Top LYS Tweets from the Week of January 8, 2012

Even though I am an advocate for bootleg technology and computer assisted instruction, I do think it is important to remind everyone (especially educators) that technology is simply a tool that amplifies teacher effectiveness. Technology is not a teacher replacement. You would think that would be obvious to everyone, but it is not. Many non-educators see technology as a way to drastically cut education costs. Many sub-par education leaders see technology as a way to counteract the effect of poor teachers. And many poor teachers see technology as a way to manage “hard to teach” students. We in the profession must guard against these misconceptions and work to ensure that the following is never an option.

~ If the answer is put the student in front of the computer, then why do we need a highly trained, moderately paid professional in the classroom? ~

A number of you in the LYS Nation are now using your own 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 January 8, 2012, as tabulated by the accountants at Price Waterhouse.

1. In a math class with too few graphing calculators. Teacher compensating by letting kids use their smart phones. 100% student engagement. Bootleg technology rules.

2. Any educators out there? Buy this book: The Fundamental 5, at Amazon.com. A must read by @LYSNation (By @mike_metz)

3. To not use the Fundamental 5 because you don't agree with them is convenience driven ignorance.

4. The constant introduction of the "new" without implementing the "old" perpetuates the misperception that awareness equals professional growth.

5. Gates Report: “Up to 6 teacher observations a year may be necessary.” LYS campuses average over 30 coaching observations per teacher. Still wonder why LYS campuses improve?

6. Best reason for campus standardized dress - increasing esprit de corp.

7. Worst reason for campus standardized dress - punishment.

8. When most of your GT students are white and/or affluent, you probably have some significant flaws in your selection process.

9. If you are concerned about student performance and student attendance, but use suspension for discipline, your concern is suspect.

10. Remember the E Don Brown lesson, "There is no such thing as a rational parent. It's our job to be the rational party."

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
• Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
• Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference