Record Book Contest: Professional Development Opportunity

High concentration zone!

The Thursday school dismissal bell rang and a 'record book grading army' across the state of Pennsylvania was doing their last checks on substitute plans for Friday before they headed to State College for the Record Book Contest. Being new to this scene, I was impressed by the organization system and the crowd of helpful people. It was a great opportunity to talk to teachers across the state and also get a better understanding of the benefits of record books for the students. I was also impressed by the financial support of the event by the Center (even great food!)....how cool.

My 'take-aways' from the event: 

• I really like hearing different opinions about the two record book systems. I plan to use the AET system in the future. It seems more straightforward once it is understood, and it has so many extra benefits. I love that it is so easy for students to update it from anywhere...making it easier for them to actually keep them updated! 
• I like the idea of having ALL students keep a record book on something. Of course we want to encourage them to achieve high, but even if they can't think of ANYTHING, they can even take records on their sports activities or even their video game hobby. No excuses! They will probably find out that it would be more exciting to get more creative with their record book topic. 
• Wow, ag teachers have great stories!! The story-telling times were awesome :)