When I speak to groups about using bootleg technology in the classroom, many principals look at me with an expression somewhere between pity (for my obvious bout of early senility) and panic (please don’t let this idiot talk to my superintendent). As I query these administrators, it seems that it is the fear of introducing an unknown variable on their campuses that that is behind their trepidation. As a former principal, let me say, “I feel your pain.” I get it, if anything goes awry, you are the one that is called on the carpet. But the best way to conquer our fear is to confront it. Really, what could go wrong that we don’t already have to deal with? A phone might get stolen? Happens already. A student might send or receive an inappropriate message? Happens already? A student may view an inappropriate image? Happens already. A student might make a call during school hours? Happens already. Why are we afraid of what we already deal with? It is my position that when we take the “Bootleg” out of bootleg technology, that we will be able to manage the misuse of said technology like we manage the rest of student behavior – with clear expectations, monitoring and reasonable consequences. Couple that with the benefits of a cheap (essentially free) 1:1 computing environment and to not move in this direction seems close-minded and reactionary. A number of you in the LYS Nation are now using your own 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 September 18, 2011, as tabulated by the accountants at Price Waterhouse. 1. Today, handed out “The Fundamental 5” books to teachers. Excited about improvement in classroom instruction coming to our campus. (By – @blitzkrieg607) 2. Happy that a teacher I met had my book, “The Fundamental 5.” Sad that it was a Xerox copy. 3. The Most Patriotic Thing You Can Do: Bust your ass and get rich. Make a boatload of money. Pay your taxes. Lots of taxes. (By – @mcuban) 4. Saddest thing I’ve seen this week. Teachers reporting how much they and their students have raised for the community. The same community that cut school funding. 5. In a district where just 650 voters out of 10,000 voted in the last school related election. More than 650 employees in the district. Step up now. 6. With the push to make high schools more like college, I have just one question? How many college professors did you have that were actually a good teacher? 7. Guess what they are working on at this campus? http://yfrog.com/ntkqhxoj Read the book! http://tinyurl.com/4ydqd4t 8. The problem and solution to sub-par student performance begins and ends with us. 9. When did not planning for instruction become an acceptable practice? 10. The answer isn’t more tutoring. The answer is improved front line instruction. It’s the difference between reactive and proactive. 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 Come visit us at the LYS Booth at the TASA/TASB Fall Conference on 9/30/11 and 10/1/11 Attend the LYS presentations at the Texas School Improvement Conference on 10/26/11 and 10/27/11