HAST Education

HAST Education
(Humanities, Arts, Science, Technology)

It is within our nature to make observations and take annotations in addition to recognizing patterns and identifying problems that may occur.

We also have a tendency, through ingenuity, to come with reasonable solutions that benefit us all as a whole.

HAST Education brings this together.  HAST greatly benefits the student's learning process through the integration of the core subject areas of humanities, arts, science, and technology.

With a HAST approach to education, students become better prepared to identify issues, solve problems, recognize patterns, take notes, and observe their environment.

A student's educational performance should flourish and be deeply rooted in a diverse academic field of knowledge.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Chief Educator/Founder

Copyright 2015.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

STEAM Education

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics)

STEAM is an approach to education that integrates the core knowledge and skills in the areas of: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.

The standards in these strands allow a student's learning to grow and develop across all areas so they can solve problems, with creative solutions, in collaboration with classmates, and the guidance of their teachers.

STEAM can be designed to be flexible, creative, innovative, and disciplined through the use of project based & blended learning, or hands-on approach to real-life applications.

For STEAM education to succeed, it should be fully supported by students, parents, educators, and community leaders.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Chief Educator/Founder

Copyright 2015.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Education Harvest

Harvesting Education

The middle of October is rapidly approaching.
Leaves are falling.
Foliage changes hues from greens, to yellows, to red, as the autumn season takes center stage.
Farms are harvesting their finest crops after working under the summer sun.  The yield of the seed that was planted long ago in the spring.

The same holds true for education.
Educators should know by now what their students accomplished over the summer (Summer School, Summer Camp, Summer Activities, etc.) and where they were last spring (CAASPP) to have an understanding of what needs to be done now to help each student achieve success.
Educators should be using tools (Formative Assessment) and support resources (CA Teachers Summit) in addition to daily collaboration with other educators, parents, and students.


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Chief Educator/Founder

Copyright 2015.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

The Next Great Discovery

How will the next great discovery be driven?

"It begins when a question is inquired that requires for an answer to be searched.  Through this searching, and researching, for an answer to a question, therefore leads to a thorough investigation, and further exploration that inspires future generations to innovate new solutions.  Discovery is never-ending, ever-changing, and the end result of our persistence at work. (A Discovery Methodology)."

This is what came to mind after reading the text by Kylie Gordon "The #NextGreatDiscovery" on Stanford News.  http://news.stanford.edu/features/2015/nextgreatdiscovery/ In it, 7 characteristics of discovery are illustrated, Inquire, Research, Investigate, Explore, Inspire, Innovate, Persist.  

We are also reminded of the aims of basic science, and that is to advance knowledge.  We have no way of knowing that which is taking place in labs and simulators will come to become a part of and/or impact our environment and daily lives.  

How will the next great discovery be driven? it is difficult to say for certain, but certainly it is easy to say that even the most basic of sciences should be supported.  They are the building blocks which are connected, and taken apart, and reconnected in new arrangements. It is of great importance to fund and invest scientific work, to then be able to continue the next great discovery.

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Chief Educator/Founder

Copyright 2015.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

October 2015

"WE ARE OFF!"

The 2015-16 school year is well on its way.

It is now the month of October and for many students, parents, educators, and administrators it is a good place in time to asses how the school year is going.

One way to do an assessment is by asking a question to request an answer.

The following samples should help provide a base to begin a self assessment as to how this school year is going, and what can be done to make adjustments if needed.

Students should ask and answer:
-Am I learning what is being taught?
-Do I need additional help and where can I get assistance if needed?
-Have I made the effort to learn and study what should be learned?

Parents should ask and answer:
-How is my child doing so far in school?
-What have they mentioned about their school, classroom, teacher, classmates, projects, field-trips, etc?
-Do I have any concerns about my child that should be addressed with the school?

Educators should ask and answer:
-Are the lessons we planned and the curriculum we designed working with the students in the classroom?
-Is there a need to make changes to lessons or curriculum that would benefit of students in the classroom?
-Do we have the support needed to succeed throughout this school year?

Administrators should ask and answer:
-Is the school year progressing as it was envisioned?
-Are we prepared for any challenges that may come up ahead?
-Have we provided the adequate support to achieve success this school year?


This post is dedicated to the students, faculty, and community of Umpqua Community College in Oregon.


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Chief Educator/Founder

Copyright 2015.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.