Content Curation

Curating.  Do you immediately think of an older Librarian who categorizes cards with information? Well, that's not the image that you get if you're living in a digital world. I think of something being "cured" and that may just be the case if I find the right tools. I believe content curation is a step towards my team and I embracing technology--not just buying in and using it when it "fits".   And, if nothing else it is definitely a way for us to be more efficient. We have a massive amount of info at our finger tips and it's a necessary skill or practice we must master in order to thrive(not just survive).  Information overload is a weakness of mine. Too much of a good thing can become overwhelming and then "shut-down" occurs. ISTE standard number 4 is "Systemic Improvement".  This is where I need the most improvement.  I am currently exploring List.ly.com to help me organize specific resources that I want to guide my teachers through as we progress this year.  It seems easy to navigate and so far I like the way it allows you to organize with "lists".  It reminds a bit of Pinterest. My Leadership group is doing a presentation as part of an assignment in our Digital Leadership Academy.  I'll link our video as soon as it is ready. You can view my lists so far at http://list.ly/leigh-ann-turner (remember it's a work in progress)and will soon be connected to my twitter and weebly accounts for your access as well.

Anticipation...
Wednesday is a big day! Why? We begin our journey to the next level with our digital leadership here in Castleberry ISD. The scary part for me is that I don't feel very proficient with the level I'm at! BUT...here we go and I'm actually a little excited also.  #cisddigitalleadership  One thing I am committed to this year is consistency.  I am determined to set aside time daily/weekly to explore, practice and grow. I've learned that if I don't, then the initial fireworks and excitement fizzle out by mid-year.

This next school year is going to be HUGE for Joy James El. and I know our Digital Academy will only propel us into the success we know is coming. Follow us at #joyjames and be a part of something great!

After spending some time with my fifth graders and reviewing our District's Climate Survey given to all students, I decided to conduct my own impromptu survey. I felt like I needed some more concise information from my kiddos if I was going to help them work on making our campus a "kinder" place to be.  I used Socrative. It was a wonderful tool that allowed me to survey my students and quickly create a plan to move forward.  It's a great tool in the classroom for giving quizzes with immediate feedback--which is crucial for the learning process. Socrative has great components such as allowing open-ended questions and it automatically compiles the data in charts & graphs for referencing. Having quick turn around times with data allowed us to immediately form student groups that are in the process of creating projects they feel will enhance the atmosphere here at Joy James El. Student driven using student data.  It's exciting to have tools that empower us(students/teachers/administrators) to make a big difference in our world.

The link below will take you to the Socrative website. Use it! It's teacher and student recommended!
http://www.socrative.com/

Digital-Age Leadership Academy Reflections by Leigh Ann Turner

My first blog discussed a "technological journey" that I was beginning as a Principal in this amazing district of Castleberry.  It has been up and down and back and forth but I wouldn't trade it for anything.  I'm proud to be a part of this district where leaders are pushed to greater heights so that our students reach even greater heights. Below you will find a few reflections on my year so far.  The video clip is part of a larger presentation that will be given by our fearless leaders Dr. Laina McDonald and Renee Smith-Faulkner at the TASA Mid-Winter Conference.

Being Present...it's not just about roll call

A few weeks back I had a sweet reminder that my work as a Principal is to see the masses AND see the individuals. Our fabulous Joy James Librarian, April Scott, asked me once again to participate in the Scholastic "Read Your Heart Out" challenge for Principals.  I looked at my "to-do" list and through grinding teeth I said "SURE!"  In case you missed the sarcasm, I was not wanting to devote an entire day to reading. I had deadlines to meet and walkthroughs to do.  Then I stopped. Wow! Isn't the core reason for our career to teach the love of reading and learning?  It is easy to get caught up in the details of the daily "to-do" list and testing challenges etc. What I got out of this day was inexpressible through words.  However, these pictures may capture the moment and offer you a reminder as well--It's always about the children no matter how busy we get.  Being "present" isn't always easy to do but it's at the heart of true leadership.     And yes...we took a selfie!!