Am I Crazy?

Well things are going really well with Abby. She is making an effort to make friends and on the first day of her truth test, she told the truth. So, we rewarded her by increasing her television time from one hour to an hour and a half. I think it was more like one hour and ten minutes, but she doesn't have to know! It's just so hard for Murad and I to stomach Hannah Montana, ugh! However, I really do like the show called The Wizards of Waverly Place. It's such a cute show and the lead girl character is so adorable. She's so much better than slutty Hannah. Oops, did I say that? Don't tell Abby!

I think she is adjusting to our home and our rules, but sadly she'll be returning to Meade in two weeks. However, Murad and I have vowed to spend more time with her and hopefully we'll get her more next summer. Woo-hoo!

So, I'm over halfway through my master's program in school administration and I'm already thinking about getting another degree. Am I crazy? I'm so stressed out with my current program, but I found this ideal program nearby. In fact, it's at the same place where Murad will do his master's and Ph.D in Social Work. Anyways, this program is a Ph.D in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. The focus is K-16 research and policy which is an area in which I'm interested. I know I want to teach for a while longer, but I'd love to do institutional assessment and impact policy in the future and this program seems to align perfectly with my goals. In addition, the program is a cohort program and can be completed in three years including dissertation. In fact, the program is designed for working adults, so I can keep that income and not take out a bunch of student loans. We'll see. I know my parents and Murad would be ecstatic if I got my Ph.D. And with it being a three year program, I could have it done before I have kids or right when I have kids. Lots to think about. It's hard being a grown up. Can I be seven again?

Well, next week we are celebrating Maya, Murad and Sampson's birthday. Their actual birthday isn't until August 18th. However, we would like to celebrate while Abby is still here. Next Friday we're going to a birthday party for my friend Karrie's dog named Murphy. On Saturday, we're going to Texas Land & Cattle for steak dinner and then to Dave & Buster's for some fun! I can not wait!!!

Website Evaluation -- Whole Child Education

The average student in today's society, is much more technology savvy and faces many more challenges than what was seen before. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development has created the Whole Child. The Whole Child focuses on maintaining healthy students, creating safe environments, ensuring student engagement, providing support for students, and maintaining a challenging curriculum.

The website provides those who access it with updated news on student health and interests. For example, one article highlights podcasting as a way to engage students. In the article, teachers were allowed to create digital lectures for students to access on their Zunes. This is just one way the website stays up to date with information concerning technology and students. In addition, the news articles are delivered in blog format, which allows readers to comment on the articles and create a dialogue.

While the website does provide relevant information, the website can be hard to navigate in some areas. For example, it is hard to find out the origin of the website besides the purpose. In addition, despite listing the partners with which they work, there is little mention of scientifically based research strategies. Another negative aspect of the site is the lack of contact information. The contact page only provides a way for readers to fill out a contact sheet. However, no address, or phone numbers are listed.

Despite this, the website is very valuable for the 21st century. With the many challenges that our students face, it is time that a website address the needs of the whole child. I would highly recommend this website for teachers, but especially for administrators who are looking to create a holistic curriculum program that addresses interpersonal skills, health, safetey and student engagement.