the 8 to 10 they should get. They indicated that the lack of appropriate sleep is linked to poor academic performance, obesity, depression, and even accidents, and said that starting the school day later would lead to improvements in each of these areas. Do you believe that an approximate 30 minute change in school start time could really make this great an impact?

Read the article:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/04/18/schools-should-start-later-prevent-accidents-depression-scientists-say/100573390/

References:
Hafner, J. (2017, April 18). Schools should start later to prevent accidents, depression, scientists say. Retrieved April 21, 2017, from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/04/18/schools-should-start-later-prevent-accidents-depression-scientists-say/100573390/

Parents Challenging Reading Books and Textbooks

Making resource choices for schools, districts, and states is a tremendous responsibility. As Christian school leaders and teachers, an attempt is made to make sure that the materials are purposeful and not in opposition to biblical values. In the public school system, citizens have the right to appeal materials to their schools and then local school boards. However, they often cannot go further than that. In Florida, there are two bills being considered to give parents more options for challenging books and textbooks. Critics of the bills, especially educators, complain that it represents a way to ban books and stifle ideas and diversity. Those in favor point to the fact that certain materials are inappropriate in a school environment due to content or that textbooks should be removed because of the number of errors in the books. How do you feel about the role of parents in evaluating resources for the classroom and objecting to those chosen?

Read the article:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/education/fl-reg-instructional-materials-objections-science-pornography-20170418-story.html

References:
Postal, L., & Travis, S. (2017, April 19). Parents may get new way to challenge school textbooks. Retrieved April 20, 2017, from http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/education/fl-reg-instructional-materials-objections-science-pornography-20170418-story.html

3D Printing Projects in the Classroom

3D Printing has become an important part of S.T.E.M. and S.T.E.A.M. initiatives in schools and projects have been integrated into a variety of courses. According to Stratasys, "3D printing can inspire students to imagine, build, test their ideas, and engage in meaningful learning." They, along with schools and an advisory board created a resource that can assist in making 3D printing part of meaningful learning. The guide offers project ideas for K-12 as well as higher education by supplying links to lessons and projects for use in the classroom. Would you like to try this technology in your classroom?

Find the resource at the following link:
http://bunnymail.simplek12.com/t/776023/28888312/2714/5/

References:
Free project ideas for all grade levels. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2017, from http://bunnymail.simplek12.com/t/776023/28888312/2714/5/

Curriculum Change: Difficult but Necessary

In the National Association of Independent Schools newsletter, Jorgenson (2006) discusses why curriculum change is necessary for today’s independent and private schools. The children we are receiving as students today in private schools are much more complex and diverse in ability and development. Students today can present complex learning challenges like ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, family life issues. In addition, Jorgenson (2006) points out that independent and private schools have been less likely to follow prescribed curricula, lesson plans, and certifications in favor of academic freedom. However, Christian schools need to invest the time and resources to develop curriculum guides, plans, and detailed units in order to better identify instruction gaps or redundancies. Implementing this type of change focused on improved instruction for greater student achievement may also serve to motivate faculty to further evaluate what they are doing in the classroom and whether they are using effective planning and instructional strategies. Do you think that Christian schools have also been less assertive in establishing professional learning communities and is this a tool that could aid schools in the area of student diversity?

Read the article:

http://www.nais.org/Magazines-Newsletters/ISMagazine/Pages/Why-Curriculum-Change-Is-Difficult-and-Necessary.aspx

Reference:
Jorgenson, O. (2006). Independent School Magazine. Retrieved April 18, 2017, from http://www.nais.org/Magazines-Newsletters/ISMagazine/Pages/Why-Curriculum-Change-Is-Difficult-and-Necessary.aspx

The Impact of Arts Education

A recent article stated that adults who attend a musical performance or play an instrument were more likely to have participated in music education in school. The survey sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts pointed out that playing an instrument and singing were highly influenced by the study of music in school. These results held true in the theatrical arts and visual arts as well. There appears to be a direct correlation between arts education in school and playing an instrument. An interesting point made in the article was that socioeconomic status did not serve as an indicator for appreciating the arts or playing an instrument. Since there is an apparent correlation between arts education and continued appreciation of the arts, should schools invest even more resources in fine arts programs?

Read the article:

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2017/04/arts_education_research.html?_ga=1.260307076.843945533.1492478581

Reference:

Zubrzycki, J. (2017, April 11). Study: Music education in K-12 promotes lifelong engagement with arts. Retrieved April 18, 2017, from http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2017/04/arts_education_research.html?_ga=1.260307076.843945533.1492478581

Computer Science Education for All

Education Week recently posted an article that seven states have created standards for computer science education in the K-12 environment with another eight states developing them. According to the article, the federal government under President Obama initiated a $4 billion initiative to develop computer science programs to meet the need of educating students in this essential skill. The goal is to develop a comprehensive computer science program and have these states share them as best practices with other states. This program will also focus on diversity and ensure that socioeconomic factors and gender will not effect access to technology.  In addition to learning how to use technology, students will learn how to properly discuss issues online and how to protect their privacy.

Read the article:

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2017/04/computer_science_state_policy.html

References:

Zubrzycki, J. (2017, April 06). States all over the map on setting computer science policy. Retrieved April 18, 2017, from http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2017/04/computer_science_state_policy.html

Technology to Avoid

Meris Stansbury in eSchool News, points out five technologies that should be avoided in the classroom and what should be used instead. This is very important as many times consultants and other educators will quickly recommend allowing students to use their cell phones or go to various websites during school activities. When dealing with young people, it is important to make sure that we are giving them meaningful technology experiences and not giving them easy access to tools that could prove troublesome. We must be vigilante and make sure that the tools we are encouraging represent true academic work in a way that brings glory to the Lord.

Five technologies to avoid:
1. Social Media applications should be avoided and replaced with educational forums and discussion boards
2. Games should be avoided and technology like virtual reality used instead
3. Untrusted apps and online tools avoided and those that have been proven effective used instead
4. Anything that is not accessible should be avoided and IT consulted before trying to use it
5. Device specific technology should be avoided for those that are available on all platforms

Read the article:
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2017/04/07/technologies-avoid-classroom/

References:
Stansbury, M. (2017, March 27). 5 technologies to avoid in the classroom-and what to use instead. Retrieved April 15, 2017, from http://www.eschoolnews.com/2017/04/07/technologies-avoid-classroom/

Changing the Traditional Classroom

In an article in eSchool News, Peter Weist compares the development in education to that of the development of the automobile. He points to the fact that a Model T served the purpose of transport, but improvements made the experience better for drivers. He compares education to this stating that the traditional classroom based mostly on direct instruction has and does work, but advances and technology can improve the performance of students dramatically. Many educators are resistant to change in education, but Weist points out that in order to advance education then they must embrace change. I believe that we must balance this keeping what is beneficial from the past and embracing what is new but proven to work. The main thing we need to do in Christian education is make sure that we evaluate all new ideas, theories, practices, and technology through a biblical lens before accepting and implementing it.

Read the article:
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2017/02/23/classroom-works-change/

References:
Weist, P. (2017, February 22). The traditional classroom works so why change it? Retrieved April 15, 2017, from http://www.eschoolnews.com/2017/02/23/classroom-works-change/

Increasing the Demands for a High School Diploma

An effort is underway to make any Chicago Public School student graduating in 2020 and after have a plan for their time after graduation in order to receive an diploma. According to the article, the student would be required to present proof of college admissions, military enrollment, job placement, apprenticeship, and the like. The teachers' unions are speaking out against the requirement stating that it will require more of counselors as there are no plans to high additional counselors. What do you think about an item like this as a requirement for a diploma?

Read the article:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-06/no-post-high-school-plans-chicago-doesn-t-think-you-should-graduate

References:
Mosendz, P. (2017, April 06). No post-high school plans? Chicago doesn't think you should graduate. Retrieved April 15, 2017, from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-06/no-post-high-school-plans-chicago-doesn-t-think-you-should-graduate

Place Value Help

My sister-in-law posted a link to this video, and I thought it might be helpful to those responsible for teaching place value. This can be a topic that some students really struggle with, especially when dealing with expanded form, expanded form with exponents, word form, and standard form. This video shows an interesting way to help students with place value using Styrofoam cups. Students may find this interesting and easier to understand.

Link to Video:
https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTeachers/videos/10155218828213708/

References:
WeAreTeachers. (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2017, from https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTeachers/videos/10155218828213708/

Great List of Tech Resources

There are lots of technology tools available for use in our classes today. Sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to keep them all straight or find the right one for a specific task. I received a link for a free e-book from SimpleK12 that I found very helpful. It lists and categorizes 101 useful sites ranging from education videos to graphic organizer creators. The websites listed can be extremely useful in any classroom.

Link to the resource:
https://simplek12.leadpages.co/101freetechtools-ebook/?cc=email-p1

References:
101 free tech tools for teachers. (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2017, from https://simplek12.leadpages.co/101freetechtools-ebook/?cc=email-p1

The Common Application

Years ago, I was pleased to hear about a common application for college that allowed students to fill in information that would be the same for multiple colleges on the common application. Then individual schools could request any other information required by the institution. Over the years, they have made improvements to the common application based on feedback from students, counselors, and college admissions offices. This year they will be adding integration with Google Apps, the ability to self-report courses and grades, and Spanish language support. According to the report, one of their goals is to make college entrance more accessible by making the process more user-friendly. Several videos, presentations, and webinars will be made available on the changes.

See the article:
https://www.districtadministration.com/news/new-innovations-coming-common-application-college-applications

References:
New innovations coming to Common Application for college applications. (n.d.). Retrieved April 13, 2017, from https://www.districtadministration.com/news/new-innovations-coming-common-application-college-applications

What Should Be Required for a High School Diploma?

In reading an article concerning Tennessee students receiving a diploma without meeting the state's minimum requirements, I thought about what should really be required for a high school diploma. A study found that 1/3 of students receiving high school diplomas in the study did not meet the minimum requirements. Some were due simply to course code discrepancies or substitutions that should not have been made. However, a third was due to a lack of meeting the two year foreign language requirement. The state left in place the ability for students to request waivers on this requirement. I know that South Carolina's requirements differ from other states, but I wonder what courses should really be required for a high school diploma. Colleges can certainly determine which students have met their course requirements for admissions by reviewing student transcripts, so why make the requirements for a high school diploma the same for every student when some have no intention to go to college but instead seek a career. What classes are necessary to prepare students to succeed at these level and which courses should really be required for a high school diploma?

Read the article:
http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2017/04/11/522770863/should-high-school-students-need-a-foreign-language-to-graduate

References:
Farmer, B. (2017, April 11). Should high school students need a foreign language to graduate? Retrieved April 13, 2017, from http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2017/04/11/522770863/should-high-school-students-need-a-foreign-language-to-graduate

Gun Education in High Schools

According to NBC Charlotte, lawmakers in North Carolina are considering Bill 612 concerning gun education. This bill would allow for a gun education elective in North Carolina high schools. The class would involve history, math, and science related to guns as well as gun safety. In addition, there would be no live ammunition. It appears that there are people on both sides of this topic, and it will be interesting to watch what happens with the bill.

When I was in school, we had gun education in 8th grade. We had gun safety training at school and actually went to a shooting range several times to use rifles and shotguns as part of our physical education class. I honestly cannot imagine this happening today.

What role do you think schools should play in gun education?

Watch or read the story:
http://www.wcnc.com/news/education/bill-would-create-high-school-gun-education-class/430359998

References:
Welker, H. (2017, April 11). Bill would create high school gun education class. Retrieved April 13, 2017, from http://www.wcnc.com/news/education/bill-would-create-high-school-gun-education-class/430359998

Hidden Costs of Special Ed Vouchers

Dana Goldstein recently published an article in the New York Times concerning special education students receiving vouchers to attend private schools. The article indicated a number of states where this was a great concern including Florida, Georgia, Colorado, and Tennessee. The main concern in the article was that of parents of students in special education being misled into accepting vouchers but giving up rights under IDEA in doing so. The article indicates that students may be giving up rights like the following: receiving a free education, being taught by a state-certified teacher, receiving services offered in public school, and the right to appeal disciplinary decisions. The parents mentioned in the article believed that they needed to be made more fully aware of the students' rights prior to accepting the vouchers. We have a scholarship program in South Carolina to assist special education students with attending private schools. The public school system is still responsible for testing these students if the parent desires and for providing certain services. However, there are definitely services that most private schools cannot provide to the same extent that a public school can. However, parents should be responsible for determining which educational situation will best serve their child. For many, a private school is a better fit for addressing their student's needs. This is especially true of Christian parents who desire a Christian education for their child.

Read the article:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/11/us/school-vouchers-disability.html?_r=0



References:

Goldstein, D. (2017, April 11). Special ed school vouchers may come with hidden costs. Retrieved April 13, 2017, from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/11/us/school-vouchers-disability.html?_r=0

Virtual Class Visits with Authors

As a student, I remember receiving an assignment to check out a library book, read it, do a book report, and write a letter to the author. I honestly do not remember the book I read or the author I wrote to, but I do remember being one of only a few in my class to receive a response from the author I chose. Hopefully, I will find it one day in the midst of all the packed away memories from my childhood.

Today, students are experiencing this same type of excitement in literature, but they are actually getting to interact with the author through technology tools like Skype and Twitter. This is a great way for teachers to get students excited about reading. I had not really thought of this idea until I read the article "Virtual Class Visits Link Book Authors to Students." As educators, we can really expand this idea to many different experts. Last year, our Lego Robotics team did a conference call with an entomologist from Canada. They were so excited about this opportunity, but I can imagine that they would have been even more excited to use Skype for this purpose.

Read the article:
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2017/03/22/virtual-class-visits-link-book-authors-to.html

References:
Loewus, L. (2017, March 21). Virtual class visits link book authors to students. Retrieved April 02, 2017, from http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2017/03/22/virtual-class-visits-link-book-authors-to.html

Christians in America

In an article about a recent national survey of Christians, some very concerning statistics were discovered. I was most alarmed by the fact that only 30% of believers have a biblical worldview (Faith and lifestyle, 2017). As a Christian and a school administrator, I find this statistic troubling because the greatest impact on the life of students is their parents. If their parents lack a biblical worldview, then the one being taught to them through the explicit and implicit curriculum of the Christian school in is conflict with what they are being taught at home. This conflict of views between those of great influence can be extremely difficult for a child. I think that we truly need to pray for renewed commitment to following biblical principles from Christians in America.

Read the article:
https://www.culturefaith.com/faith-and-lifestyle-of-born-again-christians-evaluated-in-extensive-national-survey/

References:
Faith and lifestyle of born again Christians evaluated in extensive national survey. (n.d.). Retrieved April 02, 2017, from https://www.culturefaith.com/faith-and-lifestyle-of-born-again-christians-evaluated-in-extensive-national-survey/