Ms. B’s Thoughts

I have been so Google Ga-Ga during the last week that I finally feel like I am getting my brain refocused and my life back in some sort of order. (Although today I did mess up an IEP meeting…wrote Wed. Sept. 30 on my list…which changed to WED-IEP for the next list…should have used Google Calendar!) Regardless as crazy as it has been, I have enjoyed sharing tid bits of information, connecting online with my expanded network and generally growing my space as a tech educator.  But tonight…it was about settling into a pace of life with my kids.

At 4, 5 and 7, they have a great deal of energy to offer.  They are also sponges for any information I throw their way.  We held a dance party to the new CD’s offered up from my friend Patty.  Ate a relaxing dinner together joking, talking about our day and planning for the rest of the week.  My four year old, Shane,  hit the tub, the five year old, Beau,  was on the old Sony typing all of our names and the alphabet (along with the crazy nonsense typing and the question–What does this spell, Mama? ) and my daughter, McKenna, typed up the 4th installment of her spelling words in her Google Docs account.  (This time her focus was on different font types for each word!) She has been sharing her list with her teacher, Auntie and grandparents and they responded back to her via her gmail account.  She was pumped to have email and spent some time reading the messages and replying back.  They rotated through taking tubs and turns on the computers, taking time out to play a few minutes on the piano or strum one of the guitars lying around.  Shane cleaned off the dry erase board that held McKenna’s spelling words (and the Sammy Rules) from the night before.  He had me “dot” the letters in his name so he could proudly trace them.  It was an easy dance, the pace simple, the mood filled with light-hearted jokes, laughs and learning.  Finally we settled in and read the newest Skippyjon Jones book and laughed and giggled at the funny antics of this beloved character.  Tucked in their beds now, I am catching up, prepping for my classes, both those taught and those taken…but I am filled with peace.  I am busy, for sure, but the time I have with my children is rich and filled with everything I think they need.  Our calendar is not filled with 100’s of their personal activities–we don’t run for this or that.  Nights like tonight reaffirm my belief that I am giving them the best childhood I possibly can…and that is a good feeling.

Sometimes the most brilliant experiences are those you never dreamed possible.  Knowing something will be great, understanding the people you will meet will be smart, and obviously comprehending the power of Google all did not prepare me for the feeling I had in Chicago this past week.  As I returned to school yesterday amid the energy and chaos of the NHS homecoming celebration, I was stopped numerous times–How was it?  My tired brain had a hard time producing the necessary verbage to properly explain my experience.  My face, however, must have conveyed the emotions.  I heard many times–you look energized, refreshed, excited.  That’s good.  That’s the message I wanted to convey, the one I could not find the words to express.

Bill Bass from St. Louis blogged about his experience and I concur that the best part was the expansion of my network.  Sometimes being in a rural area feels like you are on some lone planet in the universe.  I’m immersed in reading about new challenges and ideas in education while exploring all of the latest and greatest on the web.  Yet when I walk through the halls of my school, my brain (and my heart) hurts when I see some of the current classroom practices that are ancient, rote and routine. My GTA experience was like entering a country where everyone finally spoke the same language.  There was no explaination of theory needed, no precursor to any story, when you discussed engaging ideas for classroom learning.  You were surrounded by people who had different experiences, new ideas, varying personalities, yet all shared the same vision.  That is the power of networking.  Something you can’t explain in an hour of PD or 15 mintues of sharing at a staff meeting.  Why Twitter?  Someone may ask.  It is difficult to explain the power of blogging, wikispaces, twitter, Google collaboration, skype, ning, del.icio.us, or even browser extenstions (Thanks, Kern Kelly!) and all the other collaborative/networking features of the web until you have lived in that world.  What seems so crystal clear to many of us, is so obscure and unimaginable to those that struggle to download attachments to their desktops.  It is becoming more difficult to “Mind the Gap” as my UPWP colleague, Jan Sabin would say.  To remember where people are at and be cognizant of the gap that exists between the one with knowledge and the one that is learning the concepts for the first time.  My PLN is becoming increasingly important to my professional and personal growth.  It, of course, extends well beyond the web and includes many people and places in my local community, yet I would like to find ways to bridge the environment I live and work in to the one I enter through my 12″ PowerBook.  But this past week…due to GTA Chicago…that PowerBook world has exploded…and it is a wonderful thing!

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Reflection 9/20/2008
Sara R. Van Abel

When I was a senior in high school almost (GASP!) 20 years ago, I was almost completely obsessed with American politics.  My best friend Jen and I had two notebooks we wrote in continuously.  Amongst the doodle of our latest loves and the typical school girl gossip was the serious discussion of issues and policies pertinent to the presidential election and our great country.  (Fall 1988).  This stemmed from serious Equal Rights Amendment discussion and reports on the suffrage movement written in our 6th grade curly cursive.  We were passionate.  We held strong views and were vocal in our pursuits to make our causes known.  Over the last twenty years, my passion has ebbed and flowed.  At times I am intent on knowing all I can (Thanks, TimRussert !) and then at other times, it fades, the stress of motherhood and life turn my passion to apathy.  Today an old passion merged with a strong familiar steady one.  Politics and education.
Although short in time, this semester has already provided me with a glimmer of light on a path I didn’t know existed.  I thought it was there, but wasn’t sure how all of the footprints and the ruts fit together to show me the way.  It is all coming together.  In our first meeting and as outlined in my first reflection, I felt the light bulb brighten with the new found acknowledgment as to the importance of school policy.  Now this week–dust off that old passion for politics and combine it with my vision and passion for change in our schools and ZOWIE! I am seeing a path laid out before me I haven’t seen before.  Bob Nardi did a fantastic job of highlighting the importance of “knowing your universe”. I love this concept.  It makes perfect sense.  I have been living in a narrow universe for far too long.  Room 120 belongs to the basement which is housed in Negaunee High School which is part of the Negaunee School District which is in Marquette County, which has ties to MARESA, which is connected to the State of Michigan where much, much, much of the policy is decided.  The state of Michigan is one of 50 members in the great United State, where even more of the policy is determined.  I am a teacher.  First committed to the children who walk through my door.  But I am more.  I am a member of the special education staff, the high school staff, the district staff.  I belong to a larger group of teachers, those that teach in Marquette County.  We have a vested interest.  Then the county becomes the Upper Peninsula, the Upper Peninsula becomes the state and the state our country.   And then when you see the big picture, I am a teacher in the world.  One of many, millions that believe in the power of education and that each and every day, the decisions we make impact human lives.Hmmm…how can change truly be implemented?  Where does it happen and how best can we impact the policy and standards that directly affect students in our classrooms?  We need to know our universe. Understand the system in which you work.  This is power.  Knowledge of the system, understanding how it all works together gives you an glimpse behind the curtain and with that comes the confidence, the knowledge to impact greater change.

“When things are bad; people can only see them getting worse. When things are good; people can only see them getting better.” –quote shared from BobNardi during our class today.

I believe Bob when he said that good times are ahead.  I think that along with the ability to have a vision, the ability to lead, the motivation it takes to be a good leader, we need to have a positive outlook on the future of education.  I need to believe that we are going to figure this all out.  I was reading once about shifts that have occurred in our history.  The different eras that people have had to adjust through–the one constant that has held strong is education.  That in times of great shift, the people look to the educational systems for guidance.  The one difference right now that poses an enormous challenge is that the change itself is occurring within the educational system.  It is probably, now, more important than ever to be involved at a state and national level in the conversation on educational change.

“Remember that your cause, is not necessarily everyone’s cause.”

Yet another quote from Bob Nardi shared during his visit.  This is one I need to post above my desk.  I often approach things in a “head on, straight ahead,  get out of my way, listen to me” kind of manner.  Keeping that big picture in your view and realizing that everyone has their own passions that are equally important is so very crucial to maintaining a positive environment in educational leadership.

It all boils down to keeping your eyes, your mind and your heart open to all that is going on in our world.  Trusting that you are doing the right thing for children.  Our communities are putting their faith in us.  They believe that we are going to do what is best.  Each and every day they entrust public education with the very thing that matters most to them in this world: their children.  We cannot misuse that trust.  Each and every teacher, regardless of their position in the school, must do their best to participate in ongoing sustainable professional development.  We must do our best to do as Mr. Nardi said: Be involved, understand the system, be prepared to take action, see the world from a global perspective and work with our legislatures.  Teachers should be the prime example for the importance of life-long learning.

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Interview with Mr. Jim Derocher
Superintendent of Negaunee Public Schools
Sara VanAbel
September 2008

Mr. Derocher was kind enough to sit and discuss school policy and procedures with my colleague Abby Standerford and I for approximately 30 minutes one afternoon.  It is interesting, as well as enlightening, to focus on an aspect of teaching I took for granted.  Mr. Derocher was well informed and confident in his answers.  It was easy to see he has a deep understanding of the policy and procedures set forth in the Negaunee District.  The following narrative provides answers to specific questions, addtional information he offered as well as my reflections upon the experience.

Questions:

1.  How were the policies for your district developed?
Our school board works with NEOLA, a company that specializes in board policy, school by-laws and administrative guidelines.  He said that when he first started in administration, there was a time when they actually wrote policy, had it approved by lawyers, etc.  With all of the changes in school law, the liability schools face, they now rely solely on NEOLA and their group of lawyers to help them maintain policy standards.

2.  How frequently are they reviewd for potential revisions?  How are updates communited within the organization?
Mr. Derocher said that everything is in continous reviewing.  They recieve frequent updates as laws change, as court cases are held, and as the times change, wording, addtions and subractions to the policy occur.  He actually communicates with NEOLA, receives the changes then presents them to the board for review.

3.  How do the adminstrators differentiate between policies, by-laws and administrative guidelines?
He described it as the board sets or adopts policy, the by-laws help describe or define the policy and then the administrative guidelines are written by the supertindent as to how the board policy is going to be implemented.

4.  What other information was shared regarding the implementation of these policies, by-laws and administrative guidelines?
Mr. Derocher shared with us information regarding a current look at policy in regards to food allergies.  He spent time with NEOLA and did his own research looking into how other districts are handling the rapid increase in potentially life-threatening food allergies.  Then he presented the information to the school board, worked with the staff at the elementary building, and developed a plan with our school nurse and the parents of the children in question.  It was determined that we would not have peanut-free buildings.  That we would encourage parents not to bring nut products into the buildings.  He stressed that there was no change in board policy.  The policy is to work with parents of students with special dietary needs to develop a plan that is safe for all students.  It is a plan.  Not a change in policy.

Reflection:

When I first stumbled upon the thought of pursuing an advanced degree, I never gave a minute of thought to the actual topics of the classes I would be taking.  Educational leadership.  Simple, right?  School Policy and Governance.  I really never thought about the importance of school policy.  It was there.  It annoyed me at times and I was thankful for it at other moments.  I have always been that squeaky wheel.  An advocate for staying current, always learning and looking at ways to improve our educational systems.  After speaking with Mr. Derocher and listening to Dr. Schafer tell stories of the great educational change experienced in special education I realized that the way to solid sustainable change wasn’t through the grass roots efforts of my classroom door-to classroom door campaign, but through change in policy.  If I could help people see that a change in policy was necessary.  That change would occur.  district wide.  It is still important to collaborate and communicate with colleagues as you all work towards fine tuning the educational system to meet the needs of the every changing clientel.  I believe this.  But this method is so often met with skepticism and with apathy, that I often find myself frustrated.              
Teachers come together with a myriad of ideals, skills, energy, passion and motivation.  We don’t always all see the big picture or share the same goals.  Change is difficult in a culture that has maintained virtually the same status quo for the last 100 years.  Add to that the fact that teachers are constantly being pressured to increase student performance, to add huge chunks of information and skills to their curriculum and to meet the ever changing needs of students challenged by the changes in our society.  It is no wonder many of them feel hopeless about the future of schools and are content to always do what they have always done. It is enough to gather their paychecks and go home to their families.
Sometimes those of us who are able to see the big picture–need to lead.  There needs to be changes that occur on a grand scale.  Those that affect the big picture–that allow that very picture to come into a clear focus.  It is through changes in policy that we can get most (if not all) of us looking through the same lens, working toward the same goals and providing a clear, efficient and meaningful education for all students.  That’s part of what I am starting to realize.  It is all coming into focus for me.  Listening to Dr. Schafer speak about the her history of being champion for progress, the vision we share for all learners, the ability to see, sometimes what is unclear to others–that has made me think differently about school policy.  And I am motivated to learn more.

Last night I spent an amazing evening with my seven year old.  Thanks to their adoring grandparents, my sons were off for a sleep over so it was just a “girl’s night” for McKenna and I.  We just hung out at home, her on a laptop checking in with her Webkinz, typing her spelling list on Google docs, (and highlighting each word in alternating colors), and visiting Panwapa to see where in the world she could travel.  I checked email, read a few feeds, saw that our Google Teacher Academy site was back up and running and read some twitter chatter.  After about an hour, we had some dinner.  The spelling list had spurred me on to check out online sites that she could visit to practice her spelling words…of course there are many out there, but I wanted one that you could enter your own words…and I found a few, nothing earth shattering, but fun enough. I thought of creating her own del.icio.us account, but my friends are worried enough about my techno craziness and figured that there was a better way to help her organize her web-world.

I had a brainstorm.

A wiki.

So with my daughter snuggled next to me on the couch,  I created a wiki: The VanAbel Kid’s LOVE TO LEARN! I uploaded pictures, images, linked to their elementary school, changed the “look and feel” of the wiki and made each of them their own page.  She was mesmerized.  Let me try! So I slid the laptop over to her.  She typed her own information in and included a comment about a future career in art.  We linked to her favorite pages and her blog and gmail account.  I know some of my friends would just chuckle and roll their eyes, but seriously…she is like a sponge and just loves to do this stuff!

It was getting late, so to wrap it all up we went over to Youtube and found a few videos…VanGogh, Picasso and a PBS video on the creation of the Solar System.  Each were just 2-3 minutes in length, but we watched the VanGogh and Picasso ones twice…her comments were priceless…it was a mother moment I’m not likely to forget.  That one is in the hallway at school. (Starry Night)  She had comments for many others.  I saw that one in Little Einsteins!  Look at the swirly, silvery clouds!  That one is silly!  Picasso is kind of different, Mom!  All from a very short glimpse of art.  Sure…we could have done the same thing with a book.  And I probably will get her one…(my home does not LACK books as they are stashed in every corner, bin and basket!), but the engagement and attention grabbing that initially caught her attention, was the musical video of the artwork…the presentation!

We put the computer away and got into our jammies.  We snuggled and read a few chapters of The Talented Clementine” by Sara Pennypacker.  A delightfully funny read.  I tucked her in and sang her her lullaby as she snuggled with Peanut, her blue elephant.

Even though I had pulled a total of 8 worksheets from backpacks afterschool, I am becoming more comfortable with the fact that the learning environment in our home is going to fill in the gaps missing in their formal education.

I am one lucky lady.

It has been just over 2 hours now since I read the email invitation…I still feel dizzy.  I am completely overwhelmed…I called about a dozen people, chatted online with a former student and fellow tech junkie, updated my status on both Facebook and myspace, visited Global Education Ning and left a message for Lucy Gray…who I will finally get to meet! I should be in bed TRYING to sleep, but decided that before I slept away the intitial excitement, I would jot down a few thoughts.

Seriously…I’m amazed.  I knew my application was pretty good…but the odds are so great…that I really thought it was a total long shot.

Here’s a link to the video…or did I already post that when I applied?  Either way…here it is again.

A Mom\’s Eye View

WOW–now hopefully my administration thinks it is a big deal too and will give me PD days…otherwise…I will just have to take personal ones…

It is about a 9 hour drive…luckily my brother lives in Chicago…OMG!

Incredible.  Just incredible.