Critical+Thinking+Chapter+10

1. Research the Coalition of Essential Schools movement started by Ted Sizer. Explain the core elements of the thinking behind the Essential Schools movement. What is the current state of the essential schools movement. Do you believe Peoria Notre Dame should join this movement? Why or why not?

2. Integrating technology into schools has often been though of as a cure all for educational boredom. A number of schools have tried 1:1 laptop programs and have then cancelled the program after a few years. Research and identify schools where this was the case. What makes a laptop program successful and what makes a laptop program fail. What recommendation do you have for PND moving forward to guarantee our program is successful?

3. One push for technology integration lies with overcoming the costs associated with text books. Research the total text book value that the average pnd student carries around with them versus the cost of buying digital versions of these texts. What are the cost savings? Or are there cost savings to replacing books with digital technology. Additionally compare the costs of an average freshmen biology major at a university and what their annual expense is for text books? What cost savings could they gain by going digital?

4. Research the origin of standardized testing regarding the ACT and the SAT. Research popular criticisms of these tests and be able to articulately explain them to your fellow students. If you were in charge of designing the admissions protocol for a university how much weight would you give these tests and why?

5. After so many years of failing to meet AYP schools are often restructured. Research at least three restructuring efforts that have taken place in the state of Illinois. Be able to explain the details of these plans. What similarities and what differences do you see with these plans. If you were in charge of a state restructuring plan for a failing high school what would be the three main reforms you would include and why?

6. One proposal that school restructuring often takes on is that of merit pay. Imagine for the moment that you are given complete control over PND's staff and developing a merit pay system. What are the core items you would evaluate in terms of merit pay and teacher performance. Design your system and be able o present your plan to the class along with your reasons. Feel free to interview teachers and research other models.