Reactions+to+Curriculum+21

=So what does all of this mean and what are our barriers to change?=


 * Our districts recognize the need for updating and revision curriculum to reflect changes in the world.
 * We have a long way to go because the change that is needed requires our systems to redefine education and learning.
 * We recognize that educators are resistant to change practice when what they are doing results in adequate yearly progress.
 * School systems struggle with the dichotomy of teaching approaches: teacher-centric vs. student-centered.
 * Educational leaders need to understand that the classroom environment might look different when students are actively engaged in 21st century learning.
 * We can be advocates and leaders for this change through our promotion of best practices. We need to ensure that our educational leaders are provided classroom experiences where they see technology supporting content learning effectively.
 * We appreciate that in some situations, the largest barriers are the access to technology and the money to fund it. We still observe a large continuum of access to 21st century tools throughout our school districts.
 * Perhaps more pressing than the money and technology is the COMMITMENT of educational leaders and the mindset needed to become learners ourselves (at every level of the school system).
 * Ongoing professional development, support, "a bit of pushing" and high expectations are needed to move teachers forward.
 * The focus of our technology integration in the curriculum should be in how students are using the tools.
 * It's time to think outside the box - extending access to school resources, planning for students to bring their own technologies, and rethinking our current school structures.
 * It is important to capture successes and communicate with clarity and precision to new leadership in order to prevent backsliding.
 * Change takes time and is deliberate. Ensure that the culture is ready for the changes that you plan to make.
 * Educational leaders need help to facilitate better conversations about how curriculum needs to address Costa's three mind shifts. Technology integration and authentic 21st century learning will follow.
 * When we recognize that all stakeholders have identified the same essential student learning needs, it provides a readiness for making change.

Kist, W. R. (2009). //The Socially networked classroom: Teaching in the new media age//. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press. Becky suggests that that we consider Kist's descriptions of short, tall, grande, and venti innovations when evaluating readiness to change.
 * Recommended Reading:**

Thanks for a great learning experience!!!!