The Buhler Representatives (my friends!) getting recognized - cool banner!I was at the
KSDC Conference again today. There were a couple of highlights for me...one was seeing my district,
Buhler USD 313, receive the Systemic Learning Award. My district leaders and staff have worked hard at implementing and embedding Professional Learning Communities into our "way we do business." It was great for the district and our leaders to get that recognition. I heard all kinds of research about how time for PD (Professional Development) increases student achievement and how China, Finland, and Japan spend more time on PD and teacher collaboration than the US and their students are reaping the benefits. Staying up on current research, learning new methods of teaching, and time for networking is IMPORTANT - yes, even in education! Seriously - would you go to a doctor that said they hadn't kept up on current research or didn't attend continuing education courses? Why would we think it appropriate to send our children (our FUTURE) to teachers who don't? That is exactly what is happening across the state. In the times of budget cuts, even my own district (the one that just got recognized) has frozen all PD for the rest of the year. It is often the first "cut" districts will make.
Dr. DeBacker sharing great stories, data, and relevant legislationSo...this brings me to the second highlight of the day: hearing Dr. Diane DeBacker, Deputy Commissioner of Education for Kansas, speak. Dr. DeBacker is a great speaker and her passion for putting kids first came through loud and clear! She shared with us the Senate has a bill being proposed (
Senate Bill 130-see section h) provides the school term to start no sooner than the day after Labor Day and must end before Memorial Day and PROHIBITS STAFF DEVELOPMENT OR
INSERVICE DURING REGULAR SCHOOL TIME! When do legislators think educators should collaborate, study student learning and effective teaching strategies? I urge you to write, email, or call your
Senator and discuss with them the importance of protecting PD!
The Buhler Representatives (my friends!) getting recognized - cool banner!
Dr. DeBacker sharing great stories, data, and relevant legislation
INSERVICE DURING REGULAR SCHOOL TIME! When do legislators think educators should collaborate, study student learning and effective teaching strategies? I urge you to write, email, or call your Senator and discuss with them the importance of protecting PD!
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2 comments:
http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-senate/searchSenate.do
Here is the link to the Kansas State Senators' profile and email...you are right - we need to keep our PD!
Thank you, Sam, for the link. I had SENATE linked to a search for your Senator, but this is a much better link with email addresses right there. I changed the link to this one. THANK YOU!
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