Is technology being used effectively in classrooms? Give us examples. Also, should the future emphasis be on laptops or text books?
My experience has been that Allen has technology available for any classroom or teacher that would like to use it. In addition to technology-based courses, technology is implemented in a myriad of educational efforts, such as its use in ESL classrooms, through the accelerated reading programs available through the different Allen school libraries, through teacher-created lessons in the classrooms, with videoconferencing, and in the production of newspapers or magazines in classrooms.
I believe laptops and textbooks should be used in tandem in the event that technology goes off-line, or to address a learning style that is more prosperous when enjoying the hands-on effect of a textbook. Having the textbooks on computer could be very useful for homework, if the district is sure to make access available to any student who needs it. One district permits students to check out laptops from the library if they have no computer access at home. However, for the sake and sanity of our teachers, they must be able to depend on the availability of resources, such as books. Having both the laptop and textbook as options would certainly provide the best option for kids and teachers.
Why am I running for the Allen ISD School Board?
I retired from teaching in 2006, and am running for a position on the Allen Independent School District Board of Trustees in the May election. I am often asked why I am running for the Board, and I have several reasons I believe are important.
First, I was always happy teaching school. I think this is evident by the number of my children who followed me in this great and honorable career. I feel that I need to give back to the students and professionals who gave me 43 happy and enriching work years.
Secondly, I have a great passion for public education. We in Allen are blessed because we still have some of the small town "feel" left in our schools. However, I believe we must return to the principle upon which public schools were created: to reflect not society, but the best of our society; if our schools do not subscribe to the highest expectations--not only in academics, but in citizenship, character and mutual respect--public education as we know it will turn into a system of private schools with each segment in our society having their own school. Our forefathers probably made our country what it is today because they enacted the free public school education laws. Our schools must return to the position they once held in our culture: that of promoting, expecting and requiring that our schools exemplify the highest standards of society.
Thirdly, I have a personal interest in keeping Allen schools the best they can be. I have one grandchild who graduated from Allen High School, one currently attending AHS, one is a pre-kindergarten student at Bolin Elementary, and two others who will be in AISD in the next two years. All of these children make education--particularly in Allen--of grave importance to me.
In my opinion, "It's all about the kids" is not a public relations statement, but rather a personal mission philosophy I embrace and I am pursuing for the benefit of not only my grandkids and the other children of Allen, but also for all the little ones yet to come.
First, I was always happy teaching school. I think this is evident by the number of my children who followed me in this great and honorable career. I feel that I need to give back to the students and professionals who gave me 43 happy and enriching work years.
Secondly, I have a great passion for public education. We in Allen are blessed because we still have some of the small town "feel" left in our schools. However, I believe we must return to the principle upon which public schools were created: to reflect not society, but the best of our society; if our schools do not subscribe to the highest expectations--not only in academics, but in citizenship, character and mutual respect--public education as we know it will turn into a system of private schools with each segment in our society having their own school. Our forefathers probably made our country what it is today because they enacted the free public school education laws. Our schools must return to the position they once held in our culture: that of promoting, expecting and requiring that our schools exemplify the highest standards of society.
Thirdly, I have a personal interest in keeping Allen schools the best they can be. I have one grandchild who graduated from Allen High School, one currently attending AHS, one is a pre-kindergarten student at Bolin Elementary, and two others who will be in AISD in the next two years. All of these children make education--particularly in Allen--of grave importance to me.
In my opinion, "It's all about the kids" is not a public relations statement, but rather a personal mission philosophy I embrace and I am pursuing for the benefit of not only my grandkids and the other children of Allen, but also for all the little ones yet to come.
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