Constructing a School That Learns

Constructing a School That Learns

Arizona-California District Teachers’ Conference

November 8, 2007

Arizona-California District Teachers’ ConferenceSchools That Learn


Schools That Learn





Schools That Learn



The Importance of Christian Education

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good

understanding.Psalm 111:10


Who are we? 351 LES / 25 ALHS

80% High School Affiliation

ALHS – 5938 / LES – 26, 525

MPS 94,000 Public – 32,000 Parochial

150 years of Christian Education



The Changing Nature of Lutheran Education

Culture Content Faculty Lay Involvement Explosion of Educational Research Cost

10 Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?"

For it is not wise to ask such questions. (Eccl. 7)


Where are we now? Phases of organizations Crossroads The Opportunities are Huge ?


Back in the day.


Schools That Learn

What can you do next Monday to make your school one that learns?


3 Things Focus Recognize Remember


The First Thing Focus on Learning


The Industrial Age School Input = Kids Learn at designated speed Learn the same way Teachers = Controllers/Inspectors Discipline = Rules of the Teacher Assessment = Teacher Approval Product = Educated Kids


Industrial Model - Assumptions

Children are academically deficient and schools should fix them

There are smart kids and dumb kids Schools are run by specialists who maintain control Everyone learns, or should learn, in the same way Knowledge is inherently fragmented There is a defined body of secular truth to be shared Learning takes place in the classroom, not the world


What assumptions are present in your educational institution?


WELS Assumptions Teachers have unlimited time and energy Education should be free School serve as tools of nurture Control = effective teaching=learning


What determines the instructional process at your school? Tradition Teacher Preference Teacher Ability Teacher Comfort Facility Resources Standards/College Entrance Requirements


LEARNING!


What is our Focus? Stop, Look, and Listen

Teacher Centered Student Centered Athletics Centered Parent Centered


Who are the children you teach?

By nature sinful Redeemed by their Savior Uniquely gifted with multiple intelligences



Bezalel and Oholiab Ex. 311 Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you:


What chance of success would Bezalel and Oholiab have in an Industrial Model School?


A Living ModelThe Body of Christ

I Corinthians 12


The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts…..

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it;…..

Now you are the body of Christ, and each on of you is a part of it.


A Living Model Learner centered learning Embracing of multiple intelligences

and diverse learning styles Focuses on understanding

rather than memorization Constant exploration of all involved in the

educational process Integrates education with all involved in the

education of the learner


A Living Model Always Evolving and Changing Continuous Improvement Satisfy the Needs of the Learner Team Approach


Give a boy a fish, and you will feed him for a day.

Teach a boy to fish,

and he will grow up to sit in a boat all day drinking beer.

Remember


A Learning Focus Recognize the rapidly changing times and the

characteristics unique to each generation Discuss and clearly identify instructional

goals for individual students Develop meaningful instructional options Have the courage to eliminate those things

that detract from those goals (evaluation) Put student needs ahead of teacher

preferences


“Students are more likely to learn something in school if it is taught, than if it is not.”


C


The Second ThingRecognize Your Resources


What resources are currently available to your educational setting that are not being fully utilized?


Each Other.


Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.

Psalm 84:5-7


Other Resources

ParentsSchools in the CommunityCLHS and ALAWELS Network


Why Partnerships? Limited Resources Higher Demands Mutually Beneficial IT WILL HELP THE

STUDENTS


Areas of Partnership

Faculty Development Curriculum/Instruction Special Needs Outreach Recruitment Athletics/Music/Co-curricular programs Financial Understanding


In a perfect world, where would you create a partnership, right now, that would benefit your students and your ministry to them?


Challenges

I am my position The enemy is out there The delusion of learning from experience The thought that good decisions are

made by large groups


It Can Be Done!

We are all on the same team

Common Goals/Common Faith Proximity Source of Renewal


The Third ThingRemember who you are.


Why do you teach? Do your students know? Does your spouse know? Would a stranger know? Can everyone tell?


What is the purpose of your school?

Do your students know? Does your spouse know? Would a stranger know? Can everyone tell?


School + Christian Education

or

School = Christian Education


“Either you believe in Christian Education or

you don’t.”


Blessings of Christian Education for Leaders of Christian Education

Common Beliefs of What is Important Autonomy - Ease of Change Close Contact of Those Concerned with the

School Shared Gospel Motivation for evaluation

and planning


A Christ-focused School Culture The Word is treasured - evidenced by actions Sin and grace are applied appropriately Relationships are agape motivated Prevailing atmosphere is encouraging Its words are captive to Christ Its appearance reflects thankfulness to Christ Professional issues are not the main thing


Ministry of Joy We have the best job in the world We have the best tools to work with We have a perfect boss God makes sure we have successes Our ministry drives us into the Word of God We have partnership with quality people


We are twice blessed.

We deserve nothing, but we have received everything.

Called to faith and Called to serve


We live in Amazing Times!

Let’s not fear the future or long for the past.

This is our time.


WE HAVE WHAT OTHERS WANT!

WE HAVE WHAT OTHERS NEED!


I love to tell the story of unseen things above,Of Jesus and his glory, Of Jesus and His love.I love to tell the story because I know it’s true;It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.


I love to tell the story; ‘Twill be my theme in gloryTo tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.


I love to tell the story, For those who know it bestSeem hungering and thirstingTo hear it like the rest.And when in scenes of gloryI sing the new, new song,“Twill be the old, old storyThat I have loved so long.


I love to tell the story; ‘Twill be my theme in gloryTo tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.


Constructing a School That Learns

Documents

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