Episodes
Friday Apr 17, 2015
Episode 51: Rigor Made Easy with Dr. Barbara Blackburn
Friday Apr 17, 2015
Friday Apr 17, 2015
My guest today is Dr. Barbara Blackburn. She is an educational consultant who has made Rigor in the classroom one of her signature topics. She is the author of 15 books and numerous articles on educational topics to name just a few there is Rigor in the Classroom, Rigor is Not a Four-Letter Word, Rigor for Special Needs Students, and, our focus today, Rigor Made Easy.
She has taught early childhood, elementary, middle, high school and college students. She is a national speaker who can often be found presenting to workshops for school personnel.
Rigor is a word that sends shivers through many typically because it has been misinterpreted or introduced in a manner which connects it to thoughts of more of everything. In Rigor Made Easy, Barbara addresses Myths about rigor…such as Myth#1… Lots of Homework Is a Sign of Rigor and Myth#2…Rigor Means Doing More.
During our talk we discuss a few of the myths as well as several key elements of Rigor Made Easy. The book is divided into seven chapters, the first one is called Understanding Rigor and the other six are:
2. Raise the level of Content
3. Increase Complexity
4. Give appropriate Support and Guidance
5. Open Your Focus
6. Raise Expectations
7. Challenges and Adventures
Barbara’s writing style is easy to read and understand. You will find yourself ready to reassess your lesson plans so that you can address her thoughts about Rigor in your classroom and school, tomorrow.
This is an awesome discussion that lends itself to helping kids get to greater understanding of content and learning processes.
Check out the links below to find out more about Barbara and to connect with her:
Website- http://www.barbarablackburnonline.com/
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraRBlackburn
Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/barbblackburn/
Blog- http://rigorineducation.blogspot.com/
Twitter- https://twitter.com/BarbBlackburn
YouTube- https://youtu.be/4LZ6na9V1Wc
Or simply call… (609) 474-4677
Enjoy!
Length: 60 minutes
Tuesday Oct 14, 2014
Episode 36: Growing Up in Poverty and Lessons Learned with Dr. Hayward Cordy
Tuesday Oct 14, 2014
Tuesday Oct 14, 2014
Dr. Hayward Cordy is the Executive Director of the Oconee RESA.
Hayward grew up in Wrightsville, Ga-Johnson County…the son of sharecroppers. As you listen to Hayward talk, think about the ultimate lessons that his family taught him. He could have complained and wanted someone to save him. He could have bemoaned his station in life. Instead, he focused on succeeding. He didn't let others derail his focus, he stayed the course and earned college degrees and eventually became the superintendent of the same school system where he had once attended class.
Listen for Hayward to explain … Damaged Goods, Choices and Consequences, The Greatest Lesson Taught to him by His Family, and An Improbable Dream Became Reality.
There are many lessons to be gleaned from Hayward’s memories.
I hope that you will come back and listen, again and again and share with others.
In a world where it is easy to be negative about all of life experiences…Hayward’s recollections make you realize that hard work and determination do pay off!
Thanks for listening! I hope that you will take his words to heart!
To discover more about the Oconee RESA or to connect with Dr. Cordy use the link or address blow.
http://www.ciclt.net/sn/clt/oconee/default.aspx?ClientCode=oconee
Dr. Hayward Cordy
Executive Director
Oconee RESA
206 South Main Street
Tennille, Georgia 31089
Phone: 478-552-5178
Length: 52:12
Wednesday Jul 02, 2014
Episode 26: Mike Buck and Public Education in Georgia
Wednesday Jul 02, 2014
Wednesday Jul 02, 2014
Join us as Mike talks with me about education in Georgia and tells us some things about what makes Mike…Mike.
Mike has served the families of Georgia through public education over 31 years.
He has been a teacher, administrator, high school principal, assistant superintendent and now the Chief Academic Officer for the State of Georgia.
We talked about the responsibilities of the Chief Academic Officer (basically, I asked him what he does…)
Listen to hear Mike explain that his greatest lesson learned as the Chief Academic Officer was... “I didn’t know... what I didn’t know.”
Mike reflected on the initiative called Career Pathways and the positive role it will play for the children of Georgia in their future planning.
I asked Mike what challenges he thought teachers faced today that are different than from when he was a high school principal…
One of his comments was …Time. Check out where we go with this topic.
Mike is the child of a soldier who moved with his career. This meant that Mike had to learn to make friends and to get along with others who were different than him. Mike talks about his love for diversity.
Mike is running for the State Superintendent of Schools of Georgia. He shared his thoughts about the race and what he would bring to the role if he was elected.
Mike is a fan of Jim Collins and John Maxwell as leadership writers and the lessons of life found in the Bible. Currently, he is reading a book called Praying Circles around Your Children by Mark Batterson. He says that he sees the greatest leadership challenge as that of being a parent and raising children. He reflected on a couple of thoughts from the book that have had a huge impact on his interactions with his children and how he lives his life:
· Teaching your own kids how to say and mean…please, thank you, and I’m sorry.
· I try to live my life in such a way that those who know me best respect me the most.
You can find out more about Mike at his website www.buckforsuperintendent.com
Thanks for listening. Please share with your friends, family, and colleagues!
Enjoy!
Length: 26:29