I do feel like Section 21f is designed to help enhance the public school system but there are so many other factors that have to be considered. Who are the staff persons responsible for this implementation and change? Have the teachers had professional development on this system, method, policies and instruction? Who are designated resources for the students to ensure learning is occurring and properly given attention? These are questions I would like answered.
If a student wants to enroll in an online learning course and the school is not prepared to be of major support for that student then all of the guidelines in Section 21f that help the student with flexibility and educational choice can become void. The school that I am in that has a huge virtual learning/technology infused curriculum is currently working on making sure qualified individuals or a third party resource is available. One the schools I service, currently shares the IT person across all 6 schools within the district. How is this an advantage to the school? While they are doing well with infusing technology within the classroom there are also a lot of pitfalls when it comes to the technology itself and I envision the same with virtual schooling and the State School Act.
On the other hand, I know for sure that the other school I service is not equipped to handle these scenarios at all because they are still trying to gain access to more technology use. They aren't even as advanced as other schools when it comes to laptop carts and tablets. I have to be creative with my students to make sure that they are doing projects and activities that challenge them to grow using various tools and seeking out resources. Virtual schooling and the State School Aid Act is probably something they have yet to consider.
Before watching the video about 21f, I had no idea it even existed. I have been teaching technology for two years and graduate from this program in a few weeks and it's the first I've heard of it. I'm guessing I haven't heard of it because I work in K-8 and it seems 21f has a lot to do with high school grades. Anyway, I agree with you that most schools are not equipped to handle the changes that are coming. Being equipped and ready to embrace these technological changes entails a lot of things. The schools at the very least need the technology to make these changes. Most schools, especially ones in urban areas, do not have the technology available to them. In addition, teachers also need to be trained on how to use the equipment and best implement it into their classroom. This takes a lot of time and money. I hope for our students sake that things move faster than what we anticipate.
ReplyDeleteVictoria,
ReplyDeleteWow! This is exactly what I'm referring to when I say the schools aren't equipped. You've been teaching technology and had no prior knowledge about Section 21F. I'm sure this is common amongst many districts. I don't know who to blame, the State or the District/Administration...Who do you think is ultimately guilty for not properly training, developing and working with educators so that they understand all the policies in place?
You know, that's a great question! In my particular case, I hate to say it, but I would like to point the finger at my graduate program. In my two years in this program, Professor Siko is the only one to introduce 21F to me. I would think that would be something covered in an "Instructional Technology with an emphasis in K-12 technology education" program. As far as teachers who are not specializing in this program, perhaps the blame falls on the school that they are working at. As many PD's as we have, that might be important to mention.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious what you think Kiylise...
ReplyDeleteIt gets me to thinking about Professional Developments. I remember when my school scheduled us to sit in Restorative Practice techniques for 3 days straight but I have yet a single memory of any type of technology conversation or training. I ultimately believe the State has good intentions but the management of our schools are already somewhat flawed which causes them to drop the ball in this area.
DeleteGood question! I assumed that it hadn't been brought to my attention perhaps because I teach at the elementary level. I would be curious to find out what the high school teachers know about 21f.
ReplyDeleteBy the way...I can't believe that one IT person shares 6 buildings! Our building tech (and most in the district) go between 2 buildings, and that is hard enough. It just seems ridiculous to me. There is such a push for more technology, but then as soon as budget cuts have to be made, administrators eliminate tech positions. Luckily, my building has an amazing tech!
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
DeleteI'm glad that your school is already preparing students at an elementary age but I am still concerned about disparities within education. So this made me pin point my own question back to the State. I believe so many of the problems within districts, management and individual school buildings go back to the Department of Education/State/policies being implemented. It's something I'd love to see change for the better.
I would love to see who is in charge of answering the questions that you asked and curious to what answers you would get. Is there a check and balance system in place to make sure programs that are budgeted for are getting implemented?
ReplyDeleteVicky,
DeleteIt seems like they're writing policies and leaving them at that. I see that even in the news with the recent case of child abuse in Detroit, they've shifted their focus to a homeschooling reform. Does tragedy have to take place for their to be a check and balance system?? This lets me know that things aren't monitored as closely as they should be. It's unfortunate.
It certainly does seem that way, doesn't it? I am also really curious to know where the blame falls as far as 21f.
ReplyDelete