Jon Reiner said in his article Live First, Write Later: The Case for Less Creative-Writing Schooling (The Atlantic, April 9, 2013) that he thinks living a bit and gaining experience is probably more important for good writing than spending time in creative writing classes. To some degree this is true, as having something to think about and say is often equally important as being able to think and write well.
This writer is missing the point. It’s not about charter schools being better, it’s about kids in schools with longer school days demonstrating greater levels of improvement. It’s a simple equation: More time in school = More academic progress.
Ken Haynes, former public school teacher and current specialist in the emerging field of digital education, participated in a NISCE professional conversation held at Boston Green Academy. This group had a round-table discussion exploring the concept of ‘student-centered education,’ and Ken shared his varied experiences in creating effective learning environments in a variety of settings. He offered the following thoughts in response to questions drawn from that conversation.
Let me begin by saying I absolutely loved teaching. But as I reflect on my own needs as a classroom and special-education teacher, as well as an after-school and academic summer camp director, it was easy to see how BoomWriter could be applied in all of these settings and beyond. The decision became clear because I wanted to get as many teachers and students as possible using and benefiting from BoomWriter.
To read the full article visit http://nisce.org/interview-ken-haynes-cofounder-of-boomwriter/
So what are the teachers going to do to make sure their students eat breakfast? Just kidding, but what’s frightening for teachers is that this way of thinking is not outside the realm of possibility.
See full article below.
By Erik McNeal
Staff Writer
erikm@dailyvista.com
This is also a great place to get ideas for that student teacher who’s been helping you throughout the year.
Milton Public Schools today announced their participation in the BoomWriter Technology Heroes Program, a new initiative that helps teachers become “Technology Champions” in their classrooms. As one of the first school districts in Massachusetts to partner with BoomWriter Media, Milton Public Schools will engage in a Web-based literacy program aimed at increasing students’ performance levels and interest in reading and writing through the use of technology. The pilot program will enable the entire school district to participate in collaborative book writing events featuring Pebbles from Pebbles’ Reading Rockstars and Hot 96.9 Boston FM Radio.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston is participating in the BoomWriter Technology Heroes Program, an initiative that helps educators become “Technology Champions.” The program brings together enthusiastic educators, local celebrities and corporate sponsors to promote literacy and inspire kids to become master storytellers through collaborative writing projects. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston will offer the Technology Heroes Program to members of their Clubs in Boston and Chelsea.
Here’s a rather thought provoking article from The Atlantic that (finally) attempts to take some of the pressure and responsibilities off of the teachers.
Does anyone know when parents are going to be called out for their contributions to America’s Education issues? For example, having nearly 40% of the class in a “privileged” community coming to school with no snack. What’s up with that?
