On the Road again…Day Two
Today was our first opportunity to have a good long look at Easiteach . I have to say, on the whole, it is a great product for use with an IWB. Perhaps it’s because they have been working with Educators since ’73 or perhaps that they are all content (software) based that the resources for teachers are as extensive as they are. Whatever the reason, RM have a sound package available IWB users, whichever flavour they happen to be. I would love to here from anyone who is familiar with the Easiteach set up and have experience of its use in the classroom. They only drawback I can see for now is how the material available is so closely linked to the British National Curriculum. Perhaps the units need merely rebranding with links from the Australian and NZ curriculum. I’d put my hand up for that job for the right price.
I have been engaged in conversation with folk today about “What would it take to address raise the standard of achievement for students today”. The Gift and Talented roll is one that is currently in a state of flux. You have some schools around NZ who are going ‘hell for leather’ in their provision for such students, others that are paying ‘lip-service’ to the notion and finally others that are merely paralyzed with indecision.
Something that was talked about was the idea or funds channeled into an ‘academy’. But we hit the sticking point of the justification of ‘ring-fenced’ money only benefitting a small portion of the school community.
How would the argument go for such fund? Is it justifiable for the top 5% of students within a school?
Also I would love here about is the variety of models for addressing the issue. I know Melaine Holtsman works within the G&T domain and perhaps other of you could share your thoughts?
