Staff News and Announcements

Culture Team:

“Caring is not how you feel, it’s how you can make somebody else feel. It’s driven by values, it’s driven by character. It’s an action, not an emotion.” ---Tim Kight

(^^^Click to watch the video.)

We say we care about each other. We say we care about our family, our colleagues, and our students. But do we show it? If asked, would others say we truly care about them?

This week, the Culture Team challenges you to do the work necessary so that everyone you care about can answer “yes” to these questions.

As a reminder: The next Connect Time with time dedicated to R-Factor training is Thursday, February 27th.

Mason City Schools Family Resource- E+R=O

Inclusive Excellence Team: Check out the NPR podcast Code Switch (it can be found wherever you listen to your podcasts) You can check it out HERE.

"Ever find yourself in a conversation about race and identity where you just get...stuck? Code Switch can help. We're all journalists of color, and this isn't just the work we do. It's the lives we lead. Sometimes, we'll make you laugh. Other times, you'll get uncomfortable. But we'll always be unflinchingly honest and empathetic. Come mix it up with us.”

Personalized Learning Team:

Is Personalized Learning all about ONLY teaching to students interest? Is the curriculum totally individualized? Does PL have to involve technology? We have all heard these questions. It turns out, these are common myths about personalized learning.

The fact is total individualization fails to expose students to interest they never knew they had. Technology is a great tool, but never the center of our work. And a totally individualized curriculum is an exercise in futility and frustration for teachers and students alike.

Paul Emerich French is a NBCT from Chicago and former EdTech devotee. These days, he spends his time trying to reclaim personalized learning from these myths. In fact, that's the name of his newest book: Reclaiming Personalized Learning: A Pedagogy for Restoring Equity and Humanity in Our Classrooms.

Check out his thoughts on tackling and overcoming these huge Personalized Learning Myths.