The Data Delivers!

The faculty and staff of TCMS provided valuable data related to current instructional and relational practices in the school. It was hard work but worth it! In so doing, you identified a common “starting point” for transforming teaching and learning in Butler, Georgia! Congratulations!

We now understand that the 7th and 8th grade Teams agree on two areas in need of immediate instructional improvement.

1.) Need to develop 21st Century themes, modern contexts and content for instruction.
2.) Need to provide opportunities in which students build essential “life skills.”

Your Emergenetics Profiles helped you understand the personal strengths you bring to your Team as you collaborate to tackle these two areas of improvement. Chad Foster’s guide “Financial Literacy for Teens” and his upcoming visit to the Taylor County Middle School provide the context for your first "team effort!" As you consider this challenge, what do YOU most want to do to engage your students in this "financial literacy" theme? Please stretch your imaginations! Think INNOVATION and CREATIVITY! I can't wait to hear your good ideas! Surprise me!

So, How Are Your 21st Century Skills?

It's our first day together after TEN MAGNIFICENT YEARS - and look how far you've come!

If you are feeling a bit out of your "comfort zone," I genuinely understand! You are not alone! The fact is, many educators are perplexed by the "21st Century questions!" At this point, however, I'll bet you have some pretty good answers to these questions:

• What are 21st Century skills?
• Why are these skills so critical at this point in history?
• How is Taylor County Middle School doing in equipping our students with 21st Century skills?
• How am I doing as a "21st Century teacher?"

Whew! That is a "mind full!"

Between our first and second meetings, we will entertain a new question. I'll bet you already have a few good answers. Will you share one of your ideas with me (and with each other) by responding to this blog? Here's the next question:

• What changes need to be made in the Taylor County schools to ensure that our students are competent with 21st Century skills?

Thank you for a thoughtful response! I look forward to reading your ideas!

Beth