Monday, October 19, 2009

Intensive Anticipation

So it's just over a month before the "intensive academy" starts and things are starting to come together. After meeting with some of the associates for breakfast the other day, we all agreed that it would be great to meet for drinks regularly coming up to the academy so we would have more of an opportunity to discuss thoughts, questions and sentiments with others in the same boat.

I'm not sure how other people feel about preparing themselves for the initial intensive but I've been trying to read as much as I can - mainly through books, such as
      - "Work Hard, Be Nice" by Jay Mathews which is the story of two Teach for America alums who started the famous KIPP (knowledge is power program) charter schools in the States.


      -  " Relentless Pursuit" by journalist Donna Foote, a heavier account following a few TFA'ers in of one of the rougher schools in the States, - I'm still on a few chapters in but I'd reccomend it. Well written, loads of background info but rather intense.



In terms of the use of this blog, I don't know which direction it will go, but in anycase I think it's a good thing to record some of the mind chatter that's going on and find out what other people are thinking too. Feel free to post any resources, blog about anything, ask questions, thoughts about media articles, whatever.

There's been mention of the staff setting up an IT framework including forums, and resource centers where we could blog and add attachments but I guess we'll see. I think they're trying to go with Yammer. Any comments?

I hear the next group of TFA'ers are having their two day intro this Thursday and Friday. I think it'd be good to arrange something either that Friday evening for drinks or Sunday arvo for a BBQ somewhere. Thoughts?
Posted by Michael Cao at 7:42 PM

4 comments:

  1. Will have to check out those books: they both look worth a read. I've enjoyed reading "Doing School" - though it's perhaps a less optimistic read. It follows five "top" students at a high performing high school in the States, and has some interesting results. I blogged a little about it here: http://sonofateacherman.com/2009/10/doing-school/

    With respect to Yammer - I've had a bit of a look and I'm not yet certain it's going to hit exactly the spot. But I've only taken a cursory glance so I probably need to look into it more first. Good job on the blog here Mike - I'm sure it'll find a place for us to chat and collaborate etc. Especially when we eventually get this intensive started!

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  2. Drinks with the latest applicants sounds like a brilliant idea - count me in mate.

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  3. Ditto to James' comment! Also a fantastic chance for those of us who haven't been able to make it to the last few catch-ups =)

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  4. Hey Michael, where'd you find these books? I had a look through Borders today just in case but couldn't find anything...

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