Public Relations: Help Us Create Positive Energy

I am asking leaders of this school district to engage in a public relations movement that will help our stakeholders understand the complexities of teaching and learning. Schools are about students and teachers and we need to keep them as our focus. Therefore, we need the support of so many to bring about clear, concise and compelling messages. We need to be carrying a positive message that sheds light on what is being done well; we need to create the energy that comes from being positive.

Energizers come in two forms: positive and negative. My intent is to take us out of the negative pattern that is evident too often. Anger, frustration, being judgmental, and being in a constant state of chaos does create energy, but negative energy simply looks to control people and damage possibilities. The positive energy I aspire to comes from listening first to understand and giving effort to seeing problems through the eyes of others. It comes from being critical of ourselves first without criticizing others (compliments always provide a great deal of energy). I am looking to break any pattern that creates negative energy.

We will always be under a state of pressure, and pressure leads to anxiety/stress (energy). We just have to realize that this anxiety/stress, when manifested in a positive way, helps us to achieve. Anxiety/stress will be evident when people are held accountable to high expectations...that's positive!

A solid public relations effort is needed in District 742 with the need for clear, concise and compelling messages. We will be collaborating to identify strategic themes so that our stakeholders recognize that we are a proactive school district looking to meet the needs of all children. Please contact the School District Administrative Office if you feel compelled to help with this effort.

Technology: Teaching and Learning

Today’s learner comes from an environment that connects them to the world of entertainment through gaming and a social life experienced through networking with friends from as close as next door to countries on the other side of the globe. Yet, much of their educational life expects them to “power-down,” sit-up straight and learn from just one source – the teacher.

I envision a much different experience that was once considered futuristic, but we are already prepared to offer something much different. Student can learn through pod-casts, blogs, video streaming, on-line research, and etc. They can socially interact to engage in book chats and work together on projects while submitting their product digitally. Teachers can also interact in real time to assist in the learning that can occur while the student is mobile (at home, at a business, or just walking in the woods). Lap tops, I pods, cell phones and other powerful handheld devices allow for an education on the move with optimal minutes for learning.

Virtual learning has been around for awhile; critics argue that the most important component that impacts learning is missing – the relationship. Even so, we have to understand that the demand is still evident, but done effectively, a combination of virtual learning with opportunities for strong relationships will impact the learner in a positive way. In fact, I would argue that an education like this would free up individuals to build a stronger capacity for learning and wellness.

One can also see the opportunity to go “GREEN” with technology and virtual learning. The savings in paper alone while looking at even the bigger picture of less space needed in facilities that are provided by the possible flexibilities would address environmental needs. Then, imagine students who “power-up” with the reminders of the objectives always stated. Yes, there would be ethical issues to address, but we have always addressed ethics in all areas of schooling; we just have to evolve to keep pace with this new world and face all challenges facing us with technology.

Below are videos that address the new world in which we live and the expectations that have been placed upon us. I challenge all of you as consumers, stakeholders and learners to watch these and let your imagination look ahead to the future of education.

Future of Online Learning

We are starting to talk about ideas for bringing online education to District 742 on August 4th. This would benefit our students and our teachers. The benefits include:

1. Remediation for students
2. Providing courses that don't fit into the regular schedule
3. Providing Honors Courses
3. Providing a service for students with illness, surgery, suspensions, etc...
4. Adult Education
5. Alternative Learning
6. Staff Development

And so much more.

Please tune into the videos below.

RACE TO THE TOP

Below is a video of President Obama and Secretary Duncan. They unveil their education reform message, "Race to the Top." There are four reforms that are aligned and financially funded to create innovative programs that will transform the way schools do business. All included, there will be over $10 Billion dollars target to do this.

SKYWARD STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM

We are excited to announce that we have begun to implement the new product called Family Access by Skyward that will allow parents to log onto the internet and see their student’s progress. This new service will allow parents to view their student’s attendance, grades, schedule, food service balance, progress, assignments, emergency information, and it will even allow them to help select their student’s courses. Family Access will also allow the parents to see any grades you have posted, any future assignments you have posted and will allow each student’s parents/guardians the option to email each class’s appropriate teacher with any questions or concerns.

There will be many benefits to the Family Access program when it becomes available to parents. If staff members want to contact the parents about their student(s), they can email them with anything from commendations to progress reports. In addition, they will have the option to see exactly what the parents see in regards to a specific class. They will be able to see exactly how many times the parents have accessed Family Access – this is a great tool to use if parents ask you how they can help their child.

The information below is going to be consistent from school-to-school:

Beginning October 1, 2009, it would be a reasonable expectation to have the electronic grade book updated at least once per week. The exact day of the week would be a site decision to give the schools the flexibility to determine where that reporting meets their program needs. For example, a school on a seven day cycle may choose to have the grade book updated once a cycle so that the instructors see each student an equal number of times within that school defined week.

While teachers generally update their grade books at least weekly, it is understood that some assignments simply take longer to grade and may not be immediately updated in the grade books. Staff will make every attempt to update their grade books weekly.

Staff members will report:

• Attendance
• Calendar
• Current year schedule
• Email notification
• Discipline
• Message center

Parents will eventually see:

• Grades
• Daily Assignments
• Report Cards
• Attendance
• Class Schedules
• Emergency Contact/Student Address Information
• Bus Schedules
• Health Records
• Food Service
• Fee Management
• Discipline
• Graduation Requirements
• Activities
• Message Center
• Customized Reports
• Test Scores

What can parents do:

• Notify school of absences
• Email school personnel
• Print reports
• Submit student course requests
• Update their email address
• Retrieve their “forgotten” login and passwords
• Credit card payments via RevTrack or Magic – Wrighters
• Sign up for email notifications

PROBLEMS: THEY ARE JUST ADVENTURES

John Maxwell say, "a problem is something you can do something about. If you can't do something about it, then it's not a problem. It's a predicament."

Al Davis, owner of the Oakland Raiders says we should treat problems as a normal way of life; they shouldn't be seen as something special. John Maxwell says, "If you're working, expect problems. If you're dealing with family, expect problems. If you're just minding your own business and trying to relax, expect problems. If everything goes according to plan, then be pleasantly surprised. If it doesn't and you’ve planned accordingly, then you won't get so frustrated. A problem not anticipated is a problem. A problem anticipated is an opportunity." I say, a problem can be “a great adventure.”

I face problems everyday as “adventures” in my life. I love a great adventure where I plan a destination and need a compass or GPS to find my way. Then, when I reach my destination, I experience the beauty and the sense of accomplishment. I enjoy the adventures of traveling, scuba diving, and backpacking. Whether it’s Europe, Mexico, Canada or the United States, when I venture out to explore the mountains, the sea, the lakes, the woods or the prairies, I always encounter “forks in the road” (even when I’m diving), but I expect this. Knowing this makes the journey even more enjoyable because it’s a real adventure. In fact, a part of any adventure is planning it; a well-planned adventure results in an enjoyable adventure.

I am blessed with the position I hold because of the impact I can make in the lives of children and adults. I get to plan adventures, map out destinations, and recognize beauty and more opportunities everyday. Even though I encounter problems, I anticipate them and look to create even more opportunities. In other words, being a superintendent is “a great adventure.”

HATS OFF TO THE SCHOOL BOARD

THANK A SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER
“LEADERSHIP FOR EDUCATION”

21 ways to say thank you to your School Board:

1. You are giving up time and family to serve this district.
2. You serve to better the lives for all kids.
3. You know that a child’s background should never determine his/her educational opportunities.
4. You are here for all kids.
5. You know you can’t solve all problems, but you collaborate to solve what you can.
6. You focus on P-16; preschool to college success is your aim.
7. You want quality programs.
8. You want to set high expectations for all children.
9. You are building the culture of the district.
10. You make changes in practice & policy.
11. You consult with experts in education.
12. You know that the administration has to lead; to supervise & evaluate with high expectations; you’re supporting internal accountability.
13. You value continuous improvement.
14. You understand the importance of differentiation in teaching and learning.
15. You celebrate, build morale, and value what teachers do.
16. You’re always looking to create partnerships with parents.
17. You know that teachers need to be “on” everyday. No one would ever think of going to a surgeon that wasn’t “on” everyday.
18. You know the importance of the school board modeling the energy & enthusiasm, partnering with the business community & higher education, and helping to create the environment that is inviting to all.
19. You keep the priorities straight; you set them & stay focused. You know that academics & achievement must be #1.
20. You enlist the community to keep them involved - i.e. business resources, service organizations, churches, etc.
21. You have put the resources where they need to be.
    

Thank you on behalf of all staff and students in our schools,

Dr. Steve Jordahl, Superintendent

"LeaderShift"

Recently, the St. Cloud Times writer, Dave Aeikens, wrote a nice article about the TeamWorks training that is going on in District 742. On that same day, the Editorial Board wrote an article stating that they feel this is a poor investment of money in these tough economic times. We spent $42,000 dollars of the $50,000 budget this past year on the consulting services of TeamWorks; we have once again budgeted $50,000 for the 2009-2010 school year.

The objective of this training is to assist us in three areas:

1. management/leadership development
2. school board governance
3. strategic planning

The intention is to bring about improve leadership, increase student achievement and allow for greater transparency of the measures of achievement. The leadership and governance training will create opportunities to build trusting relationships, increase participation from all stakeholders, improve decision-making and enhance professional development. We have already aligned our vision and mission with our core values and the strategic direction of the district.

This entire process has already, and will continue to, raise the "professionalism" bar. My question to all stakeholders is simple, "Are you supportive of the objectives above?"

This has been a great adventure and will continue to be with the support of this community. After all, we have seen so much change to education and our community that we can not afford to remain idle. We must change, and we can not afford evolutionary change, we must aspire to "revolutionary change." It is my belief that this is possible by spending just 1/2 of 1% of our budget to do this. Join us by supporting the possibilities of what we are calling a "LeaderShift" in the St. Cloud Area School District.

ASSESSMENT 2008-2009

I read the SC Times article about state testing. I'm a bit concerned because of two very important issues and the fact that the article may cast a shadow on 742 while all of us are so proud of the accomplishments.

• The MTELL wasn't reported (this is 10% of our population of students); this is very significant and leaves the impression that we are only concerned about the MCA II's (the data about MCA's isn't complete without the MTELL (Dave A. didn't have the MTELL info when the reporting was done; this is not the fault of Dave Aeikens...the state department had not released the MTELL info at the time this was written. I've said this before, and I'll say it again, "Dave Aeikens does a wonderful job of reporting.").
• It was reported that we improved in about 1/2 the grades when we actually improved everywhere except for 4th grade reading and 8th grade math. Even factoring in the MTELL would not change the fact that all but two grade levels improved.

We now need to get this information to the public. We will also address the editorial that was written about TeamWorks. I want to talk about how 742 needs to reacts to the editorial with regards to:

• impartial or biased reporting that creates doubt
• the lack of substance and incomplete reporting

We need to "brand" ourselves based on achievement with all assessment results (MTELL, GRAD Writing, MAP, GOM, AP, Expore, Plan, ACT and the composite scores of the ACT). We weight the importance of each when we measure our district's success with student achievement, and the MCA II reading and math scores make up for approximately 13% of the total measure. If we account for the writing portion and the MCA II's, then we weight this at 20% of the total measure. THIS HAS TO BECOME THE STORY...THE COMPLETE STORY!

I am amazed by our success this year, but when it's reported that about 1/2 our grade levels showed improvement, the public thinks, "742 isn't achieving." We need to tell the WHOLE story.

We will be meeting with the editorial board next Tuesday and talk about the importance of accountability and excellence in education and how the TeamWorks process will create the needed changes as we move forward.