Being in a situation of having the lead role in one of the lowest performing schools in Michigan, we very rarely discuss technology as a means to increase student acheivement. We know that technolgy is a tool for accessing credit recovery, ACT, and other forms of educational programs for assistance, but the other influences are at the forefront of our conversations.
To start, our staff is experiencing the issue of Students Prior Cognitive Ability and the Students Disposition to Learn. Being in a low socio-economic area and increased percentage of English Language Learners, there are certain challenges that follow. I think everyone has an opinion, but the reality is that we struggle and are challenged with these two factors of influence. Regardless of what these two factors bring or the attitude that comes with it, the issue is the importance of what happens in the classroom on a daily basis.
Our main discussion topics consist of the source of influence in the teacher. One of our focus strategies in the secondary schools Academic Plan is the use of high quality feedback. Not only to the students, but also for our teaching staff. We know that if we assess or evaluate and are able to give feedback in a timely fashion, we are able to redirect our students learning and differentiate instruction to make a difference in the classroom.
Furthermore, our Instructional Rounds and Learning Walks are dedicated on Instructional Quality involving Direct Instruction, Class Environment, and High Quality Questions. Of which, all are in the top of the high leverage strategies that we can use and have an effect with our students. The challenge is making this consistent in all classrooms with all teachers.
So, even though our high school has purchased hundreds of thousands of dollars of technology, we know that this is not the most effect way to instruct students. In fact, many of the programs that have operated primarily on e2020 will be removed and supplanted by direct instruction staring in the fall. We do realize the importance of keeping some of the programs intact, but also realize that technolgy is not the magic wand.
I also noticed that the last two on the list, Team Teaching and Class size, are topics that our school has embraced. To a point, I agree with the research as it depends on the situation, but we do spend a tremendous amount of time discussing both topics and believe it is impactful in some ways if used properly. Team Teaching requires time and a relationship between to content teachers. I have seen large classes with great results and small classes in disaster. It is all about the instruction and strategies used daily.
We have been blessed to receive the technology that we have, but we know that it takes a tremendous person in the classroom connecting with the students and connecting the content to the students. Technology will always be the panacea to the issues of poor instruction. Furthermore, technology will also be the focus of attention every year as it is the one thing that always has to be maintained and updated. But, until we can create a structure of high quality instruction, technology will always be the scapegoat and therefore be the main topic instead of the connection that humans make in the classroom.
My attitude has remained pretty consistent with technology. It has enhanced many areas of education, but will never replace.
To start, our staff is experiencing the issue of Students Prior Cognitive Ability and the Students Disposition to Learn. Being in a low socio-economic area and increased percentage of English Language Learners, there are certain challenges that follow. I think everyone has an opinion, but the reality is that we struggle and are challenged with these two factors of influence. Regardless of what these two factors bring or the attitude that comes with it, the issue is the importance of what happens in the classroom on a daily basis.
Our main discussion topics consist of the source of influence in the teacher. One of our focus strategies in the secondary schools Academic Plan is the use of high quality feedback. Not only to the students, but also for our teaching staff. We know that if we assess or evaluate and are able to give feedback in a timely fashion, we are able to redirect our students learning and differentiate instruction to make a difference in the classroom.
Furthermore, our Instructional Rounds and Learning Walks are dedicated on Instructional Quality involving Direct Instruction, Class Environment, and High Quality Questions. Of which, all are in the top of the high leverage strategies that we can use and have an effect with our students. The challenge is making this consistent in all classrooms with all teachers.
So, even though our high school has purchased hundreds of thousands of dollars of technology, we know that this is not the most effect way to instruct students. In fact, many of the programs that have operated primarily on e2020 will be removed and supplanted by direct instruction staring in the fall. We do realize the importance of keeping some of the programs intact, but also realize that technolgy is not the magic wand.
I also noticed that the last two on the list, Team Teaching and Class size, are topics that our school has embraced. To a point, I agree with the research as it depends on the situation, but we do spend a tremendous amount of time discussing both topics and believe it is impactful in some ways if used properly. Team Teaching requires time and a relationship between to content teachers. I have seen large classes with great results and small classes in disaster. It is all about the instruction and strategies used daily.
We have been blessed to receive the technology that we have, but we know that it takes a tremendous person in the classroom connecting with the students and connecting the content to the students. Technology will always be the panacea to the issues of poor instruction. Furthermore, technology will also be the focus of attention every year as it is the one thing that always has to be maintained and updated. But, until we can create a structure of high quality instruction, technology will always be the scapegoat and therefore be the main topic instead of the connection that humans make in the classroom.
My attitude has remained pretty consistent with technology. It has enhanced many areas of education, but will never replace.
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