Interesting to note that the K-5 teachers meet last week to discuss the report cards. In this discussion there was the overwhelming assumption that what we are doing, have been doing, will be doing is assessing student growth and development as a set of acquired skills.
The group NEVER contemplated the idea of reporting to parents skills that represent new sets of skills. At one point I even asked a group if they were going to add ITL (Information Technology Literacy) skills into their report card. I was told flat out NO.
If we are to lead in a new direction, these are the forums for these discussions.
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So, if there is time being spent on revising report cards..wouldn't now be a good time to start having teachers consider new sets of skills for learners?
Perhaps this would be a good topic of discussion for Cabinet.
I agree with Peggy, we need to look at what we are teaching kids and what our goal is. Just as Mike R. correctly mentions regarding the reverse action with our grading scale, we raised the bar THEN looked at how to assist teachers to help students meet the new expectations. We can't just have staff look at new skills for learners before training them.
On a personal note Matt, you function in a world emersed(sp) in technology, we do not. My Cataract staff would love to engage parents in a more 21st Century approach, but it is the transition that scares them and concerns them. We do not want to leave families behind because we feel it is time to move on. We can't force the issue. I do understand the fact that we cannot stand put either.
A great topic for cabinet.
For us to sit by and watch as opportunities pass us because staff may be "scared" is unacceptable. To assume we are going to "move to fast" for our families and therfore we would be forcing the issue is insulting. We either accept the role of "teacher" and leader or we don't.
As far as my being immersed in technology and others not being, I think is bunk. I'm done hearing the whimper of staff who claim to "not be a geek" and therfore don't get all the technology stuff. Again, you are either sharp enough to be able to adapt, learn and use the tools available to you or too lazy to try. As soon as one takes the position of not being "tech savvy" they have also taken the position of either being not bright enough to get it or not motivated enough to make it happen. Neither position generates much respect.
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