Sweeter's Tiger Tracks

Can I get an Amen

I recently read an interview that Secretary of Education Arne Duncan gave.  The part of the article that truly captured my attention was the section where he discussed the Reconsidering of NCLB.  I was excited to read the adjustments that he is going to make to this program that shook the educational world.  NCLB or No Child Left Behind is one of those things that looks great on paper, but the implementation was flawed. 

The first adjustment that I was excited about was, "Duncan believes we need to change the way we measure success with more emphasis on growth rather than a set target."  Rather than shooting for some random target on a scale we are going to focus on every student growing academically.  We are not all equal, but we can all improve.

I was also excited to see that he "would like to forestall the narrowing of the curriculum that has occurred under NCLB in many schools."  NCLB puts and over emphasis on reading in math.  Granted these two subjects are probably two of our most important, but I would argue that our students need more in order to be contributing members within society.

Can I get an Amen

I recently read an interview that Secretary of Education Arne Duncan gave.  The part of the article that truly captured my attention was the section where he discussed the Reconsidering of NCLB.  I was excited to read the adjustments that he is going to make to this program that shook the educational world.  NCLB or No Child Left Behind is one of those things that looks great on paper, but the implementation was flawed. 

The first adjustment that I was excited about was, "Duncan believes we need to change the way we measure success with more emphasis on growth rather than a set target."  Rather than shooting for some random target on a scale we are going to focus on every student growing academically.  We are not all equal, but we can all improve.

I was also excited to see that he "would like to forestall the narrowing of the curriculum that has occurred under NCLB in many schools."  NCLB puts and over emphasis on reading in math.  Granted these two subjects are probably two of our most important, but I would argue that our students need more in order to be contributing members within society.

Great New Year

I have to say last night's picnic was a great way to start the new year.  Many people's hard work made this a positive night, it was definitely a team effort.  Mr. Padfield needs a special pat on the back for all of his hard work.  Once again he came through for me in the clutch.   I also hope this was an indication of how smooth the year is going to go, wait a second while I find some wood to knock on. 

Welcome back students, it is going to be a great year.

Eye Opening Study

New Research Reinforces the Link Between Academic
Performance and Alcohol Consumption

A recent study conducted with 17,125 students in grades 8 through 12 found that non-drinkers are significantly more likely to report their grades as "mostly A's"; whereas drinkers are significantly more likely to report getting "mostly B's"; and heavy episodic (binge) drinkers are significantly more likely to report getting mostly C-F's.

Cool Techie Stuff

http://www.committedsardine.com/blogpost.cfm?blogID=193  These sites are better because not only are they free, but they aren't copyrighted. 

http://www.freepoverty.com/  Fun and educational, a deadly combination.

http://www.committedsardine.com/blogpost.cfm?blogID=184  The good news is that none of these all-stars are GHS graduates, at least I hope not.

http://www.committedsardine.com/blogpost.cfm?blogID=192  This video will make you question whether or not the current educational system is preparing it's students for their future.  I know some of you have already picked up on the contradiction that I am publishing.  For those of you who haven't yet; let me explain.  This morning I bragged about how awesome our students are doing on government mandated testing.  Tonight I display a video that bashes that testing, ironic.  My final soap box (of the day) is how many of you sit in rows everyday, get accused of cheating if you collaborate, and have regular written exams that don't allow you to use any tools except your mind.  Is this system modeled after the factory system still the most efficient?

Big News!!!!

I received a letter from ACT about a week ago, and let me tell you it was hard to sit on the information.  There was an embargo on the data until today, so now I am going to yell it from the mountain tops.

OUR STUDENTS ROCKED THE ACT TEST LAST YEAR!!!!  I've seen domination in the past but wow. 

Composite score:  GHS 23.5  --  State 22.0

Math:  GHS 23.5  --  State  21.8

Reading:  GHS 23.8  --  State 22.3

Science:  GHS 23.7  --  State 22.0

English:  GHS 22.3  --  State 21.2

Typically we are slightly above the state, but being a full point+ above the state is huge.  Numbers like these are ones that we can all be proud of.  WAY TO GO!!!!

Its coming

As we get closer to the big day the trickle of students and teachers coming into the  building is beginning to increase.  I would anticipate that this will continue to grow exponentially as the week continues.

I have received several calls in regards to the color coding of our JH classes.  This was not intended to create stress, in fact its purpose is to make life easier for our students.  My advice is to simply do the best you can.  If you cannot find orange or blue any color will do as long as all of the materials are color coded per class.

Finally in an attempt to model technology usage I have made it a priority to create my own wi-ki page.  Realize that this is a work in progress and there will be regular updates.  Perhaps the biggest change is that you will soonbe directed to the wi-ki page to find my blog, "Mr. Sweeter's Tiger Tracks."  I hope you find this tool useful.

Where did the summer go?

Its official my summer is over, and in a couple of short weeks it will be over for the students as well.  I know not a very positive thing to say in a back to school post, SORRY.  I have to admit while the summer was extremely busy with school, inflatables, and family; it was definitely a good one.   

The two personal highlights are when Ty and I went along with the FFA to a Twins game and our family vacation to Palisades and the Black Hills.  There are few things more American or father/son than eating a dog and peanuts at a ball game.  I did learn one thing.  Don't give your son a digital camera while driving through a metropolitan area.  I had over a 100 pictures of bridges, buildings, and cars.  The one good thingfrom this oops is that it reminds you of the world through a eyes of a 6 year old boy.  I also cherish my family time and our annual trips are great times away from the phone, email, and inflatables.  (The second pic is Katelyn Harry throwing out the opening pitch.  Trust me.)

 

The school has been a flurry of activity all summer.  A building addition and the 1-to-1 initiative have been the major reasons for the lack in downtime.  The building addition is moving along quite nicely.  The hole has been filled with concrete and rock, and now they are starting to build above ground.  While there are going to be some growing pains with this project this year, I feel that the end product is going to be a great addition to our district.

 

I am also excited to announce that our 10th-12th grade students are all going to be issued laptops this year.  This is going to provide us an opportunity to educate students in a manner that they are more familiar.  As most of you know and have experienced today's current education system is modeled after the factory system of the Industrial Revolution. Do not mistake me, I am not saying that it doesn't have its purpose.  I am saying it needs to be tweaked, so that it can be effective for students that don't know a world without computers.  Is it realistic to use the same system that was created to build the Model Tto educate students that drive cars with 30-40 computer systems in them?  Education is all about relating information to the students, so that they can retain it.  Laptops now give them a familiar platform, from which to download the information.

http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=40c570a322f1b0b65909

 

I am excited for the new school year and the challenges and highlights that it will bring.  See you soon.