Warner Update
Making a difference, one person at a time
When We Know Better, We Do Better, Right?
Several weeks ago I had the opportunity to meet with Bill Montgomery and Heather Holshoe. Over the span of two weeks we discussed science, math and all things education. When talking with both of them I really enjoyed how they both shared how education has evolved and changed. We as professionals know so much more than we did years ago. We chuckled at thoughts of VCR tapes, microfiche, and film projectors. Then we talked about changes in instruction. All of this had me thinking. Do we as the professionals evolve? What makes a person open to new ideas?
"Facts aren't the thing that change people's beliefs," Seidenberg said. "In fact, confronted with data that contradict deeply held personal beliefs, instead of bringing people closer together, it can have the paradoxical effects of entrenching them further."
Essentially, facts have the ability to drive people farther apart.
Really?
Given this statement I decided to do my own bit of research and this is what I discovered.
There is something called, Confirmation Bias. Ozan Varol, a rocket scientist, law professor and author shares this, "Think back to the last time you Googled a question. Did you meticulously read each link to get a broad objective picture? Or did you simply skim through the links looking for the page that confirms what you already believed was true?"
Is our society full of individuals that disregard research and data because they believe their experiences and beliefs are simply better?
I bring this up for a specific reason. In classrooms all across the country educators are teaching students facts and guiding them to follow the research, track the data and objectively form thoughts. This is what we should do. So the question becomes, as professionals, are we doing the same? Are we up to date on the current research? Do we actively look at data to improve our craft?
I believe this is worth thinking about. Only you can truly answer this.
Next Week At A Glance:
Monday, January 14th: Board Work Session 5:30pm
Monday, January 14th: 4th and 5th Grade Spelling Bee at the Western Community Arts Center
Tuesday, January 15th: Day 7 of Kindness Acts: Secretly do something special for a co-worker and don't take any credit
Tuesday, January 15th: Grades 4 & 5 to Bittersweet Ski Resort at 8:45am, returning at 5pm
Tuesday, January 15th: Bible Release 9am
Wednesday, January 16th: Grades K-2 Assembly at 8:45am
Wednesday, January 16th: Day 8 of Kindness Acts: Take the time to call a family member.
Wednesday, January 16th: 2:35pm- 3:35pm K-2 teachers meet with Bill Montgomery in Miss Kolb's room (Second Semester Science Focus)
Thursday, January 17th: Warner TEAM Meeting 9am
Thursday, January 17th: Panther Pride Lunch
Thursday, January 17th: Day 9 of Kindness Acts: Wear workout gear and engage others in physical activity (also try and make time to attend Erin's after school session)
Thursday, January 17th: 3:45pm Mindfulness/Yoga with Erin Kreger
Thursday, January 17th: 6:30pm Warner PTO Meeting
Friday, January 18th: Day 10 Kindness Acts: Jeans Day! Make a point of going out at recess or eating lunch with students.
Friday, January 18th: PBIS Reward Day for Quarter 2
- Please email Ben any students that will receive Behavior Intervention Support based on Quarter 2 (this means they will not receive the reward on Friday).
- Reward will be in Miss Kolb's room (Schedule and Guidelines will be emailed to all teachers)
* Teachers please schedule your 2nd observation with Ben during either January or February.
* All Staff: On February 5th the Jackson ISD is offering CPI training. If you are interested please let me know this week. Multiple Warner Staff members have already committed to this date.
* Quarter 3 PLC Days at Central Admin are as follows:
- Monday, Feb. 11th (1st grade from 8:30-11:30)
- Monday, Feb. 11th (5th grade from 12:30-3:30)
- Wednesday, Feb. 20th (Specials from 8:30-11:30)
- Wednesday, Feb. 20th (Young 5's from 12:30-3:30)
- Thursday, Feb. 21st (KDG from 8:30-11:30)
- Thursday, Feb. 21st (2nd grade from 12:30-3:30)
- Monday, Feb. 25th (SPED from 8:30-11:30)
- Wednesday, Feb. 27th (3rd grade from 8:30-11:30)
- Wednesday, Feb. 27th (4th grade from 12:30-3:30)
Teachers, please schedule your substitutes as soon as possible.