I would like to share with you an editorial written by NBC12 Educational Specialist Dr. Bill Bosher regarding the skills we need to provide to our students that will enable them to succeed in work and in their lives. Dr. Bosher attended a Chesterfield schools seminar for educators of area school divisions. Here's what Dr. Bosher wrote:
Last night, 16 school divisions from central Virginia gathered at the University of Richmond for professional development.
Ken Kay, President and Co-Founder of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, was the keynote speaker. His organization consists of companies, some of the most influential in America, and institutions that have banned together to promote the development of skills beyond the three R's: problem solving, creative thinking, entrepreneurship, and self-direction.
The discussion was an avalanche of common sense, validated in research, and enabled by the development of sound public policy.
The exercise began with a question, "What are the two-three biggest changes in society in the last 25-30 years?" You can imagine the answers: the internet, workforce requirements, increase in the pace of change, and family dynamics.
The second assignment was, "List two-three skills that your students need to address the changes in society that you have described." The responses included: accessing and analyzing information, communicating with those who are different, solving problems, and adapting to many different jobs.
The last question was, "Looking at your school or district, how intentional are you in helping your students to develop these skills?" WOW, perhaps more of a goal than a question!
Ken Kay's quest, now adopted in 13 states, is not about creating a new set of disciplines or courses but about using the content that we teach to develop skills that are critical to successful work, and living. Do you remember asking your teacher, "how will I ever use this?"... well this is the answer, and it's coming to Virginia.
October 13, 2009
September 30, 2009
Lights, Camera, Take Action Campaign
This morning we held a press conference at Manchester High School to kick off the 3rd year of the Lights, Camera, Take Action campaign. I would like to share with you some of my remarks:
“Good morning! Welcome to Chesterfield County and to Manchester High School – proud home of the Mass Communications Specialty Center and of the 2008-09 Lights, Camera, Take Action video winner Jamet Jackson! We are always happy to showcase our talented students. This particular opportunity provides our students with hands-on learning; but even more importantly, it gives our students a chance to make a difference in our society. I’m extremely proud of our students’ efforts to eliminate underage drinking. Their efforts are strong indicators that our School Board-adopted core values of respect, responsibility, honesty and accountability resonate with many of today’s youth. It’s a personal honor to celebrate their successes here today, in light of CCPS celebration of the 10th anniversary of these core values. CCPS is a strong supporter of this region-wide effort to provide a safe community for our students. What makes this effort and the message even more powerful is it is designed and delivered by students. Parents in the room remember the challenges of trying to get our children to listen to our sage advice. When my three children were growing up, they often seemed to receive messages much more positively when they came from their peers than from my wife and I. This campaign is a gift that takes advantage of positive peer pressure. I challenge not only our students, but schools across the Richmond metro area to participate in this campaign. One of our annual goals is to provide a safe, supportive and nurturing learning environment. I can’t think of a better way to support and nurture our students: they need to understand the great decision-making responsibility that has been placed in their hands. Again, welcome to Chesterfield County. Thank you for your efforts to make our county and region a safe place to live and work!”
“Good morning! Welcome to Chesterfield County and to Manchester High School – proud home of the Mass Communications Specialty Center and of the 2008-09 Lights, Camera, Take Action video winner Jamet Jackson! We are always happy to showcase our talented students. This particular opportunity provides our students with hands-on learning; but even more importantly, it gives our students a chance to make a difference in our society. I’m extremely proud of our students’ efforts to eliminate underage drinking. Their efforts are strong indicators that our School Board-adopted core values of respect, responsibility, honesty and accountability resonate with many of today’s youth. It’s a personal honor to celebrate their successes here today, in light of CCPS celebration of the 10th anniversary of these core values. CCPS is a strong supporter of this region-wide effort to provide a safe community for our students. What makes this effort and the message even more powerful is it is designed and delivered by students. Parents in the room remember the challenges of trying to get our children to listen to our sage advice. When my three children were growing up, they often seemed to receive messages much more positively when they came from their peers than from my wife and I. This campaign is a gift that takes advantage of positive peer pressure. I challenge not only our students, but schools across the Richmond metro area to participate in this campaign. One of our annual goals is to provide a safe, supportive and nurturing learning environment. I can’t think of a better way to support and nurture our students: they need to understand the great decision-making responsibility that has been placed in their hands. Again, welcome to Chesterfield County. Thank you for your efforts to make our county and region a safe place to live and work!”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Subscribe To
Posts
