September is nigh

It seems hard to believe but we are now halfway through August and the excitement for back-to-school is growing. I know I'm feeling it as I prepare my upcoming syllabus and look through old assignments thinking about new techniques that will freshen up and breath new life into my course. Then there is the inquiry...

Have I made an adjustment to my course requirements to include blogging? Yes. Have I researched different blog techniques to make it more interactive? No. Have I contacted the Tech department at KU to gain their support and make sure I can connect at home or in the classroom? Nope! The time is NIGH!!

As the school year approaches, it becomes important to tidy up some odds and ends of the inquiry process while time may still be more of a luxury rather than a tornado of to-do lists and lesson plans.

• Take some time to do a bit more research and sure up your process.
• Talk to your principal now, before the school year takes up his/her time.
• Talk to your team/department during the opening day meetings. You may even want to share your experience with your faculty at a meeting. You never know who will be an advocate to your process...this opens the door.
• Revise your proposal so it is ready for an audience. Give it to your principal(s), team, etc.
• Create any survey, letters home, or release forms that you may need. You can always go back and tweak them if necessary, but at least they will be mostly complete.
• Make sure to schedule in "study time" during the week. It should be like an appointment that can't be missed! This will help you stay on track and keep you from getting overwhelmed.

Enjoy the last few days of summer. Go out for ice cream...go for a hike...enjoy a beverage in a comfortable chair on a lazy afternoon...then get ready to get down to business! See you in September...