text:
An Enterprise Risk Management maturity model
AbstractIn the recent years, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) has emerged as a new risk management technique aimed to manage the portfolio of risks that faces an organization in a integrated, enterprise- wide manner. Unlike traditional risk management, where individual risk categories are managed from a silo-based perspective, ERM involves an holistic view of risks allowing to take into account correlations across all risk classes. The academic literature on ERM is focused on two main aspects: the analysis of the factors that influence ERM adoption and its effects on firms performances. No studies have been conducted yet to propose robust and rigorous models to evaluate the quality, or maturity, of ERM programs implemented by firms. The aim of the research described in this paper is to fill this gap in the literature. In order to build a rigorous ERM maturity model, we have run an e-mail Delphi procedure involving a panel of worldwide experts on ERM and reached their consensus on the selection of a set of ERM best practice parameters, which are used to develop a structured questionnaire to be administered to firms. Experts consensus in obtained also on the scales and the scores for each questionnaire answer option. The output of the Delphi method is a scoring model that can be used to assess the maturity of an ERM program by administering a questionnaire composed of 22 closed-end questions to firms: answers are collected and scored, and all scores are combined in a single final score, the ERM Index (ERMi). The robustness of the model has finally been tested on a small sample of firms. We foresee two different uses of the ERMi maturity model, one by scholars for further quantitative research on ERM topics, and one by practitioners, as ERMi is suitable to be used by firms for a self- assessment of their ERM programs (internal use), and by consultancy firms, auditors and rating agencies (external use). The difference with other existing maturity models is its solid scientific base, the rigour with which it has been designed and the fact that it is derived from a Delphi procedure involving leading ERM experts who reached consensus on the model detailed design.
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Bibliographic InfoPaper provided by University Library of Munich, Germany in its series MPRA Paper with number 45421.
Date of creation: Jan 2013
Date of revision:
Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:45421
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Related researchKeywords: Enterprise Risk Management; Maturity model; Delphi method;
Find related papers by JEL classification:
- G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
This paper has been announced in the following NEP Reports:
- NEP-ALL-2013-03-30 (All new papers)
- NEP-RMG-2013-03-30 (Risk Management)
ReferencesReferences listed on IDEAS
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- Rowe, Gene & Wright, George, 1999. "The Delphi technique as a forecasting tool: issues and analysis," International Journal of Forecasting, Elsevier, Elsevier, vol. 15(4), pages 353-375, October.
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text:
A Fulton teacher sent me this interesting musing, which I tracked to a California high school teacher.
With author Steve Fowler's permission, I am sharing his essay.
By Steve Fowler
Following a particularly difficult grading period where I had many students fail to turn in assignments, I had the opportunity to consult with the parents of a young man who is "struggling." By struggling I mean in conflict with himself over the effort he ought to put forth, not with his ability to do the work.
At the conclusion of the parent conference, I was asked by the father if his son had ever been disrespectful. Certainly, a common question one hears so often that rarely is the meaning considered except on the most basic level. I responded, "Johnny wasn't disrespectful." This, of course, is true. The student never assaulted or insulted me, had never talked back or even slightly sneered inappropriately in my direction. So Mr. Smith, your son was not disrespectful, his errors and the cause of this meeting lay in the realm of "lack of effort."
Last night I reflected back about the conference and this led to a consideration of the nature of respect and disrespect and where the lines of proper student behavior rest. Imagine my horror when I realized paradoxically that it was I who was disrespectful. For I was not wholly honest with Mr. Smith. I lied to him, and answered his question with words that we both knew were the ones he wanted to hear. I gave an answer that would mollify all, parent and student and teacher. As I reflected on the nature of my answer and the reasons for my disrespect, I understood that the only course of action remaining would be to convert that falsehood into a statement of understanding.
Mr. Smith, while your son's decorum in my classroom could never be considered disrespectful toward me, unfortunately, in every other sense, it is indeed disrespectful.
Your son is disrespectful to his classmates. His lack of classroom effort displays a disinterest in the purpose of education. By not working up to the best of his ability, he cheats his classmates of an honest intellectual commitment to the materials studied and limits and harms not only his educational aspirations, but theirs.
Your son is disrespectful to his parents and grandparents, to the love and intense effort you have put into raising him. Disrespectful to the thousands of hours devoted to his well-being, to the hard work necessary every single day to provide room and board, clothing, life experiences, spiritual guidance and the myriad of material goods indispensable to growing a successful life in our modern society. This disrespect, this lack of engagement denies his parent their own hopes and dreams, of which he is, in all likelihood, the core.
Your son is disrespectful to his school, for his indifference nullifies efforts of hundreds of students, teachers, administrators and support personnel. Such insolence insults community, state and national leaders and, ultimately, all Americans who endeavor daily with the goal of raising a new generation of respectful American citizens in the tradition of our forebearers who built this great nation.
Your son is disrespectful to future employers or employees. He deprives himself of knowledge, the only commodity of value any individual possesses. We sell our time, but it is our knowledge, our developed skills that determine an individual's value in the marketplace. There is an old saying, "Knowledge is money." The intimate connection between this and the future is absolute. To deny one's self either is folly, painful to all whom your son will ever connect.
Your son is disrespectful to the taxpayers and the many thousands of dollars necessary to build and furnish schools and all the accoutrements and personnel required. Taxpayers honor each child in this nation by the many hours of labor every dollar collected by the state represents. Sweat and contribution of those tax dollars ought not be met by condescension.
All citizens, regardless of age (certainly high school students) should be cognizant of the gift of tax-supported educational opportunities, not as rights alone, but as a precious gift endowed upon them by fellow Americans.
There is an implied and solemn obligation that our young people not waste our precious resources. The burden of a "free" education comes with strings. Those strings are two: being mindful of all that it takes to provide a quality education and to respect that understanding through a demonstration of one action: an honest effort to learn. This is the only thing society requires of students and, if it is not, it ought to be the least expected of them.
–From Maureen Downey, for the AJC Get Schooled blog
March 22nd, 2012
5:24 am
Good read!
March 22nd, 2012
6:07 am
This should be required reading for every student and parent!
March 22nd, 2012
6:33 am
Can I frame it and put it on the wall of my classroom?
March 22nd, 2012
6:56 am
I'm going to read this with my son who is a senior. He's suffering from a major case of senoritis (sp?) but it is time to get his act together and grow up…..or lose the car keys.
March 22nd, 2012
6:57 am
Excellent! I will use the author's salient points with my children and students today.
March 22nd, 2012
7:00 am
Of course, there is overt disrespect. Every teacher encounters it. But there is also passive disrespect–the disrespect shown by a student with every reason to succeed (supportive parents, comfort, normal brain and body ability, etc) when they neglect to put forth their own effort. That it is disrespectful for the reasons mentioned should be obvious.
March 22nd, 2012
7:02 am
While I agree with the teacher in many respects, I also have to admit that compulsory schooling is a prison of sorts. 6 hours a day of being stuffed into a room with your peers, whether you choose to be their or not. I used to teach and was disgusted by the disrespect I saw but I also acknowledge that forcing students to be there puts the teacher in the untenable position of warden.
March 22nd, 2012
7:14 am
Brook: if you don't want to be there, I am glad you left. DO NOT send yor children to me. Home school them and see how "easy" learning is. The rest of you are right on target, but I would also include some parentss who want a free baby sitting service and good grades ( for HOPE and college) regardless of what is learned. This article should be required reading for all students and parents.
March 22nd, 2012
7:27 am
Yes there is disrespect in the classroom. They also get it from the parents who have the attitude "my darling (insert name here) would never do what you say they did!". Elizabeth you are correct.
March 22nd, 2012
7:41 am
brook: sometimes more like "zookeeper".
Vern: I had a friend reply to a parent making that assertion: So you say I am lying, huh?
March 22nd, 2012
7:45 am
That was a good read, insightful,
I agree with Vern, alot of parents would:
1. refuse to believe how their kids behave
2. blame the teachers
3. justify the child's actions
March 22nd, 2012
8:04 am
Hello To All DCSS Staff,
We have gone through a lot this school year. A lot of changes are being made. Yet, they don't seem to be as positive as one would like to think or even believe. Dr. Atkinson is looking at giving us raises however, we must stand up and say we want our money back that has been taken from us. Please note if we get a raise it will be at best 3% or less. We in excess have lost from our pay checks at least 20-30%. If we are given raises instead of our money back we still lose.
Please stand up and fight for our money back as well as a merit raise.
As for children being disrespectful. Most of us have been taught to respect adults however, we as adults tend not to recognize children as being human beings. I think that we should sometimes analyze the difference between disrespectful and just trying to express their feelings.
March 22nd, 2012
8:11 am
Yes! This should be required reading. I weary of "open season" on the teachers. Children should be taught how valuable and precious an education is. Instead, the parents, who were probably the same kind of students if they even finished school, reinforce the rude behavior, especially in teacher conferences where the real concern should be on the students. I have chosen to ignore these parents and give my attention to the parents who want to work with me. I'll never change the attitudes of the whining parents, but I can do something useful by working with those parents who really want their children to have an education. I am not a trainer. I am an educater. There is a huge disparity between the two. I respect all students in my classroom and will continue to offer the best that I can in spite of these unnecessary distractions.
March 22nd, 2012
8:27 am
One of the things I'm working on with my own kids is getting them to sit still and listen to adults without getting on some kind of electronic device or being otherwise entertained (church, dinner, a school function). It's a struggle sometimes — but as a parent, I think it is vital that children know how to sit, listen and at least pretend to be engaged. At my daughter's elementary school book night, I was astounded at how many kids were on their parent's I phones during the presentation — that was supposed to be for them! I know I wasn't always engaged in every activity I ever attended — but I sure knew how to fake it!
March 22nd, 2012
8:38 am
Left out of the musing are the two most important entities to whom he shows the greatest disrespect: his Creator and himself. If he is right with those two, the rest will follow.
March 22nd, 2012
8:39 am
From the first grade to my last year of college, I never heard anyone say anything about being "disrespectful" or being "disrespected". I could be wrong, but this seems to have started out being a black thing and is still heard far more among blacks than any other group. Maybe if black students and others would concentrate more on studying and being good citizens and less on being super-alert about any possible "disrespect", we would all be better off.
March 22nd, 2012
8:46 am
Carlosgvv, you obviously do not teach. This new trend of disrepect of teachers does not have a color code. It comes from all races, creeds, and religions. Please do not make this a black/white issue for there is nothing black or white about any of this travesty in American education.
March 22nd, 2012
9:07 am
Disrepect in the class room starts with disrespect in the home.
Then again this term "disrepect" is tossed around like a can of politically correct "early peas" and has lost all meaning/relevance.
Or is "dissin" more appropriate…
March 22nd, 2012
9:14 am
Angela: Adults should be respected BECAUSE they are adults. CHILDREN need to be taught that respect for all adults ( unless they are physically abusive) is mandatory. I do "respect" my students as human beings; however, students' attitudes ( and also parents) attitudes are that correcting a student is emotional "abuse" if I say anything but 'Now, Johnny, don't do that" in a sweet, nonconfrontational tone. Students must EARN respect by doing their work, behaving in my classroom, by accepting correction, and by changing the behavior. I respect my students' right to a safe classroom in which they can freely ask APPROPRIATE questions and do their best to learn. However, they are NOT adults, and need to learn that adults should automatically command respect and have already earned that respect because of their age, life experience, and job qualifications. You do not automaticaly command that respect as a CHILD. CHILDREN should understand that submission to adult authority is part of life and correcting a child does not mean that the child is not respected as a person.
March 22nd, 2012
9:21 am
This essay is insightful with a refreshing slant. Part of what passes for "disrespect for teachers" is actually "disrespect for learning in general." I always felt that it was part of my job as a teacher to instruct my students to respect my subject….. history….. AND the process of learning. Our "Founding Fathers" believed that an educated citizenry was THE key for success for the system of government and society they hoped to create. Now, it seems, that the only "learning" that is respected is that which enriches the individual financially. One only has to check out the last couple of centuries of the Roman Empire to see how well that theory worked out.
March 22nd, 2012
9:23 am
@Elizabeth: Unfortunately, I know a lot of adults who have not earned respect. Respect must be EARNED.
March 22nd, 2012
9:24 am
Proud Teacher
Either you didn't bother to read my post very carefully or you have a problem with reading comprehension. I said it seems to have STARTED out as a black thing. How did you get to be a teacher?
March 22nd, 2012
9:24 am
i recall a student receiving iss because he was disrespectful to the teacher. after hearing what happened, the teacher did not like how he responded to her question with an exasperated "ok". he didnt yell it. he didnt curse. without prompt the teacher discussed the incident during lunch and stated that "i just cant stand disrespectful kids who talk back." after further prodding she admitted to asking a question and his response was the word okay, but "you know they just have to be trained because they dont get it at home." glad she doesnt teach anymore.
March 22nd, 2012
9:26 am
I am a high school teacher and each year on the first day as we discuss classroom expectations, I make it simple for the students. I tell them if they understand the word "respect," then all of the rules take care of themselves. First, if they RESPECT THEMSELVES, they will come to school each day ready to learn. They will also not do drugs or drink alcohol and get plenty of rest. Next, if they RESPECT OTHERS (including teachers), they will not disrupt class which interfers with others getting their education or get into fights harming other students. Finally, if they will RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE'S PROPERTY, they will not steal or destroy items or property that doesn't belong to them. If they will understand those three aspects of respect, all other rules are not necessary.
March 22nd, 2012
9:32 am
ive taught every type of student across socio-economic, racial, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds and ALL students are disrespectful in some manner according to our own perceptions. what may be disrespectful to some is merely accepted behavior by others. the terminology or direction did not START out as a black thing. maybe because you lived in a bubble for those years, you were unable to realize what is disrespectful or not. with your kind of stereotypical bigotry,i hope and pray you never were, are, or will be a teacher. with that kind of bias, it should come as no surprise that young men with hoodies and skittles are killed.
March 22nd, 2012
9:36 am
Well said, WAR! Thank you for openly recognizing bigotry. That attitude needs to retire.
March 22nd, 2012
9:37 am
On the first day of school, I instruct my students that they are to use the word "Sir" to me. I'm an adult, a teacher, and I have earned it. I will show them all the respect that they deserve, and all that they earn … and they do not have to respect me as an individual until I earn it from them. But they DO have to respect the fact that I'm the teacher, the adult in the room, and that's non-negotiable.
March 22nd, 2012
10:11 am
Enter your comments here
March 22nd, 2012
10:26 am
The problem with disrespect came when indulgent parents stopped giving "character building pats" on the bottoms of their children and stopped saying "no" to every request. Then these same indulgent parents started telling educators they cannot tell these spoiled brats no or doing anything to discipline them.
March 22nd, 2012
10:58 am
I received this last week in an e-mail and have already shown it to several students. I like it because it makes kids think about who they're really disrespecting. It's not just the teacher, and we see plenty of it, it's the parents and the generations of people who have worked to give them the right to an education. I'll be using it early in the year next year. I give kids simple rules and talk about respect being a two-way street. Sometimes all I have to do is look at a kid and ask "is this a one way street today?" That proves to be a good way to get their attention without confronting them.
March 22nd, 2012
10:58 am
I can agree with some of the points from the author. I cannot agree with the concept that the student is being disrespectful to "future employers or employees".
I have to state, I don't fully understand the meaning of "disrespectful" in this context. I feel that the author uses "disrespectful" with a meaning of actively choosing to fail to perform an expected duty/task. If that is the case, I cannot agree that the student is being disrespectful to future employers or employees. If there is a different meaning in this context, please explain it to me.
The student has not (to my understanding) made a promise to a company to appear at a certain time in the future with a certain set of skills/abilities ready to receive a specific job/task from the company. The student hasn't promised their friends/neighbors that they will open a factory in the future and hire people to jobs making X or performing Y. The student hasn't promised to appear with managerial ability or the ability to be an accountant. Because there is no expectation of what the student will study/learn/retain as working knowledge, how is a student failing to do a homework assignment 'disrespectful'?
If a generic student leaving school and not possessing particular knowledge required for a particular employer is disrespectful, then EVERYONE is disrespectful. Because, I am sure that no one has the skill set/knowledge for every possible job. No person can be qualified to do everything the moment the graduate from school. No one says that because Michael Jordan didn't go to med school, he disprespected hospitals that would have hired him as a surgeon.
When I chose to be an engineer, I also chose that I wouldn't know the things I need to know to be a doctor/lawyer/teacher/plumber/long haul truck driver/etc. I cannot believe that choosing my own course in life (my pursuit of happiness if you will) means that I have disrespected people who had no expectation of what I would become.
I can agree that a student failing to do their homework is a manner of disrespect towards their teacher and their opportunity for getting an education. But I cannot agree that it is disrespectful to a "future employer or employee".
March 22nd, 2012
11:00 am
well said
March 22nd, 2012
11:07 am
"…and is still heard far more among blacks than any other group. Maybe if black students and others would concentrate more on studying and being good citizens and less on being super-alert about any possible "disrespect", we would all be better off."
If you re-read your comments, you actually state (whether or not you intentionally mean it), that disrespect is a cry currently chanted by African American students.
No offense, but maybe you should consider taking a writing class, and possibly revisit the definition of "reading comprehension" that you coolly accused Proud Teacher of not understanding. Thanks.
March 22nd, 2012
11:19 am
@ Angela – Adults should begin with respect but they must act in a way to retain that respect.
I send my children to school with the understanding that they should respect their teachers and administrators. I have also stated that they don't have to like all of these people but they must be polite. This philosophy also applies to fellow students. They are not allowed to be disruptive because they are cheating all of the students in the class. And there is the understanding that there will be consequences if their behavior doesn't follow my rules.
Some of you on this blog may not wish to hear this but…Part of the loss of respect is due to teachers whining to the students about how overworked they are; how the administration does (whatever the teacher objects to); or sharing problems from their personal lives in an inappropriate manner (TMI!). Loss of respect also happens when the students observe teachers enforcing the rules in a biased way, i.e. lowering the boom on students that the teacher doesn't like while letting their favorites' behavior slide. I have also observed many instances where teachers are disrespectful of their students – in their tone of voice (that's one of the big adult pet peeves, isn't it?), in their lack of preparation, and in their lack of effort in teaching the subject matter.
My children have teachers for whom they have great respect. These are the teachers that are enthusiastic about imparting knowledge, respectful toward their students, and innovative. There are also teachers for whom my children have nothing but disdain. These are the lazy, patronizing, burnt-out teachers. In my opinion, teachers in this last group need to find a new career.
I have also emphasized that, sometimes, discretion is the better part of valor And when asked why a teacher or policeman or someone else in authority is able to get away with (whatever the behavior is, such as being rude to a student or speeding), I have to respond that, as a person in authority, they are going to get the benefit of the doubt. And children are in many cases held to a higher standard of behavior than adults (go figure!).
In our society, there is both a lack of tolerance for some of the actions of children and an overly tolerant attitude toward other behaviors in our children. I think these conflicting attitudes are confusing, frustrating, and hurtful. I also think that inconsistencies add to the lessening of respect toward those in authority at every level.
March 22nd, 2012
11:52 am
@Elizabeth – Adults have no more inherent right to respect than children. If you think students have to earn respect, rather than being granted respect until proven unworthy of respect, then you should expect to have to earn respect as well.
Colonel Jack has a far more appropriate approach.
March 22nd, 2012
12:01 pm
You cannot have good learning conditions until you first have good teaching conditions. The educrats can never get around this inexorable law. The longer that they ignore this law, the worse public education becomes.
March 22nd, 2012
12:41 pm
I recenlty substituted for an English class in a Eastside middle school. The teacher there prior to her departure stated" My little Darlings areallwonderful. I pointed out they are yound adults and not little darlings and should be treated as such. In 2nd period 4 of 30 students decided to not do the 3 activities assigned by their teacher and proceeded to talk loudly and to bother other students engaged. One group requested work in the halls to avoid the non workers and I allowed them this request. The leader of the female group ran to door and shouted expletives to these students. Upon returning the gang of 4 girls now decided to berate the returning students. I got between the girl when she tried to physically threaten the male boy on the group that resisted their comments to "you dont have to do what the substitute says." I decided to use emergency button and a Vp came down and said would talk to the gilrs. As a final act of defiance they threw down the 3 days assignment their teacher had indicated due by the coming Friday and left. Theri direspect was self evident. A young female in a later class having heard about it also told me many students disrepect many of their teacher who talk louldy in halls carry on loud conversations about personal issues ,and completely embarrass themselves in the students eyes.
I agree disrespect is rampant and directed towards both parents teacher and susbstitute teachers and in turn from adults (supposedly ) in charge of teaching some of our students.
March 22nd, 2012
12:55 pm
Angela, you are showing why the general public does not have much respect for teachers right now. While you acknowledge Dr. Atkinson has done alot, and has alot of work ahead. You state that a 3% of less raise is not acceptable in one year, you want all 20-30% you claim to have lost back in one year. I an educated parent read your post and come to a conclusion that someone that selfish and ignorant of the budget shortfalls that still exist. The tax base is way off in Dekalb and other counties what is 5 years ago. So unless you think that politicans and those directly appointed by them are ready to commit political suicide and give out 20-30% raises you are nuts. Fayette County one of the better School Systems in the area just announced that they are going to have to lay-off 70 teachers. I am sure those 70 will take your 3% raise.
Maybe you Angela and those like you do need to quit. I have not had a raise in several years. Because the President I bet you voted for, decided he would just freeze my pay, for two years. All Political.
March 22nd, 2012
1:07 pm
Brook: It's there – not their. Maybe a little more time being respectful to your language arts teacher would have paid off. Please do not attempt to judge where you have not walked.
March 22nd, 2012
1:20 pm
The last words I say to my 6 year old as she gets out of the car are… "Work Hard Today". I hope she takes from that a sense of respect for why she is there. I teach her that school is not always easy, it's not always fun, but if you respect yourself, you will work hard. I also remind my 4 year old daily as the teacher gets him out of the car at his preschool drop off to… "Use your good Manners and be respectful" To this day, neither one of my kids has ever even gotten a time out/red mark at school. I hope and pray my daily "motto" reminders will stick with them when they are teenagers.
As for me personally, the teachers I respected most were the ones who engaged me the most and did not play favorites.
March 22nd, 2012
4:50 pm
A student a few years back definitely crossed this "disrespect" line. I made the mistake of calling home and leaving a message. In my message, I told his father that the student hadn't been using time in the computer lab to complete research; instead he was playing games every time I made it over to his computer.
Boy was I in for a ride. You see, what I didn't realize at the time was, this student's disrespect was my fault. I hadn't provided the father with a copy of the assignments and the due dates. Our school had an online system called the internet whereby I could place my assignments online for students to access at home. For whatever reason, my student's father couldn't access those files. Nor could he be bothered to get the assignment packet from his son. Although I provided a copy through the email, Mr. Dad still "couldn't open it". I suppose there are myriad issues with document formats not being compatible.
After my student missed deadline after deadline, the final draft of the research paper was due. He did not hand in a single shred of written information. He had an outline, research, rough draft, and a few more revised versions. I know because I sat next to him and made him write it.
I made the mistake of calling home again. This time Mr. Dad answered! He was furious with me for not supporting his son. I had, out of my malicious nature, acted to hinder and sabotage his son's essay. He hung up.
A day later, I was notified by my principal that we would be having a meeting with the father, son, their lawyer, the county lawyer, my administrator, and me.
Thank God I documented every contact! As it turns out, Mr. Dad was unable to convince even his own lawyer that I had not provided adequate support for his son. How luck am I?
March 22nd, 2012
6:20 pm
The only thing Mr. Fowler's article did not address was why? Did he ever ask the student and parents why the son was not doing his work? Was the Dad asking if the son was disrespectful to the teacher because he thinks disrespect is punishable and simply not doing work is not? Did the teacher give the easy answer because he was afraid of what might happen if he answered yes? What might happen to him, or what might happen to the student? Many teachers take the easy way out with questions because they don't know what will happen at home after the conference. A student's lack of interest can be due to many things, learning disability (even temporary ones sometimes occur after illness), another student seated behind tapping a pencil constantly, something bad happening at home or at school. This article addresses none of that and leaves us to assume the student was just being lazy. While I know that lazy students like that certainly exist, they are human beings and wouldn't it be worth it to try and find out why?
March 22nd, 2012
6:45 pm
@Soccermom "Some of you on this blog may not wish to hear this but…Part of the loss of respect is due to teachers whining to the students about how overworked they are; how the administration does …etc."
Soccermom… you may be right about "some" disrespect, but a lot of teachers who students profess to "love" are also subject to disrespect. Not all disrespect is blatantly abusive. I think some children simply have not been taught what is appropriate when interacting with adults. They do not understand that what they see on TV, where some smart mouth kid makes a negative or disparaging comment and gets a bunch of laughs, is not how it really should work.
I should not have to listen to, "Are you serious?" And "Get real!" when I asked young children to take out a text book. I should not get an, "Ah, man! No way!" when I assign a homework assignment. I should not be a "But that's not fair! You are soooo pushing my limits!" argument when a student fails to bring a homework assignment into school and has to redo it during recess. "Seriously, dude?" is not an appropriate response to a request for someone to lower their voice in the hallway.
Too many of my students do not seem to have any understanding that there should be a difference in how one addresses and adult, and how one addresses one's pals. I think it stems in part, from too many parents trying to be "buds" and not parents. These children seem genuinely shocked when I tell them I find such replies rude and disrespectful. Maybe I am "old school" (and if so, that's fine with me because what I see as the "modern" idea of adult-child interaction is alarming) but I was raised to treat others with respect UNTIL they proved themselves unworthy. I was taught that there was a difference between how I should respond to a friend verses to an adult authority figure. And I was taught that if my teacher asked me to do something I was to do it (within reason) without any disparaging, or overly dramatic commentary.
March 22nd, 2012
7:58 pm
"Too many of my students do not seem to have any understanding that there should be a difference in how one addresses and adult, and how one addresses one's pals."
I've lamented that myself, and here's what I've learned. The kids I teach now are vastly different from previous generations. This is the "point and click" generation and they've been reared on Jerry Springer and microwave everything. They seek instant gratification because they can. They don't all have the social adaptation skills we're used to- think about what they see around them. The trick is to diffuse a situation instead of giving in to the frustration and desire to snap back. When they suck their teeth or make a snippy comment, I ignore a lot of it. If it goes on, I might have to deal with the kid one-on-one. I do so quietly, privately, and I never approach it with a superior attitude. I ask them why they're doing it, which usually elicits a shrug or a mumble of "I don't know." It's usually because they're scoring points with their peers. If I get angry or get into a verbal battle with them, then they win in the eyes of their friends. Usually if I tell them, "look, I care about you and I care about you learning something. If this is too hard, you can tell me and I'll help you. If you're mad at somebody, I understand. I want you to be successful and I don't want to be mad at you. How would you feel if you needed something and all I did was suck my teeth or roll my eyes?" (and I demonstrate with a lot of dramatic effect). Most times, that gets a laugh out of them and the ice is broken. Then I give them a choice. I tell them they can take a bathroom break and get themselves together and come back, or they can be mad and go take a break in the office- and I quietly, without judgment or anger, accept the choice. I remind them if they choose the office, that means I have to call home and tell somebody how much I want them to be successful and how happy I am to teach them but they just don't seem to want me to do that. You'd be surprised how many parents instantly back you up when you approach them with a positive first. Instead of hitting them with the laundry list of wrongs, I point out a positive and then give them the reasons we can't get that because of the kid's choices. I can count on one hand the times a parent hasn't backed me up, and those are the kids every teacher is struggling to teach. I write very few discipline referrals, and even the hardest of my kids learns pretty quickly that I'll try to help them and work with them if they choose to come back in and change. I've had a lot of them tell me that I was the only teacher that cared about them. I know that's not true, but that's how they feel sometimes.
I've also noticed that a lot, probably most, of my kids don't do well with large tasks. I spend a lot of time helping them break things down and working on pieces. Sometimes it's nothing more than helping them write the first sentence or read the first page of a chapter. If I take a minute to do that and then set a reasonable goal for them to reach, they work a lot harder and I'm able to give them quicker feedback (remember the instant feedback they're used to). And I have kids who I know from the start are going to need more time than the rest to finish something. I find a way to make that work and even if I shouldn't have to sit with them to get it finished, I do and they will finish eventually. It takes flexibility and a willingness to give the successful kids a challenge or an enrichment activity so I can take the time to help the slower, sometimes lazy ones. They figure out pretty soon that I'm not going to let them quit, and most end up trying a little harder. Some just don't do it, and I have to let them fail. But I never belittle them or blast the parents about it. I just document what I've done and stay in touch with the parents. I've yet to have one try to accuse me of anything, and I have worked with some of the worst kids in the building (rural school with almost 70% poverty).
March 22nd, 2012
8:11 pm
@ I love teaching — I just had this exact same conversation with a parent this afternoon — I may have to steal your line sometime "overly dramatic commentary" — love it!
March 22nd, 2012
10:58 pm
Ron F,
I hear you and understand you, and a lot of the time I do exactly what you do. The main difference is, I DON'T EVER CALL HOME! It is a complete waste of time. Over the years I've noticed common courtesy has essentially disappeared in society. Now, the cause? Legion, but it is not something we – in schools – can address. It simply isn't our job. And the job they pay us so pitifully little for, is tough enough as it is without making it more so. Fight the battles you can win.
The end result of this disconnect is that I've noticed – from watching the interaction between the child and a parent – that the child inevitably treats me better than their parents. They are genuinely surprised when a teacher writes them up for their attitude or their actions.
As far as problem students – especially males – I have very little problems with them. I came up from the school of hard knocks. I worked construction and their swear words were part of my every-day lexicon. One time many years ago (when I first started teaching) another teacher heard me discussing – in the hall – in private – a particular student's misdeeds and his necessary corrections. After I sent the student back in the classroom to complete the assignment, the other teacher said, "Are you going to let him get away with those type of words?" Unfortunately I had to respond, "Really? What did he say?"
In many cases what we see as disrespect is the children's frustration with education in general. The elementary school, and the middle school, teachers tell the kids if they don't learn the material, they'll be held back. Then the "administrators" pass the kids on anyway. Well… we've just taught them that we don't really mean what we say. Our threats are powerless. Now they get to the high school. They can't even read on the 5th grade level or do 5th grade math. How do you expect them to succeed? So one of two things happen: (A) the kids get sullen and argumentative, and to paraphrase Shakespeare "If I can't prove a student, I am determined to prove a villain." or (B) sit in a seat, pull in the surrounding volume of space and disappear. I don't know what to do with them. It's not in my skill-set to teach 6th grade subjects. This is where WE – educational professionals – have failed them. The individuals who decided that self-esteem was more important that success in learning new information have caused most of the problems we're seeing in education. Whoever put these guys in charge need to be held accountable for their gross misconduct.
March 22nd, 2012
11:24 pm
"You state that a 3% of less raise is not acceptable in one year, you want all 20-30% you claim to have lost back in one year."
Angela is not as off base as you would say. The recent Compensation Audit that found over 330+ highly paid Central office employees should be eliminated also found that teachers in DeKalb are the most underpaid employee group by 20% to 30%. The support personnel portion of the audit has not been released yet. Please consider that DeKalb has 8,500 admin and support personnel and only 6,500 teachers. Admin and support personnel grew by leaps and bounds under Crawford Lewis and teachers' pay fares poorly compared to many of them who only require a GED as an education level. Many of these highly paid admin and support personnel are "friends and family" of the Board members.
Back in 2004 a Compensation audit showed that 2,500 DCSS non teaching personnel were being overpaid by around $15,000,000 and that was directly before Lewis took over. He buried that audit and made no personnel or salary changes. In fact he added many more non teaching personnel. Just considering the $15,000,000 a year in saving in non teaching salaries over 7 years equates to over $100,000,000 million in saving we SHOULD have realized. The teaching salaries have gotten worse while the non teaching salaries have not only not been rightsized, they have actually grown.
As an example, DeKalb pays $4,500,000 for 79 Parent Involvement personnel who only require an Associate degree (2 years of college) and no certification (not even paraprofessional, and almost all have no certification), yet they are paid an average of $57,000 a year in salary and benefits. By contrast, Clayton Schools $1,700,000 for 45 Parent Involvement personnel who are all certified paraprofessionals and make an average of $38,000 a year in salary and benefits. A former BOE member who just lost her last election has a daughter employed as a DeKalb Parent Involvement Coordinator making $71,000 in salary and benefits with less than 8 years in DeKalb (in comparison, a teacher with a PhD in Physics and 8 years experience makes $66,000 in salary and benefits).
Another example is the Security group. The Compensation audit recommends that they be reduced by 95 positions. Currently, DeKalb spends close to $11,000,000 for 204 Security personnel (and this is only for middle and high schools – elementary schools are "on their own"). The Security personnel average $55,000 a year in salary and benefits. By contrast, Gwinnett spends $2,800,000 for 48 Security personnel, Clayton spends $1,000,000 for 180 Security personnel and $5,000,000 for 282 Security personnel. The DeKalb's Board chairman has a son who is in Security along with 4 other of his relatives who work for the school system (none of them teachers).
Fernbank Science Center employs only 29 teachers and 30+ admin and support personnel. This cost center consumes around $7,000,000 a year of our science budget while science scores have fallen to an historic low (less than 50% of DeKalb 8th graders understand even the most basic science concepts). Meanwhile, the teachers in the schools who teach science every day in class sizes of 35+ only had $55,000 to obtain all of their equipment and supplies – that works out to 55 cents per child for the entire year for science labs. Most of the science supplies are being bought by the teachers out of their own pockets.
These are just a few examples of the waste that plagues our school system. There are many more.
To see the Compensation audit for yourself, click on the link below (BTW – the DeKalb Schools System did not post this audit that taxpayers paid for on their website. Rather, the blog DeKalb School Watch Two used a Freedom of Information request to get it):
If you want to see the teacher salary comparisons, look on page 95. You will see where Angela got the 20% to 30% figure.
DeKalb County is behind in teacher compensation – on the low side of salary in metro Atlanta and in addition DeKalb is not paying into Social Security for teachers. There is a battle going on right now as Dr. Atkinson tries to dismantle the overpriced "friends and family" bureaucracy that Lewis installed. Every citizen of DeKalb needs to support Dr. Atkinson efforts – especially since the Board chairman apparently is not happy with her replacing the administrators who have utterly failed our students.
It is absolutely critical that Dr. Atkinson posts the salary schedules of ALL personnel on the DCSS website like EVERY other metro system. Currently, only the teacher salary schedule which covers 6,500 employees is posted. The salary schedules for the other 8,500 non teaching personnel are not posted. Too many times, salary schedules were created within Human Resources and non teaching personnel have been moved to those schedules in order to receive hefty raises while teacher compensation has been going backwards.
March 22nd, 2012
11:44 pm
@I love teaching… – Nobody said that teaching wasn't a hard and sometimes thankless job. But…
I think you are missing or deliberately ignoring my points. And I might add, you sound defensive. I am simply trying to give those of you who are teachers some insight from the perspective of several kids who are well-behaved, intelligent high-achievers (and not all of them are my children) into why you may not have the respect you seem to think you deserve. I gave you a partial list of things the kids shouldn't have to hear from you and your peers. And your response was a list of what you shouldn't have to put up with.
More teachers should develop the outlook and M.O. of Ron F. It's a lot better than whining!
March 23rd, 2012
4:22 am
"Duty is the sublimest word in the English langauge."
March 23rd, 2012
6:20 am
@Soccermom "I think you are missing or deliberately ignoring my points."
I pointed out that you are correct about some situations. Then I pointed out that some of those "well-behaved, intelligent high-achievers" are not quite as respectful as folks assume they are… Furthermore, many of them speak exactly the same way to their parents, who seem to feel it is acceptable. I do not engage in "whining" in my classroom in front of my students. They do not "hear" those things from me.
Sorry, but I am not going to constantly be a "little miss sunshine" on this blog in order to keep from being accused of "whining". There are too many very important issues facing our schools and our students – issues which are bringing about the downfall of our country. And I will keep "whining" about them in hopes that someone will finally start to listen. I have never been one to "sit down and shut up" and I am not starting now.
P.S. I do a lot of the same things Ron. F suggested, but learning what constitutes respect is hard for children when some parents don't seem to share my value system in terms of what is expected when conversing with adults.

subset: commoncrawl


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Leaf Table Runner Project at Fabric.com
We warmed right up to this table runner project being shared over at Fabric.com. An easy-to-follow how-to accompanies a couple of photos of the work and we like how the outcome looks fresh and modern. The open trail of leaves would look just beautiful strewn over an autumn dining table.
The project as shown is sewn out of fabric. The leaves are small enough that you can use fabric scraps left over from other projects.
But we're wondering about possibly making an even simpler runner in this style but out of cut-to-shape pieces of felt. Maybe in a dark charcoal gray silhouette on our white tablecloth. It might look even more crisp than the fabric version and it would be super easy.
Follow the jump for the complete how-to from Fabric.com:
Here's a closeup of the hand-stitching where the leaves meet and a little bit of leaf shape inspiration to get you started. Employ a different leaf shape and get an alltogether different outcome. For the step-by-step, visit Fabric.com.
4 Comments
love this...I've been wanting to make a table runner, I just needed some inspiration.
I think this might work better in felt, unless your sewing skills are excellent enough to avoid the puckers in the runner shown above.
This reminds me of Sally Shim's work quite a bit.
puckers schmuckers. worth giving a try.


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December 12, 2003
Waycross- Health Districts across South Georgia are reporting they are out of the vaccine. The Southeast Health District ran out yesterday and doesn' expect to get more anytime soon.
Some are on reserve for children who have received the first dose and are required to get a second shot. The Southeast Health District serves 16 counties including Atkinson, Clinch, Coffee, and Ware. Late this afternoon, the South Georgia Health District, which serves 10 counties, reported it, too, is out of the vaccine. It covers Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Tift and Turner Counties.
Also late this afternoon, the Southwest Health District which covers 14 counties announced the vaccine is out in 10 counties: Calhoun, Colquitt, Dougherty, Early, Lee, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas and Worth.
The vaccine is running extremely low in the remaining four counties: Baker, Decatur, Grady and Mitchell.
updated at 6:20PM by email@example.com
P.O. Box 3130
Albany, GA 31706
(229) 446-1010
FCC Public File
(229) 446-4005
EEO Report
Closed Captioning


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Share your comments
Cool costumes : how to stage your very own show
Kenney, Karen Latchana.
Children's Fiction PN2067 .K46 2010
Kenney, Karen Latchana.
Children's Fiction PN2067 .K46 2010
|Creating cool performances
|Getting dressed
|A pattern to follow
|Stage kit
|Regal robe
|Stunning skirt
|T-shirt transformers
|Pirate patch
|Scales & spots
|Swanky jewelry
|Royal heads
|Funky glasses
|Mask mania
|Animal ears
Be the first to add a comment! Share your thoughts about this title. Would you recommend it? Why or why not?
Question about returns, requests or other account details?
Add a Comment
|Submission Guidelines


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Home > Post > Post 2 > Post 2 News Release > 2012 News Releases > News Release
News Release
TFC Stu Recke
Public Affairs Officer
Kentucky State Police
Post 2, Nortonville
(270) 676-3313
Click here to e-mail TFC Stu Recke
Two-Vehicle Injury Collision in Hopkins County
Date of News Release: 04/09/2012
Earlington, KY. (Hopkins County) - The Kentucky State Police investigated a two-vehicle injury collision that occurred at the intersection of KY 2171 and Sandcut Road, approximately two miles east of Earlington, on Monday, April 9, 2012 at approximately 7:20 a.m.
Preliminary investigation reveals that Samuel W. Dillingham, age 40 of Madisonville, KY, was operating a 1999 Ford Expedition. He was stopped at a stop sign on Sandcut Road facing south. Karen E. Wilkey, age 34 of Madisonville, KY, was operating a 2011 Toyota Sienna eastbound on KY 2171 approaching the intersection with Sandcut Road.
Mr. Dillingham did not see Ms. Wilkey's vehicle approaching and pulled into the intersection. The two vehicles collided at the intersection. Mr. Dillingham, who was wearing a seatbelt, was not injured. Ms. Wilkey and her two passengers, Brett Wilkey, age 6, and Katherine Wilkey, age 3, were transported via ambulance to the Regional Medical Center for treatment. Ms. Wilkey and Brett Wilkey were wearing seatbelts. Katherine Wilkey was restrained in a child safety seat.
Trooper First Class John Komar investigated the collision. The Earlington Volunteer Fire Department, the Grapevine Volunteer Fire Department, and Medical Center Ambulance Service assisted at the scene.


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MMA News
Friday, 09/21/2012, 04:26 am
VIDEO | Alan Belcher Interview Interrupted, Renato Laranja Dishes Advice and Recruits.
Alan Belcher is back and this time he not only talks exclusively to BJPenn.com, but he and Sean McClure get a visit from BJJ legend Renato Laranja.
Laranja attempts to convince Belcher that he needs to train with him. Alan had been trying to link up with the 27 time BJJ world champion and when he mentions it on the air…Renato appears.
In this audio interview Alan discusses his training, teaching, and everything in between including his hairstyle.
Latest News


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Considering Montreal as your Canadian Immigration Destination?
Deciding where to live in Canada is one of the most important decisions that future Canadian immigrants make. It's important that the lifestyle suits you and your family - that you will be able to settle in well and establish yourselves.
What immigrant settlement services are available? What is the job market like? The community? The school system? Take time to do some research on your potential destinations in Canada.
Here's a brief description of Montreal, Quebec, a very popular immigration destination, especially for immigrants from French-speaking countries:
Montreal, Quebec
Montreal is the largest city in the French-speaking province of Quebec and the second largest in all of Canada with a population of over 3 million. It is one of two large islands located on the St. Lawrence River, which leads to the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean.
Montreal is famous for its cultural life. Many important Canadian politicians, writers, film-makers, and musicians hail from Montreal, and this is due to Montreal's impressive city-wide and culturally imbedded appreciation for the fine arts and general intellectualism. The city is well-known for its fashion and design, live music, and homegrown cultural items such as film, visual art, and theatre. The downtown core is always bustling with people at café's and restaurants, and the many accessible parks and green-spaces.
Not only is Montreal a beautiful city, but it happens to be one of North America's oldest cities, which is reflected in its architecture. The Old Port region maintains the old world European charm and is a very popular tourist destination.
Montreal is a mostly French-speaking city, but has a significant population of native English-speakers. Because of an influx of immigration from non-English or French native-speaking countries over the last few decades, many other languages are spoken as well.
The standard of living in Montreal is high. A safe and friendly city, crime rates are relatively low.
Montreal is a rare gem within Canada. It has its own nuance and style independent of the rest of Canada. It is a captivating and inspiring city with a lot to offer. The people and culture are unique and the city is beautiful in a way that is very rare in this part of the world. Montreal is an important immigration destination.


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Who Will Fill the Gap Left by Becta?Posted by Lawrence Williams on September 7, 2010
Online teaching and learning communities of practice come in many different shapes and sizes. In this blog, I will be looking at three different working models through the eyes of many of my own colleagues, and through those of other professionals, and asking what will be happening in the near future. The three on-line community models briefly discussed here are Becta, MirandaNet, and Naace: Becta is/was government funded, MirandaNet is funded by industry links of various kinds, and Naace is funded both by industry and by membership subscriptions.
The reason for our current interest in these models is, of course, because the government has recently decided to discontinue the funding of Becta, to the dismay of professional educators across the globe. Professor Niki Davis, Christchurch, New Zealand, commented, "I can tell you that the shock of losing Becta is being felt worldwide – the UK is risking its reputation as a leader in 21st century education". And an Information and Communications (ICT) consultant from Outstream, Allison Allen, summed up the position of many other international consultants when she said, "I have found many visionaries in the organisation. The negative impact on 'UK plc' is not to be underestimated".
Becta's areas of particular success, according to a recent online survey, have been these:
- Strategic advice for schools on the real costs of implementing digital technologies
- Funding for research projects, especially for small and innovative projects initiated from the grassroots of the profession
- Support for new models of informal professional development
- Retention of key programmes like Self-review and Home Access
- Continued availability of the online resources and research publications
- Support for international events (Example: I was sent, on Becta's behalf, to the Presidential Conference in Paris to represent "Best ICT practice in the UK", a week-long event which was an international showcase for the creative use of ICT)
- Effective procurement
Graham Badman, Chairman and Stephen Crowne, Chief Executive of Becta commented, "Naturally we are very disappointed at the Government's decision. Becta is a very effective organisation with an international reputation, delivering valuable services to schools, colleges and children. Our procurement arrangements save the schools and colleges many times more than Becta costs to run. Our Home Access programme will give laptops and broadband to over 200,000 of the poorest children."
The question then is: who will fill the gap left by Becta?
Naace is the 'professional association for those concerned with advancing education through the appropriate use of information and communications technology (ICT)'. Like MirandaNet, it also has industry, rather than government sponsorship, and has been a powerful voice in the service of both teachers and pupils. But Naace, too, is affected by the demise of Becta, which was responsible for the accreditation of the ICT Mark, so highly valued by schools. Naace will, of course, continue to survive and prosper. But how will its role develop?
Professor Marilyn Leask, the new Dean of Education at Bedford University suggests, however, "Perhaps it is time to have an independent professional body setting standards of pedagogy and curriculum, since decision-making on ideological grounds is sending us in circles".
Tom Rank (NATE) offers an important solution to the absence of Becta, based on the new forms of informal ICT CPD that MirandaNet has been pioneering. "As with so many of the initiatives in education over the last dozen years, the implementation of an international Learning Platform is a potential catalyst for teachers to discuss the fundamentals of education with all partners, to challenge themselves, and to develop and spread expertise". And Albin Wallace, United Church Schools Trust / United Learning Trust, extends this argument by suggesting that communities of practice such as MirandaNet and Naace are well placed to take this whole debate forward.
So, Becta, which helped to place the UK ahead of the world in the creative use of ICT tools for teaching and learning, is about to go. Naace and MirandaNet will be much needed in order to fill the gap left by the demise of this highly talented group of visionaries. An International Learning Platform is one possibility. The further development of communities of practice like Naace and MirandaNet is another. But, are there other solutions?
What do you think?
12 Responses to "Who Will Fill the Gap Left by Becta?"
There is a tension developing between the ability of individuals to cohere and not cohere at will in the social networks to debate, discuss, develop ideas – this anarchic context enables great thinking but seldom is it captured and never really is it developed into mainstream. People now have a 'voice' as never before but there is no structure to it. Or such structure is very difficult to achieve.
There is the ability of organisations to lead, organise, propogate, but they tend to need bureauracy and rules and finance and therefore self interest and survival.
Its an interesting ecosystem we live in now.
Roger is right about the innately moribund nature of nearly all large organisations, which have obvious responsibilities to their various funders. This is why I think MirandaNet is in a uniquely fortunate position here, being run entirely by practising teachers from all walks of life – from infant-class teachers to "weighty" university professors, with hospital schools and librarians, secondary schools and FE colleges in between. It's a good starting baseline.
This is why my next working project will be in helping MirandaNet to develop the new kind of on-line CPD system like the international learning platform mentioned by Tom Rank. This would not, of course, be the independent professional model envisaged by Professor Leask.
Communities of practice rarely establish authorative voices within them. Becta was able to provide this. Partly because they were driving government policy and partly because they undertook high quality research and aggregated the best insights globally on both technology and educational practice with it. No successor organisation can replicate the former characteristic unless bound into ongoing national policy. The latter can be reproduced but it's hard to see how a professional association like Naace that necessarily generates a wealth of sometimes conflicting views could do so.
great blog thank you
Who will fill the gap left by Becta? Probably no one as it's highly unlikely that any one organisation will emerge with the capacity, capability, commitment or national remit to provide a universal centralised source for advice, guidance, research and analysis independent of external commercial influence.
Over the past 2 to 3 years the remit for Becta was intentionally migrated from the previous Harnessing Technology strategy of 'access to technology' to a more productive and constructive learning and teaching focussed 'effective use of technology' agenda. This move was validated by a recent OECD/CERI PISA report in late 2009 which suggested that with access to technology becoming almost ubiquitous a new second form of digital divide had been identified: the one existing between those who have the right competences and skills to benefit from computer use, and those who have not.
Becta was on the cusp of becoming a highly effective agent for pedagogic change through its evidence-based adoption models; supporting video, audio and written case studies; 21st Century teacher materials; digital literacies resources; primary and secondary entitlements; exemplifications etc. etc.. With its latest release of materials being universally welcomed by local authorities and senior leaders alike as being, 'at last, just what we've been waiting for' it will be a hard act to follow.
Becta's strategy was to ensure that young people would be provided with an educational experience that was not only engaging and relevant but prepared them to be successful in the work place, enabling them to reach their full potential and become valuable, constructive members of 21st century society. The key loss with Becta, therefore, is likely to be a stasis in this forward momentum. With central government opting for a 'laissez faire' approach there will be a significant loss of strategic direction. With other organisations jostling to claim their place as credible successors there is a danger that the collective eye will be taken off the national ball.
But is Becta's demise a good or a bad thing? Well, it depends on which side of the fence you sit. If you are one of the schools that the current government feels is best placed to make the decisions required to ensure effective use of technology to support learning, teaching and management and has the capacity, capability and will to make it happen then it's a good thing. If, however, you are one of the 67% of schools who have yet to get to grips with technology then you may find being cut adrift one freedom of choice too many!
Let's play Devil's Advocate here:
I was very surprised to learn, through my own on-line community discussions, that many teachers who responded to the demise of Becta felt that this was actually not much of a loss. I quoted only those (the majority) who expressed support. Robin Ball has suggested why – many schools simply no longer have a need for hand-holding. Certainly, many have incredibly forward-looking and creative curriculum ideas. My granddaughters have just started at their local primary school, and it is full of progressive uses of ICT to support learning. Whose figure is the 67% "failure" rate?
My own view of Becta, one of admiration, and respect, was not the only response to its demise.
"Close it and save the money."…….
In reply to Lawrence, the figure of 67% comes from the 2009 Harnessing Technology Schools omnibus survey (published 2010) which was also reinforced by the recent Besa LP survey. The big point here is that it is not a 'failure rate', as Lawrence suggested, but an indication that technology to support learning and teaching has not yet been sufficiently well-embedded to realise the impact that its effective use can deliver. Becta takes a more conservative view than the figures suggest and cites only a quarter of schools as being 'mature' in their use of technology and I guess the number of ICT Mark accreditations does reflect this position. To paraphrase Stephen Crowne (Becta CEO) at the recent Intellect Conference, 'ICT in schools has moved from marginal to mainstream but only 1/4 are ICT mature, the rest need support.'.
The point is that while a reasonable number of schools are making excellent progress they would probably be doing so whether Becta had existed or not. There will always be those dynamic, imaginative leaders prepared to embrace new ideas, push boundaries and take risks. The concern though is for those remaining schools that have yet to make an impression and were dependent on Becta or other sources for their strategic support. Some of those schools are just starting out, some have started and faltered, some are progressing but not as quickly as they would like, some have progressed as far as they can go, and some have yet to get properly started. But with support from local authorities already under severe pressure and with the CSR just round the corner the outlook for these schools in receiving or having access to effective advice and guidance is looking less certain.
What is clear is that there is now a vacuum that needs to be filled which takes us full circle to the original question, 'Who will fill the gap left by Becta?'. Perhaps we should rephrase the question to, 'Who can fill the gap left by Becta?'.
I've recently started a blog, the information you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
The Loss of BECTA was a quick reaction to trying to balance the books. Often the people who will not miss BECTA are those who, for various reasons, do not persue the challenges brought by ICT – particulary in the Primary Sector. We in Devon, because of the the shortages of county funding found the advice and support given to us from BECTA a great back up to our 2 hard pressed ICT advisors. We would not have gained the ICT Mark without the guidance and help BECTA gave. We would not have been able to focus on very important topics like e-Safety had we not had their support.
Who is going to fill BECTA's role? It is so difficult to replace such a balanced and supportive team, now all the experience and networking is scattered. We really need these type of organisations, to guide and enrich our pupils and teachers paths into schools fit for the 21st Century. I fear the gap will not be filled!
I can't think of anything more irrelevant to the future of education than an international learning platform. As Universities now realise that they need too explore the concept of personal learning environments (of which learning platforms form but a small part) what any successor to BECTA should do is concentrate on how to adapt learning to the most seismic changes to education since mass printing. We are in the era of collaboration and social networking: how do we adapt these changes to everyday learning?
It's simple!
We do this by sharing best practice through professional organisations and international bodies. The "era of collaboration and social networking" is in no way incompatible with an international learning platform "for teachers to discuss the fundamentals of education with all partners, to challenge themselves, and to develop and spread expertise", as Tom Rank put it, above.
It's all down to the creativity of the individual teacher. And this involves seeing and adapting the ideas of others across the globe.
The most widely creative use of ICT I ever saw was in a primary school in Prague, where the whole curriculum revolved around Art, in different ways. And we had gone there to advise THEM on creativity in using ICT…….
It was a humbling (and inspirational) experience.
Very Interesting Blog! Thank You For This!


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Indiana University men's basketball coach Tom Crean has announced that guard Maurice Creek will graduate next week and will not play for the Hoosiers next season. He will look to play his final season immediately at another school and begin work on a graduate degree.
"With his graduation coming up next week, Maurice and his family have decided to pursue an opportunity where he can find the type of role that would provide him the minutes he desires and is accustomed to," said Crean. "In all my time as a coach, I have never witnessed someone overcoming the adversity that Maurice had sustained during his time. His attitude, ability to continue to work and his passion for the game of basketball have never wavered. He has been an integral part of our basketball family and will always remain that in our eyes and and should also in the eyes of Hoosier Nation."
During his career with the Hoosiers, the Oxon Hill, Maryland product averaged 7.2 points in 54 games including a 31-point effort against Kentucky as a freshman.
"I want to thank Hoosier Nation for their support during my four years at IU," said Creek. "I am grateful that Coach Crean gave me the opportunity to come to Indiana University. As much as anyone, he has helped me turn from a boy into a man. I feel like I would have a better opportunity for more playing time at another school where I can be eligible right away."
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Exposing the Myth: 30g Limit on Protein Per Meal
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Originally Posted by
big valsalva
Very good. That's kind of what I was looking for. So you're saying:
*You get a spike with whey alone in excess of 45 grams.
*You get a spike with protein/high carbs.
*High protein/high fat is no problem for you.
*You're getting 350ish grams of protein per day spread out over four meals.
I'm looking forward to seeing more from you on this topic. Good info.
It won't let me rep you. I owe you some.
Thats correct. One other thing I get a blood sugar spike from is lifting. Once I deplete my glycogen stores, my liver goes nuts producing glucose. I can reduce this effect by eating high fat during training. To this end, I usually bring 1/2 a cup of almonds or macadamias with me these days.
This leads into another area I may write on some time, but I live in a state of ketosis(not to be confused with ketoacidosis). It is completely safe for all organs as the brain is the only thing that requires glucose and the liver is quite able to produce enough for it. Everything else is capable of running on fatty acids.
Before I forget again, the urinary protein is always either negative or trace these days, even on my highest protein intake days. One easy way to tell you are losing protein into your urine is a large amount of foam in the toilet bowl after urination.
Anastas Dimitar Martin
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Twitter's new Vine app now displays this frown if you search for what it considers inappropriate conent. Michael del Castillo
Work-arounds exist, if you look hard enough. There's no word yet though if Twitter plans to continue blocking NSFW hashtags as they crop up, use other means to control what it considers inappropriate content, or just let the widely-searched pornographic content do as it will.
There's little doubt though, regardless of the decision, the press that's come from this story should help offset the lost traffic if they do decide to keep the ban.
Michael earned his BA from Mercer University, along the way excavating a Roman bathhouse with the American School of Archaeology. Plus, he provided security at Oxford University, where he also studied literature and philosophy. He earned his MS from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism while training for and running in the New York marathon.
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What the stars really think of Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger turns 70: what the stars really think of the Rolling Stone
He's the frontman of one of the most popular bands of all times and has become as famous for his colourful love life as his stage moves, so it's no surprise that everyone seems to have an opinion on Mick Jagger.
The Rolling Stones star turns 70 this week (Friday 26 July) and is showing no signs of retiring despite a career spanning 50 years.
We've put together some of the best quotes from Jagger's celebrity fans as well as those who know him best.
Click through to see what the likes of Paul McCartney, Marianne Faithfull, Jerry Hall and Justin Bieber really think of the veteran rocker ...
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|By Greg Schulz
Article Rating:
|January 23, 2014 08:23 PM EST
Lenovo buys IBM's xSeries aka x86 server business, what about EMC?
By Greg Schulz
Lenovo buys IBM's xSeries x86 server business for $2.3B USD, what about EMC?
Once again Lenovo is new owner of some IBM computer technology, this time by acquiring the x86 (e.g. xSeries) server business unit from big blue. Today Lenovo announced its plan to acquire the IBM x86 server storage business unit for $2.3B USD.
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and Armonk, New York January 23, 2014
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) and IBM (NYSE: IBM) have entered into a definitive agreement in which Lenovo plans to acquire IBMs x86 server business. This includes System x, BladeCenter and Flex System blade servers and switches, x86-based Flex integrated systems, NeXtScale and iDataPlex servers and associated software, blade networking and maintenance operations. The purchase price is approximately US$2.3 billion, approximately two billion of which will be paid in cash and the balance in Lenovo stock.
IBM will retain its System z mainframes, Power Systems, Storage Systems, Power-based Flex servers, and PureApplication and PureData appliances.
If you recall (or didn't't know) around a decade or so ago IBM also spun off its Laptop (e.g. Thinkpads) and workstation business unit to Lenovo after being one of the early PC players (I still have a model XT in my collection along with Mac SE and Newton).
What this means for IBM?
What this means is that IBM is selling off a portion of its systems technology group which is where the servers, storage and related hardware, software technologies report into. Note however that IBM is not selling off its entire server portfolio, only the x86 e.g. Intel/AMD based products that make up the xSeries as well as companion Blade and related systems. This means that IBM is retaining its Power based systems (and processors) that include the pSeries, iSeries and of course the zSeries mainframes in addition to the storage hardware/software portfolio.
However as part of this announcement, Lenovo is also licensing from IBM the Storwize/V7000 technology as well as Tape, GPFS based scale out file systems used in SONAS and related products that are part of solution bundles tied to the x86 business.
Again to be clear, IBM is not selling off (or at least at this time) Storwize, tape or other technology to Lenovo other than x86 server business. By server business, this means the technology, patents, people, processes, products, sales, marketing, manufacturing, R&D along with other entities that form the business unit, not all that different from when IBM divested the workstation/laptop aka PC business in the past.
What this means for Lenovo?
What Lenovo gets are an immediate (once the deal closes) expansion of their server portfolio including high-density systems for cloud, HPC as well as regular enterprise, not to mention also for SME and SMB. Lenovo also gets blade systems as well as converged systems (server, storage, networking, hardware, software) hence why IBM is also licensing some technology to Lenovo that it is not selling. Lenovo also gets the sales, marketing, design, support and other aspects to also expand their server business. By gaining the server business unit, Lenovo will now be in a place to take on Dell (who was also rumored to be in the market for the IBM servers), as well as HP, Oracle and other x86 system based suppliers.
What about EMC and Lenovo?
Yes, EMC, that storage company who is also a primary owner of VMware, as well as partner with Cisco and Intel in the VCE initiatives, not to mention who also entered into a partnership with Lenovo a year or so ago.
In case you forgot or didn't't know, EMC after breaking up with Dell, entered into a partnership with Lenovo back in 2012.
This partnership and initiatives included developing servers that in turn EMC could use for their various storage and data appliances which continue to leverage x86 type technology. In addition, that agreement found the EMC Iomega brand transitioning over into the Lenovo line-up for both domestic North America, as well as international including the chinese market. Hence I have an older Iomega IX4 that says EMC, and a newer one that says EMC/Lenovo, also note that at CES a few weeks ago, some new Iomega products were announced.
In checking with Lenovo today, they indicated that it is business as usual and no changes with or to the EMC partnership.
Via email from Lenovo spokesperson today:
A key piece to Lenovo's Enterprise strategy has always included strong partnerships. In fact today's announcements reinforce that strategy very clearly.
Given the new scale, footprint and Enterprise credibility that this server acquisition affords Lenovo, we see great opportunity in offering complimentary storage offerings to new and existing customers.
Lenovo's partnership with EMC is multifaceted and stays in-tact as an important part of Lenovo's overall strategy to offer customers compelling solutions built on world-class technology.
Lenovo will continue to offer Lenovo/EMC NAS products from our joint venture as well as resell EMC stand-alone storage platforms.
IBM Storwize storage and other products are integral to the in-scope platforms and solutions we acquired. In order to ensure continuity of business and the best customer experience we will partner with IBM for storage products as well.
We believe this is a great opportunity for all three companies, but most importantly these partnerships are in place and will remain healthy for the benefit for our customers.
Hence it is my opinion that for now it is business as usual, the IBM x8x business unit has a new home, those people will be getting new email addresses and business cards similar to how some of their associates did when the PC group was sold off a few years ago.
Otoh, there may also be new products that might become opportunities to be placed into he Lenovo EMC partnership, however that is just my speculation at this time. Likewise while there will be some groups within Lenovo focused on selling the converged Lenovo solutions coming from IBM that may in fact compete with EMC (among others) in some scenarios, that should be no more and hopefully less than what IBM has with their server groups at times competing with themselves.
What does this mean for Cisco, Dell, HP and others?
For Cisco, instead of competing with one of their OEMs (e.g. IBM) for networking equipment (note IBM also owns some of its own networking), the server competition shifts to Lenovo who is also a Cisco partner (its called coopitition), and perhaps business as usual in many areas. For Dell, in the mid-market space, things could get interesting and the Round Rock folks need to get creative and beyond VRTX.
For HP, this is where IMHO it's going to get really interesting as Lenovo gets things transitioned. Near-term, HP could have a disruptive upper hand, however longer-term, HP has to get their A-Game on. Oracle is in the game as are a bunch of others from Fujitsu to SuperMicro to outside of North America and in particular china there is also Huawei. Back to EMC and VCE, while I expect the Cisco partnership to stay, I also see a wild card where EMC can leverage their Lenovo partnership into more markets, while Cisco continues to move into storage and other adjacent areas (e.g. more coopitition).
What this means now and going forward?
Thus this is as much about enterprise, SME, SMB as it is HPC, cloud and high-density where the game is about volume. Likewise there is also the convergence or data infrastructure angle combing server, storage, networking hardware, software and services.
One of the things I have noticed about Lenovo as a customer using ThinkPads for over 13 years now (not the same one) is that while they are affordable, instead of simply cutting cost and quality, they seem to have found ways to remove cost which is different then simply cutting to go cheap.
Case in point about a year and a half ago I dropped my iPhone on my Lenovo X1 keyboard that is back-lit and broke a key. Calling Lenovo after trying to find a replacement key on the web, they said no worries and next morning a new keyboard for the laptop was on my doorstep by 10:30Am with instructions on how to remove the old, put in the new, and do the RMA, no questions asked (read more about this here).
The reason I mention that story about my X1 laptop is that it ties to what I'm curious and watching with their soon to be expanded new server business.
Will they go in and simply look to reduce cost by making cuts from design to manufacturing to part quality, service and support, or, find ways to remove complexity and cost while providing more value?
Now I wonder whose technology will join my HP and Dell systems to fill some empty rack space in the not so distant future to support growth?
Time will tell, congratulations to Lenovo and the IBMers who now have a new home best wishes.
Ok, nuff said
Cheers gs
Greg Schulz - Author Cloud and Virtual Data Storage Networking (CRC Press), The Green and Virtual Data Center (CRC Press) and Resilient Storage Networks (Elsevier)
twitter @storageio
Read the original blog entry...
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COOK chicken in large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium heat 5 to 6 min. or until done, stirring frequently. Add cream cheese spread; cook 2 to 3 min. or until melted, stirring frequently. Stir in cabbage, carrots and ginger.
SPOON chicken mixture onto centers of won ton wrappers, adding about 1 tsp. to each. Moisten edge of each wrapper with water; fold in half to form triangle, pressing edges together to seal.
HEAT 2 tsp. oil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add 10 to 12 dumplings; cook 1 to 1-1/2 min. or until bottoms are golden brown. Add 2 to 3 Tbsp. water; cover. Cook on medium-low heat 2 to 2-1/2 min. or until dumplings are done and water is evaporated. Transfer dumplings to serving plate; wipe skillet dry. Repeat with remaining oil and dumplings.


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omg anyone else remember reading about how neither Tom Hardy nor Christian Bale could hear a fucking thing in their headgear, and Bale has the added bonus of not being able to see when Hardy's lips move so they worked out little hand gesture things out of the camera shot to let each other know when they'd finished a line?
this is probably them going "HEY! NOLAN WANTS US ON SET" "WHO WANTS HIS OWN PET?" "NO I'M NOT GETTING WET! FUCKING—GO THAT WAY, FUCK'S SAKE." "OH COOL, IS THERE CAKE?" "OBVIOUSLY I'M NOT A SNAKE."
and the crew just laughs and laughs and laughs


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Decided to spend the night/morning flying around Scotland while eating bacon sandwiches then flying home. #pissupinabrewery #wtf
Last week in E'Burg (at Edinburgh)
Always seeing. Always watching. Always knowing.
Wood on wood. (at The House of Procrastination)
Hello you. Where have you been all my life… (at Landmark Hotel)
This chair. In my creative space. Not in this shop. Give me this chair shop people. How much for the chair shop people? How much? Are you sure? Really? I'll leave it for now then thanks. Damn you!!!!! Damn you!!!!!
Peaceful evenings for the most part. A month at sea.
Finally putting the finishing touches on this piece. I've decided to take 'my work' with me when I go off to sea on Monday as I'm getting a bit restless now and need to get cracking. Three weeks with a few spare hours each day should be good. I won't be able to paint but I can do all the prep work. So I'll have some new stuff to show y'all soon!
Blue Burg.
The Iron Lung. Everyone should spend time in this place.
A house is not a home. I could see Batman living here. Show me the bat-cave Alfred! (at Duff House)
It's only one of the best films ever…. One million year B.C. And it's on a Monday! Wooohaaa!
Antiques and oddities. This place was awesome.
Early mornings - Late nights. I'm soooo busy at the moment. Forgive my lack of participation. (at Aberdeen Whisky Shop)


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Register for the College of Marin Athletics Golf Tournament Friday, October 24th
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According to a video report by GeoBeats, a woman from Knoxville, Tennessee admitted to stabbing her own mother while she was talking to a local news station about the crime. The woman, Katie Nichols, 31, was a suspect in the case from the beginning. Nichols was no where to be found when police arrived on the scene but when a local news station arrived, Nichols flagged them down from her car. Believe it or not, she confessed to the whole thing on camera.
Nichols started talking about "Satanic spells" being cast on her and that her mom was the "ringleader." Nichols said that she had no other choice -- she says she "had to act" because her mother was "putting curses" on her and her family.
Just after the confession Katie Nichols was handcuffed and taken away by police. She has been charged with attempted first degree murder and aggravated kidnapping. Nichols' 61-year-old mother is in the ICU.
Check out the video above for more.
© Effie Orfanides 2014


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Nike Lunar Hyperdunk+ WBF "Fireberry"
July 13th, 2012 by Brendan Dunne | 2 comments
Nike of course already has things covered on the USA front as far as sneakers go, packing plenty of red, white, and blue heat for the summer. Extending beyond that the sneakers offered up to go along with the World Basketball Festival are a little bit more well, worldly. Not tied down to the flag of any particular nation the group instead is painted with a pretty bright set of colors centered around the fireberry shade and the WBF logo, shown here on the tongue of this Nike Lunar Hyperdunk+. Click through with us to see the first full look of the Nike Lunar Hyperunk+ WBF 'Fireberry' and let us know if these are on your radar for the summer.
Nike Lunar Hyperdunk
Wolf Grey/Fireberry-Dynamic Blue