Are T+L session handouts available? 

Visit “Online Conference Planner” and search by session title.  If the presenter provided handouts they will be posted under each session; you will need to search for each session independently. Please note that presenters were encouraged to provide their handouts for posting, but it was not mandatory. If a session doesn’t have handouts posted, and you would like a copy, please contact cobrien@nsba.org. We will contact the presenter to request their handouts/presentation, but no guarantee can be made. 

How do I stay connected with the T+L and TLN community?

Join the online community!  You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.  Additionally, the conversation continues on the T+L Blog.

How can our district join TLN? 

The Technology Leadership Network (TLN), where leaders connect, collaborate and achieve more together, is paving the way for innovation and education. Learn more about how to benefit from our on-going professional development and content rich webinars, attend our three day intensive Site Visits, network with other leading districts, and much more.  JOIN NOW!

Plan now for the 2010 T+L Conference!

Mark your calendars for T+L in Phoenix, Arizona, October 20 – 22, 2010.  See you there!!

According to a recent Intel Corporation survey, parents are more comfortable talking about drug abuse than math and science with their children. Despite a perceived importance of math and science for success, and an overwhelming willingness to be involved, the survey results reveal that parents, particularly those of teenagers, often find themselves with little more understanding of these subjects than their children and without the necessary resources to bridge this gap.

A strong background in math and science is increasingly critical for American prosperity in a global economy. But just last week the National Assessment of Educational Progress report stated that less than 40 percent of fourth- and eighth-graders are proficient in math. The Intel survey makes the point that parents must play a pivotal role in education and inspire their children to take an interest in math and science, and Intel hopes to provide resources to assist in doing so.

Some key points from the survey:

• Despite recognizing the importance of math and science, parents say they are uncomfortable addressing these subjects with their children. More than 50 percent (53 percent) of parents of teenagers admit that they have trouble helping their children with math and science homework. Parents of high school students are also more likely than parents of younger kids to express disappointment in their own ability to help their child with these subjects.
• Nearly a quarter of parents (23 percent) who admit to being less involved in their child’s math and science education than they would like say their own lack of knowledge in these subjects is a key barrier.
• Another 26 percent of parents who are less involved than they would like wish there was a one-stop shop with materials to refresh their existing, but unused math and science knowledge so they can better help their kids.

The survey also found that our schools are falling short of parents’ expectations, with nearly 9 in 10 parents saying they believe the U.S. lags behind other countries in math and science, even though 98 percent of parents say these subjects are critical to America’s future.

Parents clearly want to be part of the solution. Ninety-one (91) percent of parents believe parental involvement is crucial to their children’s academic success, with nearly 9 in 10 (89 percent) saying that talking to their children about the importance of math and science in the real world would help improve their children’s performance and interest. NSBA wholeheartedly agrees.

To learn more about the Intel Education Initiative, visit www.intel.com/education. To join Intel’s community of people sharing their stories with the hope of becoming a catalyst for action and a voice for change in global education, visit www.inspiredbyeducation.com.

October is about to come to a close, and since it is National Cyber Security Awareness Month I thought I’d mention an excellent piece about teaching your child to be internet-savvy from the get-go.

Wired’s Geekdad has recently had a series of guest posts by Adam Rosenberg, New Media Manager, Center for Democracy & Technology, and The First E-Mail Address: Raising an Internet-Savvy Child certainly caught my attention. Here are some key points, but I suggest you check out the full article:

1. The never talk to strangers rule is still true online.
2. Treat your e-mail address like any other piece of property.
3. Read every form you fill out during sign-up, including the privacy policy.
4. Do not give out personal information without permission.
5. Keep an open dialogue with your children about their internet usage and whom they talk to.

… may be frightful, but T+L is still delightful.

Yes, that’s right, T+L is underway despite Mother Nature throwing a little wrinkle in the plan. Eventhough Denver is known for a mild climate, autumn snow is fairly common. In fact, as Arctic air begins its southward flow in the autumn, it can combine with moisture from the Pacific Northwest to bring significant snowfall to the city. November is actually Denver’s second snowiest month!

Nevertheless, all scheduled T+L events are proceeding as planned. If weather conditions necessitate a change in schedule, updates will be posted here.

Do you know an emerging leader who is transforming education through their innovative application and approach to technology?

NSBA’s “20 to Watch” search is underway again this year. Twenty to Watch seeks to identify the next generation of leaders who reflect the spirit of creativity and collaboration while embracing the power of technology to enhance learning for students, inspire colleagues, transform operations, and engage communities.

The “20 to Watch” are exceptional leaders who will help define expectations for the role technology can play in the future. The 20 technology leaders will be recognized at the general session at NSBA’s T+L Conference, Oct. 28-30 in Denver. Additionally, these 20 outstanding leaders will be showcased in future NSBA education technology publications and multimedia projects. To nominate a technology leader, click here.