A Principal's Perspective on the Impact of Technology

Today, we were fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with Shira Woolf Cohen, the principal of New Foundations Charter School, a K-12 school located right here in Philadelphia. During the discussion, Ms. Woolf Cohen made several pertinent points regarding the impact of technology both in and out of the classroom. She also stressed the point that every district and principal is different, and while there are policies in place, principals tend to vary on their level of adherence to them.

When it comes to the hiring process, Ms. Woolf Cohen admitted that she does browse the internet for a perspective employees digital footprint. While she encourages a digital presence, she emphasized that she tries to put what she finds into context and not allow it to completely influence her decision one way or another. Rather, she recommends to complete the hiring process by bringing the candidate in for an interview.

 Although I liked Ms. Woolf Cohen's upbeat and enthusiastic attitude, I can't help but feel that she might be a little too lenient in this area. One example that she gave was the image she found of a potential candidate on the beach in a bikini smoking a cigarette. Unfortunately, in today's world of increasing accountability and the ever growing spotlight on teachers, and while such an image reflects nothing on an individual's skills, it's the perception of that image that conflicts with the idea of teachers as role models. There are countless websites, such as this one here found on Forbes.com, that describes how such digital faux pas will prevent you from even getting your foot in the door.

As a future principal, I am well aware of the increasing expectations that will be placed upon me. When you combine these expectations with the lack of available jobs in the current economy, as the hiring manager I couldn't help but feel that I would be at an advantage in that I could set the standard for which I were to judge the candidates. This level of professionalism would also set the tone for my building. It also prevents any lash back in the event  this individual causes future controversy.

This teacher's situation brings up many great questions regarding the use of social media, the right to privacy, and the expectations of teachers.

 

 

Another area that Ms. Woolf Cohen touched on was using technology as a data mining tool to enhance instruction, determine attendance patterns, and identify other areas in need of reform.  A great example of this is our weekly grade group meetings that we have at Solis Cohen. In the meetings, we have an opportunity to pull and analyze student data from various computer based learning programs that we have in place. After we evaluate the data, we then adjust our instruction accordingly. Each week, we then rinse and repeat.

Victoria L. Bernhardt, in her article, No Schools Left Behind, further elaborates on ways that principals can data-mine to increase student achievement.