Restructuring of Schools in Pittsburgh

Sam Franklin will share a vision for the new science and technology school. Share any additional questions you may have about the school's design, especially the role of collaboration and partnerships.

To learn more about the project you can go to the following web site:
Pittsburgh Public Schools | Science and Technology web site.
Or you can look in the Course Documents for an Executive Summary about the project.

NETS for Teachers

At the PETE&C gathering ISTE (the International Society for Technology in Education) released a draft of the new teacher standards. You can address your comments and have a chance to shape the future for other educators. The standards are based on the National Education Standards for Students (NETS•S). At the present time digital age teachers:

1. Facilitate and Improve Student Learning and Creativity

2. Design Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Environments

3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning

4. Promote Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership

Professional Development

The Fox Chapel Area School District had a challenge to meet when it began a technology initiative in 2000. The principal, Charles Territo, came up with a plan to meet the challenge from the School Board: How can you guarantee that the funds you're requesting for new computer labs, presentation systems, and laptops will be used effectively."

Jane Mather will share her insights into the program based on her experience as the facilitator for the Professional Education Program (PEP) that was developed to meet the challenge. Share with Jane your questions about PEP and the Fox Chapel response.

Long-tail Learners

Karen Greenwood Henke, an education writer, has a new article that she is writing. She will share part of her article on this blog. She would like to receive your feedback. Her article raises some interesting questions about learning in the 21st century. Here's an excerpt to get you thinking:

We need to turn the problem on its side. Instead of teaching to the “head” of the tail of students, we need to develop structures that enable each student to discover their own learning style. With qualified teachers, timely data, and technology, our school system can serve the “long tail” learners as well as traditional students.

Charter Schools

Jeremy Resnick, the founder of Propel Schools, visited the Technology and Educational Restructuring class on January 24. According to the Propel web site:
Propel is building an organization that can significantly transform the region's educational landscape, especially in communities with a shortage of good school options.

What are issues or questions that you have about the role of charter schools as a strategy to restructure education?