Third, while schools continue to be accountable for student progress, that progress is no longer measured merely by state core testing results. The new law allows the states to consider a broader view for evaluating schools. There are four academic factors that must be considered, including: (1) Reading and math test scores; (2) English-language proficiency test scores; (3) High school graduation rates; and (4) A state-chosen academic measure for grade schools and middle schools (Understood Team, n.d.). These
Facts: Kentucky’s 168 school districts ranked nationally in the lower 20-25% in virtually every academic category. Educational standards throughout the state’s districts were not uniform, and found to disproportionately hinder the academic growth of minority and socioeconomically poorer
The Texas Academic Performance Reports is a detailed report of a district’s academic performance, financial information, and data reports as long as information about staff programs and demographics. Although the final and official ratings have not been released, a preliminary analysis for 2016 was available for review. From the results collected, I was able to create a detailed data analysis and summary over Channelview ISD’s STAAR/EOC scores for 2016 at all grade levels.
Kymberli is an example of a teacher who does not treat her job as a checklist of duties to complete, but rather as an opportunity to inspire, challenge, and enrich the lives of those around her. She is a powerful model to her students. Daily she puts her message into action- as an ideal educator and citizen. Kymberli is a leader in the classroom for Onaway High School, but she is also well known outside of the classroom. She has helped spearhead the districts integration of technology through the Technology Readiness Infrastructure Grant (TRIG). She also serves in a leadership role for her school’s
Non-traditional students are finding it easier and easier to maintain a job, a family, and pursuing a college career at the same time. This is possible because more and more non-traditional students are receiving an education using distance learning, as opposed to traditional, in-the-classroom teaching. Distance learning is basically taking college level, credit-bearing courses via the Internet. One of the most obvious advantages of distance learning is that it puts the classroom in your home, office, or wherever you can find a computer and log on to the Internet. However, there is much controversy regarding the quality of the courses being offered on the Internet versus the quality of
The plan should guide the LEA’s use of education technology for the next three years.
The challenge in this article is for a relationship between leadership and innovation; when innovation is an outcome of the work approaches and practices that underpin an educational technologist's academic course designs.
Technology is everywhere, it is involved in almost every part of our culture. It affects how we live, work, play, and most importantly learn. With technology being such a fundamental part of our lives and growing each day, it only makes sense that schools incorporate technology in the classrooms. Even though many people support the use of technology in schools, there are those that have concerns about the effectiveness of technology and whether or not it undermines education to solely prepare students for the workforce. Despite the concerns, technology is being integrated with classroom lessons daily, and proving how beneficial it is for student success.
Many advocates of distance education are ardent about their venue and very critical of traditional education. These online education devotees view traditional classes as being unchangeable, inflexible, teacher-centered, and static (Angiello, 2010). However, proponents argue that many simply would not be able to get a degree without distance education—the full-time police officer, the mother of four, or the individual living in a rural area approximately 100-200 miles away from any educational institution. Many individuals desperately need distance education courses because they "have jobs, families, civic responsibilities. They are thirsting. But some want us to say, 'Sorry you don’t want to drink the water there, but we can’t bottle our fresh spring water, so you’ll have to come here or drink nothing" (Baker, 1986). Proponents contend that distance education is "as good as" traditional education. In other words, learning occurs as much in distance education as it does in traditional education. However, is this really so? Does distance education work better for some students
Joining the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) can offer opportunities to network with a group of people that have similar interest in technology. ISTE is a professional association that can help me strengthen, better yet, build my personal network of professional friendships. This organization, with its many members, has the potential to create opportunities for its members to improve leadership ability and understanding of “technology usage” in the classroom with students.
To most people, leadership and management are used interchangeably. The roles and skills of leadership and management, however, are distinctively different. Kotter (2012) states that unlike management that is responsible for carrying out changes within systems, leadership on the other hand, “builds systems or transforms old ones…takes you into territory that is new and less well known, or completely unknown to you” (Location 36. para 1). This is notable with leadership in the field of distance education.
Mission Statement: As an educator I will provide for students the opportunity to make a positive difference in their lives to help them accomplish unexpected goals. I will enhance learning to support my students in achieving their highest potential by integrating technology into the curriculum. I will integrate conceptual technology learning techniques that will implement concrete knowledge of technology that will emphasize mastery of understanding. Through committed support from educators, faculty, staff, parents, and the community, I will advance learning to support my students. This will allow students to become confident, creative, motivated, technology-ready students. I will provide leadership to
The education world has been greatly influenced by rapidly changing technology and the increasing availability of information. Schools have advanced by leaps and bounds when it comes to incorporating technology into the learning environment, however, many more advances need to be made. In all areas of the country, educators are trying to help students keep up with technology, but there are more changes that are essential for preparing the next generation for the future.
The complex social and historical foundations of education are rooted in the need to create a population of citizens capable of contributing to the continuing economic and political stability of our nation. First we were an agricultural society, then industrial, and now we are educating students for futures with that are yet unknown (explainvisualthinking, 2007). The new dynamic, created by the recent and rapid expansion of technology driven globalization has created the compelling need for technology infused education in our schools (Friedman, 2005). As an educational technology leader, I collaborate with other educators and families to create technology initiatives that will support educational technology in our schools.
As we navigate through the 21st century, technology in the classroom is becoming further predominant. iPads are replacing our textbooks, and we can research any desired topic on our smartphones. The impact that technology has had on today’s schools has been utterly momentous. Educators have now seen firsthand the numerous benefits of technology in the classroom. According to a study by IT Trade Association CompTIA, around 75 percent of educators have come to the conclusion that technology has a positive impact on the education process. Educators have also recognized the significance of developing these technological skills in students so they will be prepared to enter the workforce after they graduate (Cox). By incorporating technology in the classroom, teachers are setting our students up for a successful life outside of school. The increase of technology has even changed how teachers teach along with how