I would say the school I work at uses some of these principles. Part of a teachers’ salary is based on performance and achievements. At the end of second marking period half of our objectives in each subject must be taught. If they are the teacher received half the possible yearly bonus. Then at the end of the year if 50% of students meet or exceed their target score on the standardized test the rest of the bonus is rewarded. If less that 50% of students meet or exceed their target score then a portion of the remaining bonus is earned. Although many of our teachers complain about this procedure, it forces them to be deliberate in their teaching. To help students we have a behavior policy using cards green, yellow, orange, and red. At the end of each day students earn money based on their behavior green earns $.10, yellow earns $.05, orange earns $.01, and red earns $0. Each Friday the students may shop with their fake money. I found this chapter to be over my head like I needed more basic information about technology. I felt like I was reading a foreign language.
Education Podcast with John Marrow is a program based around education in our nation. He interviews all professionals involved in US education. John Marrow’s latest interview was with a teacher in New Orleans, in a school system that is being built upon people in the Teach for America program.
Inside Michigan Education is exactly what it says. Interviews are conducted with professionals involved in Michigan education. The last interview was with the Director of Michigan School Testing Conference focusing on MEAP its positives and its negatives.
In education I think it would be valuable for older students to podcast local news and weather. It would be a great way to connect with other students around the country. Then as they advance options could be researched and discussed. I could get as advanced as a civilized debate over controversial issues. It would also be nice for younger students to listen to podcast by other students or teachers. They could be podcast on a subject area, a story, or a fun listening activity.