Connected Educator Profile (Day 8) – Mike Waiksnis – Rock Hill, SC

On By Patrick LarkinIn #CE13, Connected Educator Month, Mike WaiksnisLeave a comment

The United State Department of Education has declared the month of October Connected Educator Month. According to ConnectedEducators.org,  the website set up to support this event, the Mission of Connected Educator Month is to  promote educators learning and collaborating through online communities of practice and social networks.With this in mind I reached out to my Personal Learning Network (PLN) via Twitter, my favorite resource for connecting, and tweeted the following:

As is normally the case, my network came through! When I have a question on an educational topic or want some feedback for one of my crazy ideas, I have a network of amazing educators at my fingertips that never cease to amaze me. Being a “Connected Educator” is awesome!

Today’s Connected Educator Profile

Mike Waiksnis, Rock Hill, South Carolina

Middle School Principal


Why do you choose to be a connected educator?

Being connected is no longer an option for educators. I have learned so much from my digital connection over the last few years. We have a responsibility to our kids and schools to collaborate with others to become the best educators possible. As a principal I feel l must be a role model to teachers in digital learning.

Where can other educators connect with you online?

Twitter – @mwaiksnis

Check out Mike’s Blog – http://edleaderweb.net/blog/  

Related articles

Enhanced by Zemanta

Connected Educator Profile (Day 7) – Beth Still – Scotsbluf, Nebraska

On By Patrick LarkinIn #CE13, Beth Still, Connected Educator MonthLeave a comment

The United State Department of Education has declared the month of October Connected Educator Month. According to ConnectedEducators.org,  the website set up to support this event, the Mission of Connected Educator Month is to  promote educators learning and collaborating through online communities of practice and social networks.With this in mind I reached out to my Personal Learning Network (PLN) via Twitter, my favorite resource for connecting, and tweeted the following:

As is normally the case, my network came through! When I have a question on an educational topic or want some feedback for one of my crazy ideas, I have a network of amazing educators at my fingertips that never cease to amaze me. Being a “Connected Educator” is awesome!

Today’s Connected Educator Profile
Beth Still, Scottsbluf, Nebraska

Why do you choose to be a connected educator?

Being a connected educator has allowed me to make connections with people from around the world that I normally I would not have been able to connect with. I have become much more aware of other perspectives which has caused me to become more open minded. One of the most special things I have done over the last few years is manage the Newbie Lounge at the annual ISTE educational technology conference. I cannot express how much being connected has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Where can other educators connect with you online? 

Twitter – @BethStill

Beth’s Blog – www.bethstill.edublogs.org

Follow Beth on Google+ 

Skype – beth.still 

Related articles

Enhanced by Zemanta

Connected Educator Profile (Day 6) – Cristy Vogel – Columbia, SC

On By Patrick LarkinIn #CE13, Connected Educator Month, Cristy VogelLeave a comment
The United State Department of Education has declared the month of October Connected Educator Month. According to ConnectedEducators.org,  the website set up to support this event, the Mission of Connected Educator Month is to  promote educators learning and collaborating through online communities of practice and social networks.With this in mind I reached out to my Personal Learning Network (PLN) via Twitter, my favorite resource for connecting, and tweeted the following:
As is normally the case, my network came through! When I have a question on an educational topic or want some feedback for one of my crazy ideas, I have a network of amazing educators at my fingertips that never cease to amaze me. Being a “Connected Educator” is awesome!

Today’s Connected Educator Profile

Cristy Vogel, High School French Teacher

Columbia, South Carolina

image via http://langchat.pbworks.com/f/1352169735/CristyGoogle.jpg
Why do you choose to be a connected educator?

Sharing ideas and collaborating with others are benefits that allow me to improve my craft anytime I like. My PLN is indispensable! My students benefit greatly from my connected learning experiences and that is what drives me.

Where can other educators connect with you online? 

Twitter – @msfrenchteach 

Cristy’s Blog – The Slanted Apostrophe 

Connected Educator Profile (Day 5) – Tom Murray – Bucks County, PA

On By Patrick LarkinIn #CE13, Connected Educator MonthLeave a comment
The United State Department of Education has declared the month of October Connected Educator Month. According to ConnectedEducators.org,  the website set up to support this event, the Mission of Connected Educator Month is to  promote educators learning and collaborating through online communities of practice and social networks.With this in mind I reached out to my Personal Learning Network (PLN) via Twitter, my favorite resource for connecting, and tweeted the following:
As is normally the case, my network came through! When I have a question on an educational topic or want some feedback for one of my crazy ideas, I have a network of amazing educators at my fingertips that never cease to amaze me. Being a “Connected Educator” is awesome!

Today’s Connected Educator Profile
Tom Murray, Director of Technology and Cyber Education
Bucks County, Pennsylvania



Why do you choose to be a connected educator?

Simply put, being a connected educator allows me to learn from a global network, from people of all walks, position titles, etc., who challenge my thinking, encourage my initiatives, and force me to be better tomorrow than I was today. My PLN has inspired my work and pushed me to be the very best that I can be….for kids.

Where can other educators connect with you online?  

Twitter – @thomascmurray  

Follow Tom on Google+  

Friend Tom on Facebook

Tom’s Website –  http://www.thomascmurray.com/

Related articles

Enhanced by Zemanta

Connected Educator Profile (Day 4) – Scot Wright – Ore City, Texas

On By Patrick LarkinIn #CE13, Connected Educator Month, Personal learning network, Scot Wright, TwitterLeave a comment
The United State Department of Education has declared the month of October Connected Educator Month. According to ConnectedEducators.org,  the website set up to support this event, the Mission of Connected Educator Month is to  promote educators learning and collaborating through online communities of practice and social networks.With this in mind I reached out to my Personal Learning Network (PLN) via Twitter, my favorite resource for connecting, and tweeted the following:
As is normally the case, my network came through! When I have a question on an educational topic or want some feedback for one of my crazy ideas, I have a network of amazing educators at my fingertips that never cease to amaze me. Being a “Connected Educator” is awesome!

Today’s Connected Educator Profile
Scot Wright, Ore City, Texas
High School Principal



Why do you choose to be a connected educator?

I’ve been exposed to so many different people from all over the world thru twitter. I’ve been able to learn so much more this way than I ever thought possible.

Where can other educators connect with you online? 

Twitter – @scot_wright

Blog: scotwright.wordpress.com

Related articles

Enhanced by Zemanta

Connected Educator Profile (Day 3) – Mark Engstrom – Sao Paolo, Brazil

On By Patrick LarkinIn Connected Educator Month, Mark Engstrom, Personal learning networkLeave a comment
The United State Department of Education has declared the month of October Connected Educator Month. According to ConnectedEducators.org,  the website set up to support this event, the Mission of Connected Educator Month is to  promote educators learning and collaborating through online communities of practice and social networks.With this in mind I reached out to my Personal Learning Network (PLN) via Twitter, my favorite resource for connecting, and tweeted the following:
As is normally the case, my network came through! When I have a question on an educational topic or want some feedback for one of my crazy ideas, I have a network of amazing educators at my fingertips that never cease to amaze me. Being a “Connected Educator” is awesome!

Today’s Connected Educator Profile
Mark Engstrom, Sao Paolo, Brazil
Middle School Geography

Why do you choose to be a connected educator?

I have been able to connect with over 20 educators globally to enhance the experience of my geography students. Would love to connect with even more educators looking to give their students collaborative experiences around global issues.

Where can other educators connect with you online? 

Twitter – @MarkAEngstrom

  

Enhanced by Zemanta

Connected Educator Profile (Day 2) – Alan Stange – Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

On By Patrick LarkinIn #CE13, Alan Stange, Connected Educator MonthLeave a comment
The United State Department of Education has declared the month of October Connected Educator Month. According to ConnectedEducators.org,  the website set up to support this event, the Mission of Connected Educator Month is to  promote educators learning and collaborating through online communities of practice and social networks.With this in mind I reached out to my Personal Learning Network (PLN) via Twitter, my favorite resource for connecting, and tweeted the following:
As is normally the case, my network came through! When I have a question on an educational topic or want some feedback for one of my crazy ideas, I have a network of amazing educators at my fingertips that never cease to amaze me. Being a “Connected Educator” is awesome!

Today’s Connected Educator Profile

Alan Stange, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, CA
4th Grade Teacher

Why do you choose to be a connected educator?

I have an interest in integrating instructional technologies into the learning environment to support collaborative learning within a flexible studio classroom design. Learning is connected, and we live in a flat world (so to speak). Conversations here have informed my teaching.

Where can other educators connect with you online?

Twitter – @stangea

Follow Alan on Google+ 

Alan’s Website: www.Alan-stange.ca 

Connected Educator Profile (Day 1) – Kathy Schrock – Cape Cod, MA

On By Patrick LarkinIn #CE13, Connected Educator Month, Kathy SchrockLeave a comment
The United State Department of Education has declared the month of October Connected Educator Month. According to ConnectedEducators.org,  the website set up to support this event, the Mission of Connected Educator Month is to  promote educators learning and collaborating through online communities of practice and social networks.With this in mind I reached out to my Personal Learning Network (PLN) via Twitter, my favorite resource for connecting, and tweeted the following:
As is normally the case, my network came through! When I have a question on an educational topic or want some feedback for one of my crazy ideas, I have a network of amazing educators at my fingertips that never cease to amaze me. Being a “Connected Educator” is awesome!

Today’s Connected Educator Profile

Kathy Schrock, Cape Cod, MA

Why do you choose to be a connected educator?

I have been providing resources for teachers on the Web since 1995. However, now that Web 2.0 is here, I am a connected educator because I can learn so much from all of my connections! I have access to creative educators, experts in the field, and others who like to share their findings. It is a win-win for me!

Where can other educators connect with you online?

Twitter – @KathySchrock

Follow Kathy on Google +

Follow Kathy on Facebook

Kathy’s Websites:  

http://kathyschrock.net

http://schrockguide.net

http://ipads4teaching.net

http://blog.kathyschrock.net 

Editors Note: 
Kathy was such a valuable resource for me as a classroom teacher back in the mid 90’s. Her website offered a wealth of resources for me back a time where there were not too many high quality resources to be found online for classroom teachers.  Nearly 20 years later, her web resources continue to be a source of the highest quality content that teachers can find online. 

Enhanced by Zemanta

MCAS Student Growth Scores Across All of our Burlington Schools

On By Patrick LarkinIn Burlington Public Schools, MCASLeave a comment
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System
  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Following my post on the misleading nature of the Boston.com MCAS rankings, a blog commenter noticed that the three growth scores I referenced were are three highest areas of growth for Burlington in 2013. While that was true, I am happy to share all of our district growth scores from 2013 in the table below. The range between 40-60 is considered moderate growth and anything below 40 is considered low growth.

We can report that all of our grade levels where growth is measured scored in the moderate range or higher. While we will review a number of different points at our annual MCAS Review at an October School Committee Meeting, I didn’t want it to appear that we were holding anything back. For those who are interested in digging deeper prior to our meeting, the DESE has a lot of data from our 2013 MCAS results available on its website. Here is the link to the Burlington section.
Enhanced by Zemanta