Inauguration Day 2009

Whether or not you voted for Barack Obama, you can't deny the historic magnitude of this day. That's how educators across the country see it, anyway.

The New York Times recently reported on how the "Inauguration Is Inspiring Classrooms Nationwide," describing ways that teachers and administrators planned to incorporate this morning's ceremony into their classroom instruction. The article quotes Linda Lane, deputy superintendent of instruction in Pittsburgh: “We are totally committed to reading, writing, science and history. But we also know that some history doesn’t come out of a book. Some history you get to be part of.”

Schools have snapped up this opportunity to engage kids. And why not? Each generation lays claim to a "history-in-the-making" moment in the classroom—a moment when students are permitted to put away their books and focus their attention on news as it unfolds. For many of us, "our" moment was one of great tragedy and sadness (think Kennedy's assassination, the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger or September 11, 2001). Whether it's about diversity, democracy or the peaceful transfer of power in the United States, this morning's chapter in history had a decidedly positive undercurrent for kids who remember it as "their moment."

Farewell to a Leader

A tip of the hat and a round of applause for Dr. Terry Bergeson, Washington's Superintendent of Public Instruction for the past 12 years. Today is Dr. Bergeson's last day in office. Throughout her career, she has been tireless in her dedication to students, relentless in her advocacy for K-12 education. For that, we say Thank you!

We wish Dr. Bergeson and her departing staff at OSPI the best of luck as they head off into very bright futures.

Hold on Tight

It is official: The 2009 Legislature is now in session.

So, Happy First Day of Session! Well, it may not be so "happy," given the state's current $5.7 billion deficit. The budget crisis promises a 105-day roller coaster ride for lawmakers, with plenty of twists, turns, drops and bumps.

Educators will need to hold on tight, too. You may not be able to avoid the twists and turns that affect K-12 education, but you can help your legislators navigate the course. Contact your elected lawmakers and let them know what matters to you.

Click here to look up contact information for your legislators. For practical tips on communicating with elected officials, log on to www.awsp.org and click on "Contact Your Lawmaker" under the "Legislation" tab.

Tune In: Principals on the Tube

Set your DVR! The new season of TruTV’s The Principal's Office kicks off this Thursday. Included in the reality show’s cast of characters: Kalama High School principal Mike Hamilton and vice principal Nate Salisbury.

In October of last year, Mike and Nate allowed a TruTV film crew to follow them on the job for a period of two weeks. The daily challenges of life in the principal's office were "caught on tape" — and soon will be revealed to curious viewers across the country. Your first chance to watch the Kalama administrators in action comes Thursday with the episode, "Dirty Dancing," which features Nate attempting to thwart potential outbreaks of freak-dancing.

Will we see more of Mike and Nate through the season? Watch and find out! “The Principal’s Office” airs Thursdays at 10 p.m.

Oh, and if Kalama High School looks familiar, don't be surprised. Twilighters will recognize it as Edward and Bella's school building in the film "Twilight." Alas, to see the real high school featured in Stephenie Meyer's novel, you'll have to make the trip to Forks.

Happy 2009!

Happy New Year! After a bit of a hiatus, The Comp Book is back in action for 2009! Thanks for your patience.

We’re starting off the new year with one of our favorite topics: technology in education.

In today’s Washington Post, education columnist Jay Mathews discusses "this year's educational buzz phrase": 21st-Century Skills.

When President-elect Barack Obama introduced Arne Duncan as his nominee for secretary of education, he said, "We need a new vision for the 21st century education system, one where we aren't just supporting existing schools but spurring innovation." If we are to believe Obama's campaign promises, new technology will be an important part of work in the classroom—and in the White House. Word is, sometime this week (tomorrow, according to the BBC) Obama will name his Chief Technology Officer, a new cabinet-level position.

So, what is "a 21st-century education system"? Is it characterized solely by the technical demands and capabilities of our schools today, or is it more pedagogical than that? Mathews prompts his readers to ask if the 21st-century education is really a new concept or just another name for effective teaching.

A 21st-century education purportedly prepares students for a new and changing world, the world they'll encounter when they enter the workforce. But is that any different from what educators have always aimed to do in the classroom, i.e., prepare their students to succeed after graduation?

Is technology the only thing that defines a 21st-century education, or is there more to it than that? What are your thoughts?