Back in March, on this blog, we discussed Formative Assessment, what it means and ideas of how to use it in your classrooms. At the 2009 Annual Conference, Debra Pickering will be presenting, “Providing Feedback through Classroom Formative Assessment and Grading Practices: A Commitment to Students.” Her keynote presentation is based on the work of Robert Marzano on classroom assessment and grading.
Is your grading scale based on formative assessment? Are you continually evaluating students? Feedback is the number one clue teachers have as to whether or not a student understands. If a student does not understand a particular idea, how can they build on it? Once the teacher has moved on to the bigger idea, how is the student who didn’t understand the basic concept able to catch up with the rest of the class? The student may feel they are standing on the first step of the twenty story building.
How long has it been since you last looked at and maybe tweaked your grading system? Sometimes grading systems measure the knowledge the student has on a particular subject, but does not measure the student growth of knowledge and skill over the semester. Marzano suggests a scale of 0-4. The score a student would get is based on what was taught (if they understand the concept) and if they can apply the concept (going beyond the basic concept). Are you using the grading scale of 0-100%? If a student doesn’t turn in their homework but can elaborate on the concept and really understands what is being taught, should they receive a zero?
Come hear Dr. Debra Pickering’s keynote presentation on “Providing Feedback through Classroom Formative Assessment and Grading Practices: A Commitment to Students.” On Monday, October 26, 2009 at the 2009 Texas ASCD Annual Conference in Frisco, Texas.
Please feel free to answer the questions below:
1. What type of grading scale are you using in your class/school/district?
2. Do you believe this is the best way to assess your students?
Upcoming Texas ASCD events:
July 14th & 15th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Second Session of Three
Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD (Dallas Metroplex area)
July 14th & 15th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Austin, TX
July 27th & 28th, 2009
Jumping Hurdles & Raising the Bar Toward Achieving Excellence in Science
Gloria Chatelain and Courtney Williams
Greenville ISD
August 10th - 12th, 2009
Traditional Block Scheduling
Dr. J. Allen Queen
Eagle Pass ISD
CLOSED - DISTRICT EXCLUSIVE TRAINING
September 1st & 2nd, 2009
Reading Strategies for Secondary Math Tutorials and TAKS Retesting
Beatrice Moore Luchin
Palo Duro High School, Amarillo ISD
CLOSED - SCHOOL EXCLUSIVE TRAINING
September 16th & 17th, 2009
Five Keys to Reading Success
Tim Rasinkski
Northside ISD
September 22nd & 23rd, 2009
Boot Camp for Curriculum Administrators
John Crain
Hays CISD
September 28th, 2009
Reading Strategies for Secondary Math Tutorials and TAKS Retesting
Beatrice Moore Luchin
Palo Duro High School, Amarillo ISD
CLOSED - SCHOOL EXCLUSIVE TRAINING
October 1st & 2nd, 2009
Mapping Active Literacy
Heidi Hayes Jacobs
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
October 25th - 27th, 2009
Texas ASCD Annual Conference
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
October 27th & 28th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Third Session of Three
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
November 11th & 12th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
El Paso, TX
November 13th, 2009
Jumping Hurdles & Raising the Bar Toward Achieving Excellence in Science
Gloria Chatelain and Courtney Williams
El Paso, TX
November 18th & 19th, 2009
New Essential Curriculum for 21st Century Learners
Heidi Hayes Jacobs
Frisco ISD
December 8-9, 2009
Boot Camp for Curriculum Administrators
John Crain
Allen ISD
February 17-18, 2010
Connecting Content and Kids: Understanding By Design and Differentiated Instruction
Jay McTighe
TBD
Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Should Texas Have Accepted the National Education Standards?
The latest buzz in Texas education is that Texas turned down the option of joining 46 other states (and 3 U.S. territories) in accepting the National Education Standards as an effort to join English Language Arts and Mathematics standards across the United States. The other states that are not participating are Alaska, Missouri and South Carolina. The Reporter News based in Abilene, states in their article Texas Rejects Education ‘Yardstick,’ that “the movement, spearheaded by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), is aimed at generating a yardstick for U.S. children to be judged and have their performances compared with students around the world.” What do you think? Would Texas be better off with national standards? Would this give us a chance to have common content across the curriculum in the United States? If all 50 states accepted these standards, would a child who moves with their family, be able to stay connected with their studies due to everyone having the same outcomes/standards?
Some people argue that if we nationalize all education standards we would make the United States competitive in a global economy. They believe we would be doing this by raising the bar and preparing students better. CCSSO President-Elect and Maine Education Commissioner Sue Gendron states on the National Governors Association website: "Only when we agree about what all high school graduates need to be successful will we be able to tackle the most significant challenge ahead of us: transforming instruction for every child.” She also states “Common standards will provide educators clarity and direction about what all children need to succeed in college and the workplace and allow states to more readily share best practices that dramatically improve teaching and learning. Our graduates and frankly, the future of our economy, cannot wait any longer for our educational practices to give equal opportunity for success to every student."
While others feel that education should be the responsibility of each state. The acceptance of these standards would in Texas cost the taxpayers billions of dollars and the Texas standards would change again. They feel that the TEKS and TAKS are great for Texas because they have input from Texas educators in public schools and higher education establishments, as well as people from the community and businesses.
See where Texas ranks in public school and higher education, by clicking this link.
Please feel free to answer the questions below:
1. What are your feelings on National Education Standards?
2. Do you think Texas should join the other states in this journey?
3. How do you feel about the TEKS and TAKS?
Texas ASCD Upcoming Events:
June 16th, 2009
Elementary Science Tutorial: Start With Vocabulary and Measurement
Annette Venegas
Goose Creek CISD
June 18th & 19th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Frisco ISD
July 14th & 15th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Second Session of Three
Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD (Dallas Metroplex area)
July 14th & 15th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Austin, TX
July 27th & 28th, 2009
Jumping Hurdles & Raising the Bar Toward Achieving Excellence in Science
Gloria Chatelain and Courtney Williams
Greenville ISD
August 10th - 12th, 2009
Traditional Block Scheduling
Dr. J. Allen Queen
Eagle Pass ISD
CLOSED - DISTRICT ONLY TRAINING
September 16th & 17th, 2009
Five Keys to Reading Success
Tim Rasinkski
Northside ISD
September 22nd & 23rd, 2009
Boot Camp for Curriculum Administrators
John Crain
Hays CISD
October 1st & 2nd, 2009
Mapping Active Literacy
Heidi Hayes Jacobs
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
October 25th - 27th, 2009
Texas ASCD Annual Conference
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
October 27th & 28th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Third Session of Three
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
November 13th, 2009
Jumping Hurdles & Raising the Bar Toward Achieving Excellence in Science
Gloria Chatelain and Courtney Williams
El Paso
November 18th & 19th, 2009
New Essential Curriculum for 21st Century Learners
Heidi Hayes Jacobs
Frisco ISD
December 8-9, 2009
Boot Camp for Curriculum Administrators
John Crain
Allen ISD
February 17-18, 2010
Connecting Content and Kids: Understanding By Design and Differentiated Instruction
Jay McTighe
TBD
Some people argue that if we nationalize all education standards we would make the United States competitive in a global economy. They believe we would be doing this by raising the bar and preparing students better. CCSSO President-Elect and Maine Education Commissioner Sue Gendron states on the National Governors Association website: "Only when we agree about what all high school graduates need to be successful will we be able to tackle the most significant challenge ahead of us: transforming instruction for every child.” She also states “Common standards will provide educators clarity and direction about what all children need to succeed in college and the workplace and allow states to more readily share best practices that dramatically improve teaching and learning. Our graduates and frankly, the future of our economy, cannot wait any longer for our educational practices to give equal opportunity for success to every student."
While others feel that education should be the responsibility of each state. The acceptance of these standards would in Texas cost the taxpayers billions of dollars and the Texas standards would change again. They feel that the TEKS and TAKS are great for Texas because they have input from Texas educators in public schools and higher education establishments, as well as people from the community and businesses.
See where Texas ranks in public school and higher education, by clicking this link.
Please feel free to answer the questions below:
1. What are your feelings on National Education Standards?
2. Do you think Texas should join the other states in this journey?
3. How do you feel about the TEKS and TAKS?
Texas ASCD Upcoming Events:
June 16th, 2009
Elementary Science Tutorial: Start With Vocabulary and Measurement
Annette Venegas
Goose Creek CISD
June 18th & 19th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Frisco ISD
July 14th & 15th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Second Session of Three
Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD (Dallas Metroplex area)
July 14th & 15th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Austin, TX
July 27th & 28th, 2009
Jumping Hurdles & Raising the Bar Toward Achieving Excellence in Science
Gloria Chatelain and Courtney Williams
Greenville ISD
August 10th - 12th, 2009
Traditional Block Scheduling
Dr. J. Allen Queen
Eagle Pass ISD
CLOSED - DISTRICT ONLY TRAINING
September 16th & 17th, 2009
Five Keys to Reading Success
Tim Rasinkski
Northside ISD
September 22nd & 23rd, 2009
Boot Camp for Curriculum Administrators
John Crain
Hays CISD
October 1st & 2nd, 2009
Mapping Active Literacy
Heidi Hayes Jacobs
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
October 25th - 27th, 2009
Texas ASCD Annual Conference
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
October 27th & 28th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Third Session of Three
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
November 13th, 2009
Jumping Hurdles & Raising the Bar Toward Achieving Excellence in Science
Gloria Chatelain and Courtney Williams
El Paso
November 18th & 19th, 2009
New Essential Curriculum for 21st Century Learners
Heidi Hayes Jacobs
Frisco ISD
December 8-9, 2009
Boot Camp for Curriculum Administrators
John Crain
Allen ISD
February 17-18, 2010
Connecting Content and Kids: Understanding By Design and Differentiated Instruction
Jay McTighe
TBD
Friday, May 15, 2009
Transformation or Reform
Dr. Phillip Schlechty will be presenting “Transformation or Reform,” at the 2009 Texas ASCD Annual Conference. What does Dr. Schlechty means by transformation and reform? To get this answer we went to his book, Leading for Learning: How to Transform Schools into Learning Organizations. Dr. Schlechty wrote, “In the context of recent efforts to improve schools, reform usually means changing procedures, processes, and technologies with the intent of improving the performance of existing operating systems.” He describes transformation as, “Transformation is intended to make it possible to do things that have never been done by the organization undergoing the transformation. It involves metamorphosis: changing from one form to another form entirely.” Basically, what he is saying is to reform something is to enhance what you are currently doing, and transformation is to create a new process or procedure.
What are some of the issues we are looking to transform or reform in schools? Some issues that come to mind are engagement, achievement, innovation, graduation rates, and communication. According to Project Appleseed, the ways to start reforming are by first looking at the classrooms/subject matter. What you can change and/or add to the teaching methods currently going on. Then secondly, look at the administrative procedures. The steps for transformation are different. If you decide to transform, you must first look at what you are doing in your district, what is not working and why. Then research other procedures/processes. What are others doing in their districts? See if this meets the needs of your students and district.
So what is better for your district, to reform the current process and procedures already in place or to adopt new ones? Each individual district is different. Come hear Dr. Phillip Schlechty outline transformation for schools from “government-dominated bureaucracies to community-oriented learning organizations.”
What are some of the issues we are looking to transform or reform in schools? Some issues that come to mind are engagement, achievement, innovation, graduation rates, and communication. According to Project Appleseed, the ways to start reforming are by first looking at the classrooms/subject matter. What you can change and/or add to the teaching methods currently going on. Then secondly, look at the administrative procedures. The steps for transformation are different. If you decide to transform, you must first look at what you are doing in your district, what is not working and why. Then research other procedures/processes. What are others doing in their districts? See if this meets the needs of your students and district.
So what is better for your district, to reform the current process and procedures already in place or to adopt new ones? Each individual district is different. Come hear Dr. Phillip Schlechty outline transformation for schools from “government-dominated bureaucracies to community-oriented learning organizations.”
Please feel free to respond to the questions below:
1. Is your school or district taking steps to reform or transform? If so, what are some ways you are approaching this?
2. How will the end result of your school’s or district’s reform or transformation look like?
Texas ASCD Upcoming Events:
Rescheduled to:
May 20th, 2009
Elementary Science Tutorial: Start With Vocabulary and Measurement
Annette Venegas
Fort Worth ISD
CLOSED
June 1st & 2nd, 2009
Reading Strategies for Secondary Math Tutorials and TAKS Retesting
Beatrice Luchin
Amarillo ISD
CLOSED
June 8th, 2009
Traditional Block Scheduling
Dr. J. Allen Queen
Tyler ISD
June 16th, 2009
Elementary Science Tutorial: Start With Vocabulary and Measurement
Annette Venegas
Goose Creek CISD
June 18th & 19th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Frisco ISD
July 14th & 15th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Second Session of Three
Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD (Dallas Metroplex area)
July 27th & 28th, 2009
Jumping Hurdles & Raising the Bar Toward Achieving Excellence in Science
Gloria Chatelain and Courtney Williams
Greenville ISD
September 16th & 17th, 2009
Five Keys to Reading Success
Tim Rasinkski
Northside ISD
September 22nd & 23rd, 2009
Boot Camp for Curriculum Administrators
John Crain
Hays CISD
October 1st & 2nd, 2009
Mapping Active Literacy
Heidi Hayes Jacobs
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
October 25th - 27th, 2009
Texas ASCD Annual Conference
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
October 27th & 28th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Third Session of Three
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
November 18th & 19th, 2009
New Essential Curriculum for 21st Century Learners
Heidi Hayes Jacobs
Frisco ISD
Thursday, April 9, 2009
TAKS Score Rewards
The TAKS and the TEKS are big tests for administrators, teachers and students. Scores on these standardized tests determine if schools are exemplary, meeting standards, or below standard. They also determine if students can graduate. To me, these tests seem like a make or break deal. So what are your schools doing to ensure success on these tests?
An article in the Austin American Statesman discuses a school that offers trips paid for by the district, to students who score high enough of the TAKS. To read “Poor district buys students trips to Hawaii, LA, Washington” by Eric Dexheimer, please click on this link, http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/03/17/0317testtrips.html. Another article found in the Austin American Statesman talks about giving students days off of school for doing well on the standardized tests. You can read “Students get days off for passing TAKS.” by Eric Dexheimer at http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/03/17/0317testrewards.html.
Are you giving your students rewards for doing well on the TAKS and TEKS tests? We have heard of principals shaving their heads, kissing pigs and giving pizza parties to students who pass these tests, but is there a point where you cross the line? Is there a point where rewards turn into bribery? I read an article about a school in Florida that pays their students cash for passing certain portions of the FCAT, which is the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. If you are interested in reading this article, you can find it at: http://712educators.about.com/od/assessments/a/high-stakes.htm.
Is paying for students to fly to Hawaii, giving students 10 days off of school or giving them $50 per subject they pass, going too far? Let us know what you think.
Please feel free to answer the questions below:
1. Is your school giving rewards to students who do well on standardized tests? If so, what are students receiving?
2. How far is too far to go when giving out rewards to students?
Texas ASCD Upcoming Events:
April 15th & 16th, 2009
Reading Strategies for Secondary Math Tutorials and TAKS Retesting
Beatrice Luchin
Amarillo ISD - Caprock High School
CLOSED FOR REGISTRATION
May 7th & 8th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Keller ISD
May 14th, 2009
Elementary Science Tutorial: Start With Vocabulary and Measurement
Annette Venegas
Fort Worth ISD
CLOSED
June 8th, 2009
Traditional Block Scheduling
Dr. J. Allen Queen
Tyler ISD
June 18th & 19th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Frisco ISD
July 14th & 15th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Second Session of Three
Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD (Dallas Metroplex area)
July 27th & 28th, 2009
Jumping Hurdles & Raising the Bar Toward Achieving Excellence in Science
Gloria Chatelain and Courtney Williams
Greenville ISD
August 13th & 14th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Sheldon ISD (Houston area)
Rescheduled from a Previous date
October 25th - 27th, 2009
Texas ASCD Annual Conference
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
October 27th & 28th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Third Session of Three
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
An article in the Austin American Statesman discuses a school that offers trips paid for by the district, to students who score high enough of the TAKS. To read “Poor district buys students trips to Hawaii, LA, Washington” by Eric Dexheimer, please click on this link, http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/03/17/0317testtrips.html. Another article found in the Austin American Statesman talks about giving students days off of school for doing well on the standardized tests. You can read “Students get days off for passing TAKS.” by Eric Dexheimer at http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/03/17/0317testrewards.html.
Are you giving your students rewards for doing well on the TAKS and TEKS tests? We have heard of principals shaving their heads, kissing pigs and giving pizza parties to students who pass these tests, but is there a point where you cross the line? Is there a point where rewards turn into bribery? I read an article about a school in Florida that pays their students cash for passing certain portions of the FCAT, which is the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. If you are interested in reading this article, you can find it at: http://712educators.about.com/od/assessments/a/high-stakes.htm.
Is paying for students to fly to Hawaii, giving students 10 days off of school or giving them $50 per subject they pass, going too far? Let us know what you think.
Please feel free to answer the questions below:
1. Is your school giving rewards to students who do well on standardized tests? If so, what are students receiving?
2. How far is too far to go when giving out rewards to students?
Texas ASCD Upcoming Events:
April 15th & 16th, 2009
Reading Strategies for Secondary Math Tutorials and TAKS Retesting
Beatrice Luchin
Amarillo ISD - Caprock High School
CLOSED FOR REGISTRATION
May 7th & 8th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Keller ISD
May 14th, 2009
Elementary Science Tutorial: Start With Vocabulary and Measurement
Annette Venegas
Fort Worth ISD
CLOSED
June 8th, 2009
Traditional Block Scheduling
Dr. J. Allen Queen
Tyler ISD
June 18th & 19th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Frisco ISD
July 14th & 15th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Second Session of Three
Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD (Dallas Metroplex area)
July 27th & 28th, 2009
Jumping Hurdles & Raising the Bar Toward Achieving Excellence in Science
Gloria Chatelain and Courtney Williams
Greenville ISD
August 13th & 14th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Sheldon ISD (Houston area)
Rescheduled from a Previous date
October 25th - 27th, 2009
Texas ASCD Annual Conference
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
October 27th & 28th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Third Session of Three
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
Friday, March 13, 2009
Formative Assessment
What is Formative Assessment? In a classroom setting, it is when teachers and students alike can evaluate the ongoing understanding of what students are learning, and then judge how lessons need to change to meet the needs of the students. This type of assessment involves both the teacher and the student.
Formative Assessment involves students to be able to think, process, and then react to what is being taught in the classroom. They must be able to process the information being taught and link it with the knowledge they already have on the subject. The teacher should be watching the students as they learn to see if they understand the concepts. There are many different ways that a teacher can do formative assessment. They can ask questions, watch how students interact with each other in groups, see how they link the new information to existing knowledge, create models or there are many other ways to collect feedback. Once the student gives feedback, the teacher should then adjust the lessons to meet the needs of the students.
Dr. W. James (Jim) Popham will be presenting “Formative Assessment: Can It Be Truly Transformative?” at the 2009 Texas ASCD Annual Conference. Come hear Dr. Popham give seven critical components of how to be successful when implementing formative assessment.
Dr. W. James Popham will present on October 25, 2009 at the Texas ASCD annual conference. Register now to receive discounted registration!
Please feel free to answer the questions below:
1. Are you or the teachers in your school performing both summative and formative assessment?
2. What kinds of training have your teachers and you had in formative assessment? Can you tell if it is working in your schools?
3. Has formative assessment changed your views of assessment in general?
Upcoming Texas ASCD Events:
May 7th & 8th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Keller ISD
June 18th & 19th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Frisco ISD
July 14th & 15th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Second Session of Three
Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD (Dallas Metroplex area)
July 27th & 28th, 2009
Jumping Hurdles & Raising the Bar Toward Achieving Excellence in Science
Gloria Chatelain and Courtney Williams
Greenville ISD
August 13th & 14th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Sheldon ISD (Houston area)
October 25th - 27th, 2009
Texas ASCD Annual Conference
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
October 27th & 28th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Third Session of Three
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
Formative Assessment involves students to be able to think, process, and then react to what is being taught in the classroom. They must be able to process the information being taught and link it with the knowledge they already have on the subject. The teacher should be watching the students as they learn to see if they understand the concepts. There are many different ways that a teacher can do formative assessment. They can ask questions, watch how students interact with each other in groups, see how they link the new information to existing knowledge, create models or there are many other ways to collect feedback. Once the student gives feedback, the teacher should then adjust the lessons to meet the needs of the students.
Dr. W. James (Jim) Popham will be presenting “Formative Assessment: Can It Be Truly Transformative?” at the 2009 Texas ASCD Annual Conference. Come hear Dr. Popham give seven critical components of how to be successful when implementing formative assessment.
Dr. W. James Popham will present on October 25, 2009 at the Texas ASCD annual conference. Register now to receive discounted registration!
Please feel free to answer the questions below:
1. Are you or the teachers in your school performing both summative and formative assessment?
2. What kinds of training have your teachers and you had in formative assessment? Can you tell if it is working in your schools?
3. Has formative assessment changed your views of assessment in general?
Upcoming Texas ASCD Events:
May 7th & 8th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Keller ISD
June 18th & 19th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Frisco ISD
July 14th & 15th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Second Session of Three
Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD (Dallas Metroplex area)
July 27th & 28th, 2009
Jumping Hurdles & Raising the Bar Toward Achieving Excellence in Science
Gloria Chatelain and Courtney Williams
Greenville ISD
August 13th & 14th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Sheldon ISD (Houston area)
October 25th - 27th, 2009
Texas ASCD Annual Conference
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
October 27th & 28th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Third Session of Three
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Partnership for 21st Century Skills
On Wednesday, February 4th, the Texas ASCD Board of Directors and staff met with the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, and key people from Texas associations and businesses. The meeting consisted of learning about the framework for 21st Century Skills and how to incorporate these themes into our core subjects. The whole idea of 21st Century Skills is to have our students on the same top competitive field as other students throughout the USA as well worldwide.
The 21st Century Skills framework is a rainbow of the following skills:
• Life and Career Skills
• Learning and Innovation Skills
• Information, Media, and Technology Skills
The above skills are held up by school core subjects and the 21st Century Themes.
The 21st Century Skills Themes are:
• Global Awareness
• Financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy
• Civic Literacy
• Health Literacy
Each of these themes can easily be incorporated into our current curriculum.
The outcome of incorporating these skills, and themes is for students:
• To be able to be create, innovate, critically think, problem solve, communicate, and collaborate
• To have information literacy, media literacy, and information and communications technology literacy
• To be flexible, adaptive, self-directed, initiative, social, cross-cultured, productive, accountable, responsible and a leader.
These are the skills our students need to be competitive in the work place. Are our schools meeting the needs of our students? Can your students compete in a global economy? Texas ASCD and other Texas associations and businesses are considering working together to bring this type of framework to Texas and to our students.
*The source for the above information is The Partnership for 21st Century Skills organization.
Please feel free to comment or answer any of the questions below.
1. Is your school currently adapting these skills to the curriculum and instruction?
2. Should Texas be one of the states that is adopting this framework and how?
Upcoming Texas ASCD Events:
February 18th, 2009
Success With TAKS - Mathematics
CaLandra Pervis
Caprock HS - Amarillo ISD
(EXCLUSIVE CAMPUS TRAINING - CLOSED TO REGISTRATION)
May 7th & 8th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Keller ISD
July 14th & 15th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Second Session of Three
Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD (Dallas Metroplex area)
July 27th & 28th, 2009
Jumping Hurdles & Raising the Bar Toward Achieving Excellence in Science
Gloria Chatelain and Courtney Williams
Greenville ISD
August 13th & 14th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Sheldon ISD (Houston area)
Rescheduled from a Previous date
October 25th - 27th, 2009
Texas ASCD Annual Conference
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
October 27th & 28th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Third Session of Three
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
The 21st Century Skills framework is a rainbow of the following skills:
• Life and Career Skills
• Learning and Innovation Skills
• Information, Media, and Technology Skills
The above skills are held up by school core subjects and the 21st Century Themes.
The 21st Century Skills Themes are:
• Global Awareness
• Financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy
• Civic Literacy
• Health Literacy
Each of these themes can easily be incorporated into our current curriculum.
The outcome of incorporating these skills, and themes is for students:
• To be able to be create, innovate, critically think, problem solve, communicate, and collaborate
• To have information literacy, media literacy, and information and communications technology literacy
• To be flexible, adaptive, self-directed, initiative, social, cross-cultured, productive, accountable, responsible and a leader.
These are the skills our students need to be competitive in the work place. Are our schools meeting the needs of our students? Can your students compete in a global economy? Texas ASCD and other Texas associations and businesses are considering working together to bring this type of framework to Texas and to our students.
*The source for the above information is The Partnership for 21st Century Skills organization.
Please feel free to comment or answer any of the questions below.
1. Is your school currently adapting these skills to the curriculum and instruction?
2. Should Texas be one of the states that is adopting this framework and how?
Upcoming Texas ASCD Events:
February 18th, 2009
Success With TAKS - Mathematics
CaLandra Pervis
Caprock HS - Amarillo ISD
(EXCLUSIVE CAMPUS TRAINING - CLOSED TO REGISTRATION)
May 7th & 8th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Keller ISD
July 14th & 15th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Second Session of Three
Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD (Dallas Metroplex area)
July 27th & 28th, 2009
Jumping Hurdles & Raising the Bar Toward Achieving Excellence in Science
Gloria Chatelain and Courtney Williams
Greenville ISD
August 13th & 14th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Sheldon ISD (Houston area)
Rescheduled from a Previous date
October 25th - 27th, 2009
Texas ASCD Annual Conference
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
October 27th & 28th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Third Session of Three
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
Friday, January 16, 2009
Lead, Learn, Influence in a 24/7 World
With the age of technology came different avenues of learning. We have, as we have had for a while, schools/teachers and books that teach our students. Now we also have television, computers, the Internet, telephones, cell phones, planes, trains, automobiles, iPods, and radios. Students are learning in and out of the classroom. We, as a society, are also always learning. When Texas ASCD’s Conference Committee got together to choose a theme for the 2009 annual conference, we kept coming back to the idea of leading, learning, and influencing in and outside of the classroom. With these new outlets of learning we can lead, learn, and influence anywhere in the world at any hour we choose.
The world is changing and we need to change with it. There is global competition everywhere. Businesses, as well as everyday people, are able to buy and sell goods/services throughout the world. Big companies are outsourcing their jobs. We need to make sure, that not only are we and our students learning from all of the new avenues but, that we are also leading and influencing through the these portals.
The strands for this years conference are Lead, Learn, Influence through integrated technology, through best practices pre K – 16, through serving, for accountability, and through collaboration. The conference has outstanding presenters contracted: Dr. Philip Schlechty, Dr. James Popham, Dr. Debra Pickering, Dr. Raymond McNulty, and Dr. Alan November. The conference will also include many great concurrent sessions brought to you by educators throughout the state of Texas. If you are interested in presenting one of these concurrent sessions, please check the Texas ASCD website and send in your proposal.
The world is changing and we need to change with it. There is global competition everywhere. Businesses, as well as everyday people, are able to buy and sell goods/services throughout the world. Big companies are outsourcing their jobs. We need to make sure, that not only are we and our students learning from all of the new avenues but, that we are also leading and influencing through the these portals.
The strands for this years conference are Lead, Learn, Influence through integrated technology, through best practices pre K – 16, through serving, for accountability, and through collaboration. The conference has outstanding presenters contracted: Dr. Philip Schlechty, Dr. James Popham, Dr. Debra Pickering, Dr. Raymond McNulty, and Dr. Alan November. The conference will also include many great concurrent sessions brought to you by educators throughout the state of Texas. If you are interested in presenting one of these concurrent sessions, please check the Texas ASCD website and send in your proposal.
Mark your calendars to attend the 2009 Texas ASCD Annual Conference, October 25-27, 2009 at the Embassy Suites in Frisco, Texas.
Please feel free to comment or answer any of the questions below.
1. What form of learning/leading/influencing are your students using the most? Are you incorporating this avenue into your district/school/classroom curriculum?
2. What types of “new” learning are going on in your school?
Upcoming Texas ASCD events:
January 22nd & 23rd, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
First Session of Three
Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD (Dallas Metroplex area)
January 28th, 2009
Success With TAKS - Research-Based Strategies and Activities to Improve Student Performance and Teacher Understanding of the TEKS/TAKS (Grade Focus 5-9)
with CaLandra Pervis
Hudson ISD (Lufkin area)
May 7th & 8th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Keller ISD
July 14th & 15th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Second Session of Three
Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD (Dallas Metroplex area)
July 27th & 28th, 2009
Jumping Hurdles & Raising the Bar Toward Achieving Excellence in Science
Gloria Chatelain and Courtney Williams
Greenville ISD
August 13th & 14th, 2009
Maximizing Student Success
Tim Westerberg
Sheldon ISD (Houston area)
Rescheduled from a Previous date
October 25th - 27th, 2009
Texas ASCD Annual Conference
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
October 27th & 28th, 2009
Curriculum Leadership Academy
Third Session of Three
Embassy Suites - Frisco (Dallas Metroplex area)
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