21 Things That Will Be Obsolete by 2020

Schools are interesting institutions in that they are intentioned to prepare students for the future, but quite often they are asked to represent the past by multiple educational publics.  This article, by Shelly Blake-Plock, describes a student day very different from their parents'.  The article begs the question, "What is the role of the teacher in the 2020 'classroom'"?  Be sure to check this list out by clicking here.

What Students Really Need to Hear

This blog post, by Chase Mielke, is one that would ring true with many teachers.  It echoes the earlier post of mine (January 2014) regarding the development of "grit"in our students.  This is definitely worth the few minutes it takes to read.  Click here to go to Mr. Mielke's blog, and this most interesting letter to his students.

Leading by Relationships

This blogger is a district superintendent; but his article about leadership has a lot to say to building administrators as well.  I especially like his first suggestion regarding visibility.  In my opinion - this is one of the overarching deficiencies in many of today's principals.  Read about it by clicking here.

PowerlessSchool

Whether it is the faulty software package by Pearson, or the rushed rollout by state officials - most would agree that PowerSchool has been a classic case of how not to implement a new program.  In this excellent entry (click here), the blogger does an good job of summarizing the situation.  In this era of mega-accountability, is there no accountability for the vendor or the state officials who implemented this initiative?

Measuring the "Value" of Teaching

How, exactly, is the best way to measure the "value" a teacher adds to his/her students???  Click here to read this interesting entry by Valerie Strauss of the The Washington Post, where she details Gates Foundation's concerns.

Writing Prompts (Engaging, and with a Purpose)

My son, a middle school social studies teacher, shared these with me.  They are terrific.

Click here to view tons of cool prompts.

In loco parentis

Click here for a great story.

How would this teacher and coach rate on Standard Six?

(who cares???)