Electronic Bracelets Used for Truant Students

This NPR story is fascinating; a judge has ordered electronic monitoring bracelets (like the one picture to left) for kids with continual truancy problems. The principal administering the program in East Dallas, Texas said that results have been tremendous. With the bracelet kids are back in school, spending more time with their families outside of school (due to the limitations placed upon them with the bracelets), and working towards rehabilitation. Parents are held accountable as part of the program as well. I definitely had some students who could have used some ankle bracelets for some accountability with their attendance.

Federal Grand Jury Indites Lori Drew

In a follow up to other posts on the Megan Meier MySpace/Cyberbullying case, the adult involved, Lori Drew, has be indited by a federal grand jury as reported in the LA Times today.

What do you all think — good idea or excessive? (Drew pictured on left. This seems to be the only picture out there of her.)

Update 7:26pm: Just saw Megan’s mom speak on the ABC evening news — clip isn’t online yet. 8:00 am — still no footage, but the story is up online.

5-16-08, 8:00 am — This take on the situation from Wired is really interesting. The article says that Drew’s situation opens the gateway for punishment after terms of service abuse on any website. A good point since there are no cyberbullying laws in the involved states. If anything I think it makes the case for the need of specific cyberbullying legislation. You thoughts?

“Death of Education, Start of Learning”

While I don’t entirely agree with the quote I’ve entitled this post with, because I do think there’s great learning going on in classroom that aren’t entirely high tech, I do agree that it is going to be impossible to outfit students the the skills they need to be successful 21st citizens and employees without full, cross curriculum technology integration. It’s also harder to engage students without using the online tools that define much of their communication. Often in explaining MindOH! to people, I call it a “high tech approach to discipline,” which it is. It has been amazing for us to see that when we meet kids in their high tech culture, they’ll provide us with 6 times more information about their situation than in a face to face conversation! Talk about being online communicators.

Schools have to be revamping everything from core classes to the discipline process to validate the content and communication kids are creating online. I loved this video I found from Wesley Fryer’s Moving at the Speed of Creativity Blog. The video addresses 21st century learning skills and how we have to change the face of traditional classrooms to serve 21st century students.

6 Strategies for Divorced Families (+ 1)

From my experience in the classroom and with MindOH!, I know that often times when kids act out at school, it’s a reflection on the turbulence they’re experiencing at home. Divorcing or separating parents can turn any kid’s world upside down, and Vanessa Van Petten has a great post up about strategies for divorced families.

1. Define Family
I think I freaked out because I thought that I would never have a real family again. One of the first things I hope you can do with your children…and maybe even yourself is explain that a family with one dad, two moms, three half-sisters, single parent…they are all families. Think about what family means to you and explain this to your kids, let them know that there are many different kinds of families and there is no better, best or ‘normal’—only happy and loving.

2. New Start…New Rules
Make the rules before they make you! Take the chance for a new start and have everyone decide what kind of new house rules you want to have. I always felt really empowered when my parents asked me my opinion on new household routines or rules. Be sure to also make a new emergency routine (emergency numbers, what to do in a new house in case of fire or earthquake…often overlooked, but very important). I was terrified for my other house during the LA earthquake and for a while phone lines were down so we couldn’t call each other…always know what to do.

3. New Start…Same Ethics
New rules are great, but sometimes we like to take advantage or our parents chaos to assume punching your brother, stealing candy and cursing like dad are suddenly ok. Be sure to let them know, that although there are a lot of changes, your family values and ethics are still the same.

4. Being Scared is OK
Be open, let them know you are scared too, and it might take a little while, but you can work together to make things feel ok.

5. Mum’s the Word
My parents are extremely good about not talking about the other. I mean literally avoid any comments at all in front of your kids, when you say bad things it can be upsetting and even when you say good things it can be confusing (i.e why don’t you just get back together?)

6. Find Other Single Parents
As I mentioned in a previous post, my mom just joined Jdate…she is much happier when she goes out. Find other single and divorced parents, I am sure they have far better tips than I!

7. Maintain Habit and Approach
Don’t keep switching tactics. I think a lot of divorced parents are so desperate to make their kids feel ok they try everything and anything…incentives, rewards, punishment, presents, denial, upset. Pick a strategy and stick to it. The more consistent we see you being, the easier it is for us to find our footing. Be patient with us, show us love, we will come around = ).

I added what I think should be #7 on her comments, and I’ll recopy it here:

As a kid of divorced parents, I think these are great suggestions. I would add to the list having age appropriate conversations with you children about the reason for the divorce as well. This isn’t to say air your ex’s dirty laundry and place blame — but kids need to understand the reasons behind this radical shift of lifestyle and that they aren’t at fault. Both parents probably need to agree on the reasons being presented to the kid(s).

My parents divorced when I was in the 5th grade, and my mom and I have had ongoing conversations about my parents’ relationship. I now understand the failures there on a much deeper level than when I was 11, and I’m able to take their experience, learn from it, and hopefully avoid the same mistake in my own life.

International Reading Association Awards

We always love an organization that promotes outstanding teaching and awards exceptional teachers. I was particularly excited about this year’s International Reading Association Awards Banquet, because my mama, Susan Keehn (picture on right above with me at the banquet), was awarded the IRA Jerry Johns Outstanding Teacher Educator in Reading Award. It was an honor to be there with her along with the honorees and many of legends and ground breakers in reading instruction and research.

Softball Team Example of Character in Action

I caught this story in an airport amid my work traveling last week, and I finally had the chance to look up the details. Softball teams from Central Oregon and Western Washington were in a Division II playoff game, when one of the Washington players tore her ACL on her way to first base after a home run. She was unable to complete the bases, and none of her teammates were allowed to help her. Spontaneously, two players from the Oregon team went and picked her up, then proceeded to carry their opponent around the bases to complete her home run. This is a beautiful example of sportsmanship and character in action. It speaks so well of the young women from Central Oregon and coach that is obviously teaching them much more than just softball.

15% Teacher Discount at J.Crew Retail Stores

I just got this information from a friend who works for J. Crew. They will now be offering a 15% teacher discount at all of their retail stores with a valid teacher ID or pay stub. Thanks J. Crew for honoring teachers!

AT J.CREW, TEACHERS ARE VIPs…
Introducing the new J.Crew Teacher Discount.

Just bring your school ID to any J.Crew retail location and receive an exclusive 15% OFF every time you shop. (It’s even better than summer vacation.)*

Come see us. Visit jcrew.com for store locations.
*Discount is valid only in J.Crew retail stores and cannot be honored at J.Crew Factory Stores or online at jcrew.com. Offer cannot be combined with any other special discounts or promotions or applied to alterations, previous purchases or to the purchase of gift cards.

High School Confidential: The Finale

Last night, the final episode of High School Confidential aired on WE tv. I’ll admit I was even looking forward to it, but I found it to be more of a recap of the series (read: less interesting to those of us who have followed the show) than I had hoped. We did see the girls off to Prom and graduation, but the episode was low on new content. I think it would be much more interesting to know how this experience has affected these girls now two years since the project vs leaving them off at graduation. Also, I noticed several of the updates were a bit outdated just from correspondence I’ve had with several of the girls about contributing to the blog.

My thoughts overall was that the show did a good job of providing an overview of a variety of high school experiences through the eyes of some vastly different students. If the project had begun with the knowledge of what it would become, I think a few things would have been done better (ie more footage, more interviews, greater emphasis on interconnectivity), but that of course if the value of hindsight.

The website does have some endearing footage of the parents reading final goodbye letters to their daughters, which if you’re a pushover for the sentimental, you’ll enjoy.

High School Confidential’s Cate Gives Update

(A recent picture of Cate and her dad).

Last night, WE tv’s High School Confidential featured Cate, Beth, and Lauren B. I enjoyed the episode and I was most interested in the dynamic between Cate and Beth. What a difficult situation for the two girls, and despite all the bickering we heard about, both girls were very graceful about the situation on air. Beth has agreed to share an update with us later this week, so please check back for it!

We’ve heard from Cate before when she responded to The Tyra Banks Show through this blog, and today we get an update from her in the wake of her episode airing. She invites your (appropriate) questions below for her response, so ask away!

Since the Filming Stopped

By Cate Crandell

Well, it has almost been two years since we stopped filming for the documentary. I would say life is just grand! I’m 20 years old, a student at the University of Kansas, and enjoying just about every minute of my life! I mean, you only live once, right? You must always take full advantage of every situation! (OOhh… I hear thunder right now! I’m excited!)

Anyways… since graduation, a lot has happened in my life! My dad and step-mom still do not live together, but have decided not to get a divorce, and I do believe that they are happier now than they every have been.

My sister and I have become a lot closer! She actually made a surprise appearance at my “viewing party” tonight… messed up the make-up a little bit. It was good to see her. She goes to school an hour and a half away from me, so we really don’t get to see each other. I’m a resident assistant, so that makes traveling even more difficult. The job has its perks, but I’m excited for it to be done. May 16^th and I’m out of here!

Speaking of jobs… my photography business is really thriving! I have 3 weddings booked for this summer, and I have either a family or senior shoot almost every weekend. I’m actually going to be traveling to St. Louis, Chicago, and NYC this summer for photoshoots. It should be a lot of fun! So, if you need portraits… let me know! I just re-did my website. www.cate-photography.com. I should be posting wedding photographs as soon as finals are done.

I no longer have my motorcycle. I sold it last May due to the fact that I never had time to ride it. I purchased a Honda Metropolitan 49cc moped upon coming to college, so when I preferred 2 wheels over 4, I generally chose the scooter. 100 miles to the gallon, I really can’t complain! One of these days I’ll hopefully get another one, but I’m hoping to get a new car first.

I am now a French major. There was this major episode earlier in the semester where I had a major freak-out and decided to no longer be in Journalism. I wanted to quit school all together and to go photography sessions and such, but my father, being the very wise man he is, convinced me that’s not a good idea. So, I went down from 2 to 1 major, and all is well. I’ll even be graduating a semester early! Woo hoo!

Next spring I’ll be studying abroad in France and just traveling all over the area there. I’m so excited!

So, life is just grand since graduation. I still have my ups and downs, broken hearts, and poor encounters, but all of my good times totally make up for that! I really couldn’t be happier right now.

As a side note, I just want to say that I am still sorry for what happened with Brad. I don’t know what else to say other than that, and so I’m just going to keep it there.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask! I will try to check the blog as often as possible.

Learning from WETV’s High School Confidential

(Image of the teenage cast found here.)

I’ve had my eye on WE TV’s High School Confidential for several months now, and the show is finally set to premiere next Monday, March 10th 10pm EST. Show creator and mom Sharon Liese was on Good Morning America this morning, explaining the show’s concept. As her own daughter was coming of age, Liese “ began exploring a phenomenon experienced by teenage girls: the inescapable struggle to forge an identity while facing pressure to lose her “self.”

The show follows 12 girls through their four high school years. The girls featured graduated with the class of 2006, and most of them are now in their early twenties. While the show’s description might sound like the potential for fluff, this documentary looks to be content packed evident by the girls featured.

I’m really hopeful that this show will create a platform for discussion amongst youth advocates about the very really challenges facing female teens, as well as motivating parents to talk with their kids about some tough issue. Check back here Tuesday morning for a recap and discussion about the first episode.

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