Advance Student Learning For All Students

By Sandra Crandall

Viewpoints on public education seem to agree on a key premise: teachers matter ... a lot.

Highly qualified teachers who are highly effective share these traits:

• set goals which are ambitious, specific and measurable
• invest in students and their families as they motivate their students to learn
• plan purposely so that students spend their time on task
• execute their lessons effectively
• are dedicated to increasing their effectiveness continuously
• possess an internal focus to work relentlessly

Public schooling has not changed much over the last century. With the advent of technology, this statement will no longer hold true. Technology holds great promise for students, teachers and parents in advancing student learning.

Students can search the globe for in-depth knowledge on academic topics. They can work at their own pace within a course of study as lessons are individualized. A teacher will be able to provide more time for those students in need, as others can work at their own pace on a computer. This is a good solution in response to intervention. The integrated use of technology can, also, reach different types of learners.

Many of the products out today ... interactive whiteboards, surround sound microphone systems, hand-held learner response systems for individual input and instant feedback, electronic books, educational data storage tools, and interactive desks, to mention a few ... provide active student engagement which may lead to fewer behavior problems.

Also, the reach of great teachers is expanded as a lesson being delivered by a teacher in another classroom, another state or country can be accessed via technology. On-line posting of homework, e-mail communication from school to home or the on-line posting of the school district's budget in a checkbook format can better connect a parent with their child's school.

Exposure to the arts, as evidenced in brain research, increases student learning. Again, a segment of students who exhibit talents in visual or performing arts can be reached. If their interests are engaged, their chances of completing high school increase. The correlation between the arts and brain development is evident in aptitude. Studies citing the increase in logic, spatial reasoning and visualization transfer to skills necessary for reading and math.

Advancing student learning is essential for all students. It is the basis for high quality education which has long term effects for individuals and communities. I support the high quality education our students, parents and community deserve.