Should we allow Personal Electronic Devices (PED's) at GKMS?

Mr. McPherson and I joined all GK administrators at a technology workshop recently. One of the topics was students using Personal Electronic Devices (PED’s) in schools. The example was a school in a suburban district using iPod Touches. Knowing the advanced technological ability of our students and staff, I started thinking about several things.

While it initially sounds expensive, the scientific calculator function alone offsets some of the cost of an iPod Touch. Also to consider is the value of additional apps such as graphing calculator, Wi-Fi, dictionary, Webpage design, spreadsheet, and countless more that can be found at: http://www.apple.com/webapps/index.html

G-K schools will NOT be selling PED’s such as iPod Touch, Palm Pilots, and smart phones any time in the near future. However, many of our students do have such items already.

I have several questions. Can the educational process be better served by allowing students to use such devices in school? What benefits would students gain if our school was had accessible Wi-Fi for their PED’s? Would that aid in research projects? Would too many students be texting and calling others to a degree that it would interfere with their education?

I am looking forward to input from all members of our community. Opening up some of these opportunities seems within reach – but only worthwhile if students will benefit educationally. Let me know what you think.

Homework

Many times each year I discuss the topic of homework with students, parents, staff, and other administrators. Most people recognize homework as a necessary element of education. It is a way for students to gain additional practice towards mastery than possible during our limited school day. Homework can also help reinforce classroom learning and foster the development of higher level thinking skills. However, what types of assignments help students learn?

Here is a link to a ten minute interview with Alfie Kohn, author of The Homework Myth, discussing his unconventional views on homework and its place in our schools:

http://www.alfiekohn.org/hmaudio.htm

Fortunately, GKMS teachers have been working to create more meaningful assignments for students that encourage higher level thinking, independent learning, and student selected products.

Students, please leave comments telling me some of the most useful and beneficial assignments you have completed at GKMS (remember to use only your first name). By you telling us what types of assignments have helped you the most, teachers will be able to continue and increase those opportunities. We also welcome input from parents and guests.

PBIS

PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) is our model for effective school wide behavioral intervention. We are very fortunate to have Mr. McPherson leading our students and staff in supporting or four key expectations:
Respect Yourself
Respect Others
Respect Property
Respect Learning

This week, students participated in a few "cool tool" exercises. Staff and students practiced and modeled appropriated hallway and bathroom behavior. Parents, please talk to your students about these activities and see if they found them useful.

I look forward to comments from students and families on these cool tools.