Why Professional Development for Teachers Matter

The link below answer questions as to the importance of professional development for educators.  The information is compiled by the staff of The Learning Forward Organization.  It is a very interesting read.  It could be used to help those outside education understand the need for financial support of teacher PD. 



http://www.learningforward.org/docs/pdf/why_pd_matters_web.pdf?sfvrsn=0

School Personnel Being Armed

Recent events with school shootings have prompted many reactions.  Some for more guns in schools, some for more security guards, and some for stricter gun/ammo laws.  In Alabama a bill is being placed before the legislature that would give the superintendent of a school system authority to name/appoint certain staff within a school to have a weapon/gun on campus to use in case of a school shooter incident.  How do you feel about this?  What are the pros and cons of this plan?  Do you plan on voicing your opinion to your respective legislator? 

Leadership Through Learning

Learning should be the focus in all successful schools.  All involved should be learning and demonstrate the value of learning to others. 

Anthony Muhammad, school administrator, author and speaker, shares his views on this topic it the article attached from the JSD and Learning Forward. 

http://www.learningforward.org/docs/jsd-december-2012/crow336.pdf

Best Use of Ed Dollars

Readers it looks at though Alabama will have an additional $404 million to spend on education in fiscal year 13-14.  What do you think is the best way to spend it?  Below are listed some areas. 

Staff raises - $34 million for every one percent raise.  AEA recommends 10% over 2 years.
Lower the divisors to help lower the class size
Offer incentives for those teaching hard to find subjects; math, science, and special ed.
Additonal funding for AMSTI and ARI.
Restore teacher supply monies; fee replacement, technology, library enhancement, professional development, and textbooks.
Restore funding for fleet renewal for our school buses.

Other uses - Be specific

New Ideas to Promote Quality Teaching

Readers this is an interesting article concerning teacher development.   What do you think of the ideas promoted?

http://www.edsource.org/today/2012/report-transform-teaching-by-providing-career-opportunities/23081#.UKzZHmd49Eh

American Education Week 2012

What is your school doing to celebrate American Education Week?  We are not doing much.  I guess with so may other activities we lost enthusiasm for it.  Out PTO is somewhat inactive right now and they are the usual group that takes action.  Ideas?  Importance? 
Bit of trivia...who/when did American Education Week start?

Warren Harding was president in 1921 when the first American Education Week was observed.

South Dakota voters say "No" to Referred Law 16

Are you for or against teacher merit pay?  A bill passed by the Republican congress in South Dakota was placed on a voter referendum.  It failed by a 68-32 percentage.  It also contained language that would do away with teacher tenure. 
This bill would have given bonuses to the top 20% of teachers.  It doesn't say how the 20% is determined.
I would hate to be at the 21st %. 

http://www.ksfy.com/story/20024377/south-dakota-voters-say-no-to-referred-law-16