The biggest argument I get against the use of bootleg technology in the classroom revolves around students misusing the tools and access. “What if they cheat? What if they call, text, IM or e-mail their friends? What if they view inappropriate material?” All of these are valid issues and concerns, but they are not reasons to not go forward. Pre-plan for situations you know will occur. For example, I can promise you that some student will cheat (which they already do), some student will call or text a friend (which they already do) and some student will view inappropriate material (which they already do). For each scenario, create a plan of actions, responses and contingencies. Don’t be draconian. Be reasonable and supportive. The bottom line is that our students hold in the palm of their hands an educational resource beyond the collective imagination of any prior generation. Ignore or deny that reality and you do so to the detriment of your campus, staff and most importantly, your students. A number of you in the LYS Nation are now using bootleg technology devices to follow Twitter. If you haven’t done so yet, we want you to join us. To let you see what you are missing, here are the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of June 26, 2011, as tabulated by the accountants at Price Waterhouse. 1. Today we scheduled 61 schools and filled 93% of our 2011/2012 calendar. If you haven’t booked your LYS coaching days yet, time is running out. 2. So you want to use bootleg tech in the classroom but fear that poor kids will be left out. You can always let kids share. 3. The person who would never call the head coach to central office during the game, will take a principal off campus numerous times a month. Why? 4. The best TSA guy in the country works at Bush Intercontinental Airport. He tells you what to expect, how to do it, when to do it, that you did it, and he smiles. Great teacher! 5. The best TSA guy works next to typical TSA guy. That guy doesn’t smile, doesn’t tell you what to do, and is mad because you can’t read minds. Bad teacher. 6. Question: You are improving, but doing so at a pace slower than the state and your peers. Is that improvement or regression? 7. Tonight’s Run Thought: There is nothing more frustrating than watching the slow and methodical train wreck that is purposefully bad leadership. 8. Why is it that the educators who are most vocal about the “Evils of Teaching to the Test,” always seem to have bad test scores? 9. Tonight’s Run Thought: If there ever was a time that the “Stockdale Paradox” applied to public education, this is it. 10. A Big 12 University just purchased numerous copies of “The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction” Yes, we are excited! Think. Work. Achieve. Your turn… Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction.” Individual copies available on Amazon.com! http://tinyurl.com/4ydqd4t Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation