May 2013
Connecting the people of Vancouver Public Schools

Download Lessons from the NSBA Education Technology Site Visit 05-28-2013 (3.45 MB)

Duration: 3:44 m

Lessons from the NSBA Education Technology Site Visit


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    "Public education is under attack," warned my friend Mark Edwards in his presentation to the 100+ attendees of our recent National School Boards Association (NSBA) technology site visit. Unfortunately, his comment was spot on. America's schools, teachers, principals, staff and students have been subjected to a growing amount of unfair criticism from the media, business leaders, legislators, members of Congress and others who seem bent on tearing down the system instead of supporting it. We're doing our part to separate fact from fiction by sharing our success with our elected leaders in Olympia.

    Dr. Edwards is superintendent of the Mooresville Graded School District in North Carolina. Recently named the 2013 National Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators, he is leading Mooresville in a conversion to 21st century digital technology that began about five years ago. Mooresville now hosts hundreds of visitors every year because Dr. Edwards and his board of directors know it's important for public education to stand up to the critics. They believe, as do I, that our nation needs lighthouse school districts to share their stories of success. Communities such as Mooresville and Vancouver must take pride in their public schools and feel confident that we are working hard every day to help all students reach their full potential and thrive in a digitally connected, globally interdependent world.

    Our selection by NSBA to host a 2013 technology site visit makes Vancouver Public Schools one of those lighthouse districts. In fact, as noted in The Columbian, Vancouver is the only school system in the country to be chosen three times for this honor (1993, 1999, and 2013). Our participation in the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools and our inclusion in the Learning First Alliance success stories are further evidence that VPS is leading the way in transforming outcomes for students and their families. At the local, state and national levels, we're telling our story as we pursue a hopeful vision of the future for public education.

    I encourage you to watch an In the Know episode that captures some highlights from the NSBA site visit. I also want to share just a few comments from the participants:

    "If my family wasn't already planning to leave the Portland metro area, we would seriously be thinking about moving our young family into Vancouver to be a part of your magic."

    "Frankly, this was some of the best use of my time in the past few years. I was inspired by the entire two days. The staff was spectacular. The leadership in each setting was outstanding. I want to say THANK YOU to each person – from students to adults – involved in making this an excellent visitation."

    "Seeing the technology used for authentic learning was impressive. It is refreshing to see new and exciting things happening in the classroom that truly help students explore their passions."

    "The use of teacher-librarians as technology leaders makes an incredible amount of sense, yet so few districts are following that model."

    "This was a fabulously organized tour. Thanks to the Vancouver staff for taking the time and pulling together the resources to provide a highly informative experience."

    "12 out of 10!!!!!!!"

    By all accounts, the NSBA site visit to Vancouver Public Schools was a tremendous success. Many of you were involved in making it a memorable experience for our guests. Whether you showcased the use of technology in your school, presented a breakout session, spruced up the facilities and grounds for company or helped with tour logistics, your efforts made our district shine in the national spotlight. On behalf of the Vancouver School Board and the district leadership team, I want to express my deepest appreciation. As we enter the home stretch and get ready to end another school year, please know that I am extremely proud to serve as your superintendent.

    Take care,


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Episode 001: Helping a new student find her way home
Episode 002: Walking together for kids
Episode 003: "Heart work" endures
Episode 004: Mentoring "pays it forward"
Episode 005: Teachers inspire a family
Episode 006: Employees brighten the work environment
Episode 007: Our own prodigal son
Episode 008: A community mourns the loss of Gordon Patterson
Episode 009: Harvesting dreams
Episode 010: Seeing challenges as opportunities
Episode 011: Attitude makes the difference
Episode 012: Putting students first
Episode 013: Coming home
Episode 014: Superheroes of Vancouver Public Schools
Episode 015: Highlighting "Bright Spots"
Episode 016: Gifts for the future
Episode 017: Equitable funding for our children
Episode 018: Working together to meet our students needs
Episode 019: Rx for student success: Instructional rounds
Episode 020: Riding the waves of music
Episode 021: Discovering one's voice; there's an app for that
Episode 022: Graduation…The key to a better life
Episode 023: Wrestling against the odds
Episode 024: One employee, one school district to watch
Episode 025: Gifted young poets inspire and excel
Episode 026: Fortitude
Episode 027: Being present
Episode 028: New year's resolutions
Episode 029: Springing into new beginnings
Episode 030: Lessons from the NSBA Education Technology Site Visit
Episode 031: Phoenix rising—and graduating—from the ashes
Episode 032: Storytelling
Episode 033: From the community come reasons to be thankful
Episode 034: The giving spirit
Episode 035: Lewis and Clark transforms with blended learning
Episode 036: New technology tools
Episode 037: Success stories draw governor, mayor
Episode 038: All I really need to know
Episode 039: As one chapter ends, another begins
Episode 040: Jumping over achievement gaps
Episode 041: Compassion strengthens district

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