iManage the Classroom

5 Management Strategies from the Trenches for Teachers to Utilize in the One-to-One Classroom


It’s often said that when all students in your classroom have iPads (or other tablets) that “it changes everything”.  This is certainly true for learning, but often overlooked is classroom management.  With multiple companies selling products and software to schools the single best management tool is, and always has been - the teacher.  Here you will find teacher tested management strategies in the evolving world of one-to-one instruction.


1.  Expectations have to be clear.

The best run 21st century classrooms are always the ones where teacher and students are completely on the same page regarding rules and expectations.  Good teaching is good teaching, and collaboratively setting class rules/expectations and posting them for all to see apply to “one-to-one classrooms” just as they do in traditional classrooms.  Good teachers clearly state expectations and stick to them.  Consider posting them on your class website or social media feeds as well.

2.  Students switching from work to games during your lesson.

All educators know that today’s digital natives can quickly move from a game on their iPad to an appropriate learning activity when they see a teacher coming.  The students are often too fast to catch, even for the best of us who pride ourselves on moving around the room throughout the lesson.  To solve this, get in the habit of asking your students to clear/close their running apps at the beginning of class.  They can do this by double clicking the home button or four-finger swiping up.  Then they should hold down an open app until the minus sign comes up.  By closing all running apps they not only will save battery life but also give you the ability to do spot checks of what they have been using during your leson.  If the students know you can quickly find out what apps they have been using they will be far less likely to sway from your lesson plan.

3.  Losing my signal to the LCD projector.

We know the iPad was not created with the teacher and certainly not with the LCD projector in mind.  It’s wifi’s promiscuity, hiccups with mirroring, and inability to secure cables into it’s connection slot makes projecting often a nightmare.  Many of us have lost great teachable moments due to our screens suddenly going blank and our kids attention lost as we attempt to reconnect.  Get in the habit of “freezing” your projector.  Most remotes have a button allowing you to freeze whatever is on your screen while you do different things behind the scenes.  When you are not moving from screen to screen simply freeze it and you will never get that black screen again.  You have a much better chance of maintaining student engagement while trying to reconnect if you have something on the screen.  This is also a great way to take your attendance while your anticipatory set is up on your smartboard.

4.  Collaboration and when students should work together.

One of these device’s strongest attributes are their natural tendency toward collaboration - they were designed for this.  We must be crystal clear about our collaborative expectations for each assignment we give.  Digital natives are wired collaboratively and now have devices that encourage this.  They can share and work together across the classroom and across the globe without anyone knowing.  We must specifically tell them when it is and when it is not appropriate to work with others … a good rule of thumb is that if we don't tell them they can’t - then it is appropriate.  

5.  Digital Literacy and Turning In

It is now common place to ask students to submit their writing digitally. They can draft in Google Docs, share their drafts with peers/families and teacher for in-process feedback. Teachers then bulk download work as pdfs, save them on Google or in DropBox, and open on iPad with a digital copy of the rubric where they respond using a note-writing app where they write on them with a stylus.  Getting in this habit is not only strong process but it creates a digital log for the student, family, and teacher.

iTeam in Action

Birth of the iTeam

The need for a student led technology club came simultaneously with our one-to-one iPad deployment this August at Croswell-Lexington High School.  Our school culture supports clubs of all kinds and the “iTeam” was a natural fit when the entire student body was issued  iPads this year.  The club’s present goals are to help fellow students and teachers who need tech support and to assist in guiding our school policy as it evolves with the addition of 800 iPads.

I knew the group was going to be popular, but was surprised by the immediate pride our members took in the iTeam.  They designed a logo and ordered t-shirts.  When a student asks a teacher for help with their iPad, team members jump at the chance to interject.  They solve problems quickly.  They have created a google doc of common problems and how to fix them and even taken broken iPads - opened them up and repaired them.

Our next step is to work directly with Apple and broaden our goals. Team members are interested in:
- getting sponsorship to support new objectives
- schedule office hours where students can get help with technology from our members
- create a course so team members can receive high school credit for their service
- obtain Apple certification

Armed and iDangerous

The Pioneers are now armed with the power of iPads.  Who would have believed that an economically challenged rural district like ours could have found a way to tip the scales and provide each middle and high school student - 1600 in all - with an iPad to take home and computer/iPad access for all 700 students K-4 students all day. We found a way …

The real excitement began five months ago when we deployed about 100 of the devices to our teachers and began to systematically offer progressive professional development we termed iPD.  Most teachers begin running on reserve fuel as the end of the school year approaches … our teachers started running on adrenaline.  

Their excitement and fear was demonstrated in many ways, but none so apparent than their willingness to attend iPD sessions.  Change is tough.  We offered purely volunteer training sessions once a week - all summer long - and were amazed by the attendance.  We deliberately set them early, so our teachers could work for a few hours and still enjoy the summer weather.  iPD became contagious and our numbers continued to grow throughout the summer months.

If we thought the the teachers were excited, nothing could have prepared us for the students.  Our August was packed with 14 different iPad deployment sessions.  Every student was required to attend a session with a parent/guardian.  They began listening to our dynamic superintendent - Dr. Kevin Miller - describe the vision behind the one-to-one initiative. Principals then discussed expectations and students were divided into small groups for a 30 minute set up and basic tutorial.  They left excited about school and proud to be a student at Croswell-Lexington.  

We watched as students began to post on facebook things like “I lost my girlfriend to an iPad” and “Ok i said these iPads were a dumb idea before i actually got to learn with them. A year of intro to chem and a year of chem i didn’t understand anything. A night with one of the chem apps and i understand it. Best Idea Ever!”  It was by design that we deployed the devices early.  We wanted our teachers to have them ASAP to plan with them and we wanted the students to have a few weeks before school started to get their “sillies out”.

Now, a week into school and we have had the expected bumpy start.  As the Principal, I have never been prouder of my students and teachers.  When the digital textbooks were delayed … they shook it off and kept going.  When the internet service provider went down day one … they shook it off and kept going.  When our system hiccupped day two … they shook it off and kept going.  When Self Service determined it couldn’t handle all our kids at once … they shook it off and kept going.  It certainly wasn’t a smooth beginning, but we all knew patience was going to be the key.

Now in the midst of resetting google accounts and trying to get the reflection software to work consistently, if you look closely you will see some incredible things going on at Croswell-Lexington Schools. You will see flipped science classrooms where students are watching lectures at home and working under direction of the teacher the next day.  You will see digital textbooks having replaced all of their old and heavy predecessors.  You will see “edmodo” conversations where normally shy quiet students are able to have an equal voice.  You will see an exponential rise in formative assessment and this is driving instruction.  You will see PDF notes being sent seamlessly back and forth between teacher and student. You will see all students having continuous access to their google apps and the world wide web.   You will see 2300 students armed with iPads and excited about learning.

Pioneers, Come Get Your iPads

We are very excited about our One-to-One Technology Initiative for all students in grades 5-12! Our teachers have been preparing diligently for a major shift in how we teach and how our students will learn … with iPads.  

We feel it important to answer any questions you have and to do some parent/student training prior to handing the devices to our students. The most commonly asked question so far has been about insurance.  

• The district has a 3-year lease on the iPads and will offer a 3-year insurance policy to parents for just $20.  
• That $20 covers the entire 3-year period and has a $50 deductible.  
• With the insurance, if the iPad is damaged or lost, the student/parent will be responsible for the deductible and a replacement iPad will be provided.
• If you choose not to purchase the insurance, replacement of a damaged or lost iPad will cost $400.  
• Please bring a check or cash to orientation to pay for insurance - credit cards will not be accepted.
• We request that you set up an iTunes account prior to the orientation meeting.  Please bring your iTunes account password and your pioneers.us school email password.

Our goal is to get the iPads in the students’ hands about three weeks before the school year begins so they can “hit the ground running” on the first day of school.  We have set up the following dates and times for a parent/student orientation and training session.  Our superintendent, Dr. Miller, will begin the session by laying out the vision behind this initiative and answering questions you might have.  You and your student will then sign the technology acceptable use agreement and will receive the iPad.  A copy of the acceptable use policy is included in this packet for you to review.

CL5 Students only Monday Aug 13 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Seniors only Tuesday Aug 14 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Juniors only Tuesday Aug 14 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

Sophomores only Tuesday Aug 14 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Freshmen only Tuesday Aug 14 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

If you are unable to make your designated daytime training, evening orientation/training sessions will be held at the following dates/times:

Make-up session Tuesday Aug 21 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Make-up session Tuesday Aug 28 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.           

BOTH the student and parent must be present at the orientation/training.  Fall sports practices will be held at times that do not conflict with these times.  Families with more than one child can call ahead and reserve the time that they will attend together.  For those families, we will have all iPads ready for them if an RSVP is made.  Please RSVP to 679-1000.  A tentative agenda for the orientation/training will include:

• meet in high school cafetorium for an introduction by Dr. Miller
• sign district technology agreement and purchase insurance
• receive your district issued iPad
• participate in a small group training sessions on how to use your iPad
• check out district approved covers
• set up iTunes account if you don't come with one already

As you can see from the agenda, this orientation and training has been designed to help both you and your student feel more comfortable with our one-to-one technology initiative and be ready for day one of school.  On the left side of district website at www.croslex.org under “District Documents” there is a document called “iPad Q&A for Parents and Students”.  It has been updated with the latest information and will answer many questions you have.  In their advertisement about the iPad, Apple says “This Changes Everything!”  As “Pioneers” we have looked at recent data from schools using iPads who have seen dramatic increases in learning.  We believe the iPad is truly “Pioneering” in education.

iPads for All Students Next Year

The Croswell-Lexington School District announces a One-to-One initiative for the 2012-2013 school year and beyond.  Every student in grades 5-12 will receive a WIFI-equipped iPad that will contain digital textbooks, novels, and a multitude of learning tools and applications.  In addition to the One-to-One iPad initiative in grades 5-12, about 150 iPads are already being used in school by students in grades K-4.  Combined with mini-laptops, laptops, and desktop computers, the district will achieve its goal of technology in the hands of every student, every day.

“The district’s goal, as always, is providing the best education possible for our students,” said Cros-Lex Superintendent Dr. Kevin Miller.  “Our core belief is today’s students learn differently than the way we learned.  The world today demands a tech-savvy person.  This One-to-One initiative will help us to prepare our students for requirements desired by colleges and the work force.  Our students have grown up with technology in the palm of their hands.  We want to make sure that this same technology is used to prepare them for success in the 21st century.”

Digital textbooks offer to students tremendous advantages over traditional textbooks. Students will have the opportunity to immediately get a definition of a word they don’t understand or to instantly get access through links to the world wide web or videos on the subject being studied.  Students will also have the ability to highlight and save the text of key concepts to digital notecards to review later.  Digital books are also updated often and contain 3-D images and graphics that can be manipulated by students.

The student iPads will have software loaded allowing them to test digitally and to answer questions digitally through an app called “eclicker” when a teacher does formative assessments (quick testing to see how students are absorbing information in the lesson).  The iPads will be loaded with a graphing calculator app and reading and math applications.  Students will turn in assignments digitally using programs like Google Applications for education.

The devices will be paid for initially by replacing two line items in the district budget; the technology computer-purchase line item and the textbook-purchase line item.  Ultimately, we believe that the shift from traditional textbooks to technology like the iPad will save the district money.  There are dozens of digital textbooks available at no cost.

The district will offer an inexpensive insurance policy to families to replace damaged devices.  A district technology committee will develop policies listing expectations for student use both at school and at home.  District officials plan to visit districts in West Michigan who have already embarked on a One-to-One technology initiative that includes iPads.  Croswell-Lexington will be one of the first districts in Eastern Michigan to roll out a One-to-One iPad initiative for all middle and high school students.  

Professional development for teachers will help them transition from using traditional texts to digital textbooks and the many learning applications offered by the devices.  The district is planning an orientation meeting for students and parents prior to the start of the 2012-13 school year.

“Ultimately, we expect this initiative to fundamentally change the way we educate and the way students learn,” said Miller.  “We’ve already seen the positive impact the iPads have had at the elementary and middle schools.”

TWENTY

20.1 For the first time in school history Croswell-Lexington High School students broke the 20 mark on the ACT.  Our composite score average of all 170 juniors was 20.13 this year.  The ACT Plus Writing includes the four subject area tests plus a 30-minute Writing Test.  ACT results are accepted by all 4-year colleges and universities in the U.S.  The ACT includes 215 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete, including a short break (or just over four hours if you are taking the ACT Plus Writing). Actual testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes.  This is great news, but the Pioneers are not satisfied ...  we are going for 21 next year!

Pioneer Hall Closed

Good News!  The concrete moisture levels in Pioneer Hall & indoor running track have finally come down enough and contractors have the “green light” to begin laying the rubber track.  This will cause us to temporarily close off certain sections of the building beginning with Pioneer Hall allowing them to work.  I thank everyone in advance for their flexibility. We have arranged it so everything is still usable but students will have to take alternate routes to get where they need to. So please plan ahead.

I have included a map of which doors will and will not be accessible during this phase.  The main change is that all student drivers will temporarily enter and exit through the west doors near Mr. Pepin’s room.  Have a great rest of the break.

Go Pioneers!

“PROFICIENCY” ON MME HAS A NEW DEFINITION

Earlier in March, Croswell-Lexington High Schools’ students along with all other Michigan public school students in eleventh grade were required to take the MME. Our results are beginning to pour in and our students are doing very well!

If you haven’t already, you will soon begin hearing news reports about new cut-off scores, or “cut scores” that the Michigan State Board of Education recently adopted for these tests.

So, what are cut scores and why has the Michigan State Board of Education changed them? MME cut scores separate test takers into various categories, such as advanced, proficient, partially proficient and not proficient. Michigan’s previous cut scores for these state tests were set at a basic level. Raising the cut scores will give Michigan parents and students a much better sense of whether they are adequately prepared for the next step in their education and a future career in a global economy.

The new cut scores represent a significantly higher standard for student achievement and are intended to more accurately reflect a student’s progress toward college and career readiness. On some tests, students previously could have answered as few as 50 percent of the questions correctly to be considered proficient. Under the new scoring system, students will have to correctly answer a much higher percentage of questions. Michigan is one of only three states in the nation (along with New York and Tennessee) to move to this top tier level of test scoring.

Like school districts across the state, Croswell-Lexington High Schools’ MME proficiency results are expected to decline (yet our overall scores will go up) when publicly released in the Spring. While we anticipate an initial drop in the number of students reported as “proficient,” we are confident this change will be temporary due to ongoing school improvement efforts and student support. 

If a student is reported as “not proficient,” it does not mean that he or she isn't gaining academic skills or knowledge expected for his or her grade level. It means that on the day of the test, this student was not yet proficient on the material being tested. Many students may require additional help and/or time to master these skills. Actually, by the time parents and the school receive the MME results from the state, many students identified as “not proficient” will have closed the gap. 

The MME test is only one of several measures used in our district throughout the year to insure that students are making academic progress.  We will be examining our curriculum to respond to this more challenging level of test scoring.  In addition, our staff will focus our professional development efforts on enhancing our abilities to rise to the challenge presented to these recent changes.

Pioneer LeaderCast - MAY 4

Here is a great opportunity for students.  If you are interested in going, please see me ASAP and we'll make it happen.  There is also a contest going on that has a $5000 prize. They’re looking for a 10 second video. They have some excellent ideas. Go here for more details: www.chick-fil-aleadercast.com/contest  

Early College Dates

As some of you begin and others continue their CL5 journey, I want to get us all on the same page with some future events and news. To be clear,  I will refer to your corhort by graduation year.

2015 - upcoming CL5 students will travel by bus with Mrs. Brandon and I to SC4 on May 18th to meet professors, discuss expectations, and tour the campus (transportation and lunch provided - dress professionally)

2014 - must be prepared to commit to an Associate Degree in Arts or Science March 20th when all high school students select next year’s classes

2013 - Scott Watson (SC4 Academic Advisor) will meet with entire cohort at 8:10 AM on April 10th at the high school to discuss next year’s course selection and expectations (BTW senior interviews are March 28)

Note: we are having some parking issues on the Geiger SC4 campus - please understand that two of the spots are reserved (and marked) for the tenants of the house … reminder there is plenty of parking on the other side of Geiger off of Sanborn (please use this)

Croswell-Lexington Community Schools and St. Clair County Community College are proud of your efforts … keep it up!  If you have any questions, please email tkerhoulas@croslex.org or call me directly at 679-1502.  

PIONEERS Win State Championship!

The Croswell-Lexington powerlifting girls team won its first state championship.

The Pioneers finished with 97 team points to beat out five-time defending champions Whitmore Lake Friday night at the Michigan High School Power Lifting Association 2012 State Finals at Lake Orion High School.

Whitmore Lake took second with 64 points. There were 25 teams competing in the event.

"We were able to qualify 28 girls for states on our team this year out of 34," Cros-Lex coach Sheila Klaas said. "The girls worked very hard this year and were determined to walk away winners.

"They lifted their hearts out last night and as a coach I could not have asked for anymore. It was a great night."

Cros-Lex also had two state champions: Casey Tait in the 123-weight class with a 600-pound total and Jessica Genaw in the 181-weight class with a total of 610 pounds.

YOU CAN DO IT

I know you are as excited as I am about next week.  It’s your chance to shine.  It’s your chance to show the world academic strength.  It’s your chance to do incredibly well on the ACT, Explore, PLAN, Michigan Merit, and final exams.  It’s a great week to be a PIONEER!

You are well prepared and should feel confident.  Remember eat a good breakfast, get lots of sleep, and know when and where to be.  Prepare yourself for success … you can make it happen.  Here is the schedule for the week:

Tuesday, March 6

Juniors write the ACT (meet in aux gym at 7:40AM), sophomores write the PLAN, and freshmen write the Explore (seniors do not report until 11:30 and Juniors are dismissed after the ACT at 1:30)

Wednesday, March 7

Juniors write the MME (Day1), all others have 2^nd and 4^th period final exams.

Thursday, March 8

Juniors write the MME (Day2), all others have 1^st, 3^rd, and 5^th period final exams.

Take Friday off … you will have deserved it.  Good Luck everyone.

Faass Wins $250 for Photos of the New High School

Two Croswell-Lexington High School students were awarded Tuesday for their impressive photography skills.  Michaela Faass and Emily Burgess took first and second place, respectively, in a contest put on by the designer of the new high school.  Dan Jerome of French and Associates presented the students with certificates and gift cards of $250 for first place and $50 for second.  Michaela said she was “ecstatic” when she found out she won the contest and was “proud to have run against such talented students who also did an amazing job.”
Instead of asking a professional photography company to take promotional pictures of the new facility for his company, Mr. Jerome said he knew the students would do a phenomenal job.
He wasn’t disappointed.  Said Emily of her unique angle at the contest: “It was difficult taking pictures of a building, so I tried to incorporate as many people in the pictures as possible.”
Principal Theo Kerhoulas said it was important to Croswell-Lexington Community Schools to hire an architect firm that would involve students in the design phase of the new and improved high school. He added that French and Associates fit the bill perfectly and sought out student opinion and feedback every step of the way.
Principal Kerhoulas said he was proud of the Pioneers involved.  “French designed a flexible collegiate space at Croswell-Lexington that transforms with the needs of our 21st Century learners,” Kerhoulas said. “Our students did a fantastic job capturing this in their photography.”