STSD Curriculum & Technology Update

Regular updates and musings on curriculum and technology in the Salisbury Township School District in Allentown, PA.

Realted to last month’s meeting….

At our last meeting we had a “didactic” vs. “constructivist” discussion to some extent. Some members of our committee were pretty adamant about the need to establish a base of facts (through direct instruction) in most disciplines before moving on to deeper thinking (through more student-centered environments). Others agreed (somewhat), but argued that in our schools we tend to stop at the facts and never move into the deeper thinking.

In “What Do Students Need to Memorize,” Scott McLeod presents some points that outline a potential future scenario which I think puts the whole discussion in a new light. How has technology changed the “base of facts” that people will need to succeed in this new world? And how should we be preparing for this?

You may also want to check out other posts on Scott’s blog. I find it to be quite good stuff!

Classrooms for the Future

From the PA Department of Education - Education Hub web site:

“Classrooms for the Future is about recognizing and embracing the need for high school reform, enabling teachers to use technology as an effective tool for educating students, and preparing students to enter and successfully compete in the ever-expanding high-tech global marketplace.

This initiative will transform the way high school teachers teach and how students learn by providing $20 million to equip these schools’ English, math, science and social studies classrooms with enhanced technology, laptop computers and other state-of-the art resources.  Just as importantly, an additional $6 million in state and federal funds will be used to provide teachers and school leaders extensive training on how to best harness the power of technology to increase student achievement and ensure students are ready for college and the high-tech global job market.  All told, Classrooms for the Future will provide funds over the next three years so all high schools in Pennsylvania may participate in this initiative. ”

Are we ready for Classrooms for the Future? How will this impact our technology plan?

Talk about it in the discussion forum…