Schools Seek Support for Improved Classrooms, Tech Tools
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Moore County Schools will need more support in coming years as it looks to improve technology and upgrade its schools, Schools Superintendent Aaron Spence told county commissioners Friday.
Spence's remarks came on the second day of the commissioners' two-day annual retreat at the new Rick Rhyne Public Safety Center in Carthage.
The atmosphere was casual - commissioners wore blue jeans - but the talk was all business as officials looked at the school -system's future needs.
"We are really clear on our vision, which includes a focus on literacy and on closing the achievement gap," school board member Ed Dennison told commissioners. "And while we allocate resources to those goals, there are still challenges left."
Spence said that one key item in closing the opportunity gap lay in assuring that the county's students were in "21st century" facilities.
"If you take our five newest schools out of the equation, our average facility is more than 45 years old," Spence said. "Today's students are technology driven, and require a very different model of instruction."
Spence used literacy teaching as an example.
"In the 1950s, teachers taught kids who sat in rows and listened," he said. "Today's classrooms are characterized by small group instruction which require more space. Our schools are not built for this spread out space. It's hard for students to become involved in out of the box thinking when they are sitting in rows and listening."
School board member Bruce Cunningham offered a personal example of how learning has changed.
"My daughter is a senior at Pinecrest, and she takes four classes. One is at the high school, one is at Sandhills Community College, and two are online with the North Carolina School of Science and Math. While we were on a recent trip, we stopped at a hotel at a certain time of day so that my daughter could plug in her laptop and take a class. The changes in 21st century education are mind blowing."
"It's a very different paradigm from what we remember," Spence said. "Before, the teacher closed the classroom door and went to work. Now, she opens the door and the students work with others."
Spence emphasized the ongoing need for more technology in the schools.
"I believe the search for resources should be a high priority," he said. "That said, if we buy a set of laptops for a school with no plan to refurbish, in about four years we will be in trouble. We have to have sustainability."
Commissioner Larry Caddell told Spence he admired how the schools were encouraged to "think outside of the box."
"The old ways are gone," he said.
Commissioners Chairman Nick Picerno then asked State Rep. Jerry Tillman, who was at the meeting, if there was any way to change state law to allow lottery funds to be used for buying technology.
"Can we refocus the use of lottery funds?" he said. "It seems odd that we can't use these funds to build technology, especially considering the cost savings in not purchasing textbooks, calculators and other items that would be available as an app on a laptop."
Tillman said that he tried.
"I filed a bill to put all lottery monies in school construction, but it didn't get anywhere," he said.
Picerno asked how the board could help him achieve this goal.
"Would it help if the boards came to Raleigh to lobby?" he asked.
Tillman said the group would need "to talk to the five or six people in Raleigh who make the decisions, and it would be helpful if you spoke with one voice." Tillman then agreed to set up such a meeting.
Picerno emphasized that the county would not need additional money, but would be "using money that we already have but in a more efficient way."
"We want to do this without going for more taxpayer money," he said. "We want to use the very successful Mooresville school district's technology-driven program as a model, but we want Moore County to be even better."
Tillman called Picerno's proposal "a great idea."
"Moore County Schools is to be commended," he said. "I would like you to have total control and flexibility with these funds."
Picerno called the discussion with school officials "positive."
"We're on the same page, and we have the same mission and goals," he said.
Commissioner Jimmy Melton quipped that listening to the school officials speak was akin to "getting an education."
"When I began on this board six years ago, the relationship between the county and the school board was nonexistent," he said. "(Former school superintendent) Dr. Purser opened up dialog and began working with us real well.
"I feel this is going to be an exciting year because the board has been given information we needed and so has the public. Technology is the future, and God knows it's a constant battle to keep up. I commend you all for the job you're doing, and I believe both boards understand the objectives we are trying to achieve."
Contact John Lentz at (910) 693-2479 or jlentz@thepilot.com.
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Comments
theoden13 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I have been hearing a lot recently about teachers at local schools having to buy supplies out of their own pocket. New technology is nice but it might be better to meet the basic needs before worrying about upgrading technology. That is called effective government.
JD 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I bet we could find money in bloated administrative salaries for school improvements.
Arestorer 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I'm wondering,, If these (New-21stCentury) teaching methods are so good, Why is the US and NC ranked so low in World and National rankings?? The best performing Schools,still line kids up in rows,with very strict routines of Teaching and Student participation...These new methods may allow a few students to excell,But not the State or Nations kids in whole...Proof is in the Pudding...
AFCHIEF 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I'd do an audit of the so called Education Lottery funds are going, something tells me these funds are being misused
jat 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Let's see, most of the industrialized nations are using 21st Century Technologies and are way ahead of our best schools. Most industrialized nations test test all children as well do. Most industrialized nations go to school more days than the United States. (We are fairly closely ranked in test scores as we are in days of school attended.) When comparing scores to charter schools, remember that they do not, for the most part, have an EC population to deal with and have scores that reflect some of the students who never take those tests due to disabilities. Most private schools do not admit students who would lower there score status. In other words, the proof that's in the pudding does not tell the rest of the story.
Toda 4 months, 2 weeks ago
This is humorous. Political posturing at its finest. As I've commented many times before, MoF is laying the ground work to float another school bond.
Sandhills Community College has computer labs as well as computers in the library. Could this be another move for Southern Software Inc to arrange a sale to the county schools.
doughnuts 4 months, 2 weeks ago
The lights are still on at Academy Heights.
garrecd123 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Maybe an audit of classroom supplies would be in order. I have personal knowledge of an elementary teacher whom has 4 tablets at her home. They are extra's ie her class had too many and she uses them at home for the grandkids, I cant afford another school bond , especially in light of misuse of funds and lack of accountability in this Mo Co school!
Toda 4 months, 2 weeks ago
In terms of technology, not one of MoF defined what technological advancement Spence was referring too.
If Spence can't visit every school in MooCo in one week with all the principles 5 at Pine Crest, then he needs to find another comfortable position elsewhere. The administration is so egotistical regarding their status of political gerrymandering, they have lost all concepts of working like everyone else 8-5 ... I will not support another school bond and will do everything in my purview to bring the years of indebtedness to the attention of MooCo'ians.
Now we're on the same page Mr. Chairman!
Toda 4 months, 2 weeks ago
"Commissioner Jimmy Melton quipped that listening to the school officials speak was akin to "getting an education." Okay ~ if only Commissioner Melton understood research as opposed to Political Smoke and Mirrors.
Toda 4 months, 2 weeks ago
""We are really clear on our vision, which includes a focus on literacy and on closing the achievement gap," school board member Ed Dennison told commissioners".
I would have an interest in how Dr. Spence would encourage a generous technological focus on literacy in the absence of good old text books and a teacher working on a white board. Try calculus on-line and then test those who have challenged the course. Then lets discuss technology via your 4 G phone.
clarabelle 4 months, 2 weeks ago
" garrecd123 - Maybe an audit of classroom supplies would be in order. I have personal knowledge of an elementary teacher whom has 4 tablets at her home. "
and this silly example shapes your opinion.......no other research.........
teufelhunden 4 months, 2 weeks ago
garrecd123-Did you report him/her for stealing? Since you know about it maybe you should.
Courseaire 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Moses had 2 tablets, did anyone report him?
member 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Toda--I'm so glad that you've received your degree in education--specifically elementary or early childhood education. Since you seem to be so "knowledgable" about education and how best to teach students, did you realize that engaging students at the early childhood level--Preschool through grade 3 (more or less)--in hands on learning is far more beneficial then sitting them at a desk with pencil and paper? Since you've received the proper education, I'm sure you are aware of that "new" teaching practice.
Armchair teachers are equally, if not more so, as prevalent as armchair quarterbacks. Everyone assumes that they know how to best teach since they were once in school--even if it was many, many years ago. Unless you hold a degree in education and currently work at a school, you (and I mean anyone) are probably not the best person to judge how best to teach children.
teufelhunden 4 months, 2 weeks ago
haha Courseaire-you ain't right. ;)
teufelhunden 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Everyone knows that children have different learning styles. Boys learn differently than girls. Some are more visual than verbal and so on. A variety of approaches is what works best. Mold teaching toward the student not the other way around. A teacher's creativity and energy and knowledge can go a long way if funds are somewhat limited.
Courseaire 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Liberals learn at a much slower rate than conservatives.
clarabelle 4 months, 2 weeks ago
"Courseaire - Liberals learn at a much slower rate than conservatives."
At least they are "capable" of learning............
jat 4 months, 2 weeks ago
The technology bug has hit the school systems and everyone is an expert. You cannot gauge things such as more staff and tablets because most of that is coming from Race to the Top. The Feds. have twisted the states arms and blackmailed them into doing things in order to get money. However, there will be a great need for computers shortly. The state is already requiring several tests be given on computer which was developed by NC State and soon will become the new national test. The more national tests that are developed and required, the more computers will be needed in order to meet this testing need alone. The state has also required that every student in North Carolina will take an on-line course in order to graduate high school. This again puts a huge strain on the high schools which are down on computers. Finally, the state curriculum mandates that course require students to be able to use APA and MLA for on-line research. That will require even more computers. Before you attack the bonds that will be needed, trying putting water on the source and cause.
garrecd123 4 months, 2 weeks ago
clarabelle are you the teacher I know personally whom has these tablets in her home? My point is simply the school should make the teacher accountable for expensive items that I help pay for, and if you see that as silly.....oh well..... maybe you can pay my taxes when another school bond goes through.
luv2teach 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I am so disheartened to hear all this bickering over technology. The truth of the matter is I have 4 laptops in my classroom, of which only 1 works. Programs to support the technology we are encouraged to use is out of date and does not support what we have. As a teacher I am more than accountable for everything that goes on in my classroom, I can't say the same for everyone else. I have been teaching in this county for over 15 years and have seen great strides in our system for meeting the needs of all children, unfortunately the economy has almost destroyed everything that has been built up in those 15 years. Instead of pointing fingers and name-calling, how about some thoughtful collaboration on how to fix the problems that are facing our schools. Teachers are overworked, overwhelmed, and underpaid. Students have social, economic, and behaviorial issues that make learning very difficult. Parents are so overwhlemed with keeping the lights on in their homes, that education is the last thing on their minds. We need to fix our community as a whole and we need to do it together. Who cares what party you are a part of? I have seen just as many democrats as republicans losing their jobs and homes.
packwilleat 4 months, 2 weeks ago
"Technology is the future" ok then, teach the children how to think independently and teach entrepreneurship to take us into the future instead of making them loyal collectivist only capable of being a good student/employee. We can't continue to collectively teach each student to the same level. Every individual has a natural skill set that they excel in. I think it's time we work to strengthen their individuality and help them build on what comes natural to them.
Toda 4 months, 2 weeks ago
member => ~ No ~ I haven't earned a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Colleges as well as major universities require students to write well and encourage writing disciplines. As a former tutor at Sandhills Community College Project Promise, I saw way too many students whose ability to write coherently and pose arguments through research was dismal at best.
Please point out to me exactly what "technology" they are communicating? Is it computers, software applications, or how to use apps on an IPhone?
This is one time I have to support packwilleat, regarding his thread...all major universities teach individuality while developing learned skill sets. He is right on target.
I can't speak to your teaching methodology in your classroom, but I can speak from personal knowledge regarding the learned skills or lack of - with students who are graduating.
BTW: I have three degrees, my most recent a BIS in Profit and Non-Profit Organization. I received a National Honor in Alpha Sigma Lambda, Mu Delta Chapter for leadership and academic scholars.
Toda 4 months, 2 weeks ago
jat "the state curriculum mandates that course require students to be able to use APA and MLA for on-line research".
Two sources to support educational support of writing papers can be found in "my Little Brown HandBook and an excellent on-line source is OWL... Link Provided Here
For a Google search of OWL ~ APA and MLA click here.alink texta
Toda 4 months, 2 weeks ago
member => "Armchair teachers are equally, if not more so, as prevalent as armchair quarterbacks".
Toda 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Here's a tidbit of information on Aberdeen Elementary School => Ranked 1213! Wow. 1213 Aberdeen Elementary Moore County Schools Aberdeen 03 05 320 17.7 64.9 52.4 117.3 23
Here's your link member!
teufelhunden 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Kids don't want to be in a cookie-cutter classroom. Some kids are amazingly tech savvy and others are great writers and speakers. Encourage these differences and give more opportunities for children to get out into their communities to see how the real world works. Just some ideas. (Got attacked for my opinions on some ideas others thought were apparently outlandish in some way so, again, these are just ideas;)).
packwilleat 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Telfelhunden ~ It seems like you an I think alike on a number of issues. Sorry Dusty slamed you on the other thread. But like I said I am an Anarchist. I actually prefer Voluntaryist, since anarchy carriers such a bad connotation of chaos and violence, nothing could be further from the truth. May be it's just a scare tactic of the government/media to keep the people loyal to government and keep us supporting it? Have a look at this article on "growing without schooling" I think you might find it interesting.....................
http://naturalchild.org/guest/susannah_sheffer2.html
teufelhunden 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I understand and that's the point I was trying to make-I do not believe you, Pack, are an anarchist because I do not believe you desire chaos or condone violence. I think you,and I are pretty much disgusted with our current government and it's inability to be transparent or accountable. We are literally being controlled more and more by this government and our personal liberties are being squandered. Our citizens are becoming more and more apathetic by the day and that to me that is scary. We are letting it happen. It's all glamorized so it will be easier for the public to swallow but no one really knows what they are forcing down our throats. That little gem called Obamacare is a great example of such a monster and the dems are gonna have to face the fact they sold their souls. Our society is so glazed over and asleep-we are desensitized to all the transformation that's taking place right before our eyes!!! I will take a look at that article. Thanks. BTW DR is a progressive socialist liberal-'nuff said.
clarabelle 4 months, 2 weeks ago
" garrecd - clarabelle are you the teacher I know personally whom has these tablets in her home? My point is simply the school should make the teacher accountable for expensive items that I help pay for, and if you see that as silly.....oh well..... maybe you can pay my taxes when another school bond goes through. "
My point was ........... that you base your opinion of the effectiveness and efficiency of our schools on one story that you might have heard regurgitated. Perhaps you can help by volunteering some spare time to the schools. I am certain they would love your help.
As far as taxes - ...............pay your own :)