Learning Goals + Standards in Google Classroom

Learning Goals in Google Classroom

We had a new staff member join our team during the summer. She wasn't too familiar with Workspace tools, so I added her to the Classroom I created to orient people to Google Workspace. While I was poking around, I found something new (or at least new to me).  I don't get to look at Google Classroom too often anymore as a teacher, so some updates I learn about later and this is one of those. Now you can use Learning Goals in Google Classroom. There are national and state standards available for the US, but also standards for Australia, Brazil, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and the UK (broken down in England, North Ireland, Scotland, and Wales). This is a huge step forward for Classroom. I'm happy to see this addition to Classroom and I hope they will continue adding national curriculums to the interface. I know many Korean teachers would love to have the Korean national standards available.

 

Director of Technology: Reflection on Year 1

In the fast-paced environment of an international school, it is tempting to view technology through the lens of urgency—constant patches, reactive repairs, and the perpetual hunt for the "next big thing." However, true innovation requires a shift in perspective. At St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju, we are recalibrating our foundation, prioritizing stability, security, and support to ensure our technological ecosystem serves our students for the next decade.

Created with Gemini

We are moving away from reactive cycles toward a structured, multi-year strategic roadmap. This isn’t just about hardware; it is about budget predictability and ensuring that every device, from our student iPads to our refreshed teacher MacBook fleets, aligns with a sustainable growth model.

Our infrastructure is undergoing a similar evolution. By phasing the replacement of our wireless access points and repurposing equipment for dormitories, we maximize value without compromising connectivity. Furthermore, our proactive commitment to data security, exemplified by the integration of dedicated backup servers, eliminates single points of failure, ensuring that our classrooms remain resilient against the unexpected.

Managing this transition with a lean, efficient team requires discipline, but the goal remains clear: creating a seamless, reliable experience that empowers teaching and learning.

Technology should be the invisible scaffolding of an exceptional education, not a source of friction. As we build this foundation, we must ask ourselves: Are we investing in the sustainability of our tools, or are we simply maintaining the status quo? At SJA, I like to think, we are investing in sustainability that will power further innovation in teaching and learning.