Embrace the Shake

It's been almost 5 months since I've actually sat down and written for this blog.  It's also been over 6 years since I put down my first post.  Over the past 6 years I've shared a lot of information, but it's also been a place for me to reflect.  Something I've missed the past year.  It's interesting, the reason I'm writing this post is because of a video I watched recently.  I'm a fan of TEDTalks and a colleague shared this one with me:

Phil Hansen:  Embrace the Shake

Within the first 2 minutes, I realized that this talk made sense to me.  I had difficulties in my new position and I gave up this blog.  I gave up something that has connected me to so many others and so many experiences.  I'm hoping that this year I can, as Phil says, embrace the shake.  I am starting another new position.  I'll continue in my role in Assistive Technology, but now I'll be (for the first time ever) in a resource special education position.  I've never done anything but self-contained, and while this was something I never thought I would do, I'm looking forward to it.  Whether it's the challenge or just the change I am going in with a lot of new ideas.

I don't know exactly how this will change this blog, but I do know that I am going to keep posting my ideas.  I'll be sharing my thoughts and hopefully getting some feedback!  Take a few minutes and watch Phil, maybe it will inspire you to embrace the shake

Patrick

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TEDx - The Myth of Average

An interesting video came across my G+ stream the other day, not more than an hour later I received an email about the same video.  Now, I typically ignore emails like that for products and videos (I get some each week), but since it came up in 2 different places and 2 different feeds I figured I needed to check it out.  I've watched a few TED talks, but have never seen one from TEDx.  I am glad I watched!!!

L. Todd Rose is a high school dropout, and now Harvard faculty member.  He shares some very profound stories about how fighter planes were built 60 years ago vs. today, as well as how we teach all students.  Head to Youtube to see the video (it's about 18 min. long)

The Myth of Average

What struck me most is the obvious connection to UDL principles.  Teaching to all students and giving them the tools to learn in their unique way is what we need to be focusing our time on.  We have so many tools we just need to make sure students have a way to access them.  We need to provide materials that help them achieve all they can.  This talk is inspiring and I hope it inspires you to share these ideas!!

Patrick

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