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ACSA Interim Executive Director Karen Stapf Walters


Assistant Executive Director, Communications Julie White


Editor Susan Davis Board of Directors


President David Gomez


President-Elect Marc Ecker


Vice President Randall Delling


Vice President for Legislative Action Lisa Gonzales


Past President Alice Petrossian


Directors


Tom Armelino, Aaron Benton, Todd Cherland, Carl Christensen, Lisette Estrella-Henderson, Rod Federwisch, Diane Gischel-Lingo,


Julianne Hoefer, Steve Hope, Darrien Johnson, Barry Kayrell, John Keiter, Rose Lock,


Belen Magers, Cindy Petersen, Ralph Porras, Joan Rosas, Judi Rossi, Mary Sieu,


John Snavely, Steve Van Zant, Jean Wells, Teresa Williams


Editorial Office


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(916) 444-3216 or (800) 608-ACSA www.acsa.org


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Diana Granger (530) 642-0111


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Leadership magazine (ISSN 1531-3174) is published bi-monthly in September/October, November/December, January/February, March/ April and May/June by the Asso ciation of Califor- nia School Admin istrators, 1575 Bayshore Hwy., Burlingame, CA 94010. (USPS 282-740) Annual subscription: $60, single copies; $12 (includes state tax). Subscriptions outside the U.S. add $20 ($80 total). Periodical postage paid at Burlingame, California and additional post offices. Articles and advertisements are the expressions of the author(s) and advertisers and are not statements of policy or endorsements of ACSA. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Leadership magazine, ACSA, 1575 Bayshore Hwy., Burlingame, CA 94010.


To our readers


Finding a flexible, differentiated, updated approach to learning


Dear Colleague: We are tempted to believe that technology can save our schools. But


we also know that students need educators who will call them by name and notice when they need a pat on the back, or a bit of inspiration. So how do we get beyond the hype, take a clear look at our hopes, and sort out the details? Nothing will ever replace principals and teachers who know what


makes each student tick and have the tools it takes, including intu- ition, to engage students in learning. At the same time, technology has


advanced to the point where students are sometimes more engaged in virtual learning envi- ronments than they are by watching a teacher lead class. The right choice might be found in a model called “blended learning,” which incorpo-


rates elements of technology into the brick-and-mortar school environment. Blended learn- ing does not require a massive investment in technology, but offers a nice payoff in creativity and relevancy. “We are immersed in a paradigm shift in learning whereby blended learning has emerged


as a flexible, differentiated, updated approach to learning,” write Lisa Gonzales and Devin Vodicka on page 8. And many of the tech resources now available are “free, relatively easy to use, and very beneficial in terms of increasing options for student learning.”


Technology may get you there faster, but is not the end goal Blended learning in career technical education, using mobile devices to stimulate student


interest in STEM, school technology policies that remain meaningful even as technology changes, tips for keeping hardware and software costs under control – these topics and more are explained by the talented school leaders who contributed to this issue. One thing missing from this list of topics is how to replicate the traditional classroom


experience on the cheap through technology, an approach proven NOT to work. The articles here make clear that technology is an enhancement, not an end goal. The director of technol- ogy at Portola Valley School District says, “For us, it’s about the learning. Twenty-first cen- tury skills are not about technology tools. They’re about thinking, collaborating, problem solving. Tech may help you get there faster, but tech is not the point” (page 16). For many of our students school is a haven for learning that cannot be replicated at home


or anyplace else. We have a sacred trust with our students to bring learning to life, by using both the smartest tech tools we can find and through face-to-face instruction. Sincerely,


David Gomez ACSA President


November/December 2012


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