Just got back from an "Austin East High School Community Thank-You Lunch," and I kept thinking, "Now this is a school turn-around strategy that's somewhat grassroots and larger than just one school."
First - Invitees included people from K-Town Youth Empowerment Network, United Way of Greater Knoxville, local churches, Project GRAD, area schools, a school board member, and a few other community members.
Second - Members from schools offered information from area FEEDER schools (AEHS, Vine Middle, Green, Sarah Moore Greene)--realistic data and information. The good, bad and ugly. AEHS celebrated having movement with AYP numbers. Vine Middle said that they're "on the list." They then shared different events and efforts that are going on to address some of these challenges:
- AEHS talked about an event on March 24 @ 5 PM to showcase Career/Tech Education students work to parents and other members in the community. In April, there's another effort to showcase how students are learning through new teaching strategies. They're also thinking about how to restructure the school day to get more time to focus on student learning.
- Vine Middle talked about their After-School Academy (after-school activities that range from LEGO League to West African Dance) AND their Tuesday/Thursday reading and math tutoring programs from 3 - 5 PM (where transportation is provided). They also shared information about the TAP program that's coming to the school next year--and AVID, which is already there. The Assistant Principal also mentioned how they're working with teachers on how to build a respectful relationship between students and teachers--they both share responsibility in changing how they interact.
Then, they said, "How can your group get involved? We'll take commitments right now. This is a community effort. We can help our schools if we work together."
School turn-around strategies can really be grassroots. But you've got to have the community bought in to the process. It was a good feeling to be in the audience because I felt like I was a part of something bigger while I was playing my small part.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Schools need our support now more than ever
It's been a while since my last post, and I've been to a lot of different places since last writing--from schools to administrative meetings...from Northeast Tennessee to Washington, DC...you get the idea. As most of you know, several pieces of legislation related to education are taking the spotlight, but it's hard to keep free of different agendas that are behind all of these bills. I've almost been scared to write because of the numerous different opinions out there.
Going out to different schools, I've been hearing a lot of ground-level perspectives (however, I've not done a scientific study to capture them all), but one thing is certain: SCHOOLS NEED US NOW MORE THAN EVER.
Some ground-level sentiment from teachers leads me to believe that morale is low because of a perception that the standardized testing mantra is only teaching our children to be robots who can't problem-solve. Some ground-level sentiment from administration leads me to believe that they seriously want to help all children learn and that we all could be doing more to help that along. There will always be a tug between schools and administration, and to an extent, that's OK.
One general question I always ask when I'm in a school / in meetings is, "What can I do better? How can I improve? Can you help me understand something better?" People reading this blog who have met me can probably think of a time or 2 that I've asked something like that. I ask out of a genuine concern for my effectiveness. Something I feel like that's missing is a willingness to be open, honest, and candid in our discussions. People refuse to share their real opinions in meetings. People refuse to show up when there's a contentious issue at hand. And when certain opinions are shared, it's almost perceived to be a "faux pas," something that shouldn't have been done. Realistically, it's all about compromise. Extremes can't be the norm of dialogue.
...do people really think teachers are just leaving at 2:30 PM when the bell rings and wait for a chance to be really lazy?
...do people really think administrators are looking for the next chance to fire a teacher they hate?
...do people really think that conversations about strategic compensation are really just a chance to give bonuses for test scores?
...do people really think a critique of standardized testing is born out of desire to do no testing and get away with no accountability?
All of these critiques have a level of truth behind them. No differing opinion is just dreamed up overnight. They're all born with a sense of authenticity. Yes, there are some teachers who squeak by. Yes, there are some administrators with a vendetta...see what I mean? But, by and large, teachers REALLY care. Administrators really WANT to have good schools. When we can stop speaking in the language of hate/accusation/defense (check out any "Comments" on the Knoxville News Sentinel articles about education, like THIS), we might actually get somewhere.
YOU can actually do something about it. Get involved in a school, be honest about your desire to help children succeed. Heck, if you can't find a way into a school, LET ME KNOW (luterg@unitedwayknox.org). I'll make sure you get in touch with someone. If we as a community stood up with a genuine sense of wanting to help (and not lament how bad the future looks unless we do this or that...), schools might be able to overcome these obstacles with our support. I'm speaking in ideals, which will no doubt upset some of you reading this post, but I can't help it. Have a great weekend!!!
IN THE NEWS:
Teacher working conditions study (VERY IMPORTANT FOR TEACHERS TO COMPLETE): http://telltennessee.org/
The details of Haslam’s new education plan
A TEA response to the supposed “anti-teacher” bills
Details about the new proposed teacher evaluation system
The politics of education reform
Data we have, but we don’t use
The “elected” vs “appointed” superintendent bill keeps coming up
A focus on a teacher who is trying something new and different to reach students
Celebrate Knox County Schools' Teachers of the Year!
Schools aren't failing; the world is changing (Editorial)
Niswonger Foundation's website for the "College and Career Ready Consortium" that will help NE TN Schools
UTK Helps area school with a new partnership
Group providing music education for disadvantaged youth in Knoxville
Dads supporting schools in Maryville!!!
Changing paradigms in education (Video for fun)
Teachers: Strive to be ordinary heroes (Video for fun)
Going out to different schools, I've been hearing a lot of ground-level perspectives (however, I've not done a scientific study to capture them all), but one thing is certain: SCHOOLS NEED US NOW MORE THAN EVER.
Some ground-level sentiment from teachers leads me to believe that morale is low because of a perception that the standardized testing mantra is only teaching our children to be robots who can't problem-solve. Some ground-level sentiment from administration leads me to believe that they seriously want to help all children learn and that we all could be doing more to help that along. There will always be a tug between schools and administration, and to an extent, that's OK.
One general question I always ask when I'm in a school / in meetings is, "What can I do better? How can I improve? Can you help me understand something better?" People reading this blog who have met me can probably think of a time or 2 that I've asked something like that. I ask out of a genuine concern for my effectiveness. Something I feel like that's missing is a willingness to be open, honest, and candid in our discussions. People refuse to share their real opinions in meetings. People refuse to show up when there's a contentious issue at hand. And when certain opinions are shared, it's almost perceived to be a "faux pas," something that shouldn't have been done. Realistically, it's all about compromise. Extremes can't be the norm of dialogue.
...do people really think teachers are just leaving at 2:30 PM when the bell rings and wait for a chance to be really lazy?
...do people really think administrators are looking for the next chance to fire a teacher they hate?
...do people really think that conversations about strategic compensation are really just a chance to give bonuses for test scores?
...do people really think a critique of standardized testing is born out of desire to do no testing and get away with no accountability?
All of these critiques have a level of truth behind them. No differing opinion is just dreamed up overnight. They're all born with a sense of authenticity. Yes, there are some teachers who squeak by. Yes, there are some administrators with a vendetta...see what I mean? But, by and large, teachers REALLY care. Administrators really WANT to have good schools. When we can stop speaking in the language of hate/accusation/defense (check out any "Comments" on the Knoxville News Sentinel articles about education, like THIS), we might actually get somewhere.
YOU can actually do something about it. Get involved in a school, be honest about your desire to help children succeed. Heck, if you can't find a way into a school, LET ME KNOW (luterg@unitedwayknox.org). I'll make sure you get in touch with someone. If we as a community stood up with a genuine sense of wanting to help (and not lament how bad the future looks unless we do this or that...), schools might be able to overcome these obstacles with our support. I'm speaking in ideals, which will no doubt upset some of you reading this post, but I can't help it. Have a great weekend!!!
IN THE NEWS:
Teacher working conditions study (VERY IMPORTANT FOR TEACHERS TO COMPLETE): http://telltennessee.org/
The details of Haslam’s new education plan
A TEA response to the supposed “anti-teacher” bills
Details about the new proposed teacher evaluation system
The politics of education reform
Data we have, but we don’t use
The “elected” vs “appointed” superintendent bill keeps coming up
A focus on a teacher who is trying something new and different to reach students
Celebrate Knox County Schools' Teachers of the Year!
Schools aren't failing; the world is changing (Editorial)
Niswonger Foundation's website for the "College and Career Ready Consortium" that will help NE TN Schools
UTK Helps area school with a new partnership
Group providing music education for disadvantaged youth in Knoxville
Dads supporting schools in Maryville!!!
Changing paradigms in education (Video for fun)
Teachers: Strive to be ordinary heroes (Video for fun)
Monday, January 17, 2011
New legislature...What should we expect with education?
Just to warn you, this post is more about the legislative side of education.
With a new legislature in place, there will inevitably be shifts in multiple areas...education is no exception.
First and foremost, new committee assignments for the TN House and the Senate. Note that a new House Education Committee has been appointed by Speaker Harwell.
http://www.tnreport.com/2011/01/house-committee-assignments-for-the-107th-tennessee-general-assembly/
Rep. Montgomery from Sevierville is now the chair of the education committee in the House.
http://www.tnreport.com/2011/01/senate-committee-assignments/
In an e-mail update from Rep. Harry Brooks, he indicates that a new committee on education finance was appointed. Here's a part of his e-mail:
"A new joint committee between the Senate and House was appointed by the Speaker dealing with Educational Finance. I was also asked to chair this committee. This will be the most challenging task I have this session as it initially deals with three specific educational issues which are BEP funding for K-12, post secondary capital (building construction) expenditures, and maximizing the use of dual enrollment and dual credit in high school and the financial implications of such. I also will serve on the full Education and full Finance committees. Serving as chair of a standing committee automatically places me on the House Calendar and Rules Committee also. In addition to these House committees, I continue to serve on the Teacher Evaluation Advisory Council and SCORE (Sen. Frist’s educational reform initiative). It will be another busy session requiring much of my time to be spent in Nashville."
This e-mail isn't secret, by the way. You can e-mail rep.harry.brooks@capitol.tn.gov and request to get his updates.
On top of this, Metro Pulse did an article (by Frank Cagle) indicating that several things could be on the horizon...from charter school expansion to the publishing of teacher value-added scores online to opening the age-old elected vs appointed superintendent debate. See the article here: http://www.metropulse.com/news/2011/jan/12/real-state-education-reform/
TN's House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick (R-Chattanooga) anticipates that tenure reform will be on the table. See the article here: http://www.metropulse.com/news/2011/jan/12/real-state-education-reform/
Things continue to change at a lightening-fast pace. Now that lawmakers are back in Nashville, education will be at the top of their priorities, mainly because education and economic development are increasingly becoming linked.
Let's just keep in mind that all these conversations should be motivated by making things better for children.... Let's try to keep in mind that these conversations shouldn't be taken as a war against education and all teachers. From the United Way perspective, it's a great chance for us to sit at the same table, talk solutions, compromise here and there, and move forward to make education better for all the children in the state of TN.
As a humorous side-note, last night's Golden Globe awards for TV were dominated by the hit show "Glee." When it won for best TV show, one of the producers took the chance to say on national TV (and I quote):
"I just want to say thank you to public school teachers. You don't get paid like it, but you're doing the most important work in America."Amen to that!
Happy MLK Day to you all!
IN THE NEWS:
- Bristol's Director of Schools learns from Chinease education.
- Knoxville's new STEM school (a RTTT effort) earns support of the Knoxville News Sentinel.
- Article showing discussions in Lenoir City / Loudon County about the ability to deny out-of-county students.
- 4 districts in TN receive grants to support alternative pay schedules for teachers.
- Should Austin East High School be a community school?
- Maryville sings praises for education in their community.
- Cleveland Schools folks take a chance to learn more about Race to the Top.
- Since the new report card has been released, you can learn about what we're looking like in different communities across the state here.
- Charter schools in Knoxville and across the state are getting more attention.
With a new legislature in place, there will inevitably be shifts in multiple areas...education is no exception.
First and foremost, new committee assignments for the TN House and the Senate. Note that a new House Education Committee has been appointed by Speaker Harwell.
http://www.tnreport.com/2011/01/house-committee-assignments-for-the-107th-tennessee-general-assembly/
Rep. Montgomery from Sevierville is now the chair of the education committee in the House.
http://www.tnreport.com/2011/01/senate-committee-assignments/
In an e-mail update from Rep. Harry Brooks, he indicates that a new committee on education finance was appointed. Here's a part of his e-mail:
"A new joint committee between the Senate and House was appointed by the Speaker dealing with Educational Finance. I was also asked to chair this committee. This will be the most challenging task I have this session as it initially deals with three specific educational issues which are BEP funding for K-12, post secondary capital (building construction) expenditures, and maximizing the use of dual enrollment and dual credit in high school and the financial implications of such. I also will serve on the full Education and full Finance committees. Serving as chair of a standing committee automatically places me on the House Calendar and Rules Committee also. In addition to these House committees, I continue to serve on the Teacher Evaluation Advisory Council and SCORE (Sen. Frist’s educational reform initiative). It will be another busy session requiring much of my time to be spent in Nashville."
This e-mail isn't secret, by the way. You can e-mail rep.harry.brooks@capitol.tn.gov and request to get his updates.
On top of this, Metro Pulse did an article (by Frank Cagle) indicating that several things could be on the horizon...from charter school expansion to the publishing of teacher value-added scores online to opening the age-old elected vs appointed superintendent debate. See the article here: http://www.metropulse.com/news/2011/jan/12/real-state-education-reform/
TN's House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick (R-Chattanooga) anticipates that tenure reform will be on the table. See the article here: http://www.metropulse.com/news/2011/jan/12/real-state-education-reform/
Things continue to change at a lightening-fast pace. Now that lawmakers are back in Nashville, education will be at the top of their priorities, mainly because education and economic development are increasingly becoming linked.
Let's just keep in mind that all these conversations should be motivated by making things better for children.... Let's try to keep in mind that these conversations shouldn't be taken as a war against education and all teachers. From the United Way perspective, it's a great chance for us to sit at the same table, talk solutions, compromise here and there, and move forward to make education better for all the children in the state of TN.
As a humorous side-note, last night's Golden Globe awards for TV were dominated by the hit show "Glee." When it won for best TV show, one of the producers took the chance to say on national TV (and I quote):
"I just want to say thank you to public school teachers. You don't get paid like it, but you're doing the most important work in America."Amen to that!
Happy MLK Day to you all!
IN THE NEWS:
- Bristol's Director of Schools learns from Chinease education.
- Knoxville's new STEM school (a RTTT effort) earns support of the Knoxville News Sentinel.
- Article showing discussions in Lenoir City / Loudon County about the ability to deny out-of-county students.
- 4 districts in TN receive grants to support alternative pay schedules for teachers.
- Should Austin East High School be a community school?
- Maryville sings praises for education in their community.
- Cleveland Schools folks take a chance to learn more about Race to the Top.
- Since the new report card has been released, you can learn about what we're looking like in different communities across the state here.
- Charter schools in Knoxville and across the state are getting more attention.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Start the New Year "In The Loop"
Happy New Year, everyone! Hopefully your winter breaks all served you well with a time to reflect on the successes of 2010 and opportunities for improvement for 2011.
One resolution I'm making is related to STAYING INFORMED ABOUT EDUCATION REFORM IN TN.
OK, this might have something to do with the fact that I'm a nerd, but it seems like a lot of citizens agree that education is important in our communities, but it's also really important to the vitality of our state.
How do I plan to do this?
- SCORE Daily Updates: You can do that HERE. They do a great daily news clipping service for FREE that captures statewide information, and major stories from around the nation.
- TN First to the Top Updates: The State Dept of Education does a weekly e-mail to update people about the progress of the "Race to the Top" money. Sign up HERE. The Dept's website for FTTT is HERE.
- Attending at least 1 school board meeting per month: Find out where your school board meets, and you can just sit in for the first hour on the way home.
- Subscribe to Google Alerts: If you have Gmail (and no, this is no endorsement of one company over another), it's fairly simple to set up Google Alerts. Once you log into Gmail, click "My Account" then look for the "Alerts" link. I like the [education Knoxville] and [education Tennessee] Alerts most, but you can think of others. Any suggestions for me? More information can be found HERE.
- Stepping foot in a school AT LEAST once per week: For me, I'm volunteering at Austin East HS and Pond Gap Elementary once per week. Hopefully other schools will invite me in to discuss what they need from communities to be supported and keep the discussion going. This way, I can help to support teachers as they try to become the most effective teachers as possible! WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH A LOCAL SCHOOL OF YOUR CHOICE?
- Talk to my legislator ONCE PER MONTH about education: Tell them what you want to see happen to improve education. From promoting effective teachers in schools to accountability of RTTT funds, just speak what's on your mind. Find out more HERE. If you have a new legislator, make sure they know how much you care about education!
Whew, that's quite a list. My work is cut out for me. But the children in school are counting on it. That's motivation enough for me. Good luck starting your New Year "In The Loop."
IN THE NEWS:
- United Way discusses what it has done to raise community support for effective teachers. We also have a part of our website dedicated to this work HERE.
- School report card data released TODAY.
KNOX COUNTY FOLKS: Here are the changes in the school Adequate Yearly Progress.
STATE OF TN HIGH PRIORITY SCHOOLS: Check them out here.
- Teach for America teachers seem to have higher value-added scores than teachers coming out of traditional teacher prep. programs.
- East TN lawmakers sit down to talk with the TEA teachers about education in the coming year.
- Teacher and principal residency program is expanded, and Hamilton County talks about how it'll be put to use.
- Anderson County Schools takes a look back and a look forward to the challenges ahead.
- Career / Technical Education tracks take off in Knox County. This is on the heels of a previous blog post I did about CTE.
- Local Oak Ridge businesses stepped up for the holidays.
- Bill Gates and National Teacher Union president sit down and talk about how to fix education. It's about supporting those effective teachers!
- Stay on top of those RTTT dollars here. Look for the "Scopes of Work" that outline how districts plan to spend $$$ to fix schools.
- Even in West TN, this group has education as topping its priorities.
- Parental engagement links from the TN Dept. of Education.
- Website helps puts $$$ in East TN schools.
The list could go on, but that's a snapshot...
One resolution I'm making is related to STAYING INFORMED ABOUT EDUCATION REFORM IN TN.
OK, this might have something to do with the fact that I'm a nerd, but it seems like a lot of citizens agree that education is important in our communities, but it's also really important to the vitality of our state.
How do I plan to do this?
- SCORE Daily Updates: You can do that HERE. They do a great daily news clipping service for FREE that captures statewide information, and major stories from around the nation.
- TN First to the Top Updates: The State Dept of Education does a weekly e-mail to update people about the progress of the "Race to the Top" money. Sign up HERE. The Dept's website for FTTT is HERE.
- Attending at least 1 school board meeting per month: Find out where your school board meets, and you can just sit in for the first hour on the way home.
- Subscribe to Google Alerts: If you have Gmail (and no, this is no endorsement of one company over another), it's fairly simple to set up Google Alerts. Once you log into Gmail, click "My Account" then look for the "Alerts" link. I like the [education Knoxville] and [education Tennessee] Alerts most, but you can think of others. Any suggestions for me? More information can be found HERE.
- Stepping foot in a school AT LEAST once per week: For me, I'm volunteering at Austin East HS and Pond Gap Elementary once per week. Hopefully other schools will invite me in to discuss what they need from communities to be supported and keep the discussion going. This way, I can help to support teachers as they try to become the most effective teachers as possible! WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH A LOCAL SCHOOL OF YOUR CHOICE?
- Talk to my legislator ONCE PER MONTH about education: Tell them what you want to see happen to improve education. From promoting effective teachers in schools to accountability of RTTT funds, just speak what's on your mind. Find out more HERE. If you have a new legislator, make sure they know how much you care about education!
Whew, that's quite a list. My work is cut out for me. But the children in school are counting on it. That's motivation enough for me. Good luck starting your New Year "In The Loop."
IN THE NEWS:
- United Way discusses what it has done to raise community support for effective teachers. We also have a part of our website dedicated to this work HERE.
- School report card data released TODAY.
KNOX COUNTY FOLKS: Here are the changes in the school Adequate Yearly Progress.
STATE OF TN HIGH PRIORITY SCHOOLS: Check them out here.
- Teach for America teachers seem to have higher value-added scores than teachers coming out of traditional teacher prep. programs.
- East TN lawmakers sit down to talk with the TEA teachers about education in the coming year.
- Teacher and principal residency program is expanded, and Hamilton County talks about how it'll be put to use.
- Anderson County Schools takes a look back and a look forward to the challenges ahead.
- Career / Technical Education tracks take off in Knox County. This is on the heels of a previous blog post I did about CTE.
- Local Oak Ridge businesses stepped up for the holidays.
- Bill Gates and National Teacher Union president sit down and talk about how to fix education. It's about supporting those effective teachers!
- Stay on top of those RTTT dollars here. Look for the "Scopes of Work" that outline how districts plan to spend $$$ to fix schools.
- Even in West TN, this group has education as topping its priorities.
- Parental engagement links from the TN Dept. of Education.
- Website helps puts $$$ in East TN schools.
The list could go on, but that's a snapshot...
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward...Education / Teachers!
Seeing that it's the holiday season, I wanted to do somewhat of a light-hearted post to close out the year.
It's the end of the calendar year. Students are out of school. Educators are getting a break. Education is probably the best gift anyone can give. Teachers give that gift on a daily basis (the gift that keeps on giving). Please make sure you thank all those in education who dedicate their lives to ensuring that children receive the education they deserve.
It seems like a lot of people in education agree that they want the best for students, but certainly a lot of details get in the way. It's my New Year's hope that we, in the state of Tennessee, can continue to really work together--AS A COMMUNITY--to ensure that students get the services they need in order to secure their education. Anything that gets in the way of that goal should get out of the way. We have a New Year on the horizon...a chance to start fresh, without bias, and with passion for the children of the State of Tennessee.
There you go...that's my holiday "mushy" post.
Of course, I can't leave you hanging without a few NEWS LINKS:
- Great Schools Partnerships starts to step up in helping find a way to make the L&N Building a site for the regional STEM Academy.
- How will the new Congress impact education funding? Interesting thing mentioned in this article: a court in October ruled the "high quality teacher" designation was too broad because it left room for alternative-path teachers into the classroom. The bickering continues. Peace is all I ask for!
- Northeast Tennessee continues to get assistance from Niswonger Foundation. Great that this is getting coverage!
- CTE and STEM are linked! That is, "Career and Technical Education" and "Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math." Some people don't speak education-wonk-alphabet...
- Education is tied to the economy, and Chattanooga understands that.
- Tennessee principals now have more notes than EVER on teachers. This is all part of getting a better picture of teachers in the classroom.
- TSU's new president tries to save the school from losing its accreditation.
- Should students have input into their teacher's evaluation? Some are building a case. It's worth considering.
It's the end of the calendar year. Students are out of school. Educators are getting a break. Education is probably the best gift anyone can give. Teachers give that gift on a daily basis (the gift that keeps on giving). Please make sure you thank all those in education who dedicate their lives to ensuring that children receive the education they deserve.
It seems like a lot of people in education agree that they want the best for students, but certainly a lot of details get in the way. It's my New Year's hope that we, in the state of Tennessee, can continue to really work together--AS A COMMUNITY--to ensure that students get the services they need in order to secure their education. Anything that gets in the way of that goal should get out of the way. We have a New Year on the horizon...a chance to start fresh, without bias, and with passion for the children of the State of Tennessee.
There you go...that's my holiday "mushy" post.
Of course, I can't leave you hanging without a few NEWS LINKS:
- Great Schools Partnerships starts to step up in helping find a way to make the L&N Building a site for the regional STEM Academy.
- How will the new Congress impact education funding? Interesting thing mentioned in this article: a court in October ruled the "high quality teacher" designation was too broad because it left room for alternative-path teachers into the classroom. The bickering continues. Peace is all I ask for!
- Northeast Tennessee continues to get assistance from Niswonger Foundation. Great that this is getting coverage!
- CTE and STEM are linked! That is, "Career and Technical Education" and "Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math." Some people don't speak education-wonk-alphabet...
- Education is tied to the economy, and Chattanooga understands that.
- Tennessee principals now have more notes than EVER on teachers. This is all part of getting a better picture of teachers in the classroom.
- TSU's new president tries to save the school from losing its accreditation.
- Should students have input into their teacher's evaluation? Some are building a case. It's worth considering.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
The "Career" part of "College and Career Ready" Can't Be Forgotten
This past snowy Monday morning when schools were canceled, I attended a meeting in a Knox County Schools facility that still had people in it: Lincoln Park Technology and Trade Center--the home of Career/Tech Education in Knox County Schools.
Those of you who have spoken with me lately know that I've been meeting with people in the "Career Technology Education" arena.
There's a lot of talk about "College and Career Readiness" lately. However, many I've spoken with (in an outside of the CTE world) feel like most of the emphasis has been on the COLLEGE readiness part. And while I believe that's great in one regard (being someone who used to work at UTK), I think that doesn't apply to everyone. It seems like there's a lot of tip-toeing around some key things. One thing being: Just because a traditional 4-year college doesn't fit for some students, it doesn't mean that these students aren't as bright as the 4-year college students. It only means they're smart in different ways!
One of United Way's 10 Year Goals that we're focusing on is, "Young adults making a successful transition from high school to work life and/or continued educational opportunities." This includes CTE...
In fact, when you break down CTE, you'll find a variety of topics you may not have realized where included in this umbrella.
- Business Technology (including accounting and finance)
- Early Childhood Education
- Health Science
- Marketing
- Technology education (including engineering)
- Trade and indistry (including CAD-design skills, plumbing, networking systems, and carpentry)
THESE GO HAND IN HAND WITH PRESTIGIOUS CAREERS, such as marketing professionals, bankers, doctors, teachers, and engineers!
Yesterday, I did a tour of the local IBEW group's training facilities. They require rigorous math requirements. Once completing the apprentice program, the American Council on Education recommends that students receive 50 credit hours to college (see HERE). How is that not "College and Career Ready?"
I also met with people in Knox County Schools who are working to engage businesses in offering hands-on experiences for students (CTE Partnerships). This is a way to ensure that education works with business to prepare students for entering the workforce.
How do you get this information in the hands of those who can use it?
IN THE NEWS:
- Tennessee's school report card information will be released in January. It's been delayed by 6 months...
- For those looking to stay informed about the STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION...
- Russian educators visit Oak Ridge to learn about special education instruction. This speaks to the great special education teachers in Oak Ridge!
- Knox County Schools offers information to parents about practical things they can do to reinforce class concepts at home.
- UTK professor is involved with Race to the Top. She's the "Biology in a Box" famous professor!
- Value-added: It's not perfect, but it might be worth considering...
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math professionals needed for Knox County and Oak Ridge Schools!
- Collaboration: An out-of-town perspective.
- Sullivan County schools offer more distance learning courses! Roane County is doing something similar...
- Bradley County talks to the public about "Race to the Top."
- The IB program in Knoxville requires students to APPLY!
- Students might be able to tell us something about effective teachers.
Those of you who have spoken with me lately know that I've been meeting with people in the "Career Technology Education" arena.
There's a lot of talk about "College and Career Readiness" lately. However, many I've spoken with (in an outside of the CTE world) feel like most of the emphasis has been on the COLLEGE readiness part. And while I believe that's great in one regard (being someone who used to work at UTK), I think that doesn't apply to everyone. It seems like there's a lot of tip-toeing around some key things. One thing being: Just because a traditional 4-year college doesn't fit for some students, it doesn't mean that these students aren't as bright as the 4-year college students. It only means they're smart in different ways!
One of United Way's 10 Year Goals that we're focusing on is, "Young adults making a successful transition from high school to work life and/or continued educational opportunities." This includes CTE...
In fact, when you break down CTE, you'll find a variety of topics you may not have realized where included in this umbrella.
- Business Technology (including accounting and finance)
- Early Childhood Education
- Health Science
- Marketing
- Technology education (including engineering)
- Trade and indistry (including CAD-design skills, plumbing, networking systems, and carpentry)
THESE GO HAND IN HAND WITH PRESTIGIOUS CAREERS, such as marketing professionals, bankers, doctors, teachers, and engineers!
Yesterday, I did a tour of the local IBEW group's training facilities. They require rigorous math requirements. Once completing the apprentice program, the American Council on Education recommends that students receive 50 credit hours to college (see HERE). How is that not "College and Career Ready?"
I also met with people in Knox County Schools who are working to engage businesses in offering hands-on experiences for students (CTE Partnerships). This is a way to ensure that education works with business to prepare students for entering the workforce.
How do you get this information in the hands of those who can use it?
IN THE NEWS:
- Tennessee's school report card information will be released in January. It's been delayed by 6 months...
- For those looking to stay informed about the STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION...
- Russian educators visit Oak Ridge to learn about special education instruction. This speaks to the great special education teachers in Oak Ridge!
- Knox County Schools offers information to parents about practical things they can do to reinforce class concepts at home.
- UTK professor is involved with Race to the Top. She's the "Biology in a Box" famous professor!
- Value-added: It's not perfect, but it might be worth considering...
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math professionals needed for Knox County and Oak Ridge Schools!
- Collaboration: An out-of-town perspective.
- Sullivan County schools offer more distance learning courses! Roane County is doing something similar...
- Bradley County talks to the public about "Race to the Top."
- The IB program in Knoxville requires students to APPLY!
- Students might be able to tell us something about effective teachers.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Who will drive TN's education system?
As most reading this know, the state of Tennessee has recently elected a new governor, Bill Haslam. While I try to stay out of making formal political statements (and I'll keep to that here), I've been doing a lot of talking and thinking about what is ahead for Tennessee's education system. From the TEA, local Chambers, local philanthropists, college faculty members, and non-profit leaders in education, there seems to be a question on every one's mind:
Who will be the next Education Commissioner?
I'm not going to speculate on who will be selected, mainly because the person doesn't matter as much as what's in the person's mind. Here's what I'm hoping a new Education Commissioner:
- Vision: S/he knows where the education system should be in the future. A vision that in some way incorporates of raising the quality (high standards) of education in Tennessee for all children would be great!
- Leadership: Follow the vision. Empower others around you to do the work they need to do to help that vision to be realized. Be willing to know when you don't know the answer and surround yourself with competent practitioners who can help you get to a good, collaborative solution.
- Collaboration: Tennessee's education can't improve without the help of multiple parties, from education advocates to businesses to teachers to non-profits. Great leaders are great collaborators in that they are willing to work with others to accomplish their vision.
- Not entrenched with the "way things have worked in the past": The last thing we need is someone who wants to relive the past. Tennessee is moving in a new direction with education, and it'd be great to have someone who can come in with a fresh set of eyes. DISCLAIMER: For those who like to read into things, this isn't me saying that I don't think someone who has experience in education for 10+ years is disqualified. It would just be nice to have someone who is willing to think creatively and try something new.
I'm not as worried about a "big name." I'm not as worried about "credentials." Get someone in there who can do the job and will surround themselves with competent people who won't let the children of Tennessee down.
I'm not speculating on who will likely be chosen, or what names are floating around. You all can do that on your own :-)
IN THE NEWS:
- When teachers unions and school districts work together: What can TN learn from FL?
- Kingsport gets national recognition for career-technical education collaborative initiative.
- Blogger breaks down the recent "Teacher Prep Program Report Card."
- Knox County Schools continues to find a place for the STEM school.
- United Way of Tennessee tries to give teachers, parents, and students a voice in education reform.
- Nashville, TN is chosen as a model city for school-community-charter partnerships. A former United Way "Teacher Effectiveness Project" employee is working with this project. Props to Carol Swann!
- Niswonger Foundation in Northeast Tennessee gets recognized for trying to build a more "college and career ready" culture in their area.
- Sullivan County experiments with performance pay this year.
- Report on thinking of teachers as TALENT.
- The Junior League gives out annual teacher mini-grants. Community groups doing things like this really matters to teachers!
- Blount Education Initiative will close its doors. Thanks to Bonny for all her advocacy!
- Jobs lost in the recession in Tennessee were lower-skilled jobs. Education matters to the economy.
- Bredesen pushes to make college transfers easier.
- What teachers are first to be laid off when there are budget troubles?
- Why do some school systems keep getting better, regardless of some factors? Some of it is because of collaboration.
Who will be the next Education Commissioner?
I'm not going to speculate on who will be selected, mainly because the person doesn't matter as much as what's in the person's mind. Here's what I'm hoping a new Education Commissioner:
- Vision: S/he knows where the education system should be in the future. A vision that in some way incorporates of raising the quality (high standards) of education in Tennessee for all children would be great!
- Leadership: Follow the vision. Empower others around you to do the work they need to do to help that vision to be realized. Be willing to know when you don't know the answer and surround yourself with competent practitioners who can help you get to a good, collaborative solution.
- Collaboration: Tennessee's education can't improve without the help of multiple parties, from education advocates to businesses to teachers to non-profits. Great leaders are great collaborators in that they are willing to work with others to accomplish their vision.
- Not entrenched with the "way things have worked in the past": The last thing we need is someone who wants to relive the past. Tennessee is moving in a new direction with education, and it'd be great to have someone who can come in with a fresh set of eyes. DISCLAIMER: For those who like to read into things, this isn't me saying that I don't think someone who has experience in education for 10+ years is disqualified. It would just be nice to have someone who is willing to think creatively and try something new.
I'm not as worried about a "big name." I'm not as worried about "credentials." Get someone in there who can do the job and will surround themselves with competent people who won't let the children of Tennessee down.
I'm not speculating on who will likely be chosen, or what names are floating around. You all can do that on your own :-)
IN THE NEWS:
- When teachers unions and school districts work together: What can TN learn from FL?
- Kingsport gets national recognition for career-technical education collaborative initiative.
- Blogger breaks down the recent "Teacher Prep Program Report Card."
- Knox County Schools continues to find a place for the STEM school.
- United Way of Tennessee tries to give teachers, parents, and students a voice in education reform.
- Nashville, TN is chosen as a model city for school-community-charter partnerships. A former United Way "Teacher Effectiveness Project" employee is working with this project. Props to Carol Swann!
- Niswonger Foundation in Northeast Tennessee gets recognized for trying to build a more "college and career ready" culture in their area.
- Sullivan County experiments with performance pay this year.
- Report on thinking of teachers as TALENT.
- The Junior League gives out annual teacher mini-grants. Community groups doing things like this really matters to teachers!
- Blount Education Initiative will close its doors. Thanks to Bonny for all her advocacy!
- Jobs lost in the recession in Tennessee were lower-skilled jobs. Education matters to the economy.
- Bredesen pushes to make college transfers easier.
- What teachers are first to be laid off when there are budget troubles?
- Why do some school systems keep getting better, regardless of some factors? Some of it is because of collaboration.
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