The Cobb County Association of Educators is an advocacy organization for education professionals. We are a division of the Georgia Association of Educators and the National Education Association and are committed to great public schools for all children!
Skype's New Teacher Network
Skype's New Teacher Network Love this idea!! My children and I already Skype for personal reasons, but I am excited by the possibilities of using this in the classroom!
Study Finds High Dropout Rates for Black Males in KIPP Schools
Study Finds High Dropout Rates for Black Males in KIPP Schools Interesting that one of the highly touted "reform" schools is still seeing the same problems as the rest of us.
Great Story - Brain-Based Teaching in Our Schools: A New Way to Reach Students
courtesy of Adam Shapiro,
http://www.adampr.tv/
Adam.Shapiro@adampr.tv
Brain-Based Teaching in Our Schools: A New Way to Reach Students
By D’Jon McNair
It is my honor to serve as a special education teacher for fifth graders at Allatoona Elementary School in Acworth. My career has provided many rewards in understanding how to reach every student in a way that leads to successful learning in school and for life.
In earning my master’s degree in Brain-Based Teaching through Nova Southeastern University, I had the opportunity to expand my base of knowledge and learn a variety of teaching and learning strategies that benefit my students. At the foundation of this educational approach is the concept that many children become better students when they are taught how to learn. Teaching students to “think about their thinking” equips them with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need to succeed inside and outside the classroom.
For example, one of my students has an emotional behavior disorder. He gets anxious and sometimes acts impulsively. As a result, he developed a reputation as a “problem student.” For this student to succeed, I had to teach him to master what we call “an internal locus of control”—to underscore that he is in charge of his learning and behavior.
My interactions with students are often as an instructional coach, to help implement a plan to meet their needs at school and in the community. This requires a caring attitude, clear intent, and meaningful instruction that students can apply in a variety of settings.
After several months of mentoring, this particular student learned to control his anger and self-expression by using a journal to record his thoughts and beliefs. He became a more self-motivated learner after being presented with learning opportunities that helped him successfully overcome some obstacles and frustrations. The old saying that “success begets success” is definitely true in my teaching experience. This student is doing much better. He still has some academic and personal challenges but is well on his way.
Another student struggled in school because of low motivation and effort. In a meeting with her other teachers, we agreed to focus on improving the skills she needed by providing classroom supports and encouraging her progress with verbal praise and the flexibility to choose some assignments. Giving students choices helps keep them engaged and allows them to pursue topics of personal interest.
I gave this student a self-monitoring folder with a daily work completion log to help her track her progress. On the outside of the folder was a sticker with the reminder, “The More You Do, The More You Can Do.” We met each morning before school to discuss her daily goals. I also shared some of my athletic and academic adversities and how I overcame them with persistence and effort. Using personal examples is another idea I learned while earning my graduate degree; it is a way to model the use of thinking and learning skills and to show the rewards of trying hard to achieve whatever you set out to do.
As we continued to work together, this student became more motivated to complete her daily assignments and would often request extended time to add more features and details to classroom projects. Ultimately, she achieved 100% of her critical objectives in reading and 80% of her annual goals in mathematics and writing. Just as importantly, her parents noticed a big decrease in her complaints about homework and school. They told me that she even seemed excited about going to school.
The brain is the most powerful tool we possess. Learning and thinking are some of our most important assets. It’s time we start fully harnessing human potential and the brain’s ability to keep learning and storing new information to help all students succeed. I’m glad to play my part and would be happy to discuss the concepts of learning how to learn and thinking about one’s thinking with other parents or teachers in our community.
http://www.adampr.tv/
Adam.Shapiro@adampr.tv
Brain-Based Teaching in Our Schools: A New Way to Reach Students
By D’Jon McNair
It is my honor to serve as a special education teacher for fifth graders at Allatoona Elementary School in Acworth. My career has provided many rewards in understanding how to reach every student in a way that leads to successful learning in school and for life.
In earning my master’s degree in Brain-Based Teaching through Nova Southeastern University, I had the opportunity to expand my base of knowledge and learn a variety of teaching and learning strategies that benefit my students. At the foundation of this educational approach is the concept that many children become better students when they are taught how to learn. Teaching students to “think about their thinking” equips them with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need to succeed inside and outside the classroom.
For example, one of my students has an emotional behavior disorder. He gets anxious and sometimes acts impulsively. As a result, he developed a reputation as a “problem student.” For this student to succeed, I had to teach him to master what we call “an internal locus of control”—to underscore that he is in charge of his learning and behavior.
My interactions with students are often as an instructional coach, to help implement a plan to meet their needs at school and in the community. This requires a caring attitude, clear intent, and meaningful instruction that students can apply in a variety of settings.
After several months of mentoring, this particular student learned to control his anger and self-expression by using a journal to record his thoughts and beliefs. He became a more self-motivated learner after being presented with learning opportunities that helped him successfully overcome some obstacles and frustrations. The old saying that “success begets success” is definitely true in my teaching experience. This student is doing much better. He still has some academic and personal challenges but is well on his way.
Another student struggled in school because of low motivation and effort. In a meeting with her other teachers, we agreed to focus on improving the skills she needed by providing classroom supports and encouraging her progress with verbal praise and the flexibility to choose some assignments. Giving students choices helps keep them engaged and allows them to pursue topics of personal interest.
I gave this student a self-monitoring folder with a daily work completion log to help her track her progress. On the outside of the folder was a sticker with the reminder, “The More You Do, The More You Can Do.” We met each morning before school to discuss her daily goals. I also shared some of my athletic and academic adversities and how I overcame them with persistence and effort. Using personal examples is another idea I learned while earning my graduate degree; it is a way to model the use of thinking and learning skills and to show the rewards of trying hard to achieve whatever you set out to do.
As we continued to work together, this student became more motivated to complete her daily assignments and would often request extended time to add more features and details to classroom projects. Ultimately, she achieved 100% of her critical objectives in reading and 80% of her annual goals in mathematics and writing. Just as importantly, her parents noticed a big decrease in her complaints about homework and school. They told me that she even seemed excited about going to school.
The brain is the most powerful tool we possess. Learning and thinking are some of our most important assets. It’s time we start fully harnessing human potential and the brain’s ability to keep learning and storing new information to help all students succeed. I’m glad to play my part and would be happy to discuss the concepts of learning how to learn and thinking about one’s thinking with other parents or teachers in our community.
Fla. teacher merit pay, tenure bill goes to Scott - Florida Wires - MiamiHerald.com
Fla. teacher merit pay, tenure bill goes to Scott - Florida Wires - MiamiHerald.com
I am very worried that this may bleed over to Georgia. As education professionals, we need to remain informed and aware of the dangers!
I am very worried that this may bleed over to Georgia. As education professionals, we need to remain informed and aware of the dangers!
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Family-Engagement-Spring-Newsletter.html?soid=1101628192357&aid=12i0Aeb6gBg
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Family-Engagement-Spring-Newsletter.html?soid=1101628192357&aid=12i0Aeb6gBg
this newsletter, by the PTA, is an excellent resource. They are also offering classes in parent engagement to educators. Great way to add to your resume and to get more parents involved. Let your administrator know you attended and get it added to your evaluation!!
this newsletter, by the PTA, is an excellent resource. They are also offering classes in parent engagement to educators. Great way to add to your resume and to get more parents involved. Let your administrator know you attended and get it added to your evaluation!!
District budget shortfall climbs
District budget shortfall climbs: "MARIETTA - Cobb County School District chief financial officer announced to the board Wednesday that the district's estimated budget shortfall rose to $40 to 50 million for fiscal year 2012, which ..."
Students disciplined for Facebook posts about teacher | ajc.com
Students disciplined for Facebook posts about teacher ajc.com
What do you think about this? Should students be liable for saying things about a teacher outside of school? Should the students say things that could get a teacher fired or arrested?
What do you think about this? Should students be liable for saying things about a teacher outside of school? Should the students say things that could get a teacher fired or arrested?
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