ECS Conference - Building Bridges in Portland, Oregon

A surprise opportunity to attend the ECS Conference in Oregon allowed me to drive down the Pacific coastline with my son.  The sights were magnificent on our way down to Bandon Dunes where Noah was to play golf and I was to attempt to walk the six mile course.  Observing his interaction with caddy Josh I couldn't help thinking about how much better Noah's game was as a result of input from a course expert.  Policymakers could learn something from golf.  Those in the position to make decisions for our classrooms should listen to the teachers, those who know how to navigate the course best to avoid the bunkers and stay on the fairway to insure those elusive hole in ones so similar to standardized test scores.  Back in Portland I enjoyed grilled halibut and the incredible view from the windows at the Portland City Grill.  I gazed out at the beautiful panorama of the Willamette River and all the bridges that connect the city.  Education is full of bridges: the bridge between school and home, the bridge between the past and present, the bridge between grade levels and teachers and students. The purpose for the teachers of the year to attend the ECS (Education Commission of the States) National Forum on Educational Policy Conference was to create a bridge between the practical and policy. It was a chance for the commissioners to hear the classroom perspective only a teacher can provide. It is so important for us to seize every opportunity that presents itself to create this bridge.  Policymakers must be aware of how their decisions impact our students and our teaching.  I found them to be very open and willing to listen. It is clear that major changes are on the horizon for education in America, especially as it relates to teacher education and evaluation - we must stay in the discussions.

One of the highlights was a keynote by John Medina, author of Brain Rules. He was fascinating. He highlighted how so much of the procedures and schedules of today's schools are not set up to jive with how children learn. I am coming away from this speech with much food for thought about my own teaching practice. It is clear that we cannot jam large bits of information into children in chunks. Students need to learn, relearn and practice what they learn if information is to make it into their memories. Teachers and policymakers could learn a lot from John Medina, I certainly did.   
A big thank you to the NEA for sponsoring our travel expenses.