Reading it’s not what it used to be...
If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? This is a question that has been pondered by people for ages. I’m curious, what do you think? Say your answer out loud. Since I wasn’t there to hear it, did you actually speak? <Grin>
Over the last few years, I believe a new version of this age old question has arisen. This question is in the area of electronic books. Ponder this, if a book is written without ever using a pen or pencil, published without ever using a printing press, and read without ever cracking the spine of a physical tomb, is it still really a book?
America seems to think so. In fact, many surveys report that in 2011 more people got their news online instead of from a physical paper. Be honest, how are you reading this story right now?
Education in the state of Florida is following suit by moving into the arena of digital textbooks and e-books. To prepare us for this shift, we are implementing iPad pilots at PCHS and PCMS. Each school will receive 300 devices to use with their students. We are excited to see how this technology will be used to enhance their learning. The iPads will be used as e-readers and as instructional learning devices. We are all very excited to see where this leads.
Perhaps Old McDonald said it best, e-i-e-i-o, or should I say "e"books, "i"Pads, "e"verywhere, "i"nformation, "Oh" the possibilities. <Grin>
Chris Bress, Executive Director
Learning Through Technology and Media
September 29, 2011
Mom, Dad, and Mrs. Zeeches
The three most influential people in my life as I grew up were my Mom, Dad, and my high school math teacher, Mrs. Zeeches. I don't think I'm alone when I say that a teacher helped to form who I became. In fact, if I was a betting man, I would say that most people reading this article can point to a teacher that contributed to their life journey. So I must ask, "Why has it become so vogue to use teachers as the 'whipping boy' for all of the supposed ills of our society?"
I was "surfing" the web last night (my first mistake) and I went to the YouTube website (my second mistake). I stumbled across a video clip (definitely my biggest mistake) of John Stossel and a show he did for ABC News that was titled "Stupid in America". Without going into detail, Mr. Stossel proceeded to rally against everything he saw as wrong with Public Education. Many of his complaints centered on teachers and their supposed lack of professionalism. I sat dumbfounded as I was watching this clip however I must thank him because that clip became my impetus to write this article.
Charlotte County Public Schools (CCPS) and its teachers were designated this year as a High Performing School District. CCPS was one of only thirteen school districts to be recognized as high performing. What is even more astounding is that CCPS is only one of five school districts (Citrus, Martin, Nassau, and Walton being the other four) to have achieved this honor every year since its inception in 2006. These successes are only possible because of the dedication and hard work that is happening in every classroom across our school district.
So the next time you encounter someone spewing false rhetoric and who has literally never taught anyone anything, please remind them that our teachers in our community are and will continue to be dedicated hard working professionals. And to my high school math teacher, Mrs. Zeeches, I thank you.
Ron Schuyler, Principal
The Academy
September 23, 2011
Charlotte Technical Center School Notes
Charlotte Technical Center (CTC) has earned four gold medals and distinguished itself as the "best" Dental Assisting, Drafting and Culinary Arts program in the state of Florida for the second year in a row at the annual State of Florida SkillsUSA Competition, Bradenton, Florida, May, 2011. As a result of this outstanding student performance CTC will be sending four students: Ben Edwards and Gavin Sexton, Drafting, Edward Craciun, Dental Assisting, and Amanda Jones, Culinary Arts, to Kansas City, Missouri for the national SkillsUSA competition. In addition, the Culinary Arts program placed 2nd in the National SkillsUSA competition in 2010.
CTC has continued to expand many of its programs-of-study that offer industry certification, dual enrollment and articulated credit to Florida Community Colleges and State Universities. CTC has many postsecondary educational options whether you are a high school student or an adult student in a wide variety of high-wage, high-demand careers from Aviation, Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Licensed Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting and much more.
In addition, CTC has a state-of-the-art testing center which can assist employers in evaluating potential new hires, analyze job performance, and annual employee appraisals. The testing center also offers a number of industry certifications and pre-college and employment assessments, such as ASE, Autodesk, CLEP, GED, Para Pro, Pearson VUE, TABE, and Wonderlic. For a complete listing, please call 941-255-7500, ext. 120 or 197.
Other programs and services at CTC include: automotive detailing and service, gourmet lunches and catering at culinary arts, "cooking for fun classes," cosmetology day and evening salon hours, Pumpkin Patch, a nationally accredited childcare center for ages 3-5 years, and business training and/or retraining of employees. Please visit our website at charlottetechnicalcenter.com or call 941-255-7500 for more information.
Karyn Gary, Director
Charlotte Technical Center
May 19, 2011