NYSASCD
Professional Learning
NYSASCD introduces this page with the purpose of providing resources for New York State Educators. We will attempt to present information on current programs, critical readings and current publications relevant to the field of education. Any reader who would like to recommend a program description,a critical article, research paper or book for inclusion on this site should send all information to:
anmello@aol.com
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An interesting report published in 2007 that takes a critical look at where America stands in relation to the critical role of science and technology in maintaining America's prosperity in the 21st Century. The report also looks at what life might look like in America if it is not competitive in the 21st century.
Of interest to educators are the chapters on how we are doing in the area of science and technology in relation to the rest of the world and what actions should America take in K-12 science and Mathematics education to remain prosperous in the 21st century
RISING ABOVE THE GATHERING STORM: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future
Committee on Prospering in the Global Economy of the 21st Century:An Agenda for American Science and Technology
Committee on Science, Engineering and Public Policy
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, NATIONAL ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING, AND INSTITUTE OF MEDCINE OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES
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GOVERNOR SPITZER'S FOUR YEAR EDUCATION PLAN
Governor Spitzer announces a four year education plan that promises more money, more accountability and a more equitable tax structure before 800 educators and school advocates on Monday, January 29, 2007 in Chancellor's Hall at The State Education Department.
The highlights of Governor Spitzer's plan are as follows:
- Districts that receive $15 million or 10% more state aid than last year will sign a contract that will specify how the money will be spent
- Replaces the current mix of state aid formulas with a foundation formula that takes into account student needs and the tax burden on the residents
- Increases funding for pre kindergarten programs so that all children who want to be in a school sponsored program can do so
- Increase number of charter schools from 110 to 250
- Increase funding for smaller class size Increased time in the class and teacher quality initiatives including alternative certification programs
- Schools and districts that consistently succeed should be acknowledged publicly by the state and those in charge should become support for struggling districts and schools
- Encourage more prospective teachers to consider special education certification to increase special education teachers in the state
- Encourage schools to increase their children's community service programs
We need to remain vigilant about what these proposals "look like" as they proceed through the budget process and move towards becoming law and/or regulations.
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James Collins new book identifies measures of success. James Collins author of "From Good to Great" recently completed a book for ASAE and The Center for Association Leadership. The book is titled
7 Measures of Success : What Remarkable Associations Do That Others Don't
ASAE, 2006.
Collins in this short but comprehensive look at what he refers to as "remarkable organizations" outlines the qualities that he found as he identified his "remarkable organizations. They appear to be worthwhile considering for any organization be it public or private. The qualities identified by Collins are as follows.
REMARKABLE ORGANIZATIONS:
- Have confidence in who they are and are well on their way to determining-or already know-who they want to be
- Ask what members of the organization need
- Do what needs to be done
- Have learned to let go of programs and services that no longer serve or resonate with the members.
- Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn how to better serve members and achieve the mission, look for ways to repackage failures
- Enjoy camaraderie within an open, sharing environment where a sense of single purpose prevails(We're all in this together)
- Question the status quo
- Are methodical and disciplined about collecting member data and opinions
- Use data vertically and horizontally so it permeates the organization
- Do their homework, through surveys, assessments,and evaluations, before launching or discontinuing product or a service
- Exhibit "What if..?" mentality when confronting challenges
- Remain attuned to the external environment, particularly the competition
- Strive to understand what precipitated a crises and face it head - on
- Talk with members at every opportunity.
- Even though the terminology used appears to address private organizations just replace the words members with staff and students and see if there are some ideas to be taken from this resource.
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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION YOU MAY CONTACT
NYSASCD
15
DOGWOOD LANE
TUXEDO
PARK, NY
PHONE/FAX
845 753-3795
anmello@aol.com
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