Monday, February 13, 2012
Wicked
Last night I had the opportunity to attend the production of Wicked at the Bass Concert hall with almost 300 Deerpark community members. The show was fantastic, but what really impressed me was the dress and decorum of our students. They all looked beautiful, and they were mesmerized by the show. The students acted as true ladies and gentlemen, and I am so proud of them. We had a fantastic evening. :o)
Friday, February 10, 2012
The Digital Generation
If a genie miraculously appeared and told me he/she would grant me three wishes, my first wish would be to be able to eat as much chocolate as I want and be a perfect size 6!
My 2nd wish would be that I would have the ability to transform schools from being replications of industrialized white-middle class schools into places of
21st century centers of learning for all kids. I would get rid of schedules and bells. I would rid this place of the notion that learning only occurs within the 4 walls of a classroom. I would create centers where students create projects and seek out the learning that they need to successfully complete that project. Every child would have a laptop with a scanner and a camera and a printer and a smart phone and the software needed to make computer games, videos, and 3D models. It is a tragedy that we can not give our children the tools they need to engage them in the learning that will need to be successful in the future. Our schools still function the way they did 50 and 60 years ago--what has really changed? Parents often ask me why I don't just change the system--if I envision it, make it happen. Well, I can go into the political reasons, but that is another blog post. The main reason is that people are afraid of change. Parents rely on schools as "babysitters;" what would happen if kids only needed to be on campus 2-3 days a week and the rest of the time, they need to be in libraries, or museums, or doing field research? What options can I give kids for discovery and community learning when we must have class order and schedules? What I can do is teach my teachers how to teach to this generation, but until society expects schools to change, they won't.
However, what would my 3rd wish be? World peace, of course! :o)
My 2nd wish would be that I would have the ability to transform schools from being replications of industrialized white-middle class schools into places of
21st century centers of learning for all kids. I would get rid of schedules and bells. I would rid this place of the notion that learning only occurs within the 4 walls of a classroom. I would create centers where students create projects and seek out the learning that they need to successfully complete that project. Every child would have a laptop with a scanner and a camera and a printer and a smart phone and the software needed to make computer games, videos, and 3D models. It is a tragedy that we can not give our children the tools they need to engage them in the learning that will need to be successful in the future. Our schools still function the way they did 50 and 60 years ago--what has really changed? Parents often ask me why I don't just change the system--if I envision it, make it happen. Well, I can go into the political reasons, but that is another blog post. The main reason is that people are afraid of change. Parents rely on schools as "babysitters;" what would happen if kids only needed to be on campus 2-3 days a week and the rest of the time, they need to be in libraries, or museums, or doing field research? What options can I give kids for discovery and community learning when we must have class order and schedules? What I can do is teach my teachers how to teach to this generation, but until society expects schools to change, they won't.
However, what would my 3rd wish be? World peace, of course! :o)
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
What to write?
I haven't blogged in awhile because I feel that my creative muse has abandoned me. I haven't been inspried to write about anything. The weather is so abnormally warm for January-February, but I find I love the spring-like temps, so I don't want to complain. My students are taking a "mock STAAR test" today for math, but I don't want to get on my soap box about state testing. My staff has hit the February blues, but it is to be expected (much like Shocktober!) So, I guess I will simply report new items. 1) I was accepted into Texas A&M for the fall semester to begin my PhD. I am very excited, and I can not wait to share my learning and implement it at Deerpark. 2) Our band is preparing to auditon for MidWestern---which is a huge celebration if we are selected. 3) Theater and Choir are preparing for the school musical--I have no idea what it is--I really need to ask. :o) Okay, I am being boring, so I am going to publish now and pray that my muse returns soon! Have a great week!
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