I know we don't often connect this way anymore, but this was a great article! Thinking of all of you!

"The objective of the IP Faculty pages is to document: Plan(s) for integration of content into the Practices of Definitive Preparation Pedagogical strategies Request for instructional technology support as needed Evidence: description and link(s) to activity that demonstrate each of the Practices"

"Roger Cook, Superintendent of Taylor County Schools in Kentucky, is, simply put, leadership in action. Mr. Cook has brought dynamic change to the district, starting from day one. During his first year as Superintendent, Mr. Cook transformed Taylor County Schools into a performance-based educational system, challenged teachers and students to meet 21st century expectations with rigor and relevance, and spearheaded the effort to fund new, much-needed facilities. For eight years, the district and school leadership have worked to create a culture of anytime anywhere learning and have had zero dropouts for the last six years. So we interviewed Roger Cook along with Troy Benningfield, Director of Instruction, and Susan Kilby, Assistant Superintendent to find out more about their district to share with you. "

Inspiration for Teacher Appreciation

The New Teacher Project (TNTP), which published this disquieting study of teacher retention last summer, defined irreplaceables as "our very best teachers" - estimated to be about 20 percent of the total teaching force. We could quibble over the percentage, but that's not really the point. The issue is our pressing need to "understand the real retention crisis."

"Rolling out a 1-to-1 technology program can be a daunting task for any school or district. After talking to some of the most forward-thinking 1-to-1 administrators and teachers, we've got the inside scoop ... and we're here to share it with you! 1-to-1 Essentials offers the guidance you need in order to proactively, rather than reactively, address issues that schools commonly face when going 1-to-1. We encourage you to explore, customize, and choose the resources that will best support your school community."

This was a little harsh, but had some really good points.

"For more than a decade now we have heard that the high-stakes testing obsession in K-12 education that began with the enactment of No Child Left Behind 11 years ago has resulted in high school graduates who don't think as analytically or as broadly as they should because so much emphasis has been placed on passing standardized tests. Here, an award-winning high school teacher who just retired, Kenneth Bernstein, warns college professors what they are up against"

"The conventional wisdom in education is that any school reform--be it curriculum, instruction, assessment, or teacher professionalism--is most likely to take hold in schools that have strong leadership. The same holds true for technology. Any educator will tell you the most successful implementation of technology programs takes place in schools where the principal sees him or herself as a technology leader. "

"National PTA® created the guides for grades K-8 and two for grades 9-12 (one for English language arts/literacy and one for mathematics). The Guide includes: Key items that children should be learning in English language arts and mathematics in each grade, once the standards are fully implemented. Activities that parents can do at home to support their child's learning. Methods for helping parents build stronger relationships with their child's teacher. Tips for planning for college and career (high school only)."

"As formal mentoring programs gain popularity, the need for identifying and preparing good mentors grows."

Don Knezek, CEO of ISTE, shares, "After a decade at the helm of a vibrant and increasingly international association, I'm more convinced than ever that we must move our education system into the digital age. How else can we prepare our children with the skills and literacies they'll need to thrive in school, work, and civic life? That's what we want for them, isn't it? Then let's get started."