KU Conference and Other Thoughts

Pictured after our panel discussion are: Cindy Venard, me, Barnett Barry from CTQ, Walt Cochran, Marilyn Fox, Mary Martha Good

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the KU Strategies for Educational Improvement. The three main speakers in the morning were Barnett Barry, President of Center for Teaching Quality and Jo Anderson, senior policy adviser for outreach to teachers and teacher organization to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. And of course, our state of Kansas genius, Alexa Posny, Commissioner of Education. Barnett challenged our thoughts of what a professional teacher role could be. My assistant superintendent, Dayna Richardson, summed up his presentation so well I am using her summary: (thanks, Dayna!)

Imagine
...... 10-20% of the country’s best teachers work in hybrid roles, enabling them to keep a focus on the classroom but lead their peers to improve instruction and schools.

Imagine .....
1. Resource creators for 2nd language learners
2. Information mavens for the “googled” learners
3. Leaders of user networks
4. Community organizers
5. Websites to check out that could transform learners and teachers:
knowledgeworks.org
gapminder.com
ratemyteacher.com
workldwithoutoil.org
Teachers.tv
6. How do we help new teachers?
First year - Teach 60% of students
Second year - Teach 80% of students
Draw on expert teams to support (New teachers in Japan only teach 10 hours a week)
System is dynamic, not flat
7. Teachers negotiate their own contracts - individually or teams. The highest paid anybody in a district is a teacher.
8. We are no longer concerned with staffing each classroom with one qualified teacher... rather draw on a teacher team led by a few experts, serving larger numbers of the same students over time. (think 7:150 instead of 1:25)

Dr. Diane DeBacker, Deputy Commissioner of Education, me, and Jo Anderson, senior policy advisor, USDE

Jo Anderson spoke about President Obama's challenge created by the Race to The Top for students and teachers. President Obama's quote is "Countries who out teach us today will out perform us tomorrow." Mr. Anderson shared some items that need emphasis in K-12 education that included:
1. National Standards and Assessments
2. Better data - longitudinal
3. Embedded professional development
4. Difference Makers in student learning are teachers, principals, and having Professional Learning Communities. " The more effective the adult learning community, the more effective the student learning community."

What I want to challenge teachers, community members, and administrators with is what Dr. Posny shared. She shared the results of a survey of teachers in Kansas about why they leave the profession, what they value, what would keep them in the profession, and what they would like improved. Out of the top reasons shared, I could basically group about 8 of the 12 into one word: CULTURE. Teachers need to feel valued, appreciated and have shared input into decisions. They want and need to feel like professionals. Ironically, more money was not listed in the top 3 reasons they left - it had more to do with LEADERSHIP in the district. So principals and superintendents - listen up: YOU make a difference to teachers. We need you - we need you to set the culture in the building to be collaborative and positive. As we break over summer, think of ways to build culture in your buildings and districts. As you negotiate with teacher unions think about how the words you use, statements you make affect the culture of your district. I know money is always at the top of the list, but teachers are also interested in the other little things that motivate us and make us feel appreciated. Statements made such as
"Teachers are taking too many sick leaves on Friday and Monday. A doctor's documentation will now be needed," defies any ability to build trust, be treated as professionals, or develop a CULTURE in a district. In my talks to principal groups this year, I have tried to emphasize: "If you have a problem with a teacher or group of teachers, talk to the specific teachers - don't create rules or generalizations that punish the entire staff." It is also just good teaching - as teachers we talk to the students that have created a problem and don't make sweeping rules that are basically for one student who is ignoring the rules anyway. Over the summer, think about the ways EACH of us can build culture - because as Roland Barth says:

“The nature of relationships among the adults in a school has more to do with the success of the students in that building than any other factor.”

Hall of Fame and a Celebration

On Saturday, I was invited to share at the Kansas Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. This is education's version of The Emmy, The Tony, The Kennedy Lifetime Achievement, and the People's Choice awards! I knew I was in for a special day but had no idea just how truly inspiring the day would be. Each year the Hall of Fame inducts 8 incredible educators. The state is divided into 8 regions and each region selects one inductee. There is no requirement these educators be retired - only that they have made significant contributions to the field of education, students, and community. And significant contributions is an understatement!! During the induction, each educator sits in a chair while a friend, colleague, or family member share stories and accomplishments. It is awe-inspiring to listen to think about the lives that have been touched by these educators. If you ever want to be lifted up or need affirmed about choosing education, go to next year's program. They do it up right in Dodge City and have so many volunteers that work tirelessly to make each educator feel special. In going through the Hall of Fame wall, I found a previous teacher of mine, a former colleague, a former superintendent and grandpa of some previous students, and many other well-known educators. I encourage you to check it out in Dodge City!

May Mayhem!

The end of the year is busy - it is like everyone is in a race trying to get everything in before June. I have had so many opportunities the past few weeks and will do my best to summarize a few of them but am saving the amazing day I had yesterday for it's own entry...curious? Well, check back soon to see what I was up to! :-)

I was asked to speak at Ellinwood's graduation - the day after Buhler's graduation. This is significant as I borrowed some of Mr. Berblinger's (my principal) speech and incorporated it into mine! THANKS! It is so interesting how different each school's traditions and histories are. Ellinwood had an awesome graduation with a slide show before hand with all the graduates, their pictures, and highlights of their lives. It was great!!

Later that same week, I got to spend the LAST DAY of the school year with the Wellsville school district. I laughed as the only thing that stood between them and summer was ME! Not necessarily a good place to be....but they were incredible- maybe it was just the pure excitement of the end of the school year, but they were fun, energetic and so receptive. I would love to go back at the beginning of the year and see how their summer was as I got to hear about some fun plans!

I also visited the Saline County Retired Teachers Association. This group is committed to serving and volunteering with our youth. It was a special day for me because my aunt is a member of this group which meant my uncle also got to come. PLUS she invited my parents to come listen. This was the first time I have presented in front of my mom, dad, and family. I am not sure they enjoyed it as much as I did, but I hope so!!



I have also been busy keeping up with the discussion on a State Teacher of the Year forum. There is much going on in education right now! National standards and assessments are now being considered. The National Governor's Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers have joined together to begin the voluntary process. Right now the only states that have opted out are: Alaska, South Carolina, Missouri, and Texas. Those states have various reasons for opting out and some may join in soon either by choice or by their state legislature. I have always wanted National Standards rather than state standard and assessments. We compare our states using different ones right now and if comparison must take place, let's make sure we are on the same playing field. I would propose we start slow though...taking one curriculum at a time. Because math is very sequential and for the most part, fairly uniform from state to state, I would like to see math go first. If we can agree universally on what an Advanced Placement Calculus test surely we can agree nationally on what an algebra test would be. Some curriculum would definitely be more "sticky." But I think the time has come to have national standards as I know the Kansas standards are as difficult as any other state. The one thing I do hope is different though: fewer but still rigorous standards.