Top LYS Tweets from the Week of July 31, 2011

Recently I was talking to a group of math teachers that were attending some “innovative teaching” training sessions. The primary push was how to integrate the use of a SmartBoard in their classes. After they explained what they had learned and what they planned on doing this year, I asked them if they were also going to attempt to integrate the use of bootleg technology in their classes. The answer was universal, “No. Administration would never allow that.”

I am going to disagree and here is why. Yes, currently the use of bootleg technology is not allowed. But if a group of enthusiastic teachers presented a plan to use student owned devices in class, I think the answer would be, “Yes.” Almost every administrator I have ever worked with wants to say, “Yes,” to excited teachers with a well thought out plan.

I do have to admit, the whole exchange made me a little sad. When I was in school, math class was where all the cool stuff was happening. My generation went from slide rules, to calculators, to digital watches, to Commodores, to Apples. It was our math teachers that introduced us to this emerging world of changing technology. If the math teachers for this generation are not leading the way, who is?

A number of you in the LYS Nation are now using bootleg technology devices to follow Twitter. If you haven’t done so yet, we want you to join us. To let you see what you are missing, here are the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of July 31, 2011, as tabulated by the accountants at Price Waterhouse.

1. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the heroes who sacrificed for our nation. (By SenJohnMcCain)

2. Fall book study for my campus is the @LYSNation book, "The Fundamental 5.” Look forward to my teachers growing and benefiting from its knowledge. (By blitzkrieg607)

3. I need energetic, optimistic teachers who will work every day to make a difference. If I can’t convince them to stay, shame on me.

4. If you are a poor or vulnerable American these days, your government basically says its your fault and deal with it. Very disappointing. (By blitzkrieg607)

5. Just met a LYS’er in a new district who is applying for a principalship. The LYS Nation is everywhere!

6. There is a difference between "not engaging" and "avoiding." If you are avoiding, you are not leading. You are going backwards.

7. If junior high teachers keep coming to our trainings enthusiastic with positive attitudes, they are going to ruin their tough guy reputations.

8. When you are surprised by how much content is in the scope and sequence, it's hard to argue that you have been following the scope and sequence.

9. Tonight's Run Thought: The complexity of your plan and the chance of successfully implementing said plan are inversely correlated.

10. Tonight's Run Thought: Most of the success of you and your team is related to how soon and how often you open your can of QUIT.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction.” Individual copies available on Amazon.com! http://tinyurl.com/4ydqd4t

Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation