December 18, 2008

Well, I have a funny feeling that this will be my final post of 2008 because tomorrow the weather is supposed to be ugleeeeeeee so no school. It is better to be safe than sorry. So, I have dedicated this blog to talk about the triumphs and tragedies of 2008. The first triumph is the starting of the blog. I know that I have posted in the past that I never thought blogging would be part of my routine, but it become that. I have enjoyed writing about CFF and some of the happenings this past year, and I do plan to continue the practice. Another triumph is my teachers who have tested the waters and come out of their comfort zones to try new ideas dealing with the integration of technology. I applaud their efforts, and at the same time I do not castigate those who are moving at a slower pace. I do understand the trepidation and concern about the impact of trying to integrate technology. All of my teachers know that I will be there to further their forays. Another triumph is definitely the district's vision to make integrator positions full-time at both the primary and secondary levels. I commend them on this move. I know that my sarcasm sometimes gets into the way, but I am quite serious this time. The biggest triumph of all has to be the students who as a collective group have settled into the 21st century will little resistance, and why shouldn't they do this (rhetorical).

Now the tragedies--The first deals with the school personnel as a group (teachers and students). Everyone needs to throw away some misheld myths. First the teachers need to believe that they can accomplish PSSA preparation in a new way of conveyance. We are so caught up with testing that I worry that we are just creating students who can do well on tests but unable to think on their own. The students need to embrace technology and school from the aspect of learning and preparing for the future instead of finding the so-called easy way out. They have choices to make, and those choices are what will create a future that is proactive and not automatonish (new word created by me). I do recognize that my use of stereotypes is not indicative of all, but I do think it is above 50% for both groups. I am not that far removed from these groups because I do understand the mentality, but in the same right, I can hope for change. Finally, another tragedy is the district which continually wants to institute changes and programs but refuses to give the time to proffer the correct means to utilize those changes and programs properly. I do agree with the facilitation model of education, but I do not agree with the hodgepodge model. I do see changes there, and I will be patient because I do preach that to my teachers and students.

I know that this is the longest blog of my more than 100 entries, but in this I have not rated myself. If I had to grade myself, it would be an 88% on the Penns Valley scale. I have the wherewithal to complete my assignment, but I sometimes get bogged down in the intricacies of technology. By that last statement I mean that I know that things must work in order to embed them into the curriculum; I make sure that they do work. I also have not learned all that I need to learn about certain softwares, etc. that I need to learn. I do excel in gathering resources and being there. My goal for 2009 is to increase my grade to 90%. I am on my way there, and I will achieve it.

There you have it. I have enjoyed the ride, and I know that I will continue to enjoy it. There is much to do. I know that I will have to help change some mindsets, learn new concepts, and be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. I will do it. I thrive on the challenge and will succeed. I will be back in 2009.....Are you ready for some more wit and wisdom from the sage? I am as long as the parsley and rosemary come with it....yeah, I know that is terrible, but at least in that respect I see no reason to change that concept. Goodbye 2008--I am looking forward to 2009. I do want to wish all my loyal readers the best of holidays no matter what aspect you celebrate...................flick