Saturday, February 9, 2013
Monday, February 4, 2013
Chapter 11 Reflection
Top Ten Rules That Govern School Authority Over Student Cyber Expressions
Chapter 11 is an overview of the provisions of the First Amendment that apply to public schools students. It discusses the censorship that schools can impose on students to prevent cyberbullying. That means that although students still have the right to express their opinions, their “rights are restricted to what is appropriate for the care and tutelage of children.” For example, if students “depict verbal or graphic violence, threatens or undermines members of the school community, or portends a violent disruption” then something can be done about it. Also, if a student attacks core characteristics, or uses profane or vulgar language then they can be censored. Interestingly to me, if students expression is a pedagogical concern--meaning doesn’t fit with educational norms, like grammatically incorrect, or unresearched, then that can be censored. Unsurprisingly, if student’s views are expressed as endorsed by the school, then they can be censored; like a school website or newspaper. Also, if a student does something off campus, it is not the school’s concern unless it is directly connected with the school. For instance, students get caught drinking underage in their school’s letterman--they can be reprimanded for that. Students can be censored if they aren’t meeting the “shared values of civilized social order,” like if a student is promoting drug use. The last rule discussed is threats. If there is a ‘true’ threat, then it must be taken seriously and students can be reprimanded for it.
This chapter is very interesting to me. I think this should be taught in education classes as well as discussed with students. I doubt that students are aware of these provisions and I think they should be. I don’t know how many times I have heard a student say that they have the freedom of speech when they were off on a rant or arguing with another student. I got them to stop, but it typically happened after a 5-10 minute conversation on respect--which was valuable, but not what I had in mind for an algebra class. I truly think that if there is an open dialogue with students about respect, cyber etiquette and bullying, and the law, that many of these issues would cease to exist. Don’t get me wrong, there is no way that all cyberbullying and unwanted online behavior will stop, but if students are educated, from the beginning, on why these things are not good choices and potentially dangerous, then they will listen.
Chapter 11 is an overview of the provisions of the First Amendment that apply to public schools students. It discusses the censorship that schools can impose on students to prevent cyberbullying. That means that although students still have the right to express their opinions, their “rights are restricted to what is appropriate for the care and tutelage of children.” For example, if students “depict verbal or graphic violence, threatens or undermines members of the school community, or portends a violent disruption” then something can be done about it. Also, if a student attacks core characteristics, or uses profane or vulgar language then they can be censored. Interestingly to me, if students expression is a pedagogical concern--meaning doesn’t fit with educational norms, like grammatically incorrect, or unresearched, then that can be censored. Unsurprisingly, if student’s views are expressed as endorsed by the school, then they can be censored; like a school website or newspaper. Also, if a student does something off campus, it is not the school’s concern unless it is directly connected with the school. For instance, students get caught drinking underage in their school’s letterman--they can be reprimanded for that. Students can be censored if they aren’t meeting the “shared values of civilized social order,” like if a student is promoting drug use. The last rule discussed is threats. If there is a ‘true’ threat, then it must be taken seriously and students can be reprimanded for it.
This chapter is very interesting to me. I think this should be taught in education classes as well as discussed with students. I doubt that students are aware of these provisions and I think they should be. I don’t know how many times I have heard a student say that they have the freedom of speech when they were off on a rant or arguing with another student. I got them to stop, but it typically happened after a 5-10 minute conversation on respect--which was valuable, but not what I had in mind for an algebra class. I truly think that if there is an open dialogue with students about respect, cyber etiquette and bullying, and the law, that many of these issues would cease to exist. Don’t get me wrong, there is no way that all cyberbullying and unwanted online behavior will stop, but if students are educated, from the beginning, on why these things are not good choices and potentially dangerous, then they will listen.
Chapter 10 Reflection
Preventing Cyberbullying
This chapter extensively covers how to raise awareness for cyberbullying. It begins by explaining that it is a school’s responsibility to be aware of cyberbullying in its community, and to make steps against it. I completely agree that teachers need to be aware of cyberbullying and in the forefront of combating it. To me, it is a simple conversation that occurs throughout a school year, but it does need to be more explicit and directed than that to begin with. There must be clear guidelines and rules when students are accessing the internet and other technology, and as I discussed in my last blog, it must be a collaborative effort between administrators, teachers, students and parents. The chapter also discusses peer mentoring, which I also think is a great idea. I think students should collaborate on creating a PSA, or a short presentation describing what cyberbullying is, what not to do, and what to do if a student is bullied. I think having the students do research and create this to present to other students, maybe a younger grade, or even a whole school or small district would be awesome. Not only would these students be doing a service, but they would be educating themselves as well. Bullying in general is also combated by having a safe learning environment. Of course all bullying won’t stop if a school is safe, but creating a culture where students voices are heard and respected and students feel safe, is a good starting point to prevent bullying. Formal education about bullying and cyberbullying should occur. Also, firewalls and tracking software are good tools to use to deter misusing technology, although they are not foolproof.
A large section of this chapter discusses the parent involvement to prevent students from unwanted online behavior. From giving parents information on cyberbullying to tips on how to use the internet with your child. Hinduja and Patchin continually discuss how communication between parents and teachers, but more importantly parents and children is essential to fostering a good online identity for kids. They also discuss how important it is to have the conversation start earlier, since students will be on the computer not only in school, but they are often always connected with mobile devices. The authors reinforce the ‘basics’ of cyber safety like not revealing personal information, or communicating with people you don’t really know.
I definitely believe that netiquette needs to be addressed in schools. I think that with the internet being so readily available people forget that it is powerful and dangerous. Also, as smart as we know kids are, oftentimes they do things online that they wouldn’t do in person because it is ‘safer’ for their ego and they are able to hide behind a computer or screen name. My first year teaching Myspace.com was on it’s way down, but still fairly popular. I had a Myspace account that I rarely used, and one of my students contacted me on it for homework help. Everything was private, plus I didn’t put anything on it that was bad, but it freaked me out. I kept it though, because I used it to look up my students. To my surprise, most of them had everything open and very inappropriate things on it. I took that as a great opportunity to have some discussions with my students. In the years that I taught there, I hadn’t heard anything official come from the school about cyberbullying, or online etiquette. I’m hoping that happened in a computer class, but it should have happened more often. Teenagers don’t think beyond this moment, and that is why the internet is so scary. They don’t realize that posting pictures of them at a party could potentially be bad. They need to hear that multiple times, and they need to see where someone suffered consequences based on those things. Telling kids to do something is not nearly effective as showing them why they need to do something.
Chapter 9 Reflection
Policies, Procedures, and Contracts
Chapter 9 covers acceptable use policies (AUPs), bullying policies, permission slips, photo releases, and all other contracts that occur in schools. It discusses how contracts are legally binding, but also are amendable and should be look at consistently to change with the culture and society of a school. These policies need to be reviewed prior to use by not only administrators, but teachers and parents as well. At a certain age, I think students should also contribute to the review process. Prensky (2012) states that “school leaders need to identify all the foreseeable risks to students, teachers, and staff and take reasonable precautions to minimize those risks” when drafting policies. This is especially true for internet user policies. It is difficult to determine where a limit for student use of internet should be. It is a great resource, but there are many things that are inappropriate for students, or even just distractions from learning.
I wish that I was able to review some technology policies in my previous school. My school was very big, and honestly I don’t think I ever saw the policies. I know there was a rule about the use of cell phones, and I hope it said that it was up to the teacher--otherwise I’m sure I broke the rule. The other thing that I wish I had comment on was differentiated firewalls for students and teachers. I’m sure there is a way to allow certain machines to have full access to the internet, and others not, and I think that should be in effect in every school. I also think there should be a school wide discussion about internet filters in schools. I think there also has to be dialogue between students, parents, teachers, and administrators over the use of the internet and other technologies available at schools.
Chapter 9 covers acceptable use policies (AUPs), bullying policies, permission slips, photo releases, and all other contracts that occur in schools. It discusses how contracts are legally binding, but also are amendable and should be look at consistently to change with the culture and society of a school. These policies need to be reviewed prior to use by not only administrators, but teachers and parents as well. At a certain age, I think students should also contribute to the review process. Prensky (2012) states that “school leaders need to identify all the foreseeable risks to students, teachers, and staff and take reasonable precautions to minimize those risks” when drafting policies. This is especially true for internet user policies. It is difficult to determine where a limit for student use of internet should be. It is a great resource, but there are many things that are inappropriate for students, or even just distractions from learning.
I wish that I was able to review some technology policies in my previous school. My school was very big, and honestly I don’t think I ever saw the policies. I know there was a rule about the use of cell phones, and I hope it said that it was up to the teacher--otherwise I’m sure I broke the rule. The other thing that I wish I had comment on was differentiated firewalls for students and teachers. I’m sure there is a way to allow certain machines to have full access to the internet, and others not, and I think that should be in effect in every school. I also think there should be a school wide discussion about internet filters in schools. I think there also has to be dialogue between students, parents, teachers, and administrators over the use of the internet and other technologies available at schools.
Chapter 8 Reflection
Assessment in the Partnership Pedagogy
Chapter 8 Discusses assessment with a quick review knocking the usefulness of summative assessment and the effectiveness of formative assessment. Prensky talks about ipsative assessment which is where someone is competing against themselves, trying to beat a personal best. This occurs in schools, by mostly by teacher encouragement of “you can do better next time.” Peer assessment is discussed as being twofold where students prepare for a meaningful audience and students appreciate the work of their peers, and where their own work compares. Prensky also discusses real world assessments, where peer assessments are extended globally using the internet. Self assessment and assessing students with the tools that they commonly use are important as well. Teacher assessment could be more authentic if they were peer assessed, assessed by their students, and rate themselves, instead of just an administrator observing them. This chapter then continues to discuss how to assess how well a partnering classroom and school could be assessed.
This is not my favorite chapter that I’ve read, and I don’t mean to be a negative Nancy, but I’m not sure that one teacher can change the paradigm of a school. If a district, or just even one site of a district were on board to have partnering in their school then I would hope there would be a lot of meaningful professional development on it, and many opportunities to observe and mentor. Aside from that, I think that self-assessment and peer assessment are very valuable, but I think students need to be trained on them, and I honestly don’t know how many of my former students would take it seriously. If it was a school wide initiative, I think it could work, but in just one class, I’m not so sure. With proper training and reinforcement I think it could happen, but with focus in schools being standardized tests, I think it falls on the back burner all too often. Ideally standardized tests would cease to exist. That is never going to happen though. School funding as well as many things that I am sure I am unaware of, depend on schools meeting adequate yearly progress. As long as that is around, I fear that teachers in struggling schools will always be trying to get their students to pass the test. Also, I totally agree that parents play a huge part in the education of their children, but having parents follow a checklist for their students, at least in high school, would probably not occur.
Chapter 8 Discusses assessment with a quick review knocking the usefulness of summative assessment and the effectiveness of formative assessment. Prensky talks about ipsative assessment which is where someone is competing against themselves, trying to beat a personal best. This occurs in schools, by mostly by teacher encouragement of “you can do better next time.” Peer assessment is discussed as being twofold where students prepare for a meaningful audience and students appreciate the work of their peers, and where their own work compares. Prensky also discusses real world assessments, where peer assessments are extended globally using the internet. Self assessment and assessing students with the tools that they commonly use are important as well. Teacher assessment could be more authentic if they were peer assessed, assessed by their students, and rate themselves, instead of just an administrator observing them. This chapter then continues to discuss how to assess how well a partnering classroom and school could be assessed.
This is not my favorite chapter that I’ve read, and I don’t mean to be a negative Nancy, but I’m not sure that one teacher can change the paradigm of a school. If a district, or just even one site of a district were on board to have partnering in their school then I would hope there would be a lot of meaningful professional development on it, and many opportunities to observe and mentor. Aside from that, I think that self-assessment and peer assessment are very valuable, but I think students need to be trained on them, and I honestly don’t know how many of my former students would take it seriously. If it was a school wide initiative, I think it could work, but in just one class, I’m not so sure. With proper training and reinforcement I think it could happen, but with focus in schools being standardized tests, I think it falls on the back burner all too often. Ideally standardized tests would cease to exist. That is never going to happen though. School funding as well as many things that I am sure I am unaware of, depend on schools meeting adequate yearly progress. As long as that is around, I fear that teachers in struggling schools will always be trying to get their students to pass the test. Also, I totally agree that parents play a huge part in the education of their children, but having parents follow a checklist for their students, at least in high school, would probably not occur.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Common Core State Standards
The
Common Core State Standards are a set of content standards for math and
English language arts and a set of Literacy standards for all other
subjects. So far, they have been adopted by 45 states, the Department
of Defense Education Activity, Washington D.C., and four territories.
They should be fully integrated into every classroom starting the
2014-2015 school year, and they will be tested that year. For Oklahoma,
they are part of the C3
Standards that are being rolled out now. In math, there is a shift for
rigor, coherence and focus. Meaning that students are covering less
information deeper, across grades, more accurately, and with meaning.
Students should know why they are solving a problem they way they are
and how it relates to the problem overall. There is also a big focus on
modeling in math. That means that students are solving real world
problems in context. Common Core says that they want to give students
problems worth solving.
In ELA there is a shift towards comprehension of texts and making claims and providing evidence from text. The content standards come from Common Core, but they are not prescriptive, telling teachers what to teach. Common Core says they want students reading texts worth reading. There is a shift in lexile levels, and most likely novels and books that teachers loved teaching, will shift down to lower grades. Non-fiction is a big push for Common Core because, realistically, when students get into college or a workplace, how often are they reading fiction? Rarely ever. The Core wants students to be prepared for college or a career, and non-fiction is part of that. That does not mean, however, that literature is taken away. Non-fiction should be integrated throughout an English classroom, but also in every other class.
The Literacy standards are new for every subject (other than math, but hey, they would be good in math too!). This is where non-fiction in each subject should be integrated. That means that science teachers should be reading articles about science, and art teacher about art, social studies classes should be reading documents and biographies. This extends to physical education and to agriculture as well. Any class being taught should incorporate these standards. Part of literacy is reading, but students must also be writing about these readings. That doesn’t mean essays, but writing like a historian, or an artist. Speaking and listening is part of literacy as well, so students should be doing those things and critiquing the speaking of each other.
In Oklahoma, students will be assessed in math and ELA (and literacy) by the PARCC assessment. This will be a two part assessment starting in the spring of 2015. These assessments will require students to test on a computer or tablet. The tests are will use Universal Design, which means when students are not being tested on reading comprehension, they will have the option of having the assessment read to them. Also, they will be able to manipulate the size of the font, and some words will be able to be defined. These assessments will also eliminate students who can guess their way out of an assessment. Justification and evidence will be required when taking the test, and partial credit will be given.
The thing that scares me about Common Core is that it is a big transition, and will be implemented very soon. I don’t think many teachers have started the change, and that will be detrimental to many students come 2015. Also, I expect a large drop in state scores because that is what happens when a huge shift comes along. I hope that people realize this will occur. It is going to be a shift for not only the students, but many teachers.
To find out more about common core there are many blogs and websites available. Corestandards.org, parcconline.org, ccsstoolbox.com are among the few that I visit regularly. You can also follow @parcc on twitter and subscribe to their newsletter. The K20 Center at the University of Oklahoma also does professional development on common core as well as many other things!
In ELA there is a shift towards comprehension of texts and making claims and providing evidence from text. The content standards come from Common Core, but they are not prescriptive, telling teachers what to teach. Common Core says they want students reading texts worth reading. There is a shift in lexile levels, and most likely novels and books that teachers loved teaching, will shift down to lower grades. Non-fiction is a big push for Common Core because, realistically, when students get into college or a workplace, how often are they reading fiction? Rarely ever. The Core wants students to be prepared for college or a career, and non-fiction is part of that. That does not mean, however, that literature is taken away. Non-fiction should be integrated throughout an English classroom, but also in every other class.
The Literacy standards are new for every subject (other than math, but hey, they would be good in math too!). This is where non-fiction in each subject should be integrated. That means that science teachers should be reading articles about science, and art teacher about art, social studies classes should be reading documents and biographies. This extends to physical education and to agriculture as well. Any class being taught should incorporate these standards. Part of literacy is reading, but students must also be writing about these readings. That doesn’t mean essays, but writing like a historian, or an artist. Speaking and listening is part of literacy as well, so students should be doing those things and critiquing the speaking of each other.
In Oklahoma, students will be assessed in math and ELA (and literacy) by the PARCC assessment. This will be a two part assessment starting in the spring of 2015. These assessments will require students to test on a computer or tablet. The tests are will use Universal Design, which means when students are not being tested on reading comprehension, they will have the option of having the assessment read to them. Also, they will be able to manipulate the size of the font, and some words will be able to be defined. These assessments will also eliminate students who can guess their way out of an assessment. Justification and evidence will be required when taking the test, and partial credit will be given.
The thing that scares me about Common Core is that it is a big transition, and will be implemented very soon. I don’t think many teachers have started the change, and that will be detrimental to many students come 2015. Also, I expect a large drop in state scores because that is what happens when a huge shift comes along. I hope that people realize this will occur. It is going to be a shift for not only the students, but many teachers.
To find out more about common core there are many blogs and websites available. Corestandards.org, parcconline.org, ccsstoolbox.com are among the few that I visit regularly. You can also follow @parcc on twitter and subscribe to their newsletter. The K20 Center at the University of Oklahoma also does professional development on common core as well as many other things!
Chapter 3 Reflection
Chapter 3 started off by discussing how to promote technology integration and the process of adopting innovation occurs. When adopting an innovation there are 5 groups of people. The innovators are the ones pushing the change and are about 2.5% of the population. The early adopters are 13.5% of the population, they are typically respected and leaders, and they try out the innovation cautiously. The early majority accept change, but are very careful about it. They are 34% of the group. The late majority is also 34%, they are more suspicious about innovation, but when they see other people using the innovation they are open to trying it out. The last group is the laggards. They are the last to join, the ones that are set in their ways, and 16% of the population. This chapter also discusses the Concerns-Based Adoption Model, which breaks the process of adoptions into questions that people would be asking at each level. Chapter three also discusses how professional development is an important factor in integrating technology into classrooms. Educators must have the equipment to use but also must be prepared and confident in using it in their classroom. That is where professional development and professional learning communities (PLCs) come in. Teachers should be collaborating on how these tools fit into their classrooms.
This happened to me first hand. I was given a bunch of technology and told to use it in my classroom. In that situation I would have said that I was an early adopter. I was gung-ho about getting my students using all the technology they could in my class. Using the internet, creating presentation, all of that. But that can only go so far in a math classroom. Eventually these kids were going to have to do math with a pencil and paper. I have no doubt that the computers could have been used for that too, but I had no one really showing me how. Plus, our firewalls stopped some really awesome websites that could have been used. When I had a teacher to collaborate with on utilizing technology in my classroom I used it a lot. We went back and forth discussing how students could show us, and others, their knowledge of the concept. She was only there for a year, and when she left I had no one to bounce around ideas with. My usage of the technology went down because I didn’t have support on how to integrate it.
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