League Tables- What Matters?

Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.

Albert Einstein


The teachers at Stanley Avenue School collect detailed information about students progress and achievement in reading, writing and mathematics. We are currently investigating ways to measure the growth of the Stanley Avenue Learner Dimensions by collecting student voice. This will mean that in future years we can give parents more information about skills, dispositions and values that we know learners need to thrive in the 21st century. The talk of the creation of league tables is concerning..........  Parents currently have access to a huge range of assessment details from Stanley Avenue-  let alone the ERO report completed recently.  League tables may serve to further distract schools from the learning that really matters.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2012/jun/18/primary-school-curriculum-performance-tables?newsfeed=true

First Time Principals

During the holidays I was fortunate to be invited to speak at the National First TIme Principals conference. I shared Stanley Avenue's journey in E Learning and investigated how change can be managed in schools. It was wonderful to meet so many enthusiastic and passionate educators.

Digital Learning

An interesting link (thanks Allanah K) discussing the pros and cons of digital learning, particularly in the consideration required in leaving a digital footprint.  I welcome your views.
http://web.me.com/khoneycuttessdack/kevinhoneycutt.org/eBook_Preview.html

School Athletics 2011!

Dispositions matter

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10755334
 Reading this article from the herald today reinforced what we have recognised at Stanley Avenue School for some time. Whilst mathematics, reading and writing skills are extremely important, there is also far more to it than that........ Research completed shows: That students who gained Level 2 didn't necessarily have better arithmetical, reading, writing or problem-solving skills at 14 than those who gained only Level 1. Instead, they had "higher levels of perseverance, communication, social skills, curiosity and self-management".

Our vision of the Stanley Avenue not only promotes these dispositions, skills, values and knowledge but encourages students to be aware of and set goals toward developing these attributes.  Our teaching then focuses on what we can do to set students up for success. 

It is excellent to see an article that reflects the whole learner. 

Learning to Learn

Last Week our lead team met with Michael Pohl with a very important focus. What is important for our students to learn? Our vision of the Stanley Avenue Learner outlines the skills, dispositions, values and knowledge that we believe are essential for our students in their futures. We looked at the school wide themes that drive our curriculum and investigated potential topics and creative ways to ensure our learning tasks are rich, relevant and engaging. The video clip below is an excellent example of the dilemma facing schools.

David Perkins Interview from 21Foundation on Vimeo.

Opportunities over the holidays

It was wonderful to be invited to speak at two events during the holidays.  The first was the First Time Principals conference in Auckland.  This three day event for beginning principals from around the country is exceptionally well run, and I always get something out of it whether I was attending or speaking.  As this was the second time I have been able to speak I took the school's vision and concentrated on how we have utilised technology (particularly in the way of the School's LMS and M Learning) to enhance learning opportunties for our staff and students. 

Then on Friday Geoff Booth (DP), two of our senior students and I flew down to Wellington to speak to the Ministry of Education about how the School has utilised Ultranet, our school's LMS.  This was an amazing opportunity to share how our Stanley Avenue Learner has been enhanced by creatively using the School's web-site.  It was great to be recognised by the Ministry for the vision and hard work over the last three years. 

Moe short upload

View more presentations from Stuart Armistead.