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

Professional Learning Communities

If you are interested in a way to change the climate and organizational mind set of your school look at the following link.  This sight has a lot of great information concerning educational Professional Learning Communities.  I would also suggest attending an Institute.  It is expensive but well worth it.  Rick and Becky DuFour and Robert Eaker are outstanding.  Check out www.solutiontree.com for resources to purchase and to register for institutes and conferences. 

www.allthingsplc.info 

New Stuff and Its Uses

The technology PLU class has taught us a lot of new uses of technology.  We have learned about many apps as well.  What are the take- aways for you in your particular job capacity?
For me, it is apps that help manage the work I have to do or to organize the products of my work.  Having access to works in progress from any computer is also a plus.

Today and Technology

Dr. Daggett said the sky is falling and that we are not aware of it in public education.  We must change and provide services in a new and different way.  Technology is changing and so is the world.  Wake up!!!