Cybersecurity Grants for K-12 Schools Cybertraps LIVE 98


Show Notes The Problem The K–12 Cybersecurity Resource Center, tracked 408 cybersecurity incidents that hit K–12 institutions over the past year, an 18 percent increase from 2019 and an average of two cyberattacks per school day aimed at the nation’s education system. The most widespread cyber incidents were ransomware attacks, in which a hacker infiltrates a network and hold it for ransom, along with data breaches of student and staff personal data that included everything from bullying reports to Social Security numbers. Class invasions were also a significant trend, with these incidents involving a malicious actor gaining access to an online video conferencing system and disrupting it, often with inappropriate images or words. This trend was seen particularly at the beginning of the pandemic, and was used to interrupt classes on video conferencing platform Zoom in so many situations that the term “Zoombombing” was coined. News Items Passage of $1 Billion Department of Homeland Security cybersecurity grant program While the grants will technically be administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has long been DHS’s main grant-making unit, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act calls on CISA to serve in an advisory capacity — work that Wales said has already started. The infrastructure law requires each state to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity plan to qualify for the grants, and about 80% of the total funds will eventually make their way to local jurisdictions. Wales told Clarke that leaves CISA with several questions to answer before the money begins flowing, which is expected in 2022. Goal is development of “common baseline” – That’s likely to include some cybersecurity steps that are commonly described as fundamental — multi-factor authentication, limiting the number of privileged user accounts on a government network, patching vulnerabilities as soon as they’re identified and running regular risk assessments. But those are sometimes unaffordable for the small, local governments that stand to benefit from the new grant program. Signature of K–12 Cybersecurity Act requires the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to create cybersecurity recommendations and tools for schools to use to defend themselves against hackers after conducting a study on the cybersecurity risks facing K–12 institutions. What Should Schools Be Doing Now? Educate themselves about the grant process and information needed Educate teachers, students, and parents about the importance of cybersecurity Cultivate a culture of cybersecurity For K–12 IT Departments Check CISA Web site regularly Review lists of potential threats [from Ikon Business Group] Advanced Persistent Threat Attack [APT]: a network attack in which an unauthorized person gains access to a network and stays there undetected for a long period. Brute-force Cracking: a trial and error method used by application programs to decode encrypted data such as passwords or Data Encryption Standard (DES) keys, through exhaustive effort (using brute force) rather than employing intellectual strategies. Credential Reuse: Once attackers have a collection of usernames and passwords from a breached website or service (easily acquired on any number of black market websites on the internet), they know that if they use these same credentials on other websites there’s a chance they’ll be able to log in. Distributed Denial of Services [DDoS]: an attempt to make an online service unavailable by overwhelming it with traffic from multiple sources. Drive-by Download: a program that is automatically downloaded to your computer without your consent or even your knowledge. Malware: refers to various forms of harmful software, such as viruses and ransomware. Once malware is in your computer, it can wreak all sorts of havoc, from taking control of your machine, to monitoring your actions and keystrokes, to silently sending all sorts of confidential data from your computer or network to the attacker’s home base. Network-probe: a probe is an attempt to gain access to a computer and its files through a known or probable weak point in the computer system. Phishing: When internet fraudsters impersonate a business to trick you into giving out your personal information. Phishing Attacks are the primary vector for malware attacks and are usually comprised of a malicious e-mail attachment or an e-mail with an embedded, malicious link. Ransomware: a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid. Session Hijacking and Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: The session between your computer and the remote web server is given a unique session ID, which should stay private between the two parties; however, an attacker can hijack the session by capturing the session ID and posing as the computer making a request, allowing them to log in as an unsuspecting user and gain access to unauthorized information on the web server. SQL Injection Attack: uses malicious code to get a server to divulge information it normally wouldn’t. This is especially problematic if the server stores private customer information from the website, such as credit card numbers, usernames and passwords (credentials), or other personally identifiable information, which are tempting and lucrative targets for an attacker. 7 Steps for Better Cybersecurity [from Ikon Business Group] Get buy in from top administration – A good cybersecurity plan requires line items in the budget for people, hardware, and software – which means getting the principal, CIO, Operations Manager, and any other top-level decision makers on board. Perform live simulations and training exercises with students and staff – The best training today is one in which users undergo a simulated attack specific to their job or role. Follow up any training by testing how well the lesson was learned. Send out occasional phony phishing emails to check how many employees still fail to recognize the threat. Conduct evaluations – Don’t be afraid to perform evaluations of both employees and systems to find out how vulnerable your organization is to attack. Present users with a realistic type of cyber-attack and include a follow-up meeting for end users and IT personnel to discuss the results of the campaign and how to avoid scams in the future. Communicate – Don’t opt for scare tactics. The goal is to build a culture of cyber awareness. Start small with a few videos or infographics to kick things off. Don’t waste time sending out long memos that will only get ignored. Keep it fun, keep it short. Create a formal plan – IT teams should develop a formal, documented plan for cybersecurity training that is reviewed and updated often with the latest information on attack vectors and other risks. Stress the importance of security at school and at home – Tech leaders should help employees understand the importance of cyber hygiene not just in the workplace, but also at home, Pollard said. “Teach users about privacy, security, and how the lessons learned at work can apply at home and in their personal lives to give them a ‘what’s in it for me’ they can apply all the time, not just at work,” he added. Reward users – Reward users that find malicious emails, and share stories about how users helped thwart security issues. IT leaders should also empathize with people who make mistakes. Include posters, contests and other reminders to drive home an easy-to-understand message that security is everyone’s personal responsibility. Resources Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency “https://www.cisa.gov/” A Guide to Cybersecurity for K–12 Schools “https://www.ikonbusinessgroup.com/a-guide-to-cybersecurity-for-k–12-schools/” - #2021–11–22 Schumer: LI school districts should get ready to apply for funding to fight off cyberattacks “https://www.newsday.com/long-island/education/cyberattacks-school-districts-infrastructure-bill–1.50430756” - #2021–11–17 Cyber grants are a ‘game changer,’ CISA leader tells Congress “https://statescoop.com/cyber-grants-game-changer-cisa-leader-tells-congress/” - #2021–11–16 K–12 School Districts Failing at Cloud Security “https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/k12-school-districts-failing-at/” - #2021–10–31 FBI: K–12 schools a leading target for ransomware attacks. Are local districts secure? “https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/education/2021/10/31/ransomware-attacks-concern-school-districts/8543466002/” - #2021–10–22 The K–12 Cybersecurity Act Becomes Law “https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2021/10/k–12-cybersecurity-act-becomes-law” - #2021–10–08 Biden signs bill to strengthen K–12 school cybersecurity “https://thehill.com/policy/cybersecurity/575957-biden-signs-bill-into-law-to-strengthen-k–12-school-cybersecurity?rl=1” - #2021–09–09 K–12 Cybersecurity Standards Released, Along with Free District Self-Assessment Tool “https://thejournal.com/articles/2021/09/09/k12-cybersecurity-standards-released-along-with-free-district-self-assessment-tool.aspx” - #2021–03–10 New research finds ‘record-breaking’ number of K–12 cyber incidents in 2020 “https://thehill.com/policy/cybersecurity/542518-new-research-finds-record-breaking-number-of-k–12-cyber-incidents-in ” - #2021 The State of K–12 Cybersecurity: 2020 Year in Review “https://k12cybersecure.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/StateofK12Cybersecurity–2020.pdf”


Check out this episode!

Intense Focus with Eric Makelky Transformative Principal 457


Eric Makelky is the Pinedale Middle School principal in Pinedale, WY.  He earned a Bachelors and Master’s degree from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT.  Eric has worked as a middle school language arts and social studies teacher, football, wrestling, and track coach, 6–12 instructional facilitator, middle school assistant principal, and Skyline Academy (alternative high school) principal.

  • Mastermind made a huge difference - Join us.
  • Your book was based on my beliefs
  • Three yearly goals:
  • Target was always moving
  • What can we do every year, year after year?
    1. Every student who walks in the school can identify by name one trusted adult.
    1. Beat state average at reading and math growth
    1. Demonstrate beliefs behaviors and outcomes that create our school culture.
  • Greeting kids by name and in the hall.
  • What do you do with those kids that have negative experiences their whole school careers?
  • Sticker chart was dumb.
  • Staff love connecting with students.
  • Strategies for school culture.
  • Define the culture that you want in your school.
  • The outcomes we want are driven by our behaviors, and our behaviors are driven by our beliefs.
  • Anybody can make a poster, but making it happen is where it gets fun.
  • You have to call out the behaviors that
  • I ask for help, I give help, I care, listen, and communicate.
  • Want people to know the culture before they apply.
  • Keeping things simple.
  • Common language.
  • Staff appreciation/recognition
  • I feel too appreciated - said no one ever
  • You’ve got to help me give staff recognition and appreciation.
  • Why teachers don’t get recognition awards.
  • Nominate your teachers for awards.
  • Have a way to recognize when people do something great.
  • Trophy. Saul the saber-tooth tiger
  • Growth mindset, stand up and own it, power of the team.
  • How to be a transformative principal? Join the mastermind! Helps grow my confidence.

Sponsors

InControl SEL for Middle School

In Control created an effortless social and emotional, character development video curriculum for your students that’s ZERO-TEACHER-PREP AND it’s so cool looking- it feels like a Youtube or Netflix Series- and that’s purposeful, they meet students right where they’re at.

The videos are 5–6 minutes, kids love them, teachers love them, and you will too. There’s no guesswork in the program because there’s a 21-video progression for each grade level.

They’ve thought of everything– because it’s a group of award winning counselors, teachers, and principals that came up with this thing. It’ll help you save tons of time and headaches.

Take it from me, it’s time to check that social-emotional learning box, the empty one that’s been keeping you up at night–and it’s time to do it in a meaningful, measurable, magnetic way.

If you go to www.InControlSEL.com/jethro you can check out some of the videos and even receive 20% off if you pre-order for next school year

John Catt

Today’s Transformative Principal sponsor, John Catt Educational, amplifies world-class voices on timeless topics, with a list of authors recognized globally for their fresh perspectives and proven strategies to drive success in modern schools and classrooms.

John Catt’s mission is to support high-quality teaching and learning by ensuring every educator has access to professional development materials that are research-based, practical, and focused on the key topics proven essential in today’s and tomorrow’s schools.

Learn more about professional development publications that are easy to implement for your entire faculty, and are both quickly digestible and rigorous, by visiting https://us.johncattbookshop.com/.
Learn more about some of the newest titles:
- The Coach’s Guide to Teaching by Doug Lemov

John Catt is also proud publisher of the new book from Transformative Principal host Jethro Jones: SchoolX: How principals can design a transformative school experience for students, teachers, parents – and themselves
Visit this page to learn more about bulk orders and how to bring John Catt’s research-based materials to your school: https://us.johncattbookshop.com/pages/agents-and-distributors


New Episode of @TrnFrmPrincipal

WhatsApp Pussy Cat? Cybertraps Live 72


WhatsApp Pussy Cat? Today Fred and Jethro talk all about WhatsApp, the background, how it’s used, and what to look out for.


Check out this episode!


Richard Shell is a global thought leader and senior faculty member at one of the world’s leading business schools, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He serves as Chair of Wharton’s Legal Studies and Business Ethics Department, the largest department of its kind in the world. His forthcoming book, The Conscience Code: Lead with Your Values. Advance Your Career. addresses an increasingly urgent problem in today’s workplace: standing up for core values such as honesty, fairness, personal dignity, and justice when the pressure is on to look the other way.

  • You’re not a bad person if you do a bad thing.
  • Misconstrued or perverse incentives
  • Deadlines, compensation, etc. are rewards for achieving a goal
  • Doing it, and covering up from it.
  • Rationalizations - People anchor their pride in their role and in moral identity
  • We do a lot to avoid admitting making a mistake.
  • No Child Left Behind forced people to cut corners.
  • Change incentives or strengthen people to resist them?
  • Incentives are creating a toxic culture
  • If you label it as something wrong, you’ll stand to the side of it.
  • You have to think of yourself as a person of conscience first?
  • What would a person of conscience do?
  • Violate your values or you quit.
  • Your values are what you’re willing to pay for them.
  • When people get to impasse, they get more creative.
  • How to stand and fight instead of quitting.
  • The five pressures: peer, authority pressure, incentives, role, systemic PAIRS.
  • Easier to implement a conscience
  • When people are arguing over their interests they are different than arguing over their beliefs.
  • Incentives don’t work when talking about beliefs.
  • George Washington story
  • 3 sources for values: family, spiritual, education
  • Competing aspects of conscience
  • Move from person of conscience to process

Check out this episode!


New substack: subscribe here. https://cybertraps.substack.com
- Show Notes
- Social media and digital communication threats are a rising problem
- Every threat has to be taken seriously
- Incredibly disruptive
- Warning notices to parents – upsetting
- Lockdowns
- School closures / switch to remote learning
- Myriad vectors
- Email
- Text messages
- Social media apps
- Snapchat
- TikTok
- Instagram
- WhatsApp
- Facebook
- What Can Schools Do to Address the Problem?
- Short-Term
- Incident response plan
- Assessment of severity of threat (err on side of caution)
- Notification to the school community
- Cooperation with law enforcement to identify source
- Every incident is a teachable moment
- Spiderman – “With great power comes great responsibility”
- Long-Term
- Role of parents
- Cybersecurity measures
- Monitoring of social media
- Balancing resources and student privacy
- Creating a culture of awareness among students and staff
- Reluctance to get involved?
- Concern about being a “snitch”
- Relationship with law enforcement, including FBI
- Investigations
- Selfie-incrimination
- Mistaken belief in anonymity
- Digital investigations
- Computer forensics
- Penalties are serious
- Resources
- #2021–11–12 Photos from Oregon students’ social media pages taken, uploaded on site with ‘highly inappropriate content,’ district says
“https://www.channel3000.com/photos-from-oregon-students-social-media-pages-taken-uploaded-on-site-with-highly-inappropriate-content-district-says/”
- #2021–11–12 Ossining High School switches to full remote learning following social media threat
“https://bronx.news12.com/ossining-high-school-switches-to-full-remote-learning-following-social-media-threat”
- #2021–11–11 Hopewell superintendent addresses next steps after guns found in schools, social media threat
“https://www.nbc12.com/2021/11/11/hopewell-superintendent-addresses-next-steps-after-guns-found-schools-social-media-threat/”
- #2021–11–11 Maine East High School student facing charges for alleged threats, ‘hateful’ comments on social media
“https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/park-ridge/ct-prh-social-media-threats-tl–1118–20211111–7wwpot6yofc3hkpobh7mdytvcu-story.html”
- #2021–11–10 Helena schools, police prepared as social media threats target schools across the country
“https://www.ktvh.com/news/helena-schools-police-prepared-as-social-media-threats-target-schools-across-the-country”
- #2021–11–10 1 person arrested after social media threat made against Braden River High School
“https://www.mysuncoast.com/2021/11/10/1-person-arrested-after-social-media-threat-made-against-braden-river-high-school/”
- #2021–11–03 Parents Panic over unfounded social media rumor of planned Florence school shooting
“https://wpde.com/news/local/parents-panic-over-unfounded-social-media-rumor-of-planned-florence-school-shooting”
- #2021–11–01 Sheriff: No threat to schools from vague social media post
“https://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/sheriff-no-threat-to-schools-from-vague-social-media-post”
- #2021–10–29 Social media trend leads to threats made at NorCal schools
“https://www.kcra.com/article/norcal-schools-social-media-trend-threats-made/38099339”
- #2021–10–25 Nationwide social media threat warning of school shootings hit several CNY districts; police say it’s not credible
“https://www.syracuse.com/schools/2021/10/nationwide-social-media-threat-warning-of-school-shootings-hit-several-cny-districts-police-say-its-not-credible.html”
- #2021–10–27 3 Savannah GA schools locked down after social media threat
“https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/2021/10/27/savannah-chatham-georgia-schools-lockdown-social-media-threat/8564651002/”
- #2021–10–18 Four students at Peachtree Ridge High School facing charges after threatening social media posts
“cbs46.com](https://www.cbs46.com/news/four-students-at-peachtree-ridge-high-school-facing-charges-after-threatening-social-media-posts/article_24336e66–3033–11ec-aede–97973c7b12ee.html”
- #2021–11–01 Deputies: Juvenile responsible for social media threats against Colleton Co. schools taken into custody
“https://www.live5news.com/2021/11/01/2-colleton-county-schools-lockdown-after-weekend-threat-social-media/”


Check out this episode!

Benefits of Clearinghouse with Nancy Pugliese Cybertraps 95


  • Small community of states with a small focus.
  • Clearinghouse benefits
  • No automatic suspension in Connecticut
  • Oklahoma
  • How teachers are responding to technology generationally.
  • Teachers rely on technology more.
  • Teachers are always a role model.
  • Coaches and boundaries
  • Still lots of learning that needs to be done.

Check out this episode!


In this episode, we are sharing Fred’s presentation at PPI in Oklahoma City.


Check out this episode!

Impact Players with Liz Wiseman Transformative Principal 456


Liz Wiseman is a researcher and executive advisor who teaches leadership to executives around the world.  She is the author of New York Times bestseller Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter, The Multiplier Effect: Tapping the Genius Inside Our Schools, and Wall Street Journal bestseller Rookie Smarts: Why Learning Beats Knowing in the New Game of Work. and most recently, [[Impact Players]]: How to Take the Lead, Play Bigger, and Multiply Your Impact

She is the CEO of the Wiseman Group, a leadership research and development firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, California.  Some of her recent clients include: Apple, AT&T, Disney, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Nike, Salesforce, Tesla, and Twitter.  Liz has been listed on the Thinkers50 ranking and in 2019 was recognized as the top leadership thinker in the world.

In every organization there are Impact Players – those indispensable colleagues who can be counted on in critical situations and who consistently receive high-profile assignments and new opportunities.  Whether they are on center stage or behind the scenes, managers know who these top players are, understand their worth, and want more of them on their team.  While their impact is obvious, it’s not always clear what actually makes these professionals different from their peers.

In Impact Players, New York Times bestselling author and researcher Liz Wiseman reveals the secrets of these stellar professionals who play the game at a higher level.  Drawing on insights from leaders at top companies, Wiseman explains what the most influential players are doing differently, how small and seemingly insignificant differences in how we think and act can make an enormous impact, and why–with a little coaching–this mindset is available to everyone who wants to contribute at their highest level and do more meaningful work.

Based on a study of 170 top contributors, Wiseman identifies the mindsets that prevent otherwise smart, capable people from contributing to their full potential and the five practices that differentiate Impact Players:

• While others do their job, Impact Players figure out the real job to be done.

• While others wait for direction, Impact Players step up and lead.

• While others escalate problems, Impact Players move things across the finish line.

• While others attempt to minimize change, Impact Players are learning and adapting to change.

• While others add to the load, Impact Players make heavy demands feel lighter.

Wiseman makes clear that these practices—and the right mindset—can help any employee contribute at their fullest and shows leaders how they can raise the level of play for everyone on the team.  Impact Players is your playbook for the new workplace.

  • Impact Players - a term borrowed from the sports world.
  • How do you measure value of impact players.
  • High impact, contributing, but playing below their potential.
  • Impact player brings 3.5 greater than someone doing their job well.
  • Work was so much better, people were doing the right kind of work!
  • Mindset that people move in and out of.
  • Some people who inhabit this mindset and some that never do.
  • It rises above environment, leadership and culture.
  • A lot of parts of being an impact player you can’t coach.
  • MG100 - Marshall goldsmith 100
  • If you are assembling a team, hire for the least coachable, and spend your time coaching on the most coachable things
  • It’s hard to change a person’s knee-jerk reaction to a threat.
  • Help people to stay long enough to have a second reaction.
  • Hiring process: comfort level with situations out of their control.
  • SOAR - Situation, Outlook, Action, Result
  • How to be a transformative principal? Ability to see what problems and opportunities look like though other people’s perspective. Get out of your own head. They don’t spend their times stuck in their own heads, in their own thoughts.

Sponsors

InControl SEL for Middle School

In Control created an effortless social and emotional, character development video curriculum for your students that’s ZERO-TEACHER-PREP AND it’s so cool looking- it feels like a Youtube or Netflix Series- and that’s purposeful, they meet students right where they’re at.

The videos are 5–6 minutes, kids love them, teachers love them, and you will too. There’s no guesswork in the program because there’s a 21-video progression for each grade level.

They’ve thought of everything– because it’s a group of award winning counselors, teachers, and principals that came up with this thing. It’ll help you save tons of time and headaches.

Take it from me, it’s time to check that social-emotional learning box, the empty one that’s been keeping you up at night–and it’s time to do it in a meaningful, measurable, magnetic way.

If you go to www.InControlSEL.com/jethro you can check out some of the videos and even receive 20% off if you pre-order for next school year

John Catt

Today’s Transformative Principal sponsor, John Catt Educational, amplifies world-class voices on timeless topics, with a list of authors recognized globally for their fresh perspectives and proven strategies to drive success in modern schools and classrooms.

John Catt’s mission is to support high-quality teaching and learning by ensuring every educator has access to professional development materials that are research-based, practical, and focused on the key topics proven essential in today’s and tomorrow’s schools.

Learn more about professional development publications that are easy to implement for your entire faculty, and are both quickly digestible and rigorous, by visiting https://us.johncattbookshop.com/.
Learn more about some of the newest titles:
- The Coach’s Guide to Teaching by Doug Lemov

John Catt is also proud publisher of the new book from Transformative Principal host Jethro Jones: SchoolX: How principals can design a transformative school experience for students, teachers, parents – and themselves
Visit this page to learn more about bulk orders and how to bring John Catt’s research-based materials to your school: https://us.johncattbookshop.com/pages/agents-and-distributors


New Episode of @TrnFrmPrincipal

Learnership with James Anderson Transformative Principal 455


James Anderson is a educator, author, and speaker and a master of mindset work. Today we are talking about Learnership - the skill of learning.

  • Learnership are the skills kids need to learn.
  • Habits of mind
  • Information
  • Effort
  • There are different ways to get better at learning
  • You’re not going to teach the standards well if the students aren’t engaging in the learning process well.
  • Schools develop performance culture.
  • Rubrics - moving measuring stick problem.
  • You don’t go from non learner to agile learner in one fell swoop.
  • Daniel pink Autonomy,mastery purpose.
  • Motivation calibration.
  • How to be a transformative principal? Learn about learnership. and watch the video.

Sponsors

InControl SEL for Middle School

In Control created an effortless social and emotional, character development video curriculum for your students that’s ZERO-TEACHER-PREP AND it’s so cool looking- it feels like a Youtube or Netflix Series- and that’s purposeful, they meet students right where they’re at.

The videos are 5–6 minutes, kids love them, teachers love them, and you will too. There’s no guesswork in the program because there’s a 21-video progression for each grade level.

They’ve thought of everything– because it’s a group of award winning counselors, teachers, and principals that came up with this thing. It’ll help you save tons of time and headaches.

Take it from me, it’s time to check that social-emotional learning box, the empty one that’s been keeping you up at night–and it’s time to do it in a meaningful, measurable, magnetic way.

If you go to www.InControlSEL.com/jethro you can check out some of the videos and even receive 20% off if you pre-order for next school year

John Catt

Today’s Transformative Principal sponsor, John Catt Educational, amplifies world-class voices on timeless topics, with a list of authors recognized globally for their fresh perspectives and proven strategies to drive success in modern schools and classrooms.

John Catt’s mission is to support high-quality teaching and learning by ensuring every educator has access to professional development materials that are research-based, practical, and focused on the key topics proven essential in today’s and tomorrow’s schools.

Learn more about professional development publications that are easy to implement for your entire faculty, and are both quickly digestible and rigorous, by visiting https://us.johncattbookshop.com/.
Learn more about some of the newest titles:
- The Coach’s Guide to Teaching by Doug Lemov

John Catt is also proud publisher of the new book from Transformative Principal host Jethro Jones: SchoolX: How principals can design a transformative school experience for students, teachers, parents – and themselves
Visit this page to learn more about bulk orders and how to bring John Catt’s research-based materials to your school: https://us.johncattbookshop.com/pages/agents-and-distributors


New Episode of @TrnFrmPrincipal

Equipping Teachers with Tools with Scott Gordon Cybertraps 93


General Counsel for State Department of Education

  • Authority to prosecute licensed personnel.
  • Educational professional has to bring complaints against others.
  • Teachers are connecting more and more online.
  • Sometimes teachers are just four years older than the students they could be teaching.
  • How to help those adults that don’t know what’s going on.
  • Why not equip schools with tools to manage what’s happening?
  • We’re getting better at investigating and knowing about issues.
  • I wish there had been training on this?
  • How to reduce harm? Increase training. Licensing requirement to have training. Ethics training, assessment, and continuing education.

Check out this episode!

The Cybertraps Podcast Gift Giving Guide LIVE 092


Show Notes
The power of experience for adults in teaching
- The holidays are rushing towards us
- Welcome to the Debby Downer holiday gift review!
- It may be a challenging shopping season
- Still significant post-pandemic supply chain issues
- What are the hot tech toys for 2021?
- Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet
- The latest and greatest kid-centric Amazon Fire gives kids more freedom to explore via a digital store where kids can request apps (pending parental approval). They can also make video and voice calls and play all their favorite age-appropriate games.
- Google Stadia
- Stadia is a blast. Let’s start there. Once you’re set up, having the ability to play anywhere you want, is pretty great. The games are fun, well-rendered, hook you quickly, and we had really good experiences in terms of resolution on our TV and frankly our Chrome browser too. The entire set up for Google Stadia is $99 — and that includes one month free access to games, with pricing $9.99 a month after that. This is a fun option for families (especially parents) particularly as a budget entertainment option at home — and a great treat for the holidays.
- Nintendo Switch
- Nearly every child (and many adults!) have the Nintendo Switch on their holiday list. This on-the-go-slash-household device is great for keeping kids entertained with family-friendly games and also makes for a fun family game night. It’s also one of the tech gifts you’ll want to keep for yourself.
- Osmo Math Wizard & the Magical Workshop
- Osmo Math Wizard & the Magical Workshop makes learning fun and interactive, providing a smart way to use screen time. While Osmo offers a range of programming for all ages, this one in particular caters to those six to eight, teaching addition and subtraction via hands-on play. In order to use it, an Osmo Base for iPad or Fire Tablet and an iPad or Fire Tablet are required.
- Play.date
- Handheld game console with a crank designed by a software company called Panic
- What are factors that parents should consider?
- Should you opt out of the shopping splurge altogether?
- Used or refurbished?
- Experiences instead of things? Family outings or trips?
- Subscription boxes?
- Remarkably few safety guides at this time of year
- Take the time research any toys that you are considering purchasing
- What types of connectivity does the toy have?
- What can your child do online with the toy?
- Who can they communicate with
- What data might be or is collected from your child?
- Check out our earlier podcast, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about the Child Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
“https://www.cybertraps.com/2021/09/21/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-childrens-online-privacy-protection-act-coppa-cybertraps–78/”
- Is your child ready for a more advanced tech toy or gadget?
- Pay attention to age ratings
- Err on the side of waiting
- How much screen time has your child had over the past year+? Is more a good idea?
- Have you discussed rules regarding the use of new toys or gadgets with your spouse? Are you ready to discuss those rules (and enforce) them with your child?
- Consider toys that are interactive, emphasize physical skills, and family interaction
- Tech gifts and gaming devices can certainly be a family activity, if you are actually interacting while you play
- There are no supply chain issues for your time and interaction with your child
- Resources
- #2021–11–07 How to Buy Nothing New This Holiday Gifting Season
“https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/07/opinion/culture/holiday-gift-shopping-secondhand.html”
- #2021–11–05 59 Best Gifts for Kids 2021
“https://www.rd.com/list/gifts-for-kids/”
- #2021–11–04 Here are the hottest toys of the 2021 holiday season, according to Amazon
“https://www.cbsnews.com/essentials/amazon-hottest-toys-holiday-season–2021/”
- #2021–11–03 PARENTS Names The Best Toys Of 2021
“https://finance.yahoo.com/news/parents-names-best-toys–2021–142600120.html”
- #2021–10–25 The Best Subscription Boxes for Kids
“https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-subscription-boxes-for-kids”
- #2021–10–20 The Ultimate Holiday Tech Gift Guide for Parents 2021
“https://www.gearbrain.com/high-tech-gifts-guide-parents–2493419810.html”
- #2021–10–15 The Hottest Tech Toys for Kids
“https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-hottest-tech-toys-for-kids”
- #2021–09–23 These Are the Hottest Toys for the Holidays, According to The Toy Insider
“https://tinybeans.com/toy-insider-hot-toys/”


Check out this episode!


Raising Cyberethical Kids: Audio Course and Ebook
- News Item: In June 2021, UK Education Secretary Gavin Williamson suggested banning mobile phones in schools
- He argued that a ban would help students “remain calm” and overcome the effects of the pandemic
- Some schools expressed opposition, saying individual schools and districts should establish their own policies without government mandate
- Williamson seen as strong opponent of mobile phones in school, pointing to cyberbullying, sexting, and abuse of girls.
- Officials acknowledged that an in-school ban would do little to prevent harm occurring outside of school
- [Note: Williamson subsequently lost his position during a cabinet re-shuffle in September 2021]
- Several countries have limits on in-school mobile use, including:
- Afghanistan
- Australia
- China
- France
- Reframe the Discussion?
- Educators should not view these devices as mere “phones” or communication tools
- Instead, they should be recognized as powerful pocket computers and integrated into education accordingly
- “A plan, not a ban”
- Input from students and parents
- Negative Effects of Phones
- Full extent of potential problems still being analyzed
- 2013 study
- students not using cellphones:
- wrote an average of 62 percent more in their notes
- wrote more detailed notes
- recalled more detailed information
- scored one-and-a-half letter-grades higher on assessments
- students with digital devices:
- engage in more off-task behavior
- have more concentration and focus issues
- have a higher incidence of physical and mental health issues.
- 2015 study
- banning mobile phones led to an increase in test scores by an average of 6.4%
- “This is equivalent to adding five days to the school year or an additional hour a week.”
- Greater benefits (2x) for low-performing students
- Similar results from studies in Spain and Norway
- Excessive use can lead to multiple harms, including:
- anxiety and depression
- neglecting other activities
- conflict with peers or parents
- poor sleep habits (sleep deprivation and sleep texting)
- increased exposure to cyberbullying
- poor decision making
- physical harms, including posture, repetitive stress syndrome, vision, etc.
- learning disabilities
- FOMO or cyberchondria(?)
- emotional dysregulation
- decline in conversation skills
- Positive Uses of Smartphones
- keep track of homework
- setting up other reminders
- looking up facts and formulas
- taking photos, videos, or audio of lessons or confusing topics
- note-taking
- accessing education apps
- Impact on the classroom environment and school community
- mobile devices change dynamic between educator and student
- can be used to record and report educator misconduct
- can also be used to harass or embarrass educators
- Are mobile devices (and other digital tools) changing the way students learn?
- Suggestions on mitigating negative impacts of mobile devices
- More sleep
- More playtime (especially outdoors)
- Less time on digital media
- Read more books
- Develop a regular writing habit
- Resources
- #2021–10–30 David Lammy: Ban smartphone use in schools
https://www.lbc.co.uk/radio/presenters/david-lammy/david-lammy-ban-smartphone-use-in-schools/
- #2021–08–16 Plan to ban phones from classrooms is out of touch, say UK school leaders
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/aug/16/plan-to-ban-phones-from-classrooms-is-out-of-touch-say-uk-school-leaders
- #2021–06–28 Education secretary wants ban on mobile phones in English schools
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/jun/29/education-secretary-wants-ban-on-mobile-phones-in-english-schools
- #2021–05–10 Smartphones are powerful personal pocket computers – should schools ban them?
https://theconversation.com/smartphones-are-powerful-personal-pocket-computers-should-schools-ban-them–159826
- #2021–03–21 Banning mobile phones in schools can improve students’ academic performance. This is how we know
https://theconversation.com/banning-mobile-phones-in-schools-can-improve-students-academic-performance-this-is-how-we-know–153792
- #2021–02–21 Curse or necessity? Schools grapple with whether students should be allowed smartphones
https://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/300233731/curse-or-necessity-schools-grapple-with-whether-students-should-be-allowed-smartphones
- #2021–02–02 China bans children from using mobile phones at school
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology–55902778
- #2021–01–14 Digital teaching and learning in the smartphone era
https://www.eschoolnews.com/2021/01/14/digital-teaching-and-learning-smartphone/
- #2020–06–02 Why Principals Worry About How Mobile Devices Affect Students’ Social Skills, Attention Spans
https://www.edweek.org/technology/why-principals-worry-about-how-mobile-devices-affect-students-social-skills-attention-spans/2020/06
- #2020–01–21 Six ways smartphones enhance learning
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/local/share/2020/01/21/six-ways-smartphones-enhance-learning/4492982002/
- #2019–06–21 Are Students Spending Too Much Time on Mobile Devices During Class? Yes, Educators Say
https://www.edweek.org/leadership/are-students-spending-too-much-time-on-mobile-devices-during-class-yes-educators-say/2019/06
- #2019–05–14 How should teachers manage smartphone distractions in the classroom?
https://edscoop.com/how-should-teachers-manage-smartphones-distractions-in-the-classroom/
- #2019–02–27 ‘Students Are Using Mobile Even If You Aren’t’
https://www.insidehighered.com/digital-learning/article/2019/02/27/mobile-devices-transform-classroom-experiences-and
- #2018–09–21 Schools are banning smartphones. Here’s an argument for why they shouldn’t — and what they should do instead.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2018/09/21/schools-are-banning-smartphones-heres-an-argument-why-they-shouldnt-what-they-should-do-instead/
- #2018–09–20 France Bans Smartphones in Schools Through 9th Grade. Will It Help Students?
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/20/world/europe/france-smartphones-schools.html
- #2018–08–14 Cellphones at school: Should your kid have one?
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/baig/2018/08/14/should-smartphones-allowed-classroom/959154002/
- #2016–12–14 9 Uses for Smartphones in the Classroom
https://www.govtech.com/education/cellphones-in-classrooms-part–2.html
- #2016–12–14 Cellphones in Classrooms, Part 1
https://www.govtech.com/education/cellphones-in-classrooms-part–1.html
- #2016–03–08 Fomo, stress and sleeplessness: are smartphones bad for students?
https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2016/mar/08/children-mobile-phone-distraction-study-school
- #2015 Ill Communication: Technology, distraction & student performance
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.labeco.2016.04.004
- #2013 The Impact of Mobile Phone Usage on Student Learning
https://edscoop.com/how-should-teachers-manage-smartphones-distractions-in-the-classroom/


Check out this episode!


Kelly Hellams is an elementary school principal at Summit Drive Elementary in Greenville, South Carolina.  She is leading her school on a new focus of Leadership and Entrepreneurial Design.  Kelly has been a teacher and administrator for 23 years and has explicit background in creating lessons and opportunities for elementary students in economic education.  She was a contributor of Focus, Economics lessons for Grades 3–5 and worked with other educators from Russia and Europe on hands-on activities related to fundamental economic concepts

  • Started talking about this focus 2–3 years ago.
  • Leader in me school - 7 habits of Franklin Covey
  • Design39 School Visit
  • Eric Chagala Interview
  • Joe Erpelding Interviews
  • VIDA School Visit
  • How Leader in ME works with Design Thinking
  • Resilience comes from within.
  • Listen Explain Act Deliver
  • Empathy is actively listening to your end user
  • non-linear design thinking process
  • Furman University training on Design Thinking
  • Start small.
  • How to be a transformative principal? Be passionate. Don’t lose your why!

Sponsors

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Learn more about some of the newest titles:
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New Episode of @TrnFrmPrincipal


Live from PPI in Oklahoma City we are talking to Craig King and Taylor Pipkin from South Carolina, Palmetto Teachers Association.

  • How my mom taught me about ethics
  • the role of social media in indiscretion.
  • The difference between being a teacher association representative vs investigators
  • Investigators are not out to get people, they’re not bad people.
  • Green construction paper non-instructional routine
  • Teachers need to be trained on decision making
  • Assess the risk
  • All about having those conversations.
  • Responding to the specific way things are presented.

Check out this episode!