Technology And Our Kids

There has been a great deal of debate about technology and its impact on our youth. But no matter what side of the argument you take, there is no refuting that it is here to stay. And given that, it is important that adults gain a better understanding of what it's about, and how to manage it.

I am going to pass along a link that was sent to me by our TV Production teacher, Steve Geresy. It contains a clip from ABC News on the impact of technology related to performance in school. It's just a two-minute video clip with Diane Sawyer but contains a lot of information (you will likely have to wait through a 15-second infomercial).

On the right side of this page under articles of interest, click on the ABC News clip or paste the following address in your browser: http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=9617831

Of more serious consequence is what is going on with "sexting" by teenagers across the world. This occurs when students take nude or semi-nude pictures and send them to others electronically.

I am going to make reference to a slide show that was sent to me by my wife. The slide show is part of the Macomb County Health curriculum and contains a powerful message, at least in my mind. You can find the presentation via the South H.S. website under parent information. Use the pull down menu and then open the link to "sexting - parent info". You will be able to view it in either a slide show or pdf. format.

I think it's a "must see" for anyone with adolescents in the house and strongly encourage you to share it with your sons and daughters.

Students and Identification

For those of you that have been around for a while, you're probably well aware that we have been requiring students to wear ID badges. That policy has now been in effect for almost three full years, and it periodically gets revisited.

Last June, the policy was discussed in earnest because North H.S. staff was considering whether to drop their policy. One of their primary reasons was that their school now used a single entrance for all student traffic with an adult presence at that entrance. Of course, we don't have that luxury with our cramped parking lots and multiple entrances.

Anyway, when it was discussed with staff last June, there was resounding support to keep our current policy. While no formal vote was taken, my guess is that about 84 of 90 staff members in attendance voted to keep the policy.

As you know, we recently surveyed all of our stakeholders about a variety of issues. One survey was dedicated just to students, and one of the more notable results from the student survey was that they wanted to end the ID policy. It was a predictable response, but notable nonetheless.

Just recently, we held a staff meeting to discuss the results of the student survey, and we took time to discuss the strong student response to the current ID policy. After much discussion on both sides of the issue, we decided to put the matter to an anonymous vote of the staff.

Everyone was asked to vote "yea" or "nay" to the current policy as we go forward. To my surprise, the results were pretty dramatic. 82 members of our staff voted to keep the policy as it stands, while 26 supported a change. That means that we still have 76% of our staff that believes we can better manage students if they wear an ID badge. So we will continue with current policy.

I realize this is not the response students were seeking from the staff. I also realize most of them would rather not be responsible for turning in homework, or reporting to class on time. A few years ago, the major complaint was that students could no longer wear hats in class.

In any large organization, it's important for someone to exhibit the willingness to make tough decisions for the betterment of all. I believe that is what our staff just did...even though it's a hassle to enforce the policy, it provides for a more secure environment. And students learn better in a secure environment.