Science fair not fear

Every once in a while a story like this surfaces that should remind us of the incredible potential of young people. Angela Zhang started reading doctoral level work in 9th grade and was recently awarded a $100K as a winner in the National Siemens Science Contest. She has developed at age 17 a nanoparticle with potential cancer cure applications. This ain't the usual science fair entry, but points us to making opportunities for all students to create and innovate.

STORY: Angela Zhang, High School Student Devises Potential Cancer Cure

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKGrJiB03mR9PYt7ft3K7_430SLJwemNrXwalUyFIRc8PjhOPI8EWeddpD1T60V6hihGBr8QdMB_6XUodbw2D6seVM79J6gyqZY08OrGcBAGnBf6BI1eWcAudoOg7YnpYMQDpQBf0w6np/s1600/science_board.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKGrJiB03mR9PYt7ft3K7_430SLJwemNrXwalUyFIRc8PjhOPI8EWeddpD1T60V6hihGBr8QdMB_6XUodbw2D6seVM79J6gyqZY08OrGcBAGnBf6BI1eWcAudoOg7YnpYMQDpQBf0w6np/s400/science_board.gif" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Every once in a while a story like this surfaces that should remind us of the incredible potential of young people. Angela Zhang started reading doctoral level work in 9th grade and was recently awarded a $100K as a winner in the National Siemens Science Contest. She has developed at age 17 a nanoparticle with potential cancer cure applications. This ain't the usual science fair entry, but points us to making opportunities for all students to create and innovate.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/15/angela-zhang-high-school-_n_1207177.html">Angela Zhang, High School Student Devises Potential Cancer Cure</a>

Rivals cooperate on touchdown for player with Down syndrome

Story: Rivals cooperate on touchdown for player with Down syndrome

Every once and a while we like to shed some positive light on those who deserve it. True sportsmanship was shown by the players and coaches in a Benton vs. Maryville high school football game when they let a player score and avoid a shut out victory. The winning team allowed Matt Ziesel, a freshman with down syndrome to rush in for a touchdown during the closing minutes of the game. It has left an impact on the community and reminded many that sometimes it's not always about winning.

<a href="http://www.warriorsflagfootball.com/images/touchdown_ref_yuix.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.warriorsflagfootball.com/images/touchdown_ref_yuix.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 232px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.kansascity.com/703/story/1452971.html">Rivals cooperate on touchdown for player with Down syndrome</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Every once and a while we like to shed some positive light on those who deserve it. True sportsmanship was shown by the players and coaches in a Benton vs. Maryville high school football game when they let a player score and avoid a shut out victory. The winning team allowed Matt Ziesel, a freshman with down syndrome to rush in for a touchdown during the closing minutes of the game. It has left an impact on the community and reminded many that sometimes it's not always about winning.<br /></div>

Some Parents Choose Not to Allow Their Kids to Hear Obama's National Address

Story: Some Parents Choose Not to Allow Their Kids to Hear Obama's National Address

President Obama will be giving an online speech to students across the country next week. Some parents are deciding that they don't want their children to be part of history and sit the event out. A primary objective of the Obama campaign was reaching out to people everywhere. He is now our leader and has been able to inspire more citizens than any president in recent decades. Old, white republicans are gonna have to get over that fact and let their 8-year old kids make up their own minds about watching the president speak. For goodness sake, if the guy can convince a few more students to stay in school and start caring about their education, give him a chance.

<a href="http://obamarama.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/obama-wants-you-to-sign-up-for-obamarama.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://obamarama.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/obama-wants-you-to-sign-up-for-obamarama.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 441px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div></div><div><strong>Story:</strong> <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/03/parents-object-obamas-national-address-students/">Some Parents Choose Not to Allow Their Kids to Hear Obama's National Address</a></div><br /><div></div><div align="justify">President Obama will be giving an online speech to students across the country next week. Some parents are deciding that they don't want their children to be part of history and sit the event out. A primary objective of the Obama campaign was reaching out to people everywhere. He is now our leader and has been able to inspire more citizens than any president in recent decades. Old, white republicans are gonna have to get over that fact and let their 8-year old kids make up their own minds about watching the president speak. For goodness sake, if the guy can convince a few more students to stay in school and start caring about their education, give him a chance.</div>

Kanye West holds concert for improving students

(Image from Kanye's LAX airport fight, which lead to his arrest)

Story: Kanye West holds concert for improving students

There's no one more inspiring than someone who boastfully named his album "College Dropout." Although Kanye has had his fair share of legal problems, hopefully he can be the answer to ending Chicago's education woes. It's not that the students don't want to graduate, it's just that many of them get shot before they have the chance. So listen kids, stay in school and one day you'll be fortunate enough to spend thousands of dollars on designer shirts and shoes.

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.jaunted.com/files/5957/kanye_lax_arrest.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.jaunted.com/files/5957/kanye_lax_arrest.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 176px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><em><span style="font-size:78%;"> (Image from Kanye's LAX airport fight, which lead to his arrest)</span><br /></em><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span><br /><div align="left"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-ap-il-kanyewest-benefit,0,5940151.story">Kanye West holds concert for improving students</a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="justify">There's no one more inspiring than someone who boastfully named his album "<em>College Dropout</em>." Although Kanye has had his fair share of legal problems, hopefully he can be the answer to ending Chicago's education woes. It's not that the students don't want to graduate, it's just that many of them get shot before they have the chance. So listen kids, stay in school and one day you'll be fortunate enough to spend thousands of dollars on designer shirts and shoes.</></div></div>

DonorsChoose, Stephen Colbert & Gates Foundation join forces to promote college readiness

Stephen Colbert - Photo by DetentionSlip.org

This morning DetentionSlip was invited to attend a panel moderated by Stephen Colbert to announce a new partnership between DonorsChoose.org and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Charles Best, DonorsChoose.org founder, explained how the non-profit came about after a discussion in a teachers lounge. The organization allows teachers to post projects they are seeking funding for on the DonorsChoose website, then, "citizen philanthropists" can fund the projects whole or in part with any amount of money.

They are all about transarency as well, allowing the donors to pick which projects to fund, and giving them a breakdown of how every cent is spent.

The Gates Foundation got involved to match donations 1 for 1 for projects specifically targeted at helping students go on to college.

Afterward, I spoke with another blogger who was in the press section, and he told me DonorsChoose is very addictive. You donate a hundred bucks, and then you get this packet of photos and thank you letters from the kids you've helped.

In an effort to raise awareness about this great charity, we have selected one cause we liked. Check it out, and if you decide to give a buck or 50, put in the comments section DetentionSlip.org sent you. It would be awesome if our readers could make this happen!

Featured Cause: Resurrect "Print" Journalism from the Dead

Also, for you teachers out there if you have a need for some materials -- books, supplies, etc. Visit the site and submit your project. If it has to do with College Prep, it will be INSTANTLY funded 50% by the Gates Foundation.

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJVAY-Ep-ELyFk0D7809Ohe9zBfOPF17lKcCljYDu_zPe074bqTsfIzAQrGsoeczb3yy-r-M11RZINgO2lK_-Nwtwu40ztnSBI-fG8cHMTkqX_kLmewXadUh_6J3p2EFUpv07CtpWx9a7/s1600-h/IMG_0524.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327272503353242546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJVAY-Ep-ELyFk0D7809Ohe9zBfOPF17lKcCljYDu_zPe074bqTsfIzAQrGsoeczb3yy-r-M11RZINgO2lK_-Nwtwu40ztnSBI-fG8cHMTkqX_kLmewXadUh_6J3p2EFUpv07CtpWx9a7/s320/IMG_0524.JPG" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Stephen Colbert</span> - Photo by DetentionSlip.org</span><br /></div><div align="justify" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br />This morning DetentionSlip was invited to attend a panel moderated by Stephen Colbert to announce a new partnership between <a href="http://www.donorschoose.org/homepage/main.html?zone=0">DonorsChoose.org</a> and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.<br /><br />Charles Best, <a href="http://www.donorschoose.org/homepage/main.html?zone=0">DonorsChoose.org</a> founder, explained how the non-profit came about after a discussion in a teachers lounge. The organization allows teachers to post projects they are seeking funding for on the DonorsChoose website, then, "citizen philanthropists" can fund the projects whole or in part with any amount of money.<br /><br />They are all about transarency as well, allowing the donors to pick which projects to fund, and giving them a breakdown of how every cent is spent.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.gatesfoundation.org/Pages/home.aspx">Gates Foundation</a> got involved to match donations 1 for 1 for projects specifically targeted at helping students go on to college.<br /><br />Afterward, I spoke with another blogger who was in the press section, and he told me DonorsChoose is very addictive. You donate a hundred bucks, and then you get this packet of photos and thank you letters from the kids you've helped.<br /><br />In an effort to raise awareness about this great charity, we have selected one cause we liked. Check it out, and if you decide to give a buck or 50, put in the comments section <a href="http://detentionslip.org/">DetentionSlip.org</a> sent you. It would be awesome if our readers could make this happen!<br /><br /><b>Featured Cause:</b> <a href="http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=271155&zone=0">Resurrect "Print" Journalism from the Dead</a><br /><br />Also, for you teachers out there if you have a need for some materials -- books, supplies, etc. Visit the site and submit your project. If it has to do with College Prep, it will be INSTANTLY funded 50% by the Gates Foundation. </div><div class="zemanta-pixie" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=b560636c-89f3-8a8e-ab51-84b33f15b784" /></div>

Imagine a Freshman Class of 30

Story: DoGooder.tv Short Film Contest

Here is an interesting short film from ASCD that illustrates what a high school would look like with a freshman class of 30 students. If you like it you can vote for it at DoGooder.tv

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><center><div class='youtube-video'><object allowfullscreen="true" allownetworking="all" allowscriptaccess="always" data="http://www.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/o1misobx70" height="364" id="kaltura_player_1240257347" name="kaltura_player_1240257347" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"><br/> <param value='always' name='allowScriptAccess'> </param><br/> <param value='all' name='allowNetworking'> </param><br/> <param value='true' name='allowFullScreen'> </param><br/> <param value='#000000' name='bgcolor'> </param><br/> <param value='http://www.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/o1misobx70' name='movie'> </param><br/> <param value='' name='flashVars'> </param><br/> <param value='opaque' name='wmode'> </param><br/> <a href="http://corp.kaltura.com">video platform</a><br/> <a href="http://corp.kaltura.com/technology/video_management">video management</a><br/> <a href="http://corp.kaltura.com/solutions/overview">video solutions</a><br/> <a href="http://corp.kaltura.com/technology/video_player">free video player</a><br/></object></div></center><br/><br/><strong>Story: </strong><a href="http://www.dogooder.tv/contest2009/NtenCategoryVideos.aspx">DoGooder.tv Short Film Contest</a><br/><br/>Here is an interesting short film from ASCD that illustrates what a high school would look like with a freshman class of 30 students. If you like it you can vote for it at DoGooder.tv<br/><br/><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=ec8821fe-1d15-8d49-9017-3810ac862d66"/></div></div>

Teens capture images of space with cheap camera and balloon

Story: Teens capture images of space with £56 camera and balloon

The title could also read: Our school science program OWNS your schools science program.

Note to all teachers -- scrape together $200 from your beer fund, put off coming to school drunk, and help some students send an oversized party favor to the edge of the atmosphere.

<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div align="center"><strong><img height="235" src="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01367/space_1367605c.jpg" style="MAX-WIDTH: 800px" width="370" /></strong><br /><strong></strong></div><strong><strong><br />Story: </strong><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/5005022/Teens-capture-images-of-space-with-56-camera-and-balloon.html">Teens capture images of space with £56 camera and balloon</a><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal">The title could also read:</span><i style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal"> Our school science program OWNS your schools science program. </i><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal">Note to all teachers -- scrape together $200 from your beer fund, put off coming to school drunk, and help some students send an oversized party favor to the edge of the atmosphere.</span><br /><br /><br /></strong><div class="zemanta-pixie"><strong><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=1556490d-78fc-49b0-9261-7419b25dd1e3" /></strong></div></div>

12-year-old Makes Homeless Shelter from Trash

Story: 12-year-old Makes Homeless Shelter from Trash

Max Wallack is awesome. He's getting all kinds of national publicity for his recent design of a homeless shelter from recycled items. Amazing.

This post was featured here: All Things Eco and Green Living

<p><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oJAaMQuEFl8&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oJAaMQuEFl8&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><br /><br />Story: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://greenbuildingelements.com/2009/02/26/12-year-old-makes-homeless-shelter-from-trash/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link: 12-year-old Makes Homeless Shelter from Trash">12-year-old Makes Homeless Shelter from Trash</a><br /><br /></span>Max Wallack is awesome. He's getting all kinds of national publicity for his recent design of a homeless shelter from recycled items. Amazing. </p><p><span style="color:#33cc00;">This post was featured here: </span><a href="http://focusorganic.com/all-things-eco-blog-carnival-volume-fourty/"><span style="color:#33cc00;">All Things Eco</span></a><span style="color:#33cc00;"> and </span><a href="http://www.mylilgreendress.com/?p=247"><span style="color:#33cc00;">Green Living</span></a><br /></p><span style="font-size:+0;"></span>

Schools stop to watch Obama speech

Most schools across the country halted class to watch the historic presidential inauguration on TV today. (We are still waiting at the tipline to hear from schools that did NOT allow the viewing of this. Come on Mississippi readers, we know you're out there.) The last time the whole country viewed ONE event was 9/11, and before that was when JFK was shot (We are checking with the research department, because the OJ Simpson verdict might qualify). However, the goal is that this new president can inspire a nation of students and educators to make changes and strive for improvement. When education becomes a priority, and our public school system stops failing, then I guess our days at DetentionSlip will be numbered.

<a href="http://www.britannica.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/obama2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.britannica.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/obama2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 319px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></div><div align="justify">Most schools across the country halted class to watch the historic presidential inauguration on TV today. (We are still waiting at the tipline to hear from schools that did NOT allow the viewing of this. <em>Come on Mississippi readers, we know you're out there</em>.) The last time the whole country viewed ONE event was 9/11, and before that was when JFK was shot (We are checking with the research department, because the OJ Simpson verdict might qualify). However, the goal is that this new president can inspire a nation of students and educators to make changes and strive for improvement. When education becomes a priority, and our public school system stops failing, then I guess our days at DetentionSlip will be numbered.</div>

New York School Renames Itself For Obama

Story: New York School Renames Itself For Obama

It's not that DetentionSlip doesn't have faith that president elect Obama will make an impact, but the city of Miami also invested their hopes that Jose Canseco would one day become the greatest baseball player ever when they began naming everything in the city after him. The lesson here: let's allow Barack to spread his wings a little before we toss him into the air to fly.

<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2354/2233371418_8c14473cec.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2354/2233371418_8c14473cec.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 299px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story:</span><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/21/national/main4626367.shtml"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>New York School Renames Itself For Obama</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It's not that DetentionSlip doesn't have faith that president elect Obama will make an impact, but the city of Miami also invested their hopes that Jose Canseco would one day become the greatest baseball player ever when they began naming everything in the city after him. The lesson here: let's allow Barack to spread his wings a little before we toss him into the air to fly.<br /></div><span> </span>

You Can Vote However You Like

Someone once posed the question: How can we engage kids by combining creativity and new technologies? Well, I think we found one answer. It's about time we have evidence that a teacher is appealing to things kids like in a way that educates them about current topics. Let's maybe build on ideas like this and go back to a fun classroom environment that doesn't revolve around standardized tests. (You can find a follow-up video that interviews these students here)

<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iiJbs-JS3XQ&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iiJbs-JS3XQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Someone once posed the question: How can we engage kids by combining creativity and new technologies? Well, I think we found one answer. It's about time we have evidence that a teacher is appealing to things kids like in a way that educates them about current topics. Let's maybe build on ideas like this and go back to a fun classroom environment that doesn't revolve around standardized tests. (You can find a follow-up video that interviews these students <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BiKFCcUt_A">here</a>)<br /></div><span> </span>

Patton Oswalt’s Brilliant, Politically Incorrect, Graduation Speech

Story: Patton Oswalt’s Brilliant, Politically Incorrect, Graduation Speech

What starts off as some hack comedian appealing to kids with cussing and pot jokes, actually turns into a decent message. The C-list actor, and claim to fame of Broad Run High School, attempts to inspire the seniors by reminding them that the future is theirs to take a hold of. Encouraging them to get out and do some different things, and make the best of their experiences. Comparing this to the keynote speaker at my graduation...the entire audience of several thousands zoned out when he opened by introducing us by the wrong year. Just goes to show what a little creativity can do.

<a href="http://blog.waldowest.com/images/12205-11716/Patton_Oswalt.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://blog.waldowest.com/images/12205-11716/Patton_Oswalt.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 383px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Story: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.openeducation.net/2008/07/17/patton-oswalts-brilliant-politically-incorrect-graduation-speech/">Patton Oswalt’s Brilliant, Politically Incorrect, Graduation Speech</a><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;">What starts off as some hack comedian appealing to kids with cussing and pot jokes, actually turns into a decent message. The C-list actor, and claim to fame of Broad Run High School, attempts to inspire the seniors by reminding them that the future is theirs to take a hold of. Encouraging them to get out and do some different things, and make the best of their experiences. Comparing this to the keynote speaker at my graduation...the entire audience of several thousands zoned out when he opened by introducing us by the wrong year. Just goes to show what a little creativity can do.</span><br /></div><span> </span>

Teacher banned for using 'Freedom Writers' book

Story: Teacher banned for using 'Freedom Writers' book

Here are the facts: 149 out of 150 parents signed a permission slip to have the book taught. The administration, however, feels that inspiring inner-city kids to achieve goals is not high on the priority list. They would rather prove a point by letting teachers know who is really in charge. Oh, and here's a little irony for you- the book is in the schools library!

<a href="http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070103/070103_freedomWriters_hmed_12p.hmedium.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070103/070103_freedomWriters_hmed_12p.hmedium.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Story: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/06/29/tuchman.in.banned.book.cnn"><span>Teacher banned for using 'Freedom Writers' book</span></a><br /><br />Here are the facts: 149 out of 150 parents signed a permission slip to have the book taught. The administration, however, feels that inspiring inner-city kids to achieve goals is not high on the priority list. They would rather prove a point by letting teachers know who is really in charge. Oh, and here's a little irony for you- the book is in the schools library!</span><br /><span> </span>

A Vision of K-12 Students Today

This project was created to inspire teachers to use technology in engaging ways to help students develop higher level thinking skills. Equally important, it serves to motivate district level leaders to provide teachers with the tools and training to do so.

<object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_A-ZVCjfWf8&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_A-ZVCjfWf8&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />This project was created to inspire teachers to use technology in engaging ways to help students develop higher level thinking skills. Equally important, it serves to motivate district level leaders to provide teachers with the tools and training to do so.