I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DEBATE.......SO HERE IS POSITION TWO

2). COMMUNICATION

It is critical that we increase it, not only in frequency but in modality (big fancy word for ways). We can be slaves to technology or we can be masters. We need to be methodical consistent and systematic in its implementation. As of now we have been sporadic. I am going to use another fancy word, rubric. It is essential we have a framework for the dessimination of information. How can we expect parents to get involved when they learn piecemeal what is going on. Our opinions about what is going on are shaped by what we know.

The Internet has revolutionized the practice of communication. It is possible now to inform masses of people with a few key strokes. Everyone needs to emulate and imitate MARSHALL'S use of FACEBOOK. It is an effective, no cost way of spreading information about what's going on at the school plus students and parents feel vested in the school with some public acknowledgement of their efforts. The fact that we control what information that gets put out means that we bear some of the opinions out there, even the bad ones.

PICKERING does an excellent job with the use of the CONNECT-ED system. I got lots of calls keeping me up to date on what is happening at that school. Heck, I even got one call urging me to make sure my son got a good nights sleep before taking the MCAS. We have the technology, let's use it better and more frequent.

Even though I have not actually seen it, I am told BREED raised money to purchase a sign to display the current events at the school. This is wonderful and its display addresses some of the weak points faced by other more sophisticated forms of communication. Although the initial cost was substantial (raised by the parents I might add) the upkeep going forward has to be minimal and the payoff substantial.

We need to employ all of these methods at every school, not mention e mail, snail mail, and fliers in the backpacks. Multiple methods must be used multiple times to get the message, our message across, The cool thing about the Internet Google translate is available.