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Elementary School in the 21st Century- Brian Crosby

How does the Pedagogy Change? How does that School look?

Session Wiki

Conversation Description:

School/pedagogy needs to change, adapt, modernize is the siren call. We will briefly look at and/or discuss examples of lessons, technology use, and projects in elementary school today. Then use the bulk of our time attempting to outline what a “changed” vision for elementary school could and should be. Is there anything that stays the same? Should we approach this from no cost matters, or try to do it for the same or lower cost? Reading instruction … what changes? What doesn’t? Math? Other subjects? What about the building? Probably can’t raze them all and build new … so? What equipment/tools? We could dream big, but I’m thinking we might want to look at a model that is doable? What else? We can build a wiki so the thinking/planning can be archived and continued after the time runs out. as well as accessed and added to by those attending off site.

How things have changes over time? Since 1900 how much things have really changed? Nurses, factory workers, electricians, business… Could they just step into a job from today?

How about a student from 100 years ago. Could a student from 100 years ago step into a school from today? Chalkboard, books…

Schools need to change FUNDAMENTALLY…

How should a school essentially look like today?
Pedagogy?
Standards? / Curriculum?
Assessment? / Accountability?
Does size matter?
Facilities? / Equipment?
Which subjects are taught / are not taught?
Decision-making
Magnet school / school with-in school?
Extra-curricular Programs? Sports, arts, scouts, various clubs / interest groups
Local / Global Connections / outreach?
Parent / Home Connection?

We have to show teachers the changes in the world in order for them to understand why to use the tools (technology). Why would we want to change, if we (school) is doing great with Test scores.  It is more about the change in the world, than doing great in the current (past) way of doing things (assessing, standardized testing, world of the 20th century).

- Recommendation of movie Waiting for Superman (2010)

Who has the power? Parents (what if they are disconnected)? Who will be making the changes? School Boards, Parents, Administrators?

-Assessment piece driving instruction

Resource integration for working with the whole child.

Focus group with parents. – Start a discussion ABOUT EDUCATION!!!

What about the business component? What kind of graduates do they need? Global, critical thinkers…

Supporting teachers. They are the connectors to communicate with the community and parents. How does the support need to look like to be effective?

Where are the classrooms(schools) that are making a difference? We need to follow graduates like Science Leadership Academy to see how they do/lead once they are out in the real world.

Is there room for the basics? When do we start the BIG change? In elementary school we still need to teach writing and reading basics. How can we wrap change around that?

Passion is an important component to change. Passion of teachers spill over to the students. That passion might not be Technology for some teachers… and that is ok…

The need for teachers, superintendents, administrators to CONTINUE to learn. Visionary leadership creates the vision and structure AND create time and budget allocation to make it happen. The responsibility can not only be on teachers.  The principal is responsible for the learning climate of his/her school.

We have to start with the STUDENT in the design process of the 21st Century school should look like. How can we prepare them for tests and fail to prepare them for the world that awaits them.

-Who are the clients of schools? Students, communities, parents?

Transformative learning…not doing the same thing with a different tool. We need to get to the point that teachers/educators/administrators/decision makers understand that there is a revolution going on in the world (outside of many/most walls of physical schools). We need to find out how to let them see that teaching/learning the same way than “before” needs to be transformed, completely rethought.

We have a responsibility to collect, document and disseminate classroom examples. Show the leaders who are fearful or reluctant that other are DOING IT.

-Buy collaboration time as part of professional development funding.

-Recommendation for Quest Atlantis for elementary school. Design your own learning opportunities, use others design, free, 21st Century.

-Prepare the students for the world that THEY (students) live in.