Connecting is not Rocket Science

Connecting via technology is not "Rocket Science." It is an amazingly simple process where the user has to determine multiple ways to accomplish the goal of getting the most people you can to follow what you write.

For example, I use Twitter, I blog, I use Facebook and I E mail. I include every contact I can think of and then keep E mailing my Blog link to them. Plus, I started twittering with a link to my blog with every tweet I create, and blog with a link to my twitter site. I have set myself up by searching for others that tweet and blog the same kind of subjects. Then, they choose to follow my twitter site and they start going to my blog.

You will see the results of your success soon if you start to see your topic/name pop to the top of the Google searches. Its pretty amazing and a great way to start impacting others. Try it...Google search steve jordahl.

Have fun with this!

Blogging in China

I will continue to blog once I'm in China, and I'll do it in such a way that my writing records the experience. Even so, I want to continue to write so that it reflects education and schools. If you want to stay in touch with me, please write using my gmail account or look me up on Skype. I leave August 19th with plans to return in the middle of the school year for a couple of weeks and then again in the summer.

I'm hoping that this will be a fantastic experience that can benefit everyone.

I will soon be going to Shanghai, China to oversee new Advanced Placement High Schools for Chinese students with aspirations for American universities. I will be working for Nacel/Open Door (http://www.nacel.org/). I will be living in Shanghai and partnering with the Shanghai ShangDe Experimental School(http://www.shangdejy.com/english/index.html). Shanghai is an amazing place: http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS316...&&q=shanghai+china&safe=strict&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1080&bih=503. I will continue to blog once I'm there about my experiences and the work we will be doing. After hiring the teachers, we will be going there on or about August 20th. Stay tuned to this blog and please get a Skype account so that we can communicate face-to-face. You can also reach me at steven.jordahl@gmail.com.

2.0 to Write

It's evident, with all the research that has been done, that Web 2.0 tools enhance students’ engagement in the classroom and increase achievement. Now imagine the impact that can be made in writing. Blogs, podcasts, wikis, and some incredibly fun software excite students, and while they write using these, their skills and creative thinking improves across all subjects.

I firmly believe that teachers that do this find a way to allow students to write for a large audience. Students write but they also start to recognize the challenges of having more people reading what they have produced. This engages the students, but it also challenges them to reach a new level of excitement and rigor.

Read this good article by by Maya T. Prabhu, Assistant Editor @ http://www.eschoolnews.com/2010/07/18/technology-a-key-tool-in-writing-instruction/.

Be Connected

Educators often talk about how students are socially connected through Web 2.0 technologies, but I have seen a shift to more adults doing the same. In fact, Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Skype, Google Chat and Docs and etc. are populated by adults looking to stay connected and see it as a fascinating way to be lifelong learners. Sure, laptops are probably the preferred way for most adults, and while mobile technologies are being more fully utilized by a younger generation to stay connected via the web, it won't be long and adults will catch on to this craze as well.

I consider how technology has increasingly outpaced the K-12 public school world. Students are asked to "power down" everyday as they entered the schools, while those of us in education continue to find creative ways to fund more computers and connectivity. We must figure out a way to keep pace with the "real" [global] world if we expect to produce lifelong, creative and innovative thinkers, achievers, problem solvers and doers. Let's tap into the mobile technlogies that are in the pockets of almost every high school student in the country.

I just read recently that 1 Billion people on the planet are connected to the web via mobile devices and within the next 5 years it will be 3 Billion. It sure would be a sad day come 5 years from now if we can't figure out a way to tap into that resource as a wonderful learning device. I will expect my own children to have opportunities to learn in classrooms where technology is fully integrated into the curriculum, and since this is so, I must make a commitment as an educational leader to allow for this to happen in my schools.

I may find myself thousands of miles away from family, but I will always be connected to them 24/7. I stay connected at a short distance with Facebook, Skype, Google and etc. Why would I not do the same from thousands of miles away? Now, imagine students interacting and collaborating on assignments as they work to be more creative and innovative with the outcomes of their projects. We no longer have to imagine it...it's already being done.

Excite Students to Learn with Technology

I spent this past weekend with my family on beautiful Big Stone Lake in western Minnesota. We always engage in the same activities of exercising, relaxing, fishing (hunting in the fall), sitting by the bonfire and talking about education and sports. Dad was a teacher, mom grew up as a teacher's child, my aunt was a teacher, both dad and brother were coaches, and of course, I was a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent. Consider all of this and one can understand our passion for conversations around the bonfire that always come back to education.

This past weekend was no exception. I am seen as the one messed up child addicted to social networking and learning with my laptop with me (it annoys the heck out of my brother and for some reason, I take joy in that). Mom finally said to me, "Don't you think that kids now days are missing out on real communications and relationships that are enhanced by getting outside and playing with each other rather than sitting in front of Facebook?" She's right in that we have to continue to push kids to play hard and engage in physical activities that force critical thinking, communication and conflict resolution.

It's almost sad that Facebook has come to be a term that angers and frustrates some much like text messaging. My reply was pretty candid after thinking that she was just upset at me for being on my computer again. I said, "Social networking is connecting kids from the across the classroom and across the globe." We must learn to take advantage of the way students want to communicate by integrating technology with instruction and recognizing that social networking can be a tool to engage the learner.

It was just a few minutes ago that I read this article (http://www.eschoolnews.com/2010/06/28/survey-reveals-factors-in-ed-tech-success/) in eSchool News, and yes mom, I read it digitally with out flipping through pages, and I still learned. Did you know that students’ achievement scores on high-stakes tests have been on the rise, and among schools with 1-to-1 computing programs, that figure dramatically goes up. Hey, if we employ best practice strategies for success, including electronic assessments on a regular basis and frequent collaboration of teachers in professional learning communities, we will continue to see the benefits of technology.

I encourage all to continue reading about the advancements of technology and the impact it has on student achievement. Then, get ready, the mobile education technology boom is just in its infancy. These next few years will be incredible as we see students advance via technology integrated correctly with the result being highly educated students who are more creative, more intellectual and globally connected.

Technology to Extend Learning Opportunities

Educators are constantly talking about ways to extend a student's education beyond the regular school day, but most teachers don't offer a socially networked system of digital content. I keep "preaching" that we need to offer students the opportunity to learn with the way they communicate; they come to us "plugged in," but we ask them to "power down" once they enter the classroom. Many of them (perhaps most) have mobile access 24/7 to stay networked to systems of digital content, but we have to see beyond the fact that these devices are more than ways to "game" and stay socially connected.

So, as we move into the future, we must consider high access bandwidth (community-wide) so all learner have access. This is the way to provide advanced, dynamic and student-centered learning beyond the regular school day. After all, we are finding that on-line learners are engaged in learning at approximately twice the time as a traditional classroom setting. Can you imagine the results when we finally figure out that blended or hybrid on-line learning will be the way to really set the education world on fire?

We realize that the curriculum and instruction provided must meet the needs to all children. We know that what we do must align with the standards mandated, the assessments given and the outcomes expected. We know that we want research-based rigorous curriculum that promotes critical thinking; it must engage the learner. We realize that growth in the most important. But let's finally face the fact that technology must have a role.

Therefore, if we are truly going to be accountable for offering the best 21st century education possible, we must be prepared to preach, coach/teach, measure and live the technology opportunities that are at our literally at our finger tips. For examples, go to my Facebook page and start with this: http://www.garrisonsites.com/2010/02/schoology.html. My Facebook page is at http://www.facebook.com/people/Steve-Jordahl/1758777858, but you will have to ask to be "my friend." LOL!

Minnesota on iTunes U

The Minnesota Department of Education and Apple have now established a partnership on iTunes U to create a portal for teachers to access, create, and share educational multimedia content and resources anytime and anywhere. This will lead our students and teachers to a meaningful learning experience and the ability to share content, strategies and best practices across the state and around the world.

This exciting multimedia experience will be announced in August of this year. The goals of Minnesota on iTunes U are to:

1. Leverage state-supported projects of new digital media for Minnesota’s learners.
2. Provide unlimited, free access to educational and professional development materials 24/7.
3. Support alternative modes of content delivery beyond the classroom.

Educational Podcasts of high quality based on state and national curriculum standards is intended to bring unique resources that allow teachers to engage students in additional opportunities and perspectives about what they are learning.

I have been fortunate to play a role in working with The Minnesota Department of Education, but the exciting work has been the work that a few of us, as superintendents, have been able to do with Apple and the iTunes project. I am certain that this will be the future of education and a way for students to feel like they can be “plugged in” even while in school.

More on i3 Grant

The purpose of these types of grants is to serve as a "proof of concept". This type of grant affords the district with the flexibility of trying some cutting edge technologies with new instructional approaches. A possible outcome would be cutting down on the need for traditional textbooks, paper/copying, graphing calculators, adaptive devices, and more. Without grants such as i3, districts would not be able to gamble on these types of initiatives with the current school funding levels. There is also merit to the collaboration with other districts. This project is aligned to the goals of the National Educational Technology Plan that was adopted by the US Department of Education in March 2010.

I am excited about the possibilities of partnerships that may come out of this. For example, the Science Museum of Minnesota is very interested in working with us along with Apple. We are exploring other partners as well by working through a foundation site that allows others to find us (https://www.foundationregistryi3.org/).

"The challenge for our education system is to leverage the learning sciences and modern technology to create engaging, relevant, and personalized learning experiences for all learners that mirror students' daily lives and the reality of their futures. Technology provides access to more learning resources than are available in classrooms and connections to a wider set of educators, including teachers, parents, experts, and mentors outside of the classroom. On-demand learning is now within reach, supporting learning that is life-long and life-wide (Bransford et al., 2006)."

i3 Innovation Grant

For more information go to: http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/03/08/i3-innovation-grant-program-opens.aspx

The St. Cloud Area School District is working with four other school district to write an i3 Grant for approximately $4.5 Million. The other districts include West St. Paul, Stillwater, Buffalo and Little Falls. Leaders from each of these districts have been collaborating/teaming to think of ways to integrate technology into the classroom with mobile devices that would enhance our science curriculum. This grant program was designed to fund the development of new ideas that would enhance learning.

The requirements for applying for i3 grants include supporting teachers that prepare students for success in college and careers. Therefore, we decided that we must gear this toward the way students engage in communicating now. They come to school connected, we often ask them to "power down" when we should be taking advantage of the mobile devices that "turn them on" to learning.

The grants that we hope will be awarded to us are called Development grants where we can apply for up to $5 million to support new concepts that are deemed worthy of further study. With our interest in technology, we have targeted the use of mobile devices that integrate into the 8th grade science standards. These five school districts are comprised of approximately 2,000 8th grade students.

We do have to secure 20 percent of the award from the private sector, and we are hoping that this will create a partnership that could help us well into the future. The "tricky" part of doing this is tied to the closing date for the application; this is due one week from tomorrow. Grants are expected to be awarded in September. Additional grants may be awarded later, as there's an additional $500 million proposed in President Obama's 2011 budget plan.

"This is the first national forum within which entrepreneurs, education stakeholders of all types, and foundations can partner to develop and fund innovative ideas in the education sector," -ED reported. "Through this portal, the Department will hope to facilitate partnerships by convening like-minded individuals to accelerate the development, identification, and broad use of innovative products, practices, and processes to improve education in schools."

Web 2.0 Tools

Go to: http://web2010.discoveryeducation.com/web20tools.cfm. There are 7 videos at this Discovery Education site that is worth every minute to watch. In fact, watching this will allow you to start to understand what Web 2.0 is and how is can impact education.

Web 2.0 is about revolutionary new ways of creating, collaborating, editing and sharing user-generated content online. It's also about ease of use. There's no need to download, and teachers and students can master many of these tools in minutes. Technology has never been easier or more accessible to all.

A Professional Honor

For the past two years, serving District 742 has been one of the most cherished honors and rewards that I have been afforded professionally.

In partnership with a highly qualified District leadership team, School Board and staff, we have moved this district into a new era of excellence and accountability by implementing a five-year strategic plan with measurements that encompass all that we do in education. Full implementation of VisionCards in the next year will assure our public we are accountable for every student's success, and the new administrative evaluation system will continue to focus on instructional leadership with goals that drive student achievement.
For the past two years, serving District 742 has been one of the most cherished honors and rewards that I have been afforded professionally.

In partnership with a highly qualified District leadership team, School Board and staff, we have moved this district into a new era of excellence and accountability by implementing a five-year strategic plan with measurements that encompass all that we do in education. Full implementation of VisionCards in the next year will assure our public we are accountable for every student's success, and the new administrative evaluation system will continue to focus on instructional leadership with goals that drive student achievement.

Even though I have experienced a great deal of success and growth leading District 742, I have come to realize that this is not a long-term commitment or fit for me. I will be engaged in securing a new opportunity that will better serve my personal and professional aspirations. With the permission and concurrence of the Board of Education, I have decided to resign my position with the District effective June 30, 2010.

I have completed a transition plan, if accepted by the School Board, will make sure that the District has continuous leadership.

I leave believing that District 742 is well positioned, structured and aligned to achieve its vision and promise to the students, families and community. With pride, gratitude and confidence in District 742, I offer my best hopes and expectations for success to all our staff and students.

PEACE RALLY

There is an organized peaceful rally that has been set to happen at Apollo High School from 8:30-3:15 (Monday, March 29th). The intent, as expressed by people who have organized this event, is to share their perceptions of staff members in District 742. This particular group, that represents a very small number of Somalis, intends to illustrate that there's an injustice as to the way some staff members treat Somali students (they have assured me that this is not about the way some students treat other students).

Many Somalis have expressed that this is not the way to resolve what they perceive is happening in the district. I have heard from the Somali Elder's Board, members of the Somali Elder's Council, the Islamic Center, CAIR, several who attend the Mosque and our Equity Services Department Cultural Navigators. They are aware of this event and are not pleased that this is happening. Therefore, you must understand that this is not the result of most Somali people in this community.

We will continue to treat this as a regular school day. The organizer of this rally said, "We don't want to disrupt learning during this rally."

Our job is to make sure that this will be a routine day where safety is our number one concern. Please understand that this is completely legal whether or not you feel it's the right way to address an issue. Law enforcement is aware and will be present to keep this peaceful. We will continue to connect with parents and students of all groups to settle issues and concerns like this.

COMMUNITY LINKAGES STUDENT FORUMS

The Board of Education Community Linkages Committee sent out a survey to obtain ideas for themes for linkage events/forums for the 2010 year. At the top of the list was “Ways parents could promote student achievement.” The Community Linkages Committee is bringing forth a proposal to hold two forums (one at Apollo and one at Tech) on the topic of “Exploring Student ‘Success’: A Dialogue with Students of Color. Students of color and their parents/mentors will be invited to the dialogue sessions. Dr. Les Green and Eddah Mutua-Kombo will be the moderators for the forums.

The questions to be discussed within the dialogue groups (guided by the SCSU moderators) will include:

1. What is student ‘success’ and how is it determined, measured, valued and celebrated in terms of scholarship, leadership, service, and character?
2. What is the role of the student in achieving his/her success?
3. What is the role of a student’s parent(s) or adult mentor in their child’s success?
4. What is the role of the teacher and the building administrator in the student’s success?
5. What is the role of the community in the success of students in the school district?
6. How can the qualities and traits of success of some students (values, behaviors, practices and commitments) be exported to other students?

As follow-up to the forums, it was suggested that talking points be created and shared. Information obtained could be incorporated into the District’s Strategic Plan/VisionCards, as well as building improvement plans.

Superintendent’s Cabinet and Principals are very supportive of the forums and indicated the information obtained will be valuable.

The tentative dates for the Community Linkages Forums are:

Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Apollo High School – Learning Resource Center (North End)
6:00-8:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 22, 2010
Tech High School – Learning Resource Center
6:00-8:00 p.m.

Principals will identify and invite Apollo/North students and their parent(s) to participate in the forum at Apollo. Principals Ziemann and Williams will identify and invite Tech/South students and their parent(s) to participate in the forum at Tech. Principal Ray will identify students and their parents to represent the ALC. A suggestion is to have approximately five students from each school; an attempt will be made to have balanced representation (grade levels, gender).

Invitations to the families will include the list of questions in preparation for the forums. The forums will be taped for future use at the elementary level. The forums will be publicly noticed with invitations to attend going out to all District staff, as well as community representatives.

WORKING TO EASE CULTURAL TENSIONS

In a community that has opened its doors to immigrants, refugees and displaced Americans, District 742 has set its sights on creating a reality where all students are welcome, safe and "belong." Contrary to a recent MPR story suggesting minimal efforts of the school district to ease cultural tensions, district teachers and administrators point to the pursuit of reading and math achievement for every single student; increased participation in advanced placement (AP) courses, honors classes, extra-curricular activities and gifted and talented opportunities for students of color; adoption of inclusive curricula and on-going efforts to increase staffing diversity.

The district's core value of excellence is founded on the pursuit of highest standards of rigor and relevance for all students, including students of color. The district's strategic plan clarifies our vision of closing the achievement gap between groups of students and precisely measures our annual progress toward that goal.

District 742's core value of learning focuses on providing opportunities to learn, think and succeed in different ways for different students. Jumpstart programs, Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) strategies, Responsive Classroom strategies, Cultural Navigators, inclusive curricula, professional development through equity retreats, inventories of personal intercultural development and student cultural awareness panels are all examples of district "learning" to improve both learning and practice.

District 742's core value of leadership requires courageous action and collaboration with all constituencies to make equitable decisions involving programs, policies and procedures. Advisory Councils, Leadership Teams, Parent and Student decision-making groups actively seek to reflect the cultural diversity of our school district.

District 742's core value of partnership and interdependency requires engagement with student, staff, family and community stakeholders. Partnerships with community businesses and non-profit organizations, local colleges and Common Ground inter-district groups set the stage for building trust, sharing resources and mutual understanding.

District 742's core value of respect is evident at the Welcome Center, in the 9th grade Respect Retreat, Link Crews, and Student Listening Sessions. Working together, depending upon one another and supporting each other are integrated into instructional practices and extra-curricular activities to solidify respect for one another.

District 742 will continue to improve in strengthening relationships among all cultures. We invite our community - our neighbors, parents, businesses and organizations to join us in these efforts to speed our progress.

Re: Revenue for next year and beyond

Yesterday the leaders of MASA met individually with leaders at the Capitol. We met with representatives in the Governors Office, the Senate Majority Leader and all the chairs of the Education Committees. We asked them what they saw as the final outcome of the whole legislative process in regard to K-12 funding for next year. We listened closely, and are now providing you with our best prediction. We are aware of many legislators arguing hard to not cut K-12 funding. We will continue to be tenacious in our defense of K-12 school funding.

Our revenue projection for 2010-11:

This is our best projection based on assembling a lot of financial and political information. Recognize that we are not infallible. However we are as close to the process as anyone. We believe that there will not be a cut in the basic formula funding for 2010-11. You may find some smaller cuts in a few programs and may also receive some limited levy authority for funding for some increased costs.

State borrowing from schools:

The state will likely delay some payments next year and we may see some additional shifting of state aids to make up some of the budget shortfall. Thus being prudent in preserving your fund balances would serve your Districts well.

Still rough times in 2011-13 and 2013-15:

The longer-term structural deficit for the next couple of bienniums is in the range of $5-8 billion in each biennium. New taxes can address possibly $2 billion of these problems and a recovering economy might solve another $2 billion in each of the bienniums. This still leaves a sizable deficit.

Team 3244 - The Granite City Gear Heads

Apollo's Robotics "Team 3244 - The Granite City Gear Heads" has their website up and running. The site is in its infancy; more content will be coming soon. The students are doing great, and their robot held their own at a recent pre-invitiational put on by Eagan H.S. I am pleased to report Apollo's team held their own against all the larger and more experienced metro teams, and had a record of 4-1 overall for that competition.

The official regional competition is fast approaching and the team has the lofty, yet attainable goal of advancing to nationals in Atlanta, Georgia. The kids are dreaming big, and at the rate they are going they just might pull it off!

We are working hard to find sponsors and creative ways to raise funding. I recently challenged my team to raise enough money to convince me to do something crazy like dye my hair purple, etc. (we'll see what they come up with...). I probably should be scared! If Team 3244 makes it to nationals, we will need to raise a significant amount of funding.

If you or anyone you know would be remotely interested in helping the cause in any way, please forward this link. Feel free to inquire via email or phone, and I also would encourage you to check out www.usfirst.org as well. I hope to hear from you; all ideas are welcome. Let's put St. Cloud on the map!

www.apollorobotics.com

Thanks!
Mark Weimer
Apollo H.S. - St. Cloud, MN
Technology Education Teacher - PLTW
Robotics Coach

SCHOOL MESSENGER

We were recently provided an overview of the training that will be needed for the implementation of School Messenger in District 742. The District has purchased the training, which will bring a trainer on site. Prior to the trainer coming in, a webinar will be held for our Student Information System staff. Some file setup has already been done, and it will be a fairly easy installation. The onsite training will be for those that will be sending messages, i.e., Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors, and District-Level Administrators. The training will be one day for all groups. Currently Apollo and Tech are using a school messaging system for their attendance dialer.

FEBRUARY 17TH DISTRICT 742 PUBLIC FORUM ON INTEGRATION

On February 17, 2010, community representatives, board members and staff met to dialogue about the traits desired in children after 12 years of public school education.

Intellectual traits included the ability to problem solve, find information, use technology and other learning tools to locate information and communicate with one another. Intellectual skill in literacy and numeracy ranked high. The pursuit of intellect will require creativity and imagination and lifelong learning must be founded upon a love of learning. Knowledge of the career investigation process throughout life, was also listed as an important lifelong skill. Utilizing information as a foundation for making and evaluating decisions, managing time and money are important prerequisites for learning to deal with new and different experiences.

Social-emotional traits included confidence, ability to get along with others, ability to be a team player, communicate. Being able to self-regulate emotions through resourcefulness and coping skills were important foundational skills in developing a vision of aspiring to be the best.

Moral and civic outcomes include a well-developed sense of service, knowing the right thing to do and having a shared vision of equity and global dependence. Pride in one’s history and a “new image of equality” are critical assets in one’s ability to positively contribute to “community.” Effective citizens, who are able to work with others, have empathy toward others and the ability to work with change will also require curiosity and perseverance to thrive and find joy in living.

Opportunities was a key theme, and although not necessarily an “outcome,” the best opportunities to learn intellectually, socially, physically and emotionally, would hopefully result in the outcomes listed in the above paragraphs. Involving the community is essential in providing opportunities.

Continued c0nversations led to dialog about what we need to consider, continue and stop doing to find ourselves successful with the above collective thoughts.

Our schools should continue:
Teaching and learning strategies:
· Using our data to make teaching/learning decisions
· Jumpstart
· RtI (Response to Intervention and Instruction)
· All Day Every Day Kindergarten
· Stretching the school day/school year/instructional time
· Equity Data Retreats

Resources and Research
· Enhancing all of the positives that are being given
· Celebrating students who are succeeding
· High expectations for all children
· Valuing what children bring to school
· High expectations for all
· Leveraging resources from the community (e.g., Madison Friday classes for Somali families; PAKRAT)
· Authentic relationships
· Cultural Navigators
· Listening to the community

Our schools should consider:
Teaching/Learning Strategies:
· Making sure every child is successful
· Helping children discover their gifts
· Increased strategies to give every student hope
· Stay the course and “turnaround” our schools
· Stretching instructional time
· Taking action on the desired effect, consequences and interventions for drop outs
· “Beefing up Community Education with the highest level of Adult Basic Education/GED
Professional Development and Research
· Study academically successful schools
· Identifying “what’s working” elsewhere; identify best practices and for whom
· Making a commitment to research
· Bringing Geoffrey Canada to St. Cloud
· Recognizing teachers who have great successes
Programs:
· Longer Jumpstart Program (English Immersion)
· Increasing early childhood programs (all children)
· Offering parent education for men and women
· Having Somali literacy classes for adults
Partnerships:
· Improving connections
· Developing a stronger role for the community
· Engaging more with the community through community conversations regarding race
· Focusing on families for conversations about racism and differences
· Model parent conversations through ECFE programs and classroom teachers
· Really listening to each other (community/parents/ school board/ teachers)
· Helping community understand what is at stake if we don’t turn it around
Operations:
· Strengthening our commitment to district goals and the Strategic Roadmap
· Hiring more teachers of color
· Searching for more resources
· Having student focus groups
· Recognize Equity Services
· Research gender impact on learning….read Boys Adrift
· Increasing pressure on teachers for children to perform

Our schools must stop:
· Making excuses about our role as educators
· Blaming others
· Making racist comments
· Silencing community members, who in turn, feel discredited and dismissed
· High Stakes Tests and resulting tension

E2T2 GRANT

The E2T2 grant relates to staff development and has three focuses. One is using Ipod touches with ELL students, and another one is developing social networking tools for staff to collaborate; you will get more information on these two items at a later time. A third focus relates to the 18-month position of Technology Integrationist held by Ryan Cox. Ryan will be meeting with principals to gather information and explain what his position means to their school. He will then make plans to work with staff. An online survey will be sent to all licensed staff to gather information about their knowledge and use of social networking tools; the survey could be expanded to non-licensed staff at a later date.

District 742 Amazing Mid-year Program Updates: CTE, NPG, BEP, and CBP

CTE (Career and Technical Education)
NPG (Non-Public Guidance)
BEP (Business Education Partnerships)
CBP (College Bound Program)

Career and Technical Education (CTE):

Health Career Internship Program
Schedule health career orientated speakers for 4 Health Career teachers (Apollo, Tech, Sartell, Sauk Rapids/Rice) on a weekly basis. Facilitate Health Career Advisory Board, which meets 1x per month. Manage the internship database and contact area businesses to take interns from the 4 Health Career classrooms.

Junior Achievement
Currently there are 127 District 742 classrooms that participate in one of the many Junior Achievement programs. Over 375 Work Experience Program students will participate in the JA Finance Park on-line program this year. We are also JA volunteers and teach in the classrooms

CTE Advisory Board and CTE/Counseling Vertical Team
Advisory board meets 4x per year. Counseling Vertical Team meets every other month.

Work Experience Program
Career Conference (Wed, January 6, 2010) @ SCTC; Over 250 Work Experience Program students participated in a ½ day career conference at SCTC. Sessions will include career field panels and life station topics such as: Get that Job, Keep that Job, Preparing for Post-Secondary Education, Personal Finance, etc. Meetings held every other month with Work Experience teachers

9th Grade Career Event
We are just beginning to plan the annual 9th grade ½ day Career Event that occurs in April (April 14, 2010) each year while the juniors and the seniors are testing.

CTE Staff
Currently we have 22 CTE (vocationally) licensed staff out of 27 staff in CTE Departments (Work Experience, Health Careers, Family and Consumer Science, Business/Marketing, and Technology Education); 3 of the 22 CTE licensed staff are on a variance at this time.

Increasing Academics in CTE Project
Coordinating vocabulary and lesson plans between academic and CTE staff in an effort to increase student transfer/application of skills and knowledge between academic and CTE courses. In Summer 2009, 8 CTE and Academic staff participated in a 3-day training Spring 2010. 10 CTE and Academic staff will join with 10 CTE and Academic staff from consortium (Perkins) partners for two full-day sessions (Thursday, February 18 and Tuesday, February 23, 2010 8:30 am – 3:00 pm)

CTE Newsletter
Produce bi-monthly, electronic CTE newsletter that goes out to approximately 300+ educators and local community contacts.

Mock Interviews – Tech High School
Interviews for Beth Fenstad’s Speech class, held twice a year (Fall and Spring). We send out a request to 150 St. Cloud employers and schedule approximately 30 interviews per semester for this program.

STEM Summit
Educational program to build regional coalitions, promote STEM education and fuel the pipeline for the next generation of the science and technology workforce. Geared toward the 7-12 grade students. Approximately 300 students will participate in this event from the St. Cloud school district.

College Bound Program (CBP):

Summer 2009 Programs
➢ A3 (Academic Achievement Academy) for historically under-represented students entering grades 7 – 9.
➢ 40 students participated in the two-week academy at St. Cloud Technical College
➢ S4 (Super Success Skills Seminar) for historically under-represented students entering grades 9 – 12.
➢ 25 students participated in the two-week academy at St. Cloud Technical College
➢ HCA (Health Career Service Academy) for historically under-represented students entering grades 9 – 12.
➢ 31 students participated in the two-week academy at St. Cloud Technical College
➢ C2C HCA (Camps to Careers Health Career Service Academy) for students aged 16 – 19 with a barrier (physical, emotional, mental) to learning and an interest in health care careers.
➢ 19 students participated in the two-week academy at St. Cloud Technical College

2009 – 2010 School Year Programs
➢ S4 (Super Success Skills Seminar) for historically under-represented students entering grades 9 – 12.
➢ 38 students participate in the after school program at Apollo High School HCA (Health Career Service Academy) for students aged 16 – 19 with a barrier (physical, emotional, mental) to learning and an interest in health care careers.
➢ 24 students participate in the after school program at Apollo High School CTE for ELL (Career and Tech Ed for English Language Learners) for 9-12th
➢ grade ELL students interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers. 17 students participate in the after-school program at SCSU.

2010 Summer Program Projections
➢ A3 (Academic Achievement Academy) for historically under-represented students entering grades 7 – 9.
➢ 45 students will participate in a two-week academy at St. Cloud Technical College in June 2010.
➢ S4 (Super Success Skills Seminar) for historically under-represented students entering grades 9 – 12.
➢ 45 students will participate in the two-week academy at St. Cloud Technical College in July 2010
➢ HCA (Health Career Service Academy) for historically under-represented students entering grades 9 – 12.
➢ 20 students will participate in the two-week academy at St. Cloud Technical College in June 2010.
➢ C2C HCA (Camps to Careers Health Career Service Academy) for students aged 16 – 19 with a barrier (physical, emotional, mental) to learning and an interest in health care careers.
➢ 15 students will participate in the two-week academy at St. Cloud Technical College in June 2010.
➢ C2C CNA Summer Program for students aged 16 – 19 with a barrier (physical, emotional, mental) to learning and an interest in health care careers.
➢ 15 students will participate in the four-week academy at St. Cloud Technical College in July – August 2010.
➢ A3 (Academic Achievement Academy) Service Learning Institute (PENDING) or historically under-represented students entering grades 7 – 9 with an interest in digital media.
➢ 40 students will participate in the two-week academy at St. Cloud Technical College in July 2010.
➢ C2C STEM
➢ C2C Digital Media

Non-Public Guidance (NPG):

Currently there are 103 home-schooled students registered. Most have submitted required grades and paperwork in a timely fashion. Our next Non-Public Guidance newsletter will go out in March 2010.

Business Education Partnership (BEP):

The Partners in Learning program is a joint venture with the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of the program is to get additional volunteers into the classroom.

Respectfully submitted by Jayne Greeney Schill, Counselor - Coordinator and Brenda Overboe, Administrative Assistant.

Equity in Education

Wednesday night could be a defining moment for District 742 when we present our baseline data about where we are as a district with regards to closing the achievement gap. We feel we have the right programs and people in place to make significant gains with all student groups.

Our Equity Service Department will present our strategic direction and where we are as a district. We recognize that there's concerns that need to be addressed, but this is an opportunity to present where we were at the end of last year so that we can once again present a year from now to hopefully show gains. This department continues to work hard, but we also recognize that we are still growing since this is just 1.5 years in the making.

Even though it may still not be evident, we feel that we have made significant progress by:

• giving more students access to preschool
• providing all-day-everyday kindergarten
• making improvements to our English Language Learning programs
• improving Target Services programs
• providing classroom teachers opportunities for professional development
• creating positions that give teachers more resources to impact learners
• bringing focus to literacy and math programs
• giving more student access to tutors
• enhancing partnerships with our Universities
• ...and the list goes on

Therefore, if you're interested in hearing more about these programs and what we will continue to do with our Equity Services program, you are welcome to join us for this 6:30 PM meeting Wednesday night.

KEEP A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE (PMA)

With the stresses of today's economy and the need to reduce budgets, it's amazing that leaders can or want to survive in their positions. In order to do so, we must figure out ways to address our PMA. After all, we WILL NOT see better economic times for a few years according to those who forecast Minnesota's state budget. School leaders must continue to be creative and make some tough decisions with options that have been unacceptable in the past.

So, what do we do to address a PMA? Experts give us this list:

• Stay focused and believe in yourself
• Maintain a moral compass where collaboration is seen to support each other
• Be transparent and trustworthy
• Look to create a positive image through educational excellence
• Build relationships with the public
• Always protect the core values and priorities
• Remembering that we aren't going out of business; we are just changing the way we do business
• Don't downsize expectations when downsizing the budget
• Create a communication plan to share all messages; translate the numbers into stories with themes that are clear and compelling
• Don't "sugar coat" anything
• Allow people to grieve over lost colleagues and programs
• Tell memorable stories that align to our district's strategic plan
• Show no fear
• Cultivate more relationships through enhanced communication
• Demonstrate accountability
• Celebrate all who get involved in the lives of children
• Build the image...consistently throughout the year
• Realize that everyone is doing with less
• Tell your story with tact, diplomacy, pride and grace
• All of us need to speak with one voice..."We will continue to do what's right for children"

Please, during these tough times, we must work together to keep a PMA. It's what we must do for the reason we exist - for children.

WHERE ARE WE GOING? FOLLOW THE ROAD MAP!

Sometimes people (including St. Cloud Area School District staff members) will ask, "Where are we going as a school district; where is the school board and superintendent trying to take us?" I love questions like this because the answer is so simple; I carry it everywhere I go. It's called a strategic plan; it's District 742's Road Map. At the very least, this should be the first thing we highlight when someone says, "What are we trying to accomplish?"

The Road Map defines our purpose, it shapes our words and actions, provides direction and allows us to see our destination, and it takes an entire district to collaborate (team) to make it work. I carry it with me when I meet with all staff, community members, parents, and the media. In fact, I set it in front of me when I talk to the media. It served as my outline when I addressed the entire staff at the beginning of the year. We all refer to it when we meet with staff (example: in all guiding change situations). We refer to it in board meetings, board committees, district committees and etc.

Therefore, carry this with you everywhere you go...it hasn't failed me yet. It works! If you don't have it go to http://isd742.org/StrategicPlan/index.html.

Overcoming Life's Obstacles

The video below is a performance by Ma Li (馬麗) and Zhai Xiaowei (翟孝偉). The music is composed by San Bao, his works include the music of the film - The Road Home directed by Zhang Yimou starred by Ziyi Zhang, this music is originally from a very popular TV episodes in China, named Qian Shou (牵手 hand in hand).

Too often in life we find ourselves questioning, "Why do we have to deal with so many problems and the struggles that misfortune brings us?" I came across this quote:

"Never let the things you can't do stop you from doing the things you can do." -Anthony Fernando

Now, watch the video while thinking about this quote.

District 742 Local Education & Activities Foundation (LEAF)

The District 742 Local Education & Activities Foundation (LEAF) was founded in 1993 as a fully independent, non-profit organization for the purpose of promoting and enhancing school-based, extracurricular activities and educational opportunities in District 742 Public Schools. LEAF’s endowment fund provides supplemental funding for academics, activities, arts, and athletics in the District’s schools. Effective July 1, 2009, LEAF has established a second fund, the Academic Opportunities & Enhancement Fund, which will provide academic grants to District 742’s educational program. The Academic Opportunities & Enhancement Fund will make grants to a variety of educational efforts including projects that remove barriers to learning, creative curricular ideas to challenge students, innovative teaching ideas, projects with a student achievement focus, pursuit of excellence projects for/by staff in District 742 schools, and a variety of other ideas or projects submitted by teachers or other District staff.

I've include a link to LEAF for the future, and this can be found on the right side of this blog. Please consider giving to LEAF.

Language Immersion Program

The Language Immersion program is available for Spanish at Clearview Elementary School and Mandarin Chinese at Madison Elementary School for kindergarten through second grade students. In the school, students are immersed in Spanish/Chinese while they learn mathematics, science, reading, writing and other curriculum. Immersion means that teachers communicate only in Spanish/Chinese while teaching students.

Benefits of Learning Two Languages:

• Enhances academic and linguistic performance in both languages
• Cognitive advantages – physically enhances brain development
• Increases career and social opportunities
• Expands world view
• Scores statistically higher on SAT college entrance exams
• Increases attendance at colleges and universities
• Improves English language skills
• Enhances learning capacity for life

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Jan. 18

The Jan. 18 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday celebrates the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America. It is a day of interracial and intercultural cooperation. It is a day to recall King’s message of equality for all. A martyr for his causes, King’s spirit lives on in programs and celebrations this January. The Corporation for National and Community Service encourages people to engage in community service on Jan. 18. The slogan is: "Make it a day on, not a day off." View our MLK Day link list.

http://www.schoolmessenger.com/

The St. Cloud Area School District will soon be implementing instant messaging (Phase II of Family Access), a mass notification system called School Messenger. This is an efficient way of communicating (phone, text, and e-mail messages). The District Communication/SEE Team will review the Protocol for using School Messenger for implementation. The Protocol will be reviewed in the context of current and proposed policies regarding all-staff e-mails, fund raising, advertising, communications from non-school personnel and guidelines for community use.

The most important reason for implementing School Messenger is to enhance parent communications to and from the school. Widely touted as the single most important factor in determining a child's academic success, parent involvement yet remains one of the most difficult things to achieve. The key is open, two-way communication between stakeholders. School Messenger is uniquely well-suited to the task.

For more information, go to http://www.schoolmessenger.com.

ADMINISTRATIVE EVALUATION

District 742 has implemented a system of evaluation where administrators receive 360-degree feedback on their performance. Our intent is to focus on instructional leadership as well as school operations. This started by having all administrators in the district working together using a framework that gathers feedback related to my competencies and the strategic directions of the district. This has been completed for the executive directors of the district as well while the principals are just beginning the process.

I know that the evaluation of principals needs to shift from operations to instruction. Management, organization, and finance are important but only secondary to learning and teaching. Until principals know that they are going to be measured on things like classroom learning walks to collect data about effective instruction, it doesn't get done. Therefore, this is a paradigm shift in our school district because of the role that principals have had to play for so many years. By setting goals and conducting 360-degree feedback sessions, we will start to recognize a shift to the following:

• Ambitious goals for student learning
• Challenging academic content and effective classroom practices that maximize learning to all students
• A school environment where student learning is the focus
• Linking to families, businesses and higher education
• Accountability for themselves and their staff (individually and collectively) for achieving high standards
• Articulating a shared direction
• Engaging people
• Promoting the diverse needs of students
• Effectively communicating within and outside the school
• Systematically collecting and analyzing data to make judgments that guide decisions and actions for continuous improvement

District 742 is on the right path as we continue to explore ways to impact instruction through evaluation. I believe that the best way to systemically make change district-wide, for the benefit of children, is through effective supervision and evaluation of programs and people. I also believe the principals of any district should be the most influential leaders in the organization for making those changes.

TWO MINNESOTA TEACHERS AMONGST THOSE HONORED BY PRESIDENT OBAMA

More than 100 science, math and engineering teachers and mentors were named Wednesday by President Obama as recipients of a prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence. Of the two from Minnesota Kari Dombrovski of Talahi Community School received for her excellence in teaching science. She will actually receive her award in the Fall at a White House ceremony.

This is an annual award where recipients are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators. The winners receive $10,000 awards from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion.

Congratulation to Kari!

**2010 CENSUS BUREAU MEDIA ADVISORY**

Press Conference: 2010 Census Kick-Off
January 13, 2010 , 10 a.m.

Where: City Hall, 400 2nd Street South, Saint Cloud, MN 56301

What: The 2010 Census has already brought jobs to your community, now as we kick off the new year the 2010 Census is building momentum to ensure that your community is counted.

Come learn why many of your community members are already working as Census partners. Census data is used for congressional apportionment, legislative and congressional redistricting, as well as to determine funding and locations for schools, housing, child-care centers, shopping centers, roads and more. These improvements can have a significant impact on the lives of everyone in the community. You’ll also receive key dates and learn how the Census happens.

This is one of the shortest census forms in history, the 2010 Census form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Census forms will be delivered or mailed to households in March 2010. Census Day is April 1, 2010, the official day of the population count. Households should complete and mail back their responses upon receipt. Census workers will visit households that do not return their forms to take a count in person.

We move forward when you send it back. For more information about the 2010 Census, visit www.2010census.gov.

Personalized Learning Plans

Imagine a school where a group of professionals sit down to determine how you learn best and what engages or excites you about what's taught. Imagine a professional educator who is personally assigned to assure that you are meeting the goals that you have helped set for yourself. Imagine knowing the standards by which you are to succeed and then having someone personally encouraging you to deeply understand what is taught. Finally, imagine all of these professionals collaborating to diagnose what you need to reach your full potential.

Diagnostic growth measure assessments provide the data we need to successfully provide best practice instruction so that students achieve at their full potential. The technology and software programs we have allow us to strategically plan for the educational success of our students. This data gives us the ability to potentially give every child a personalized learning plan.

The above is exactly what we need to do, and I believe that we are moving in that direction. Some districts are already practicing this, and with further technology developments, and the engagement of parents in the process, we can't afford to miss this opportunity. Keep posted about personalized learning plans, and I really do encourage you to ask questions about how this could be done efficiently and effectively.