After 58 degree days in January and an incredibly mild winter, it appears that cold weather and snow have finally decided to make an appearance. Of course the snow couldn’t wait one more day so we could have the AHS/Bettendorf wrestling meet. Hopefully everyone can make it out next Thursday to see the rescheduled match.
This busy week began with Chuck and me attending the ICAT training at the AEA. The ICAT tool is a computer program which provides an avenue for tracking Core Curriculum implementation. While this was our first exposure to the program, it seems like it will be useful for deriving valuable information. One thing I like is that it is a good initial step to expose our administration and teachers to the standard within the Core. It will also give us a great grasp of where we are with teaching 21st century skills.
I attended the Scott County Catholic Schools Advisory committee meeting on Monday evening and was asked to briefly present on the bandwidth problem our schools are currently facing and what options we are exploring. Working with different providers has been a major part of this week. After several meetings, conference calls and email exchanges, I have learned a lot about our options. The need for speed was hammered home for me this week when I was sitting in one of our computer labs helping a teacher. I commented on how we are working to get expanded bandwidth and the student sitting next to me asked if I could make it happen ASAP. I told them I would go as fast as I could. We are considering striking out on our own for internet access which would give us more control and the potential to expand our speed in the near future without having to rely on the AEA.
The mobile laptop lab that we ordered should be here early next week. It couldn’t come at a better time as we are seeing an increased request for computer use. Some of this use is from students taking online courses. It certainly appears that the option of taking these types of classes is appealing to many students, which has caused much reflection on the future direction of technology at Assumption. Significant changes to the way we educate will need to be made. Students now come to us having grown up in the digital age; the only thing they have ever knows is technology. They are not “digital converts” like most of us so when a new option is added, like tablets, they adjust at breakneck speed. We, at Assumption, must be able to meet their needs.
Speaking of technology we decided to try publishing our newsletter online instead of mailing home a hard copy. I invite all of you to check it out and let me know what you think.
For those of you that are interested in educational policy I highly suggest you take a look at the Recommendation for World Class Schools from Governor Brandstad. There is a lot of interesting proposals in there that will have an impact on Assumption.
Everybody have a safe weekend and enjoy the snow!
Andy
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