Some of us were determined not to eat breakfast this morning due to a large intake of food yesterday. But, oops, it's PANCAKES! Maybe we won't eat tomorrow. Today began with a discussion of mission and vision. What do these terms really mean, and how do we make them more than just "words?" This exciting seminar turned passionate when Teachers of the Year began talking about testing and the impact test scores have on teacher retention and teacher working conditions. We heard horror stories about superintendents and principals who project test scores, beside teacher names, for all to see. We talked about the loss of creativity some teachers feel as a result of preparing students for standardized tests. But we ended on a positive note: teacher voices are being heard, and we have to believe that change is "a-comin..." Just this year a group of state Teachers of the Year met with legislators to discuss the impact of No Child Left Behind on our classrooms. In North Carolina, the Blue Ribbon Commission on Testing and Accountability has made recommendations to the State Board of Education. Teachers are being heard; the Teacher of the Year "voice" is a powerful one.
Later in the morning, we filled our kaleidoscopes with "magic." We were amazed at the transformation our tubes of plumbing pipe made when we added bits of colored plastic and glass. Interesting how just one extra piece could change the entire picture. Thought - what's the one extra "piece" we can add to our classrooms or give to a student that will change everything?
After lunch (PIZZA!!!) we took one of the most wonderful treks yet - we visited the Ocracoke School. North Carolina's smallest school (120 students Pre K - 12 at last count,) the staff at Ocracoke has to be creative, flexible, and motivating. We were able to visit classrooms (we stood in awe of the room that holds the entire middle school for math and science) and view the "lockers" (cubbies for every student, even the high school kids don't steal each other's pencils!)
It was a rewarding experience to see how they make it work in this island school, but when it came down to it, it had the look, the smell, the feel of any school. We could almost hear the students' voices. We're lucky, too, that participant Jennifer Garrish (Hyde County's Teacher of the Year and the first ever from Ocracoke Island) is with us this week to share her small town with us.
And next....on to kayaking...stay tuned for the excitement!
Later in the morning, we filled our kaleidoscopes with "magic." We were amazed at the transformation our tubes of plumbing pipe made when we added bits of colored plastic and glass. Interesting how just one extra piece could change the entire picture. Thought - what's the one extra "piece" we can add to our classrooms or give to a student that will change everything?
After lunch (PIZZA!!!) we took one of the most wonderful treks yet - we visited the Ocracoke School. North Carolina's smallest school (120 students Pre K - 12 at last count,) the staff at Ocracoke has to be creative, flexible, and motivating. We were able to visit classrooms (we stood in awe of the room that holds the entire middle school for math and science) and view the "lockers" (cubbies for every student, even the high school kids don't steal each other's pencils!)
It was a rewarding experience to see how they make it work in this island school, but when it came down to it, it had the look, the smell, the feel of any school. We could almost hear the students' voices. We're lucky, too, that participant Jennifer Garrish (Hyde County's Teacher of the Year and the first ever from Ocracoke Island) is with us this week to share her small town with us.
And next....on to kayaking...stay tuned for the excitement!
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