It seems like yesterday....

If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.

John Dewey

How many times have you tried to have something repaired only to find they no longer make parts for that model?  Have you ever had someone tell you that your model of television, computer, or cell phone is "obsolete" and it would be smarter to "upgrade" to the new model?

Just as technology has changed the way we do business, the way we are entertained, and the way we live, it has also changed our entire education system.

Think about this:  The chalkboard was introduced to the classroom in 1841. Josiah Bumstead said, regarding the inventor of the chalkboard system of teaching in a classroom: "The inventor of the system deserves to be ranked among the best contributors to learning and science, if not the greatest benefactors of mankind."  

Other notable innovations in classroom technology include:
1925 - Overhead projector
1940 - Ballpoint Pen
1950 - Slide Rule
1959 - Photocopier
1970 - Handheld calculator
1980 - the PLATO computer
1999 - Interactive Whiteboard
2005 - The iClicker
2010 - The iPad
2012 and beyond - "Smart" class rooms and much, much more!

Technology has changed the way children learn.  It has also, out of necessity, changed the way teachers teach, and it demands that we change the way we govern our schools.

From modeling smart use of available technology to requiring education leaders to maintain rigorous standards of professional development, school board members and other school administrators must create a culture where continuous learning and improvement is the norm.

We must expect our teachers and students to rise above the average and strive for excellence and we must do everything possible to provide the necessary technology, leadership training and resources to accomplish their goals.

We must also be committed to governing our schools in such a way that those who look to school board members and other administrators for guidance can see  there is a commitment to  rising above the average and striving for excellence at every level of education!

My challenge today is that you would get more involved in education in your community.

 If you're a school board member or administrator, do a simple checklist for yourself and your school board.  Are you taking advantage of all the available resources and technology that will streamline your plans for improvement and accountability measures?

If you are a parent, make sure you are involved at every level of your student's learning.  

If you are a patron with no children or grandchildren in your school district, you can call someone in your district and offer to volunteer or help purchase supplies or other resources.


One final thought:

One hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, 

what kind of house I lived in, or how much money I had in the bank.

But, the world may be a better place because I made a difference in the life of a child.

Author unknown

Blessings,

Sharon