Teachers take lead in education technology outside the classroom A growing number of former teachers are using their expertise in education and their interest in technology to launch startup firms aimed at bringing cutting-edge technology to the classroom. Some of these are among more than 150 ed-tech startups in Massachusetts alone. "I know what works in the classroom," said Benjamin Levy, a former middle-school science teacher whose company eduCanon Inc. helps teachers convert videos into interactive classroom lessons. The Boston Globe (tiered subscription model) (8/6) | One principal's tips on hiring staff Elementary-school principal Larry Fliegelman in this blog post describes how he recruits and interviews teachers and paraprofessionals, including using the website schoolspring.com to automate part of the process. Fliegelman also shares some of his favorite interview questions and responses, and reveals the one quality essential for him in making hiring decisions. "I am not willing to hire even the most brilliant skilled teacher if I detect a bad attitude," he writes. Connected Principals blog (8/4)
Ga. district uses technology to improve cafeteria service A Georgia school district is installing palm scanners, which take high-resolution infrared photographs of the vein pattern just below the skin, in its high-school cafeterias. Officials say the technology will allow students' palm scans to be linked with their meal accounts -- making lines shorter and breakfast and lunch charges more accurate. Ledger-Enquirer (Columbus, Ga.) (8/6) | How can schools reduce technology spending? It can be difficult to ensure the right technology decisions are being made because the tools are constantly changing, writes Rob Waldron, CEO of Curriculum Associates. In this blog post, he offers 10 tips to help education leaders make cost-effective technology decisions. Among other things, he suggests understanding what the technology is intended to accomplish, skipping customized technology and focusing on implementation for the entire staff. Education Week/Vander Ark on Innovation blog (8/6)
| Calif. students are asked to sign social media pledge High-school athletes and club members in a California school district are being asked to sign a social media contract in an effort to curb cyberbullying. Those who sign the contract are agreeing not to post information online that is demeaning, profane or sexual in nature, and not to support such posts by liking them on Facebook or re-tweeting them on Twitter. The contracts, which were issued when school began last month, have drawn criticism from some students who say their free-speech rights are being diminished. The Sacramento Bee (Calif.) (free registration) (8/7) | Educator: How to inspire others with a mission statement The development of education mission statements -- when done correctly -- can be compared to an art form, suggests David Penberg. Most mission statements, he writes in this blog post, appear to be cookie-cutter versions of each other. Instead, he asserts that educators should work to make sure their mission statements inspire, include a human voice and are formed using input from the whole community. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Education (8/6)
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