Group+8

Jennifer Brown, Bullock Creek High School Counselor jennifer.brown@bcreek.k12.mi.us RESPONSE TO PRESENTERS AND GROUP WORK:

A. Sir Ken presented on our ever-changing education system. He talked about the challenges we as educators will be facing in the upcoming years. His deep investment in education was evident by his concern for helping to positively impact the learning revolution. He challenged us to "live life forward" and think differently about eduction. We need to address the needs of all of our students. Since we have a diverse population of students we need to be creative and put our imaginations to work. B. A question to answer, "How can we sustain the energy needed to address our students' diverse needs?" C. Resources: [|www.learningdisabilities.about.com/od/instructionalmaterials/tp/differinstruct.htm] [|www.teachingasleadership.org/work-relentlessly/sustain-energy-reach-ambitious-goals-w-3]
 * 1. Sir Ken Robinson - "Let the Learning Revolution Begin"**

A. Jon shared information about his journey to being accepted to and graduating from Harvard University. He shared the importance for students to know what their passion is and what makes them unique. He felt that setting yourself apart from others is important in this competitive world. Jon was a diligent and persistent young man. He learned early on the importance of developing a network. Collaboration and networking can open many doors. Taking risks can pay off. B. A question to answer, "How can we keep up with the increasing technological demands?" C. A fun resource: [|www.edudemic.com/2011/04/classroom-technology/]
 * 2. Jon Paul Morosi - "Preparing Our Students for the Competitive World"**

A. This was a great session that provided practical information. They shared the important skills of: excellent communication skills (listening, speaking, and writing), professionalism, technical skills, interpersonal skills and critical thinking. They identified the keys to success to be: flexibility, initiative, developing others, life-long learning, and creativity. B. A question to answer is, "How can educators and business leaders collaborate and create opportunities for our students to earn hands-on learning experiences?" C. A new resource that relates to this topic is Job Fit, a free online job readiness assessment. The website is [|www.jobfit.org]. Another resource: Networking with area businesses
 * 3. Panel of Business Leaders - "Strengthening School-to-Workplace Connections in the Great Lakes Bay Region: Focus on Jobs for the Future"**

A. In this session, Greg shared information about the ever-changing policies coming from Lansing. To be honest, this was a very frustrating session. The policies keep changing, but I don't feel we are adequately informed of the changes. Too many times policies are established, but there is not documentation and information to help us as educators to follow through with them. Case in point is Personal Curriculums. There were more questions than answers when this was unveiled. It seems like they are making up the rules as we go along. They are more reactive than proactive which is frustrating as an educator that is asked to carry out the policy. B. My question, "Where is one resource that I can utilize to keep updated?" C. The only resource that I know of is [|www.michigan.gov/mde]
 * 4. Greg Dionne - "Exploring Multiple Paths to a Diploma"**

A. This session challenged me to view cell phones as "mobile learning devices". Currently, in our district, cell phones are prohibited during school hours. It was interesting to challenge our thinking in regards to the use of cell phones. I believe our policies will continue to evolve as technology changes. The presenters shared the 3 Qualities of a 21st Century School Leader: vision, passion, and courage. They shared the importance of sharing your vision with your staff. B. A question to answer, "How can we better meet the technological needs of our student?" C. Resource: [|www.itconnections.unc.edu/communicating.html] - Networking with area business people to assess their uses of technogy
 * 5. Dave Richards and John Searles - "Roundtable Discusion Regarding the Role of School Leaders in Implementing a 21st Century Learning Environment"**