Discovering 21st Century Skills

My reaction to the 21st Century Partnership is positive. I was unaware of an organization being designed to inform educators and others about what is going to happen in education. There is an abundance of resources in the tools and resources menu including online publications, online resources, and guidebooks for implementation of the framework. The organization is focused and driven through the vision and mission statements explained in the about us menu. I agree with the position of a stronger connection between the community, schools, businesses, and government. This site allows for influential partnerships among all invested parties in the success of our graduates being prepared for the future. This brings rigor and most importantly relevance to curriculum in the classroom for students across the country and among states.

The information included in this site that surprised me the most would be the large number of states involved in this process. I was disappointed to find that Indiana is not at this time, but there has been discussion of developing a particular school to covering this need. Being interested in this topic, I found professional development available for teachers to become educated about the process. Many times these types of initiatives have ideas for how teachers can teach better but rarely provide the necessary training to implement changes at the building and classroom level.

The one stakeholder not addressed in this overall plan would be the vested interest of the parents and their involvement. In the mileguide it discusses the administration and teachers assessment, but the support at home is lacking. Parents are often not included in the decision making process, but we need their support for this framework to be implemented in the schools.

Some of the implications for my students revolve around the high standards and skills required of them for graduation. One concern of my ELL students is being able to pass the state tests. Several of my students lack basic skills entering high school and constantly are trying to catch up to their peers. There should be more support for these students, instead of just keeping them in school longer. A benefit of teaching 21st century skills would be students remaining on-task and engaged in the classroom more often. Another positive for the framework, students are developing the necessary skills to be successful citizens in society. For contemporary teachers, there needs to be more training, resources, and technology than what our school currently provides to make this happen for students. I am concerned about the lack of funding for all states, especially ALL at the same time. Since as educators, we want what is best for our students.

Building vocabulary and digital literacy for the ESL student

I teach an ELL class of grades 6-8. I am constantly searching for ways to increase their vocabulary knowledge and usage. I thought a blog would be good to use as a way to have students interact digitally and build their vocabulary and digital literacy. The idea is to create a continuing story. Start a blog story at the beginning of the year as you begin vocabulary in your English class. Each week, require students to add to the story, using a logical sentence that both fits the story and uses one of that week’s vocab words. The hope is that the stories will become lengthy and outrageous as the year goes on. My students will be re-reading the words over and over to reinforce them, creating a meaningful story and laughing as they do! Tell me what you think?
-Heather

First Time Blogger

As the title states, I am a brand new blogger! I am looking forward to learning how to blog and use this technology tool in my classroom. My purpose for this blog is to learn more about how to connect technology to students learning a new language (ELL - English Language Learner). Should be exciting and challenging at the same time. Please post ideas that you have for me as we go along. Thanks.