This is the time of year where everything from schedules to staff are uncertain about next year. The only thing certain is that we have to make it a better school year than this year. And that's not saying that this has been a bad year but rather that we have to focus on always getting better. An old football coach I had in high school always used to say, "You're either getting better or getting worse. You never stay the same." I used to hate his comment at the time but I do believe it makes sense. If you are not working on improving yourself or your organization someone else is.
Next week we will be interviewing for a new Director of Special Education. We have some solid applicants and look forward to hiring a professional that can continue to lead and guide our special education efforts in the school district. Our new director will have big shoes to fill but will have the opportunity to work with good teachers, students, and families in our district. We will also be interviewing for a high school special education teacher the following week.
This week a team from the high school and I will be attending the first ever Iowa 1:1 Conference in Des Moines. Schools that are thinking about going to the 1:1 laptop initiative or have already approved it for next year will be in attendance. I'm looking forward to being able to network and get new ideas. Although the laptops will not single handedly change classroom instruction, it will ensure better engagement and tools for all students. With that being said, district administration is now working on updating the acceptable use policy. This will be a big step in making sure that technologies are being used in a positive and ethical manner. For more information about work being done on the district's acceptable use policy you can visit the district technology committee wiki at www.hdtechcommittee.wikispaces.com.
Do you know what co-teaching is? Co-teaching is when a special education teacher (usually) and a general education teacher team up to teach the same class. The idea behind co-teaching is that the two teachers can learn and work with each other. The special education teacher should be able to share thoughts about accommodations and modifications for special education students and others. The general education teacher can share content knowledge with the special education teacher. Both teachers are responsible for classroom management, engagement, and grading. We have seen some promising achievement results since co-teaching and we continue to engage in the approach.
Speaking of engaging students. There is a big difference between compliant and engaging. This article talks about the difference: Download Active Learning Article
Professional development has been lined up for all high school teachers. The professional development is geared for teachers ot transitions traditional lessons into that of engaging lessons that use 21st Century technology. With the 1:1 laptop initiative teachers will not be asked to change every lesson but rather expected to use the technology when it is most appropriate.
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