Seemless Implementation, That's the goal...

A quote I found has really made me think about where we are going on my campus.

"We must move beyond the implementation phase of change when new ideas and practices are tried for the first time, to the institutionalization phase when new practices are integrated effortlessly into teachers' repertoires.  This holds true for leaders as well and might ultimately be more important for sustainable change."                                                                                                                       --Anderson and Stiegelbauer (1994)

We have come a long way at Irma Marsh.  I'm excited about how we have learned to utilize technology applications over the last year.  With our 1-to-1 moving to both 7th and 8th grades this year, we have an even greater urgency to not only learn about new tools and applications, but implement our technology resources seamlessly into lessons.  Rather than technology being "something else to plan", we need to move to the mindset that technology resources should be used to support the curriculum at the intended rigor of the TEKS.  When our 21st century learners are engaged in the work provided to them, great things will happen!  Let's do this!

I'm excited about our continued journey this year!

Eric Sheninger's Digital Leadership - Summary of Chapter 9

This is a great read for anyone that would like to grow and improve as a digital leader.  Eric is a principal that has a handle on what kids need in our digital-aged society to help them be successful in their future...

Chapter 9 was really interesting to me because I continuously strive as a leader to include digital resources and cutting age technology in all that I do as a model for my teachers.  I try to engage my TEACHERS so that they in turn find it easy to engage their STUDENTS.  Hence the title of this chapter:  Increasing Student Engagement and Enhancing Learning.  A "must read" for digital leaders!

Though many of us believe in technology’s ability to transform teaching and learning environments, others still treat technology as a frill and place high emphasis on standardization of curriculum. 

Digital leadership is a mindset and a call to transform a school’s culture.  Digital tools allow for co-construction of knowledge, sharing of information and feedback.   Increases in student achievement becomes a reality when we meet and anticipate the needs of digital-age learners.   We need to all remember that technology shouldn't be "something else to do", but rather a way to make what we do as educators easier!  This is the direction I hope to take my staff this year...I want to see a seamless infusion of technology resources rather than a planned dog and pony show that isn't at the rigor of the content.

Here is a link to our full summary:  http://app.emaze.com/453168/digital-leadership#slidenum=1
we used a site called Emaze...enjoy!

Instructional Rounds Training

I'm fortunate enough have attended Instructional Rounds training with some great educators this week.  The focus of  our work this year will be supporting instructional improvements on our campus.  Teachers work hard... If there is a way to help them work SMARTER with high-yield instructional strategies, more "bang for the buck" per say? Wouldn't everyone want to try it?  Through my career, I've learned that generally, teachers WANT to improve.  Intrinsic motivation is a great thing that can produce positive extrinsic results.

I've decided to create a "SELFIE" theme on my campus this year..."Wanna take a Selfie?"  Let's begin looking at ourselves and our instructional practices in order to increase achievement in our classrooms.  I'm pretty excited!

Here are some quotes that can formulate discussion/reflection as an educator:

"An optimal classroom climate for learning is one that generates an atmosphere of trust - a climate in which it is understood that it is okay to make mistakes, because mistakes are the essence of learning."  -- Hattie, J. (2012)

"Perhaps the simplest way to improve classroom questioning is simply not to ask for volunteers, but instead choose a student at random."  --Dylan Williams (2014)

"Studies have shown that holding students accountable for higher-order thinking by using assignments and assessments that require intellectual work and critical thinking increases student motivation as well as achievement."  --S. Brookhart (2010)