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By Lorraine Kasyan, July 9, 2013 1:43 pm

One of my gracious hosts today. I love this photo as her earnest gaze, tilted head, and reminder in the background to speak English really portray the elegance of The Bishop School.

There are just too many words. I have two days worth of experiences to share and their range is so huge that I almost do not have a place to begin. We are learning about the culture, relishing in the wonder, respect, and graciousness while also wading through the chaos and decay that is India. So many of our speakers have reminded us of the fact that this country is ancient compared to the United States.  In that statement flows the current that the nations have much to share with each other. Wisdom and resilience learning reciprocally with democracy and inventiveness. Many folks talk of corruption here. A society that is based in many ways on bribes and a system that often breaks down and does not care for all. This does not, however, speak to the heart of this beautiful place.

In my visit to a school today I witnessed only the wonder of learning, a great pride in education, and a mass of young people smiling and reaching towards the future. They want to study hard. They monitor each other. They embrace the strict rules and large class sizes. The Bishop School still has Physical Education, Drama, Art, Debate, Football, Cricket, Boxing, and Basketball. There is dance and the choice of languages as well. They must all learn computer programming. They do this in 35 minute classes. The older students must take exams before placing in their next step and all of them said their goal was to earn in the 90^th percentile. This desire to do better and to listen attentively in order to learn as much as they can is the rule – not the exception.  I am honored to visit here. Tomorrow I go live in front of a class of 48 students. Wish me luck!

(photos will be added as soon as I have the bandwith!)

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By Lorraine Kasyan, July 7, 2013 7:59 am

India! She has exhausted me but that is largely due to the 15-hour flight and jet lag. We have had a whirlwind tour of the sights of Mumbai and my heart is full. The colors and sounds have not overwhelmed me yet, they mesmerize and beckon, but thus far I am in gentle awe of this kaleidoscopic ecosystem of opposites. Decadent wealth and the meanest of poverty co-exist here in such close proximity it seems your eyes are pulling tricks on you.

Our tour guide spent a year in North Carolina having earned a scholarship from the Rotarians when she was 16.  She has fond memories of the United States and a deep pride in her country. She wanted most to impart the spirit of the people of India to us. Our stops allowed us to get a brief glimpse of so many different types of people living and working together, allowing others to do as they will, keeping to the laws of Karma that dictate you are in the station you deserve and whatever you do in this life will affect you again. No good can happen from harm. A sense of positivity permeates even the slums.

When we arrived last night we were greeted with smiles, bows and apple juice. We were welcomed by a lovely young woman who dipped her finger in a brass bowl and anointed us with our own bindi. Each of us exhausted but also proud to offer our foreheads in friendship. To represent our schools and America here feels important. This sense of responsibility in our delegation is deeply routed and this group is one I am quickly gaining a special fondness for.

There are many more lessons, observations, ponderings, and anecdotes to share. I will get back to you when I next have internet.

Namaste

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By Lorraine Kasyan, July 4, 2013 9:21 am

The orientation for my upcoming trip to India held many nuggets of wisdom. Dr. Tim Flood, professor at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, was our first guest lecturer and his honest and intuitive assessments of culture wove their way through all of our time in Raleigh. Do you harbor stereotypes? ‘Of course not! Well at least not prejudicial ones,’ I thought to myself. Dr. Flood quickly demonstrated that yes, we do and for most of us it is a necessity. With over 7 billion people in the world how else would you even begin to get to know and understand each other?

“Culture is behavior. The way we know culture is through behavior. The way we understand culture is through introspection.” Our behavior and the behavior of others combines and from my assessment that combination can be gentle or combustive. Our communication does not belong to us once we put it out there – others interpret, assess, and yes, judge what we do and say, receiving our words and actions as they are able. This entire concept helped put me into a new place of observer. This trip to India has untapped power. A transformative estuary of sorts that is sure to discomfort, delight, and at times disagree with me.

What are my goals? To be open and fluid to the people, places, and circumstances I encounter. To release my expectations, misconceptions, and stereotypes to allow this sojourn to mellow my soul and strengthen my connection to the citizens of this earth. To give. Yes, we are heading as delegates to learn from India in order to teach our students in NC how to be global partners with this burgeoning society, but what do I have to give in return? Delegates have been partnered to visit and teach in schools where there will be little English spoken. How will I, a teacher of literature, be able to instruct a 10^th grader at The Bishops School in anything of value?  What can I share with the students at Nimgaon Bhogi Village High School that will give them the experience of learning something from an American teacher? Something that our contact there, Armene Modi, founder and chairperson of Ashta No Kai organization has stressed. Her words of advice: “…it might be best to plan on using body language, gestures etc., and avoid as far as possible translations so that the students’ self-confidence will also be boosted that they were able to actually communicate/understand American teachers.” American teachers. Wow, this value for educators before we even prove our worth humbles.

Suspending my disbelief I shore myself with the thought that by opening my mind and heart to the universal language of love, dignity and respect, I will have something to give. I know I have much to learn. Would you like to share that learning with me? We leave tomorrow.

Now as I ready

To travel to India

I open my arms

Thanks to Dr. Tim Flood for the inspirational quotes, title, and jumping off point. Thank you to the BBC news and Ghetty images for the young newspaper vendor from Bangalore. Thank you, Armene Modi. We haven’t even met yet but the stories of milk and bicycles for the women of Pune make you a hero in my eyes. To wings of possibility!

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By Lorraine Kasyan, June 23, 2013 5:13 pm

Living in the mountains of Western North Carolina gives me endless opportunities to view the vast array of changes in nature and the gifts that permeate land and sky. One of those gifts is corn. Passing fields of billowing corn is mesmerizing. Seeing them cut at the end of the season will cause a moment of melancholy as well as a drastic change in landscape. That is why as the year ended this new crop of optimistic corn stalks brought me to tears. The first glimpse felt like an optical illusion. “Is that really a plant or am I seeing things?” The tiny starts so new that it took a few days to really tell that yes, we are on our way. Rows and rows of oscillating promise, firmly planted, rooted to do their part, dependent on the weather and the elements to ensure their success come the end of season.

Thus my musing, once again, on these glorious students of mine (ours), as they get ready to go off into the world to do amazing things. Yes, the students in the class of 2013 are poised, hopeful and ready, just like these glorious rows of corn starts. They want to fill out, reach for the sky, soak up everything around them, and actualize their potential. Speaking of their abilities I would like to share some of their final projects with you. The Senior Project/Graduation Project process has a long tradition here. Students spend a semester studying the topic of their choice and build around it. Research, community service, a professional mentor, and a final product are all woven into a culminating presentation in front of a group of judges from the community. This process empowers. A digital portfolio is required and most students constructed a website to showcase their work.

Here are the links to all of them. Look at the topics to find one that interests you. Send them a comment if you feel so inclined. To be working by their sides, as they stand eager to stretch towards the future is truly an honor. To the new crop!

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By Lorraine Kasyan, April 24, 2013 12:01 pm

There are many updates for the student learning that is taking place. Nadiya followed up on her discovery and has collaborated to validate other sources. She also contacted the author of one of her books and received an email in return. Garrett found out that finding the answers to deeply scientific questions was easier than locating the political loophole that allowed the recent GMO extension to pass through legal avenues. He tried for several hours to find the sections covered by the passing of the bill. This growth was substantial as Garrett began his research fully in favor of GMO’s, desiring only to find evidence that their impact is far more positive than negative. He is now aware of the harm and possible negative impact associated with them and realizes the quagmire created when large corporations involve themselves in legislation. Finding out the facts proved to be a monumental learning experience for him. We have also had the benefit of attending a leadership conference with several captivating speakers. Guy Kawasaki, Terry Bradshaw, and Amanda Gore inspired my students in many ways. You know it was worthwhile when the content is discussed in multiple situations for over a week. Hearing discussions of enchantment, self-improvement, gratitude, joy, and spirit is delightful. These students are applying their experiences in their daily interactions. All in all it has been a valuable few weeks.

Future Leaders: A few of the students waiting for the speakers to begin.

I am leaving for a few days to attend my orientation for an Educator’s trip to India this summer. Sponsored by The Center for International Understanding, I am both honored and humbled by the chance to meet other educators who envision a world where borders dissolve and cultures cooperate. Before I leave, let me share the list of topics for this year’s graduating class. You will be amazed by the diversity here. I am learning so much as I act as mentor, guide, and collaborator for this amazing group of students. Please let me know if you have any questions or contacts for any of them.

List of Topics for 2013
Molecular Gastronomy
River pollution
Foodcycling
The Tradition and Decoration of the Kimono
Sewing – Uniform design
Guitar Crafting (building an electric guitar)
Bass Guitar
Orthotics
Cinematography
Forensic Science and the Steps of Decomposition
Genetically Modified Crops
Photographic Documentation of Rural Appalachia
Occupational Therapy
Art Therapy
Music Therapy
Herbal Remedies
Tattoo – Evolution of Design
Tattoo – History and Culture
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Screen-printing
Homelessness – Women and Children
Bacterial Infections – Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Plant Identification and Natural Remedies on the Appalachian Trail
Welding
Slavery in Western North Carolina – George Avery
Nutrition, Exercise and Health
Music Homogenization
Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae
The History of Revivals
Out of School Migrant Youth Workers and Services for Education
HTML and Net Neutrality
Foster Care
Russian Folktales
Diseases of the Eye and Services for the Blind
Creative Writing
Kindness and Self-Esteem in Children

Wow! Look out world, we are setting sail to make a difference.

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By Lorraine Kasyan, March 20, 2013 1:46 pm

Powerful Learning is personalized, rigorous, and relevant.

Working on primary documents.

Formal research papers are never a favorite activity in high school. I have assigned them for years and each time I realize that my students cannot see the value in the process unless the topic is important and of interest to them. With Graduation Project, the research paper is directly linked to the student’s choice but this component remains the biggest hurdle and cause for discontent. However, there are students who dive in and relish their new learning. Nadiya is one of those students and I just have to share a recent breakthrough for her. Nadiya is studying the slaves of Western North Carolina, specifically those who served at the Smith-McDowell house. She has been using primary documents to uncover the conditions endured by the slaves there as compared to the slaves in other parts of the country. She happened upon George Avery, a slave who gained emancipation and land from his owners. Her research focus narrowed down to focus on the conditions of Mr. Avery’s life and his progress as a free man.  Her research uncovered a learning gem for her. She happened upon a current article discussing his life that in her words “was inaccurate and held many assumptions that could not be proven through the primary documents she had been studying.” I asked her if she shared her discovery with her mentor, a professor of history at UNCA. She had not done so and proceeded to send him the link and her assessment.  How delightful!

Much of our class is stored online in a Moodle platform. She posted this update, “I don’t want to brag myself but this is what my mentor said when I sent him a link to an article that made a whole lot terrible assumptions. This is something you cannot do unless you can back it up. You cannot make things up unless you can prove them.”

His reply was, “Thank you for forwarding this article to me. I would certainly like to see his sources. Unless there are documents to back this up, there is a great deal of speculation and assumptions about George Avery and W.W. McDowell. I am going to see if some friends with WNC and McDowell history can substantiate any of this. There are a lot of assumptions about McDowell’s intent expressed. Good research and great questions!”

Nadiya immersed herself in her topic and became an expert. Her careful exploration of primary documents found in the archives of the Smith-McDowell House Museum prepared her to question another source for accuracy and substance. This spark of independent learning validated her hard work and added fuel to the fire of her inquiry. She is amazed and aware that the research process has rewards that go beyond the typical student’s need to just get it over with.

The system works when it is personalized, rigorous, and relevant.

Good reminder.

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By Lorraine Kasyan, February 27, 2013 4:45 pm

Charlie Compost

Every Tuesday I try to have a speaker from the community talk to my students. This week, we had Eric from Asheville Greenworks and he brought along his intern from Peru. The talk was inspiring. Eric’s previous employment includes 12 years in the video game industry, and part ownership in a solar energy business. Exciting stuff. He left those businesses to do something that could make a difference in his community. He took a risk on an organization that did great things but needed some business savvy, and it payed off. Asheville Greenworks is now the largest volunteer organization in our town.

This post is about the intern. Koki is a 17-year-old young man from Peru. He was spending his summer in Asheville trying his hand at an environmental project. You see December is summer in Peru. He gave up the chance to spend two months on the beach with his friends to help out here in Asheville. His work here starting up a recycling and composting program in elementary schools has changed his life. He saw the power of a small group of people reaching out to make a difference and his talk to my students spoke of his desire to go back to Peru and do the same thing. It was powerful.

The best ripple so far has not been the comments from our discussion board (I will share some below) wonderful as they are. The power of this experience rippled out from one class to another until three days later a student wanted to share a photo that her friend found of the town that Koki lived in in Peru. She said it really was amazing and asked if I wanted to see it. They shared it on facebook of course. The brown cliffs of his town made a connection. Koki had spoken of his uncle’s desire to help his home regain the name of “the green coast” by planting ground cover on the cliffs. My students found the town, looked at the coast, and shared in the desire to help it regain vegetation.

Teaching is often about curriculum, assessments, outcomes, and accountability. That which cannot be measured is the impact of experiences that will help change a future. My students now want to volunteer more, they were inspired by Koki’s hard work and dream, feel motivated to work a bit harder, and sought knowledge of a distant shore on their own. Scheduling guest speakers is another task, a task that does not actually fall neatly into a core standard. It is well worth the time and effort.

Some student reflections:

“Eric and Koki were so amazing to meet. Each inspired me to do more than I ever planned on, in more than just community service and graduation project. While I am not a strong environmentalist, I am excited about doing something that will change the world and make an impact.”

“The most important piece of what Eric and Koki said was that internships are the best way to learn about jobs you are interested in. Before committing to and investing in college, you need to know if you will be able to enjoy the career you plan on studying.”

“Koki was very funny and he reminded me of how I used to be, he has that spark and desire, hopefully he doesn’t lose it and will stay the way he is. He’s so young but already making a life changing project.”

“Eric and Koki made me want to become an environmentalist because their presentation was so good! I would like to volunteer with Asheville Greenworks sometime when I have time. Koki is so young yet doing so many great things and it is such an inspiration.”

“Koki especially has been an inspiration to me. Giving up a summer in Peru to come here and do the dirty work? Wow! That is amazing. It made me realize that we all have dreams. Each and every one of us has 24 hours a day to accomplish that dream. So if we aren’t the ones that using it wisely, then whose fault is it? Koki sacrificed two months to follow his dream, therefore, we can do that!”

There were so many wonderful connections made. Every student made a unique observation and connected what they heard to their own lives. Bringing in members of the community is vital for helping our students broaden their focus. If you are a guest speaker, mentor, or volunteer – thank you.

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By Lorraine Kasyan, January 30, 2013 8:53 pm

Blogging once a year is not acceptable if what you want is community. This blog has served as sounding board, reflection journal, celebration, and witness since 2006. Moves, new teaching assignments, elections, and of course the Common Core have kept me busy, yes. I have penned many entries in my head. (I am sure I have written that before.) There are stories of students, parents, supervisors, and teaching strategies stewing together. The new semester has me once again embarking on the adventure of individual study for my graduation project charges. It has been an exciting three weeks and I am filled with hope, expectation and pride as I guide this group towards their project choices and research topics.  It is going to be a powerful collection of topics.

Today was a great day. I decided to show the Drive trailer from 2010. Daniel Pink’s Vimeo preview has served me well in multiple settings. I am always surprised when I find adults who have not seen it. Most students do not have the occasion or opportunity to view it, however, and I have found it to be powerful every time I share it. Today I wanted to allow the students to view the trailer and then participate in a digital synchronous free write. I call them wordspills but we usually complete them on paper. Today I posted the prompt in a discussion board on Moodle. I played the trailer, started a timer, and had them begin writing.  The serious tip tapping of the keys was delightful. They did not have to come up with their sentence, but many tried.  Once the timer buzzed at three minutes they stopped writing and hit submit. Refreshing their browsers uncovered a chorus of responses that were all time stamped at the same minute. They enjoyed the display and immediately started smiling and laughing as they read the words on the screen. I decided to assign the method for commenting so that every student would get at least one comment. Find the student to your left’s response – read – and respond. Everyone was engaged, every student was acknowledged.

I am going to share a few examples with you. Enjoy!

One wordspill read, “My response to this video is honestly kind of muddled, seeing as I have to keep typing and not really filtering, but in all honesty it’s a nice thought, “how can I improve myself,” or “what’s my question,” but in actuality these are things I ask myself everyday already, well, not the sentence, that’s new, but as for improving myself, I already work hard at trying to be a better person, and I feel limiting myself to one sentence isn’t really fair. Granted, it makes the task at hand simple, but then what. I accomplished my sentence. Do I write a new one? Then I have two sentences and will end up with a paragraph like Kennedy’s. Do I stop trying? Do I make the sentence vague? Strange how a subject and a verb can bring so many questions to the front of my thoughts.

His student comment was: “Maybe I should try and consider what the video has to say.” That from a student who started their response with, “I personally don’t like videos like that because I think you should be motivated enough to make your life worth something.” The shift in acceptance was powerful.

Another response was more of a list: “values, reflection, motivation, moving forward, personal growth, overcoming challenges, taking one step at a time, creating, building. I want to become the person who created a successful organization that helps orphans in third world countries. Realizing big dreams, visualizing.”

Her student comment was. “I have to admit, I quite like the word spill and thought combination you have here is nice. You have lovely thought connections, big ideas, and I greatly enjoy reading about your want to help in the Third World.” Again, peer feedback that is serious and specific, flowing quickly in response.

Can you see why I am inspired? Can I help it if today my enthusiasm soared amidst the usual shenanigans and flooding at the end of the day. This activity gleaned precious gems. Irreverent, off-topic discussions, and genuine introspective stretches. They were all valued by the group, and all considered equally.

Maybe I should invite Daniel H. Pink to join the discussion?

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By Lorraine Kasyan, January 17, 2012 7:11 pm

There is a celebration in me and it isn’t really connected to my student who turned 19 today – although, that is pretty exciting. You see we started a new semester last week and it is my chance to begin another graduation project seminar with a group of students who will graduate in June. Our school is a five-year program and these students have amassed many college credits along the way.  Their last high school requirement, however, is this series of challenges where they get to demonstrate all they have learned in their tenure as North Carolina students.  I absolutely love this course! It tickles me to get to watch them stretch their interests and strengths and choose one thing to study for the entire term.

We are off to a great start and today we were able to have a round table discussion regarding progress related to topic choice.  I get to help each child find mentors, community service, research topics, and a final product to create.  The journey is arduous and at times frustrating, but today it was all about possibility and I wanted to share some of the diverse ideas that have made the cut.  We have:

Banjo repair

Autism

Accounting

American Sign Language

Physical fitness

Pastry

Quilting

Veterinary Medicine

Interior Design

Motorcycle engines

Tailoring or Clothing Design

Dental assisting

Leonardo DaVinci model recreation

Teaching

Movie production

Book Binding

Cerebral Palsy

Business management

Architecture

There are several others still being bandied about. Some of these will be tweaked and/or changed completely as well. All will be expanded until the student becomes an expert before presenting to a group of judges at the end of the term.  Like I said, this is a very exciting time and I am honored to act as a guide in this process.  All aboard!

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By Lorraine Kasyan, December 3, 2011 10:16 pm

I had the pleasure of meeting Peter H. Reynolds a few years ago at a November Learning Conference in Boston.  I believe that NCTE also afforded me that opportunity, but it was last year in Boston, that I got to witness the creative cave that is FableVision and chat with Peter for longer and in person.  The space is humming with energy. His team members are vivacious and personable, engaging and present. I loved it.  To assert that this inspiration applies to teaching is really a no-brainer, but right now I want to explain how his book, The Dot, is stretching my teacher’s soul.

Celebrating the energy that is FableVision

The teacher in Peter’s beloved tale encourages her young charge to “Make your mark, and see where it takes you.” She gently expects an attempt to be made and then allows it to spread dreams just as it is. From a single mark, the size of a freckle or a piece of sand, an artist blossomed.  Powerful stuff.

I have the book on my desk at school right now. I plan to read it to my students. The problem is that it somehow makes me feel like a sham. I am not spreading dream dust – I am trying my best to hone and prune, guide and push. I teach twelfth graders. Our task is college writing and British Literature. We have eighteen weeks to get it all in and I try to fill the gaps they come to me with. Common Core Essential Standards, Outcomes Based Assessment, the Standard Course of Study, and Accuplacer/SAT’s looming in their immediate future, keep me focused on the skills. How do we inspire and create without ignoring the rigor and standard required for these young adults to move on successfully. Why is combining those elements so very difficult? How are you the teacher who says, “Just make your mark, and see where it takes you,” while also filling their toolkits to bursting? Please share, I really want to know.