District Administration - May 2012 - (Page 74)

Models for Education Reform Sally Reis & Joe Renzulli with gifted and “twice exceptional” (gifted with learning disabilities) students, recommends introducing busy teachers to the program through the Project Wizard, an online tool that walks students through projects of their choice, from hypothesis to resources and final projects. She also trains parents and enlists their support in helping guide their children through projects. Renzulli Learning also offers face-toface professional development training days for schools and districts, as well as an online training option. What’s Next for Renzulli? CompassLearning bought Renzulli Learning to complement CompassLearning Odyssey’s model of instructional skills personalization, according to Arthur VanderVeen, the company’s vice president of business strategy and development. VanderVeen says that the Renzulli SEM will receive improvements in the short term, including a larger IT team for more comprehensive technical and customer support and a more robust infrastructure, by this summer. Over the longer term, upgrades will include better tracking of student outcomes, including data on grades and project completion. Ultimately, CompassLearning plans to launch a product that integrates the Renzulli SEM into the company’s Odyssey program. “Joseph and Sally Renzulli will remain very much integral to the Renzulli process, acting as consultants on all improvements, new designs and so forth,” says VanderVeen. “We are committed to the research-based pedagogy and will remain true to that mission.” One Tool in the Toolbox Joseph Renzulli believes that developing each student’s individual strengths and talents remains the key to true reform for struggling students as well as gifted stu- dents. He says that the United States has spent $3 trillion on failed reform efforts since the Johnson administration’s initial Head Start and Title I programs, and that “the programs have gone by many names but have all been the same thing.” Calling Renzulli Learning “No Child Left Bored,” Renzulli says his model is one tool in a teacher’s toolkit that can work against an education system that is narrowing and deadening learning for kids through worksheets and continual test prep, and “lobotomizing the profession” by telling teachers not to think but to simply follow scripted instructional practices. “Our approach comes at it from a different angle,” he says. “We offer low-cost access to experiences and materials that turn on lightbulbs.” DA Susan McLester is a contributing writer to District Administration. Solution Showcase A look at innovative products from leading vendors In Solution Showcase, District Administration spotlights innovative solutions from leading K12 vendors with 20-minute product videos. Featured this month: ST Math: Neuroscience-based math instruction, and a cute penguin to make it lovable. ST Math, from MIND Research Institute, is backed by neuroscience research and has been proven effective in large-scale studies. Plus, it is largely language independent, so it works with all students, including English learners. Introducing the LightRaise 40wi interactive projector from SMART - interactivity on almost any surface. Backed by over 20 years of innovation in educational technology, the LightRaise allows you to create more dynamic learning spaces. As the only interactive projector that includes SMART Notebook collaborative learning software, the LightRaise brings learning to life with engaging content. To watch, go to www.districtadministration.com/showcase 74 May 2012 District Administration http://www.districtadministration.com/showcase

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of District Administration - May 2012

District Administration - May 2012
Contents
From the Editor
Letters
News Update
Sustainability Update
Conversations
Administrator Profile
District Profile
Problem/Solution
Product Focus
Digital Reading Empowers Students
The Critical Task of Hiring a New Chief
Hard Acts to Follow
Leading the Way
Sally Reis & Joe Renzulli
CIO News
Not Your Mother’s Student Information System
Professional Opinion
Noteworthy Books
New Products
Going Mobile

District Administration - May 2012