Comments on: 49 Captive Superintendents–One Message http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/ Learning with the Read/Write Web Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:36:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Weblogg-ed » 74 Parents, One Message http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/comment-page-1/#comment-3754 Weblogg-ed » 74 Parents, One Message Fri, 09 Jun 2006 11:16:30 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/#comment-3754 [...] Well, this seemed to work with the superintendents session I did last week, so I figure, what the heck. Monday I get a chance to address two groups of New York City parents on the topic of “Internet Safety and Your Children” at Staten Island College. I’ve got some ideas about what I want to say to them in terms of the whole MySpace issue, the need for a more expansive view on literacy, and some general suggestions on how to help teach their kids (and themselves) acceptable use. But I’m wondering, if you had 90 minutes with this group, what one thing would you bring up/point to/challenge them with? What would be your most important message? [...] [...] Well, this seemed to work with the superintendents session I did last week, so I figure, what the heck. Monday I get a chance to address two groups of New York City parents on the topic of “Internet Safety and Your Children” at Staten Island College. I’ve got some ideas about what I want to say to them in terms of the whole MySpace issue, the need for a more expansive view on literacy, and some general suggestions on how to help teach their kids (and themselves) acceptable use. But I’m wondering, if you had 90 minutes with this group, what one thing would you bring up/point to/challenge them with? What would be your most important message? [...]

]]> By: Learning Is Messy - Blog » Blog Archive » A “Must Read” - The Class of 2015 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/comment-page-1/#comment-3635 Learning Is Messy - Blog » Blog Archive » A “Must Read” - The Class of 2015 Sat, 03 Jun 2006 20:52:46 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/#comment-3635 [...] You must check out the post The Class of 2015 on Mark Ahlness’s edtechblog. He has his third graders’ blog postings about the reality of not having their blogs to write to once they leave his classroom. Have a hanky handy. Too bad Will didn’t have this for his presentation to 49 superintendents. Learning is messy! [...] [...] You must check out the post The Class of 2015 on Mark Ahlness’s edtechblog. He has his third graders’ blog postings about the reality of not having their blogs to write to once they leave his classroom. Have a hanky handy. Too bad Will didn’t have this for his presentation to 49 superintendents. Learning is messy! [...]

]]> By: Clark Godshall http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/comment-page-1/#comment-3625 Clark Godshall Fri, 02 Jun 2006 12:59:34 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/#comment-3625 As one of the Superintendents in the audience, I heard many of the above listed comments. The messages hit home and will have a significat impact on what we do. I know I will be sharing many on opening day in September and in my meetings with the Commissioner of Education in NY. As one of the Superintendents in the audience, I heard many of the above listed comments. The messages hit home and will have a significat impact on what we do. I know I will be sharing many on opening day in September and in my meetings with the Commissioner of Education in NY.

]]> By: Amy Perry-DelCorvo http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/comment-page-1/#comment-3621 Amy Perry-DelCorvo Fri, 02 Jun 2006 01:44:31 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/#comment-3621 Will's delivery was top-notch and the message hit home with many of the Superintendents in the audience today. Chris Lehmann's words were incredibly powerful and the message truly hit home. I truly think a difference was made today. Will’s delivery was top-notch and the message hit home with many of the Superintendents in the audience today. Chris Lehmann’s words were incredibly powerful and the message truly hit home. I truly think a difference was made today.

]]> By: Practical Theory http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/comment-page-1/#comment-3613 Practical Theory Thu, 01 Jun 2006 04:22:02 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/#comment-3613 <strong>Talking to 49 Superintendents...</strong> Will Richardson has a great opportunity tomorrow -- he's got a captive audience made up of 49 Superintendents, and he asked for input about what to say to them. I was grappling with this one for a while, and I finally hit on what I wanted to say when ... Talking to 49 Superintendents…

Will Richardson has a great opportunity tomorrow — he’s got a captive audience made up of 49 Superintendents, and he asked for input about what to say to them. I was grappling with this one for a while, and I finally hit on what I wanted to say when …

]]> By: Jody Hayes http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/comment-page-1/#comment-3603 Jody Hayes Wed, 31 May 2006 09:01:48 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/#comment-3603 I don't think I'd say anything beyond "Here is my class of Year One (Grade One) students who are beginning their at school literacy experience. They blog ... listen to them tell you about it!" Then I'd hand over to my lovely little people, they get it, they are five, they can explain it in real simple terms - blogging is not too hard, too scary, too difficult, ... it is powerful, a tool for convesation - my little people would RAVE about how they 'talk' to other children in Canada and we are in New Zealand. I don’t think I’d say anything beyond “Here is my class of Year One (Grade One) students who are beginning their at school literacy experience. They blog … listen to them tell you about it!” Then I’d hand over to my lovely little people, they get it, they are five, they can explain it in real simple terms – blogging is not too hard, too scary, too difficult, … it is powerful, a tool for convesation – my little people would RAVE about how they ‘talk’ to other children in Canada and we are in New Zealand.

]]> By: Brian Crosby http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/comment-page-1/#comment-3600 Brian Crosby Wed, 31 May 2006 04:20:14 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/#comment-3600 Ask them if kids knew what quills were and how to use them before their parents, teachers or superintendent did? Slates? Pencils? Overheads? Word processors?... you get it. Now post for them to see: Blogs, MySpace, Flickr, Skype, digital video... you know the list. Now ask them who knows more about what they are and how to use them and then how use them effectively and ethically - Teachers? Superintendents? Parents? or STUDENTS? Learning is messy! Ask them if kids knew what quills were and how to use them before their parents, teachers or superintendent did? Slates? Pencils? Overheads? Word processors?… you get it.
Now post for them to see: Blogs, MySpace, Flickr, Skype, digital video… you know the list. Now ask them who knows more about what they are and how to use them and then how use them effectively and ethically – Teachers? Superintendents? Parents? or STUDENTS?

Learning is messy!

]]> By: Karl Fisch http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/comment-page-1/#comment-3598 Karl Fisch Wed, 31 May 2006 02:27:22 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/#comment-3598 I know you'll be able to handle the technology and educational implications of the Read/Write Web just fine. So instead of focusing on a tech piece, I would have to second what Susan said about listening to the students. The one thing I would remind them is that it's the <i>students'</i> education, not ours. Too often we all lose sight of that and if we can maintain that focus - and listen to our "customers" - we will be a whole lot more successful. The more we can involve our students in their own education, the more engaged they are, the more we really try to meet their needs, the better job we'll all do. Instead of trying to prepare our students for what the world looked like when we were 18, let's try to prepare them for what the world is going to look like when they're our age (as best we can, of course). I know you’ll be able to handle the technology and educational implications of the Read/Write Web just fine. So instead of focusing on a tech piece, I would have to second what Susan said about listening to the students. The one thing I would remind them is that it’s the students’ education, not ours. Too often we all lose sight of that and if we can maintain that focus – and listen to our “customers” – we will be a whole lot more successful. The more we can involve our students in their own education, the more engaged they are, the more we really try to meet their needs, the better job we’ll all do. Instead of trying to prepare our students for what the world looked like when we were 18, let’s try to prepare them for what the world is going to look like when they’re our age (as best we can, of course).

]]> By: Susan Brooks-Young http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/comment-page-1/#comment-3595 Susan Brooks-Young Wed, 31 May 2006 01:56:01 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/#comment-3595 I see you're getting inundated here, Will. Covering just one-half of the suggestions would turn this into a week-long retreat, but I can't resist adding something no one has mentioned directly. Remind the superintendents about the importance of talking with their students. Kids begin disengaging from school in second and third grade, which makes it even easier for them to bolt when they get to high school. All educators, from the superintendent on down need to talk with, and listen to, the kids. They may not like everything they hear, but I think that overall they'll be surprised at the ideas and feelings they have. An added bonus will be that when kids feel that their opinions are listened to and respected, they tend to hang in there with us longer. I see you’re getting inundated here, Will. Covering just one-half of the suggestions would turn this into a week-long retreat, but I can’t resist adding something no one has mentioned directly.

Remind the superintendents about the importance of talking with their students. Kids begin disengaging from school in second and third grade, which makes it even easier for them to bolt when they get to high school. All educators, from the superintendent on down need to talk with, and listen to, the kids. They may not like everything they hear, but I think that overall they’ll be surprised at the ideas and feelings they have. An added bonus will be that when kids feel that their opinions are listened to and respected, they tend to hang in there with us longer.

]]> By: astephens http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/comment-page-1/#comment-3594 astephens Wed, 31 May 2006 01:21:53 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/#comment-3594 The one thing I would challenge them with... hmmm... I think I would challenge them to have an open-mind: To actually look at Web 2.0 tools and how they are being used in the classroom before they decide they need to be blocked To try it themselves - read some blogs and comment, look at some educational wikis, and listen to some podcasts To think about why our students are so drawn to these sites and new technologies To have the courage and foresight to actually support the teachers who are innovative and incorporate these technologies in their classrooms To look beyond the standardized tests and think about what their students really need to know in the 21st century Well, that would definitely be a start. :) The one thing I would challenge them with… hmmm…

I think I would challenge them to have an open-mind:

To actually look at Web 2.0 tools and how they are being used in the classroom before they decide they need to be blocked

To try it themselves – read some blogs and comment, look at some educational wikis, and listen to some podcasts

To think about why our students are so drawn to these sites and new technologies

To have the courage and foresight to actually support the teachers who are innovative and incorporate these technologies in their classrooms

To look beyond the standardized tests and think about what their students really need to know in the 21st century

Well, that would definitely be a start. :)

]]> By: Anne Davis http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/comment-page-1/#comment-3592 Anne Davis Wed, 31 May 2006 00:52:31 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/#comment-3592 Give them this summer assignment: Spend the summer reading educational blogs and then comment on the postings. Be a part of the conversations. Learn from them and then think possiblilities for their school system and beyond. Teach them bloglines so they can see how easily posts can be read. After they have spent some time reading and learning, then encourage them to create their own blogs and share their visions for our students for the future. Welcome teachers, parents and students to join the conversations. Comment on each others blogs. Read, think, learn, reflect! Send them over to Nancy McKeand's blog to this post: http://namckeand.blogspot.com/2006/03/and-yet-another-favor-to-ask.html to see how educators answered the question about why they blog with their students. Tell them to make their first blog about that post - their thoughts and reactions. Make this summer one where they invest in their students' future. Seize the time! Give them this summer assignment: Spend the summer reading educational blogs and then comment on the postings. Be a part of the conversations. Learn from them and then think possiblilities for their school system and beyond. Teach them bloglines so they can see how easily posts can be read. After they have spent some time reading and learning, then encourage them to create their own blogs and share their visions for our students for the future. Welcome teachers, parents and students to join the conversations. Comment on each others blogs. Read, think, learn, reflect! Send them over to Nancy McKeand’s blog to this post: http://namckeand.blogspot.com/2006/03/and-yet-another-favor-to-ask.html

to see how educators answered the question about why they blog with their students. Tell them to make their first blog about that post – their thoughts and reactions. Make this summer one where they invest in their students’ future. Seize the time!

]]> By: Christopher Harris http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/comment-page-1/#comment-3588 Christopher Harris Tue, 30 May 2006 16:56:46 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/#comment-3588 Please share with the superintendents the importance of school libraries. Not only is there a wealth of research showing the efficacy of well-funded - i.e. above the $6/student provided by NY state (especially since NY state provides $9/inmate to prison libraries!) - and well-staffed - i.e. certified teacher librarians in EVERY library - libraries. You might refer them to a Scholastic publication, School Libraries Work! that summarizes the research. http://www.scholastic.com/librarians/printables/downloads/slw_2006.pdf When we are talking about online and digital and resources, as many of the other commentors here are, what we are talking about is really information. Information literacy, and more importantly digital information literacy, is the key skill for global learners and performers. AASL (American Association of School Librarians) defined 9 standards for information literacy in their book Information Power. Those standards are centered in 3 strands: Information Literacy, Independant Learning, and Social Responsbility. That seems to sum up most of what has been covered here...and, guess what? It is already happening in the superintendent's libraries if they have a highly qualified, certified, teacher librarian with an adaquate budget and support. Please share with the superintendents the importance of school libraries. Not only is there a wealth of research showing the efficacy of well-funded – i.e. above the $6/student provided by NY state (especially since NY state provides $9/inmate to prison libraries!) – and well-staffed – i.e. certified teacher librarians in EVERY library – libraries. You might refer them to a Scholastic publication, School Libraries Work! that summarizes the research. http://www.scholastic.com/librarians/printables/downloads/slw_2006.pdf

When we are talking about online and digital and resources, as many of the other commentors here are, what we are talking about is really information. Information literacy, and more importantly digital information literacy, is the key skill for global learners and performers. AASL (American Association of School Librarians) defined 9 standards for information literacy in their book Information Power. Those standards are centered in 3 strands: Information Literacy, Independant Learning, and Social Responsbility. That seems to sum up most of what has been covered here…and, guess what? It is already happening in the superintendent’s libraries if they have a highly qualified, certified, teacher librarian with an adaquate budget and support.

]]> By: Paul Lawler http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/comment-page-1/#comment-3587 Paul Lawler Tue, 30 May 2006 15:42:37 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/#comment-3587 Urge them to ask three questions when assessing investments in educational technology in their district 1. How does this engage my teachers? 2. How does this contribute to the bottom line of student performance in my schools? 3. Would I be comfortable using this technology myself, every day? Technology has contributed to a quantum leap in productivity and quality in other "industries" but technology itself did not do it. Real human beings apply this stuff. If any of it is going to work in education, the assessment must always be made with a human being in mind. Urge them to ask three questions when assessing investments in educational technology in their district

1. How does this engage my teachers?
2. How does this contribute to the bottom line of student performance in my schools?
3. Would I be comfortable using this technology myself, every day?

Technology has contributed to a quantum leap in productivity and quality in other “industries” but technology itself did not do it. Real human beings apply this stuff. If any of it is going to work in education, the assessment must always be made with a human being in mind.

]]> By: Cheryl Oakes http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/comment-page-1/#comment-3579 Cheryl Oakes Tue, 30 May 2006 10:25:11 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/#comment-3579 What an incredible opportunity you have! Superintendents need to have a vision but more importantly they need to live the vision. Instead of sending out a monthly newsletter, blog that newsletter. Be part of the conversations not just the paperboy(girl) delivering the news. This moment struck me at a recent school musical performance. Our parents are capturing the moment through video cell phones and sending that moment over the airways. Shouldn't we(educators) be doing the same things with all learning, not just performances?Good luck, I'll be waiting for the reflections. What an incredible opportunity you have! Superintendents need to have a vision but more importantly they need to live the vision. Instead of sending out a monthly newsletter, blog that newsletter. Be part of the conversations not just the paperboy(girl) delivering the news. This moment struck me at a recent school musical performance.
Our parents are capturing the moment through video cell phones and sending that moment over the airways. Shouldn’t we(educators) be doing the same things with all learning, not just performances?Good luck, I’ll be waiting for the reflections.

]]> By: Regina http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/comment-page-1/#comment-3572 Regina Tue, 30 May 2006 03:40:23 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/49-captive-superintendents-one-message/#comment-3572 I agree with Kim C. No, not all of the teachers will have an idea about what technology to use but the ones that do are seemingly never asked. I would also encourage them to use these read/write web tools. But some of them really has little interest in technology themselves but do know that they can't ignore the impact that technology is having in our society and kids. I would really encourage them that if they do not have the technical desire to get out there in Web 2.0 then to actively seek those in the district that do. If they are to lead then find others with a strong desire and give them more of a voice. As a teacher of a large school district, I am at the end the decision-making ladder and it is very frustrating to be told no..no...no...when many technology needs are not even understood by the adminstration. I agree with Kim C. No, not all of the teachers will have an idea about what technology to use but the ones that do are seemingly never asked. I would also encourage them to use these read/write web tools. But some of them really has little interest in technology themselves but do know that they can’t ignore the impact that technology is having in our society and kids. I would really encourage them that if they do not have the technical desire to get out there in Web 2.0 then to actively seek those in the district that do. If they are to lead then find others with a strong desire and give them more of a voice. As a teacher of a large school district, I am at the end the decision-making ladder and it is very frustrating to be told no..no…no…when many technology needs are not even understood by the adminstration.

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