Hi, Scott,

If I weren't heavily into end of year report burn out, I would chew your ear off about the higher ed, teaching schools, etc. divide and the specific effect that regulation has had. Maybe I'll do so anyhow!

I'm enjoying some freedoms, and no budget, little pay, etc., being private K-8 and at the same time, we are finding ourselves a real magnet for the nearby teacher training courses at the local state university. Faculty there value having a chance to send their students in to our schools to teach a lesson, or observe, in our environment.

The ideas of the "teaching schools" that used to be are only carried through where the university can connect with educators willing to experiment and having the freedom to do so! Universities often had daycare and preschool centers in the past, which were known for their quality and innovation. Now, so many communities have no choice, and so many teachers have no latitude...

I really believe the university-run, or philosophically "developmentally appropriate" or "Reggio-Emilia based" private schools have an opportunity, and a duty, to prove their worth to society by getting in our faces with their success stories!

If only, of course, we had the time for p.r. tasks...

Pax,
Sue R.

Yes, Scott, I see that divide, too. I also agree whole-heartedly with your point that real technology integration won't come from a 2 hour seminar lecture given from on high. I think that the current state of public school regulations and pressure to perform on tests is adding to the problem--innovation and experimentation are risky and time consuming. Forgive me if I'm being too political.

Hi Scott, I'm interested in finding out more information on the "Get in the Game, TEACH!" conference in Albany/Troy. Can forward me a link or contact info?

FYI - On Friday, October 26, there is a tech conference in Rockland County, NY.
http://tinyurl.com/2dcfmm

Hi Scott,
Thanks for the invite. Its nice to find some other science folks. What do you (or rather your students) do in 8th grade science?