What is the Purpose of Education?

Many of you probably remember George Curous, the gentleman that kicked off our school year a few years ago.  He is an education consultant that focuses on innovation, learning and leadership.  This week in his blog he asked a questions that I grapple with everyday, "What is the purpose of education?"   Have you ever sat back to reflect on this question?

From our legislator's viewpoint, both federally and at the state level it apparently basic math and ELA skills.  We know what we assess drives our teaching.  The government continues to put focus on high-stakes testing in math and English for students in grades 3-10.  Even though there have been efforts to limit the testing for accountability in high school, the efforts died.  Many schools across the state could not see the power of a different accountability system.  It is not their fault, since they have lived in this antiquated testing system for so long.  It makes me sad because we will continue to be stuck in a win-less system, narrowing the focus of what school could be.

What if changed what we assessed?  What if we defined our success by measuring student engagement, authentic learning tasks, student autonomy?  What if our students had the opportunity to excel in their own strengths, were allowed to be creative and problem-solving real-world problems?

I can tell you what would happen if our education system would measure success in a different way.  We would find happy, successful students who would value their education.  I hope at Perry Central we can continue to push the envelope and find ways for our students to engage in their education in innovative ways; looking for purpose, agency, strong skill sets and mind-sets that lead to deep knowledge!  To me, this is when education can truly change the world!


Important Information: 

ILEARN Testing - ILEARN testing starts on Monday during 2,3&4 periods.  As you know, testing takes a team effort, so please be familiar with the schedule.  You can find a link below.  I also sent out a few emails about coverage to some of you this evening.  Looking forward to a great week of testing!  (Also, you may see a few familiar faces in the building this week as Jackie Wright, Nancy Wright, Rebecca Etienne, Nan Dupont and Becky Hubert have offered to help us with testing!)
        Test Schedule HERE.

   Monday, April 29 - ELA Test 1 (Computer Adaptive), Periods 2-4
   Tuesday, April 30 - ELA Test 2, Part 1 (Performance Task), Periods 2-3
   Wednesday, May 1 - ELA Test 2, Part 2 (Performance Task), Periods 2-4

   Monday, May 6 - Math Test 1 (Computer Adaptive), Periods 2-4
   Tuesday, May 7 - Math Test 2 (Performance Task), Periods 2-3

ISTEP 10 Testing  - Thanks to all of our teachers who helped with ISTEP 10 Testing!  That test is finished!  

Suicide Training - Just a reminder that the 2nd option for Suicide Training will be Tuesday, April 30th from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the high school library.

Ron Clark Movie - Even though Spring is really a busy time, I did have a few people respond back and say that they could watch the Ron Clark Movie after school on May 7th.  We will tentative set the movie for 3:10 - 4:40 p.m. in the high school library.  I think the movie is going to be great!  More information to come as we get closer to this date.  It is my goal to utilize some of Ron Clark's work in our junior high next year.  Everyone is invited!

Signing Day - Perry County will be hosting a Signing Day on Wednesday, May 1st at 6:30 p.m. for students that will be going straight into the workforce after high school.  Signing Days have been gaining a lot of traction as we celebrate all aspirations and goals after high school.  Students that will be recognized have worked hard to position themselves to have full-time employment already lined up; many utilizing their internships as a spring board.  Hope you can join us!


Important Dates:

Monday, April 29 -  Varsity Baseball @ Paoli 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 30 -  Suicide Training 3:05 p.m. - 4:00 p.m./ JV Golf  @ SV Course - and Varsity @ Lucas Oil 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 1 - Signing Day  6:30 p.m. Tell City Depot/ Varsity Baseball @ Home vs. TC 5:00/ Varsity Softball @ Lanesville 4:30

Thursday, May 2 - Varsity Baseball @ Springs Valley 4:30 p.m./ Varsity Softball @ Heritage Hills 5:00 p.m.

Friday, May 3 - PLAC Track Meet @ PC   4:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 4 - Perry Central Jr./Sr. High School Prom - Grand March 7:00 p.m.