Donna St. George
"Fairfax schools chief says system is seeking ways to improve discipline process"
Washington Post
March 22, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/fairfax_schools_chief_says_system_is_seeking_ways_to_improve_discipline_process/2011/03/22/ABuvJlFB_story.html?wprss=rss_education
Topic: School discipline.
I have not seen much discussion concerning discipline here so far so I thought the topic was worthy of discussion.
My personal experience here locally is that the rules seem to be clearly laid out but maybe not as known as they should be. My feeling is that rules clearly laid out and enforced evenly in a predictable way are best. Of course, the less rules possible, the better. Rules which don’t get enforced are like a cancer because no one knows who can get away with what and then when they get enforced the natural thing is to cry foul.
Key Points: Draconian enforcement of rules without some form of due process or consideration of special circumstances doesn’t seem to go over very well. This article talks about a review board.
Relevance: This is a subject that is best broached before you find yourself in a discipline situation. Knowing the policies and expectations is key to ensuring a safe zone within a classroom.
Showing posts with label safe zone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label safe zone. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Teenager suspended from Fairfax County school over acne drug
Donna ST. George
"Teenager suspended from Fairfax County school over acne drug"
Washington Post
March 10, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/10/AR2011031006261.html?wprss=rss_education
Topic: Safe Zone
The article is about the suspension of a student which may last up to seven weeks because she brought a prescription acne drug into the school. There are also other examples of draconian enforcement of administration policies.
Key Points: Putting a policy in place without any wiggle room for special circumstances often turns out to be problematic. The lesson learned here for me is to carefully think about any rules or policies before implementing them. There is nothing worse than having to enforce a rule that doesn’t make sense. There is also nothing worse than to set the example of disregarding rules for “special” reasons.
Posted By Doug K
"Teenager suspended from Fairfax County school over acne drug"
Washington Post
March 10, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/10/AR2011031006261.html?wprss=rss_education
Topic: Safe Zone
The article is about the suspension of a student which may last up to seven weeks because she brought a prescription acne drug into the school. There are also other examples of draconian enforcement of administration policies.
Key Points: Putting a policy in place without any wiggle room for special circumstances often turns out to be problematic. The lesson learned here for me is to carefully think about any rules or policies before implementing them. There is nothing worse than having to enforce a rule that doesn’t make sense. There is also nothing worse than to set the example of disregarding rules for “special” reasons.
Posted By Doug K
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Prince George’s school fight posted on You Tube frustrates parents, students
Robert Samuels
"Prince George’s school fight posted on You Tube frustrates parents, students"
Washington Post
March 8, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/07/AR2011030704898.htmlTopic: Creating safe zones within schools
Students take school security into their own hands by taking and posting the security conditions at their school including the assault of at least one student.
Key Points: Students were in violation of the school’s no cell phone or video camera policy however, they felt this is the only way to get parents and the administration to take action.
Relevance: We discussed using technology in the school for curriculum enhancement however, there seems to be a good argument for allowing students to protect themselves and raise concerns too. My feeling is that schools should embrace technology and with each new generation of gadgets, enact clear etiquette guidelines.
Also, transparency is a key issue here as well. If you don’t see or believe there is a problem then no action is perceived necessary. With video like this, action to create a safe zone at that school is much more likely now.
Posted By Doug K
"Prince George’s school fight posted on You Tube frustrates parents, students"
Washington Post
March 8, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/07/AR2011030704898.htmlTopic: Creating safe zones within schools
Students take school security into their own hands by taking and posting the security conditions at their school including the assault of at least one student.
Key Points: Students were in violation of the school’s no cell phone or video camera policy however, they felt this is the only way to get parents and the administration to take action.
Relevance: We discussed using technology in the school for curriculum enhancement however, there seems to be a good argument for allowing students to protect themselves and raise concerns too. My feeling is that schools should embrace technology and with each new generation of gadgets, enact clear etiquette guidelines.
Also, transparency is a key issue here as well. If you don’t see or believe there is a problem then no action is perceived necessary. With video like this, action to create a safe zone at that school is much more likely now.
Posted By Doug K
Computer science programs use mobile apps to make coursework relevant
Jenna Johnson
"Computer science programs use mobile apps to make coursework relevant"
Washington Post
March 8, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/06/AR2011030602729.html?wprss=rss_education
Topic: Technology
Computer science is growing and this article shows how students are able to address real world problems with technology solutions.
Key Points: I thought it was interesting that this particular teacher just turned the students loose on these projects without much constraint. The result was some pretty interesting innovation and creativity.
Relevance: After reading this, I saw at the end of the article that the other sciences, college prep, etc, like Chem, Bio are much more popular courses as core curriculum. My question is, is or should technology become a core competency or is it still off to the side like vocational specialties such as wood or metal shop?
Posted By Doug K
"Computer science programs use mobile apps to make coursework relevant"
Washington Post
March 8, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/06/AR2011030602729.html?wprss=rss_education
Topic: Technology
Computer science is growing and this article shows how students are able to address real world problems with technology solutions.
Key Points: I thought it was interesting that this particular teacher just turned the students loose on these projects without much constraint. The result was some pretty interesting innovation and creativity.
Relevance: After reading this, I saw at the end of the article that the other sciences, college prep, etc, like Chem, Bio are much more popular courses as core curriculum. My question is, is or should technology become a core competency or is it still off to the side like vocational specialties such as wood or metal shop?
Posted By Doug K
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