21st Century Learning Leadership Institute - O'Neill Public Schools

Over 50 different educators from approximately 15 different school districts across Nebraska and Iowa attended the 21st Century Learning Leadership Institute on December 3-4. Sponsored by Apple Computers, and hosted by O'Neill Public Schools, the event was a resounding success. Participants witnessed firsthand 24/7 Learning at O'Neill Jr./Sr. High School. The schedule consisted of speakers from Apple intermixed with presentations from O'Neill teachers and administrators from which the participants could gain additional insight. You can view the 24/7 Learning overview by Katie Morrow here and one of the teacher presentations (by Science teacher Bryan Corkle) here. A panel discussion including various stakeholders (students, teachers, admins, and board members) was held for question and answer purposes, and a tour of the school allowed for guests to see things in action and ask questions of those "in the trenches." In addition to the two days of the Institute, guests were treated to a dinner at the Blarney Stone at which approximately 20 students shared their projects and talents in a before-dinner showcase. Comments from those who attended the LLI event were overwhelmingly positive and included such statements as:

• "Your staff seems to have all bought into your plan and it is working. All positive."
  
• "Favorite part of the Leadership Institute was seeing student motivation to learn beyond their potential. Loved observing students being so professional in the classrooms."
  
• "I wish I could have brought more teachers. I felt like I was at the NETA conference and was wishing more could have been here to see this. It was great!"
• "I enjoyed it ALL!"
• "Favorite part: input from teachers and a variety of perspectives. Teachers' ideas were great!"