Today is the last day of class. EDU 653 has come to an end and I have learned so much about using technology in the classroom, I don’t know where to begin to start. Working with my classmates to complete our Class Wiki Discussion Topics assignment had been a very interesting experience. I used to think that social interaction when using educational technology was limited, I no longer believe that. I have learned more from my classmates in the cohort than sitting in any classroom. I am excited about taking more classes in the New Year and adding to this learning experience. To all of my classmates, enjoy your holiday and hope you all have prosperous New Year.
Until then,
Michelle Dawson Francois signing out.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
More Cuts on the Way
In response to: Deal Says More Education Spending Cuts Likely in Ga. by Associated Press/ Published December 8, 2010
I don’t teach for the money. I knew when I started I would never financially be rich, but I’m rich when my students reach new heights. However, if I wanted to be a volunteer I would go to the Red Cross.
Education seems to be SOOOO important but it gets more cuts that cutting board at Olive Garden. I don’t know how this makes sense. If we want to keep our highly-effective teachers we have to pay them. We’re not asking for thousands of dollars because we realize that it’s not going to happen but one expects me to come to work, be successful, educate students, be mom, dad, counselor, friend, mentor and so much more than I have to know that I can take care of my own well-being and that of my family. That cannot happen if education continues to take cuts. Many effective teachers will be lost because we continue to raise expectations, increasing paperwork, duties and responsibilities and yet decrease pay.
I mentioned in an earlier post that parents should start to pay for public schooling, I starting to think it may happen if we continue to cut like we do. Either that or we will be back to one room schools with one teacher educating 30 students on completely different levels. The fundamentals are what Deal wants than that is what he will achieve, if we continue to cut.
I don’t teach for the money. I knew when I started I would never financially be rich, but I’m rich when my students reach new heights. However, if I wanted to be a volunteer I would go to the Red Cross.
Education seems to be SOOOO important but it gets more cuts that cutting board at Olive Garden. I don’t know how this makes sense. If we want to keep our highly-effective teachers we have to pay them. We’re not asking for thousands of dollars because we realize that it’s not going to happen but one expects me to come to work, be successful, educate students, be mom, dad, counselor, friend, mentor and so much more than I have to know that I can take care of my own well-being and that of my family. That cannot happen if education continues to take cuts. Many effective teachers will be lost because we continue to raise expectations, increasing paperwork, duties and responsibilities and yet decrease pay.
I mentioned in an earlier post that parents should start to pay for public schooling, I starting to think it may happen if we continue to cut like we do. Either that or we will be back to one room schools with one teacher educating 30 students on completely different levels. The fundamentals are what Deal wants than that is what he will achieve, if we continue to cut.
Video Cameras in the Classroom
In response to: Teacher Ratings Get New Look, Pushed by a Rich Watcher By Sam Dillion. The New York Times: Published: December 3, 2010
Bill Gates wants to spend $335 million dollars to help out America’s education system in several large school districts. The article states “The effort will have enormous consequences for the movement to hold schools and educators more accountable for student achievement.” For the record: Teachers CAN’T teach student everything they need to know if parents are taking responsibility in their child’s academic success. So instead of spending the money on new technology and ways to get people who want to educate out off the classroom, we should be looking at ways to educate parents so they can help their child(ren). We need a system that holds parent’s accountable.
The article also stated that one ways Gates would like to check teacher’s performance is through using video cameras in the classroom. To me cameras in the classroom show a lack of trust of the educator facilitating. As an administrator it is their job to come in the classroom and observe. If you simply say it would save time that would go against what we stand for.
Having cameras in the classroom would also says that I’m not competent enough to be an educator. Despite the fact that I went to school, got my degree and have been doing it for X amount of years. I would feel totally belittled if asked to put a camera in my classroom to make sure I’m teaching.
Data drives instructions. It speaks for itself and it never lies… (At least that what some experts would like you to believe) However, if that is so, than the fact that my students are showing gains should be enough to prove I am doing my job effectively.
Another point is: Who would want to be watched on their job all day long. I know there are some companies that have to due to high levels of security, however it you didn’t trust me to do my job, why did you hire me? Bosses shouldn’t have to worry about employees doing their job correctly, no matter what their profession. We should expect all employees to complete the task at hand without micromanaging and my job is to educate. Which is what I do every day I step foot in the school house.
Lastly, One can say an educator doesn’t want cameras in their room because they don’t want administrators seeing what’s actually going on, but the truth of the matter is that if camera are put in the classrooms someone will then have to take in consideration the behavior and social/emotional issues that disrupt learning and all the classroom management in the world can’t fix. More issues would arise if video camera were in the classroom, whether for a day or a whole school year; issues that would conflict with educators, administrators and politicians.
Bill Gates wants to spend $335 million dollars to help out America’s education system in several large school districts. The article states “The effort will have enormous consequences for the movement to hold schools and educators more accountable for student achievement.” For the record: Teachers CAN’T teach student everything they need to know if parents are taking responsibility in their child’s academic success. So instead of spending the money on new technology and ways to get people who want to educate out off the classroom, we should be looking at ways to educate parents so they can help their child(ren). We need a system that holds parent’s accountable.
The article also stated that one ways Gates would like to check teacher’s performance is through using video cameras in the classroom. To me cameras in the classroom show a lack of trust of the educator facilitating. As an administrator it is their job to come in the classroom and observe. If you simply say it would save time that would go against what we stand for.
Having cameras in the classroom would also says that I’m not competent enough to be an educator. Despite the fact that I went to school, got my degree and have been doing it for X amount of years. I would feel totally belittled if asked to put a camera in my classroom to make sure I’m teaching.
Data drives instructions. It speaks for itself and it never lies… (At least that what some experts would like you to believe) However, if that is so, than the fact that my students are showing gains should be enough to prove I am doing my job effectively.
Another point is: Who would want to be watched on their job all day long. I know there are some companies that have to due to high levels of security, however it you didn’t trust me to do my job, why did you hire me? Bosses shouldn’t have to worry about employees doing their job correctly, no matter what their profession. We should expect all employees to complete the task at hand without micromanaging and my job is to educate. Which is what I do every day I step foot in the school house.
Lastly, One can say an educator doesn’t want cameras in their room because they don’t want administrators seeing what’s actually going on, but the truth of the matter is that if camera are put in the classrooms someone will then have to take in consideration the behavior and social/emotional issues that disrupt learning and all the classroom management in the world can’t fix. More issues would arise if video camera were in the classroom, whether for a day or a whole school year; issues that would conflict with educators, administrators and politicians.
Monday, December 6, 2010
NAACP wants to extend school day
In response to: NAACP Panel Supports Longer School Days By The Associated Press Published Online: December 6, 2010
This article speaks of several concerns but the one that stuck out the most to me was extending the school day from 8am to 6pm. 2 hours longer than a 9 to 5 job. First off, governments can’t seem to afford to pay teachers now; extending the day should definitely increase pay that no one can seem to afford.
Schools are not day cares. Are we looking for a safe, educational place to drop our kids off before going to work and not have to worry about after-school childcare?
Extending the day would also have to include mandatory recess because students shouldn’t be expected to stay in a structure setting for such a long period of time.
If children are expected to get between 8- 10 hours of sleep and then spend 10 hours at school, that only leaves 4 -6 hours to be a kid, spend time with family and friends, or learn social and life skills outside of the school environment.
I don’t know any adult that wants to spend that amount of time in a structured learning setting, so why would we put that on our kids. Again it seems like people who don’t have any connection with education what to make changes that hurt kids more than it helps them.
I don’t know what the NAACP is trying to do in North Carolina or what’s about to happen with education for American but I don’t like the sound of it. Year round school is something I can deal with, extended day school is ludicrous.
This article speaks of several concerns but the one that stuck out the most to me was extending the school day from 8am to 6pm. 2 hours longer than a 9 to 5 job. First off, governments can’t seem to afford to pay teachers now; extending the day should definitely increase pay that no one can seem to afford.
Schools are not day cares. Are we looking for a safe, educational place to drop our kids off before going to work and not have to worry about after-school childcare?
Extending the day would also have to include mandatory recess because students shouldn’t be expected to stay in a structure setting for such a long period of time.
If children are expected to get between 8- 10 hours of sleep and then spend 10 hours at school, that only leaves 4 -6 hours to be a kid, spend time with family and friends, or learn social and life skills outside of the school environment.
I don’t know any adult that wants to spend that amount of time in a structured learning setting, so why would we put that on our kids. Again it seems like people who don’t have any connection with education what to make changes that hurt kids more than it helps them.
I don’t know what the NAACP is trying to do in North Carolina or what’s about to happen with education for American but I don’t like the sound of it. Year round school is something I can deal with, extended day school is ludicrous.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Google's Talking Computers
In response to: Google Wants Talking Computers, Acquires Phonetic Arts By Mike Melanson / December 3, 2010/ ReadWriteWeb
Google is moving towards talking computers and though I am excited about this wonderful change, I also frightened about where we are going in the technological world. As Google points out, "In Star Trek, they don't spend a lot of time typing things on keyboards--they just speak to their computers, and the computers speak back." Maybe I’m a little paranoid but I have seen too many movies when the computers take over because we give them too much power.
As I sit with my three-year old and watch the Disney movie, Wall-E. I can’t help but think that so much technology is making us lazy. What will be my son’s life be like when he is my age? He won’t have to do anything. Computers will not only talk but do. We will all have our own Rosie’s (maid robot from the Jetsons) to clean our rooms and make dinner. But hopefully our iRobots won’t come up against us and try to take over.
I like to see the evolution of technology. We all know that shows like Star Trek and The Jetsons’ were way beyond their years but will all this technology be helpful or harmful?
Google is moving towards talking computers and though I am excited about this wonderful change, I also frightened about where we are going in the technological world. As Google points out, "In Star Trek, they don't spend a lot of time typing things on keyboards--they just speak to their computers, and the computers speak back." Maybe I’m a little paranoid but I have seen too many movies when the computers take over because we give them too much power.
As I sit with my three-year old and watch the Disney movie, Wall-E. I can’t help but think that so much technology is making us lazy. What will be my son’s life be like when he is my age? He won’t have to do anything. Computers will not only talk but do. We will all have our own Rosie’s (maid robot from the Jetsons) to clean our rooms and make dinner. But hopefully our iRobots won’t come up against us and try to take over.
I like to see the evolution of technology. We all know that shows like Star Trek and The Jetsons’ were way beyond their years but will all this technology be helpful or harmful?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
PowerPoint Love!!!!
In response to: Hate PowerPoint? Here Are 5 Web-based Alternatives By John Paul Titlow- Published on November 27, 2010 on ReadWrite Biz
I love PowerPoint!!! I have been using it for a long time and I’m familiar with most of it features. Though I don’t plan to stray away from PowerPoint for completing presentations anytime soon; I like to see that there are alternatives that give presentations a different look.
Prezi, SlideRocket, 280 Slides, Google Docs Presentations, and Zoho Show are the five alternatives the article talked about. Prezi looked the most interesting to me the way it zooms in and out of the presentation. It really caught my eye and I know it would also catch the eye of any audience I presented to.
One of the problems with these alternatives is not all the features are free like on PowerPoint. Prezi allows you to make the presentation for free however you must have internet service. If you would like to work offline you would have to purchase the $159 a year Pro license. This upgrade also gives you 200 times more storage space.
It’s always good to have options and though I might try out some of these alternatives; PowerPoint is my safety net and I’m sticking with it.
I love PowerPoint!!! I have been using it for a long time and I’m familiar with most of it features. Though I don’t plan to stray away from PowerPoint for completing presentations anytime soon; I like to see that there are alternatives that give presentations a different look.
Prezi, SlideRocket, 280 Slides, Google Docs Presentations, and Zoho Show are the five alternatives the article talked about. Prezi looked the most interesting to me the way it zooms in and out of the presentation. It really caught my eye and I know it would also catch the eye of any audience I presented to.
One of the problems with these alternatives is not all the features are free like on PowerPoint. Prezi allows you to make the presentation for free however you must have internet service. If you would like to work offline you would have to purchase the $159 a year Pro license. This upgrade also gives you 200 times more storage space.
It’s always good to have options and though I might try out some of these alternatives; PowerPoint is my safety net and I’m sticking with it.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Parents are the Key!!!!
In response to: Strong Parenting Is Key to America’s Future By Joseph W. Gauld Published Online: November 29, 2010
I love and wholeheartedly agree with this article. Parents are definitely the key to education. Why do many parents believe it is the job of the teacher to teach their child everything there is to know about life? There is no way educators can cram all the knowledge our students need to know in, especially with the decrease in budgets and school days. Students must come to us with a foundation. You wouldn’t build a house in the mud without a foundation and expect it to last 60 years. Why do we expect the same of our children?
When I taught pre-kindergarten four years ago, I had students that could not tell you their whole name, let alone how to spell it. However I had several students that you could tell their parents put in work with them and excelled over the rest. I also had one (a teacher’s kid) who could read on a first grade level at the age of 4. I can truly say that that young man shocked me because I had never seen a four year old read like that, but why can’t all of our parents be held to that expectation? Why shouldn’t students come to school at least knowing how to spell their name and some site words?
Though this article was a great one, I notice one flaw, a solution. How can we get parents involved with their child’s education from birth? How can we make all parents realize it starts at home? I know my school does a lot to get parent involved and we try to educate them on way to be productive in their child’s life, but our parent simply don’t show up, no matter what incentive we give (free food, extra credit for their child, free tutoring and other programs).
So here’s my solution for American education, education cannot be free. NO public schools should cost nearly as much as private schools but I feel if parents had to pay even a small fee, they would be more involved in education. Plus we would have to continue to deal with budget cuts. I know a lot of people don’t agree with me on this one but think about your last trip to McDonalds. You order a double cheeseburger with no onions and extra pickles. Even though that double cheeseburger only cost $1.00 you want it the way you ordered it. If it was free you would just pick the onions off and enjoy it without the extra pickles, but because you paid for it, you want it your way. Our education system is the same. Parents who pay for their child’s education pay attention to it more but they want to make sure they are getting their monies worth. Because it is free they take it the way they get it; leaving our children to suffer.
If my strategy for increasing parent involvement was taken I think we could and would express the important of education to many parents and make them realize they are the key. If parents would start to understand how important they are to their child's success, we would succeed as a nation.However, without their help, guidance and assistant our education system is destined to fell.
I love and wholeheartedly agree with this article. Parents are definitely the key to education. Why do many parents believe it is the job of the teacher to teach their child everything there is to know about life? There is no way educators can cram all the knowledge our students need to know in, especially with the decrease in budgets and school days. Students must come to us with a foundation. You wouldn’t build a house in the mud without a foundation and expect it to last 60 years. Why do we expect the same of our children?
When I taught pre-kindergarten four years ago, I had students that could not tell you their whole name, let alone how to spell it. However I had several students that you could tell their parents put in work with them and excelled over the rest. I also had one (a teacher’s kid) who could read on a first grade level at the age of 4. I can truly say that that young man shocked me because I had never seen a four year old read like that, but why can’t all of our parents be held to that expectation? Why shouldn’t students come to school at least knowing how to spell their name and some site words?
Though this article was a great one, I notice one flaw, a solution. How can we get parents involved with their child’s education from birth? How can we make all parents realize it starts at home? I know my school does a lot to get parent involved and we try to educate them on way to be productive in their child’s life, but our parent simply don’t show up, no matter what incentive we give (free food, extra credit for their child, free tutoring and other programs).
So here’s my solution for American education, education cannot be free. NO public schools should cost nearly as much as private schools but I feel if parents had to pay even a small fee, they would be more involved in education. Plus we would have to continue to deal with budget cuts. I know a lot of people don’t agree with me on this one but think about your last trip to McDonalds. You order a double cheeseburger with no onions and extra pickles. Even though that double cheeseburger only cost $1.00 you want it the way you ordered it. If it was free you would just pick the onions off and enjoy it without the extra pickles, but because you paid for it, you want it your way. Our education system is the same. Parents who pay for their child’s education pay attention to it more but they want to make sure they are getting their monies worth. Because it is free they take it the way they get it; leaving our children to suffer.
If my strategy for increasing parent involvement was taken I think we could and would express the important of education to many parents and make them realize they are the key. If parents would start to understand how important they are to their child's success, we would succeed as a nation.However, without their help, guidance and assistant our education system is destined to fell.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
No More "Fs"
In response to: Va. School Reverses 'F' Grade Policy By The Associated Press Published Online: November 22, 2010
I went to elementary, middle and high school in Alexandria, VA and was very interested to see this article. The principal at West Potomac High School (my high schools biggest rival) said they were no longer giving out “F’s” instead students would receive an “I” for incomplete to encourage them the complete the work. To a point I see the principal’s logic but if a student earns a failing grade than that is what they must receive. Incomplete grades are for students who can’t complete work due to circumstances out of their control.
After a week, the principal reversed his new policy because he didn’t have the consensus of teachers and parents. I don’t think it’s a bad idea for high schools to offer “I’s” but only in conditional cases as on a college level. If we start giving students this option we are babying them and not preparing them for the world at large. We all have deadline, when the course is not completed due to laziness or sheer unwillingness, consequences must be suffered and in school that consequence is a failing grade.
Maybe after much review and collaborating with teachers and parents an incomplete grade will be reintroduced in Alexandria and it will help the handful of students that may need it the most.
I went to elementary, middle and high school in Alexandria, VA and was very interested to see this article. The principal at West Potomac High School (my high schools biggest rival) said they were no longer giving out “F’s” instead students would receive an “I” for incomplete to encourage them the complete the work. To a point I see the principal’s logic but if a student earns a failing grade than that is what they must receive. Incomplete grades are for students who can’t complete work due to circumstances out of their control.
After a week, the principal reversed his new policy because he didn’t have the consensus of teachers and parents. I don’t think it’s a bad idea for high schools to offer “I’s” but only in conditional cases as on a college level. If we start giving students this option we are babying them and not preparing them for the world at large. We all have deadline, when the course is not completed due to laziness or sheer unwillingness, consequences must be suffered and in school that consequence is a failing grade.
Maybe after much review and collaborating with teachers and parents an incomplete grade will be reintroduced in Alexandria and it will help the handful of students that may need it the most.
Single-Sex Classrooms
In response to: Single-Sex Classes Become Turnaround Strategy for Failing School By Elisa Crouch, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Louis Published Online: November 22, 2010
I must admit that even before I read this article I thought there is no way single-sex classrooms can be a good thing, but after reading it I had a slight change of mind. I see both the pros and the cons to this type of learning, especially in middle and high schools. However, I feel there does need to a balance. If students are separated in core classes, they should not be in effectives. We have to realistically face the fact that the real world isn’t segregated by sex and if we want to prepare our students for the real world, they have to have some type of interaction with each other throughout the day.
I also wasn’t aware that “Single-sex education in public schools became illegal in 1972 with the passage of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. Then in 2001, U.S. Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Hillary Rodham Clinton wrote an amendment to the No Child Left Behind Act that made single-sex education in public schools legal again.” Since then schools offering single-sex classes have increased from 12 to 540 according to the National Association of Single Sex Public Education.
I would be excited to see how that would work in my school and school district; we are always looking for ways to increase student learning and academic achievement, while decreasing distractions. My school only has 3 male teachers, which definitely wouldn’t be enough to change the entire school to single-sex, but maybe just one grade level. Which bring me to the question, how can we get more male teachers to teach the all-boys classrooms? It probably wouldn’t go across well at first, but I think parents, teachers, administrators and even the students themselves might enjoy the experience and learn something in the processs.
I must admit that even before I read this article I thought there is no way single-sex classrooms can be a good thing, but after reading it I had a slight change of mind. I see both the pros and the cons to this type of learning, especially in middle and high schools. However, I feel there does need to a balance. If students are separated in core classes, they should not be in effectives. We have to realistically face the fact that the real world isn’t segregated by sex and if we want to prepare our students for the real world, they have to have some type of interaction with each other throughout the day.
I also wasn’t aware that “Single-sex education in public schools became illegal in 1972 with the passage of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. Then in 2001, U.S. Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Hillary Rodham Clinton wrote an amendment to the No Child Left Behind Act that made single-sex education in public schools legal again.” Since then schools offering single-sex classes have increased from 12 to 540 according to the National Association of Single Sex Public Education.
I would be excited to see how that would work in my school and school district; we are always looking for ways to increase student learning and academic achievement, while decreasing distractions. My school only has 3 male teachers, which definitely wouldn’t be enough to change the entire school to single-sex, but maybe just one grade level. Which bring me to the question, how can we get more male teachers to teach the all-boys classrooms? It probably wouldn’t go across well at first, but I think parents, teachers, administrators and even the students themselves might enjoy the experience and learn something in the processs.
The Tables Have Turned
In response to: Atlanta School Board Members Settle Lawsuit By The Associated Press Published Online: November 24, 2010
I currently work for Clayton County Public School (CCPS) system, just south of Atlanta, GA. About three years ago we lost our accreditation for a short period and were in danger of losing it even longer because school board members could not settle a dispute. Our county suffered dramatically, we lost over three hundred teachers, student enrollment decreased because parents doubted our capability to educate their children and 1000s of high school seniors’ diplomas were in jeopardy. It was definitely a hard time for CCPS. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) gave us several mandates that we had to comply with before we could reobtain our accreditation. Even though educating our students was never the problem, because our teachers are highly qualified, we were looked at in a negative way but surrounding counties.
Now the tables have turned. Many of the teachers who left CCPS went to Atlanta for employment. Now Atlanta Public Schools are going through the same thing we went through about three years. Because board members can’t seem to settle a dispute, that county (much larger) might suffer the same downfalls we did. I won’t wish any bad on anyone; because in the long run, it’s the students who suffer, but when we were at our lowest we were constantly talked about and looked down on. It’s funny how the world works. Karma is a something serious.
I currently work for Clayton County Public School (CCPS) system, just south of Atlanta, GA. About three years ago we lost our accreditation for a short period and were in danger of losing it even longer because school board members could not settle a dispute. Our county suffered dramatically, we lost over three hundred teachers, student enrollment decreased because parents doubted our capability to educate their children and 1000s of high school seniors’ diplomas were in jeopardy. It was definitely a hard time for CCPS. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) gave us several mandates that we had to comply with before we could reobtain our accreditation. Even though educating our students was never the problem, because our teachers are highly qualified, we were looked at in a negative way but surrounding counties.
Now the tables have turned. Many of the teachers who left CCPS went to Atlanta for employment. Now Atlanta Public Schools are going through the same thing we went through about three years. Because board members can’t seem to settle a dispute, that county (much larger) might suffer the same downfalls we did. I won’t wish any bad on anyone; because in the long run, it’s the students who suffer, but when we were at our lowest we were constantly talked about and looked down on. It’s funny how the world works. Karma is a something serious.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Budget Cuts Cut School Days
In response to: S.C. Budget Writers Consider Cutting 10 School Days By The Associated Press
As a nation we say we want to compete on a global level but we don’t value education like we should to achieve that goal. When states start cutting school days they don’t realize they put more pressure on teachers to cover much needed material in a shorter period of time. When other countries have year-round school, constantly educating their youth, we are taking away instructional time that our students need because of funding.
It makes me sick that professional athletes makes six figures for playing with balls and we can seem to give teachers, who were supposed to entrust with educating the generation of tomorrow, a decent salary. We continue to put obstacles in educators way that limit us from doing our jobs and put in place things like performance pay. Budgets are cut and class-sizes keeps increasing but we have to make miracles happen with lack of funds for resources, behavior issues everyone seem to avoid and lack of parent involvement.
If America thinks we can keep cutting education and succeed in this technological age on a global level, we must have bumped their heads. Funding for public elementary, middle and high schools are steady decreasing while college tuitions are increasing. Getting students to realize the importance of education is going to a hard task since we show them that if the money isn’t there do away with it. I don’t know what were going to do about all the budget cuts but I do know cutting school days and funds isn’t the way.
As a nation we say we want to compete on a global level but we don’t value education like we should to achieve that goal. When states start cutting school days they don’t realize they put more pressure on teachers to cover much needed material in a shorter period of time. When other countries have year-round school, constantly educating their youth, we are taking away instructional time that our students need because of funding.
It makes me sick that professional athletes makes six figures for playing with balls and we can seem to give teachers, who were supposed to entrust with educating the generation of tomorrow, a decent salary. We continue to put obstacles in educators way that limit us from doing our jobs and put in place things like performance pay. Budgets are cut and class-sizes keeps increasing but we have to make miracles happen with lack of funds for resources, behavior issues everyone seem to avoid and lack of parent involvement.
If America thinks we can keep cutting education and succeed in this technological age on a global level, we must have bumped their heads. Funding for public elementary, middle and high schools are steady decreasing while college tuitions are increasing. Getting students to realize the importance of education is going to a hard task since we show them that if the money isn’t there do away with it. I don’t know what were going to do about all the budget cuts but I do know cutting school days and funds isn’t the way.
Teacher-Sex Case
In response to: Court: Student's Age Not a Factor in Teacher-Sex Cases By The Associated Press
The teacher in this article is being charged with having sexual intercourse with a student however the ruling deals more with the fact of the student’s age rather than with the fact of the sex. The student is an 18 years old high school girl so the teacher feels that her case holds no weight and he doesn’t understand why the Supreme Court voted against him.
My understanding of the law and ethics is that teachers should not have sexual relationships with students… period. Age should not have anything to do with it; even on a collegiate level teachers shouldn’t be involved with students.
I don’t understand why sexual relationships between teachers and students seems to be such an epidemic. “In their 2002 survey, the American Association of University Women reported that, of students who had been harassed, 38% were harassed by teachers or other school employees. One survey, conducted with psychology students, reports that 10% had sexual interactions with their educators; in turn, 13% of educators reported sexual interaction with their students. (Wikipedia, 2010)
It is our job, as educator to teach, protect, and look out for their best interest of our students. When sexual relationships become a factor it blurs the lines and students (especially teenagers) may have a problem differentiating professional from personal feelings and emotions. It’s illegal and unethical and I agree with the decision of the Supreme Court; despite the age of a student having sexual relationships with students is wrong and should be done about it.
Reference
Sexual harassment in education. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_harassment_in_education#Sexual_harassment_and_abuse_of_students_by_teachers. Wikipedia. Retrieved 11.20.10
The teacher in this article is being charged with having sexual intercourse with a student however the ruling deals more with the fact of the student’s age rather than with the fact of the sex. The student is an 18 years old high school girl so the teacher feels that her case holds no weight and he doesn’t understand why the Supreme Court voted against him.
My understanding of the law and ethics is that teachers should not have sexual relationships with students… period. Age should not have anything to do with it; even on a collegiate level teachers shouldn’t be involved with students.
I don’t understand why sexual relationships between teachers and students seems to be such an epidemic. “In their 2002 survey, the American Association of University Women reported that, of students who had been harassed, 38% were harassed by teachers or other school employees. One survey, conducted with psychology students, reports that 10% had sexual interactions with their educators; in turn, 13% of educators reported sexual interaction with their students. (Wikipedia, 2010)
It is our job, as educator to teach, protect, and look out for their best interest of our students. When sexual relationships become a factor it blurs the lines and students (especially teenagers) may have a problem differentiating professional from personal feelings and emotions. It’s illegal and unethical and I agree with the decision of the Supreme Court; despite the age of a student having sexual relationships with students is wrong and should be done about it.
Reference
Sexual harassment in education. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_harassment_in_education#Sexual_harassment_and_abuse_of_students_by_teachers. Wikipedia. Retrieved 11.20.10
Monday, November 15, 2010
No More Test
In response to Ga. Moves Toward Fewer Tests for Students By The Associated Press
I’m so happy to see my state is doing something about all of the tests we are giving our students. It seems like we test more that we instruct, even though the data is supposed to drive the instruction. As a first grade teacher, I was glad to hear that first and second grade students were not taking the CRCT (Georgia’s Standardized Assessment) this year, but it seems that some counties can choose to pay and take the test. Supposedly, my county is one of them, if the funds are found.
I would like for superintendents and other school officials to realize that testing 6 and 7 years olds are not effective and a waste of money. Bob Schaeffer, public education director at The National Center for Fair & Open Testing, says "What you're measuring in many cases is whether kids can sit still," Though I have many students that do fairly well on standardized test, I don’t understand why they have to start so young. They will be tested throughout middle and high school and if they desire to go on to higher education they will continue to be tested there as well.
I think it is great that some are trying to give our students a break from so much testing, I just wish everyone would get on the bandwagon.
I’m so happy to see my state is doing something about all of the tests we are giving our students. It seems like we test more that we instruct, even though the data is supposed to drive the instruction. As a first grade teacher, I was glad to hear that first and second grade students were not taking the CRCT (Georgia’s Standardized Assessment) this year, but it seems that some counties can choose to pay and take the test. Supposedly, my county is one of them, if the funds are found.
I would like for superintendents and other school officials to realize that testing 6 and 7 years olds are not effective and a waste of money. Bob Schaeffer, public education director at The National Center for Fair & Open Testing, says "What you're measuring in many cases is whether kids can sit still," Though I have many students that do fairly well on standardized test, I don’t understand why they have to start so young. They will be tested throughout middle and high school and if they desire to go on to higher education they will continue to be tested there as well.
I think it is great that some are trying to give our students a break from so much testing, I just wish everyone would get on the bandwagon.
Friday, November 12, 2010
NO Recess...
In response to Eliminating Recess Hurts Kids: When Testing Pressure is Too Great, We All Lose By Nicholas Thacher
If I haven’t taught my students in 8 hours how to read, write and do arithmetic’s then they won’t learn it in an extra 10- 15 minutes. Recess time is vital to our student’s mental processing and not giving it to them will definitely change the data, for the worse. When learning something one must have time to process it, but we don’t give our students that ability.
My county’s policy is learning must be going on from the morning bell to the afternoon bell. Below you will see my class schedule.
School begins at 7:45
7:45- 7:55- Morning Announcements
7:55- 8:40- Writing and Language Arts
8:40- 10:10- Reading
10:10- 11:05- Science/Social Studies/Health
11:05- 11:50- Specials- P.E., Music, Computer, Art
11:50- 11:58- Bathroom Break
11:58- 12:28- Lunch
12:28- 12:55- Science/ Social Studies/ Health (cont.)
12:55- 1:55- Math
1:55- 2:10- Reflection Journals
2:10- 2:15- Pack up
2:15- Dismissal
With this schedule there is no processing time. No time to be an individual, to run and play. Everything is back to back to back. As an adult I don’t learn that way and why we expect that of our students is cruel. Why we expect 5 to 10 years old (K-5) to sit and learn for that long period is just ridiculous and something should be done about it.
Looking at my schedule and knowing my students I feel that recess should be inputted right after lunch. We already did Science, Social Studies or Health before we went to Specials and continuing it is not effective because my kids aren’t paying me any attention. Allowing them to run, play and process for that short period will allow them to focus on the next major subject, which is math.
The physical activity not only stimulates their brain activity but also give our students the much need exercise they are lacking in their daily lives. If someone making the “rules” don’t soon realize that physical stimulation is important to our mental state of mind, our students are doomed.
If I haven’t taught my students in 8 hours how to read, write and do arithmetic’s then they won’t learn it in an extra 10- 15 minutes. Recess time is vital to our student’s mental processing and not giving it to them will definitely change the data, for the worse. When learning something one must have time to process it, but we don’t give our students that ability.
My county’s policy is learning must be going on from the morning bell to the afternoon bell. Below you will see my class schedule.
School begins at 7:45
7:45- 7:55- Morning Announcements
7:55- 8:40- Writing and Language Arts
8:40- 10:10- Reading
10:10- 11:05- Science/Social Studies/Health
11:05- 11:50- Specials- P.E., Music, Computer, Art
11:50- 11:58- Bathroom Break
11:58- 12:28- Lunch
12:28- 12:55- Science/ Social Studies/ Health (cont.)
12:55- 1:55- Math
1:55- 2:10- Reflection Journals
2:10- 2:15- Pack up
2:15- Dismissal
With this schedule there is no processing time. No time to be an individual, to run and play. Everything is back to back to back. As an adult I don’t learn that way and why we expect that of our students is cruel. Why we expect 5 to 10 years old (K-5) to sit and learn for that long period is just ridiculous and something should be done about it.
Looking at my schedule and knowing my students I feel that recess should be inputted right after lunch. We already did Science, Social Studies or Health before we went to Specials and continuing it is not effective because my kids aren’t paying me any attention. Allowing them to run, play and process for that short period will allow them to focus on the next major subject, which is math.
The physical activity not only stimulates their brain activity but also give our students the much need exercise they are lacking in their daily lives. If someone making the “rules” don’t soon realize that physical stimulation is important to our mental state of mind, our students are doomed.
Las Vegas Here I Come
In response to How Las Vegas Can Make You A Better Teacher by Katie
I like this article and I agree that as an educator we must be able to read our students. Of course many students will say they understand when they don’t and say they’re listening when they’re not. Having the ability to pick up on the signs will allow you teach more effectively.
As a quiet and shy teenager, I always set in the back of the classroom and observed people. I got an understanding of how people think and what makes them happy, sad and/or angry. This taught me much about how to deal with individuals and how to deal with my students. I understand that some people need a tough love and other need a hug and kind words.
Our students read our behaviors and pick up on when we are having a good or bad day, so shouldn’t we. We unconsciously rub off on them our demeanor, which at times could be a good thing and a bad thing.
Not only is reading people a good ability to have to better understand my students but it helps when dealing with parents as well, which helps me deal with them in a more professional manner.
I’ve never been to Las Vegas, but I know I have learned quite a few things from people watching.
I like this article and I agree that as an educator we must be able to read our students. Of course many students will say they understand when they don’t and say they’re listening when they’re not. Having the ability to pick up on the signs will allow you teach more effectively.
As a quiet and shy teenager, I always set in the back of the classroom and observed people. I got an understanding of how people think and what makes them happy, sad and/or angry. This taught me much about how to deal with individuals and how to deal with my students. I understand that some people need a tough love and other need a hug and kind words.
Our students read our behaviors and pick up on when we are having a good or bad day, so shouldn’t we. We unconsciously rub off on them our demeanor, which at times could be a good thing and a bad thing.
Not only is reading people a good ability to have to better understand my students but it helps when dealing with parents as well, which helps me deal with them in a more professional manner.
I’ve never been to Las Vegas, but I know I have learned quite a few things from people watching.
A Poem for Frustrated Teachers
In response to the poem, Make Me or Break Me: A Poem for Frustrated Teachers by Roxanna Elden
The poem definitely speaks to how I feel as an educator. I am dealing with students who seem like they don’t want to learn and administrators who seem to add one more thing to do each day.
I feel like I never have anytime to myself because I’ m constantly bring papers home to grade, writing lesson plans, updating my teacher website or a plethora of other things.
My class room in a revolving door; every other week I lose one kid and gain another.
I thought education was supposed to be fun, but with so much focus on standards, elements, essential questions, rubrics, student and teacher commentary, I feel like a walking, talking puppet.
I have no time to teach a concept to mastery because I have to stay on the pacing chart; however they fail to realize all my kids are not at the same pace. Plus I’m trying to add rigor to all of my lessons and I still have some students that can’t spell their name or count to 10.
With all that is going on in education, it seems like the kids are the one losing out on a quality education. Trying to keep administrators, school board and SACS committee members happy isn’t the most effective way to educate our kids.
Solely relying on data to influence instruction leaves t0o many errors and test our students too much.
Reading this poem and writing this blog had made me realize it’s not education and my students that I need a break from, but the corrupt politics involved.
Just let me teach and I can stop losing my mind and contemplate quitting the job I love every day.
Make Me or Break Me: A Poem for Frustrated Teachers
By: Roxanna Elden
Make Me or Break Me
They say this first year will make me
Or break me.
I guess that’s because it takes me
Eight days to get through a stack of papers
And there are eight more waiting,
And every day I stay at school later
And get less done…
This is NOT fun.
Help me someone!!!
I’m already counting how many more
Mondays Until vacation
(There are 12, by the way,
And I’m getting impatient)
Because I spent all last night
On grading and preparation
But I can’t get these kids to just
SHUT UP!!!
And take this inspiration.
My temptation to keep driving
Instead of arriving
In the teachers’ parking lot
Is almost as strong
As my fear of what could go wrong
If I don’t pull into this parking spot
And I’m not sure if I can take it…
I’m trying so hard to make it work
The way the movies make it seem.
I’ve been sacrificing so much sleep
I forgot what it feels like to dream.
This isn’t the person I’m used to being
Not the image of me I’m used to seeing
I miss the days when I was a student,
Complaining about teachers to my friends…
This job seemed so easy from the other end.
From here, nothing looks the same,
And you know what’s even more of a shame?
I hear my teachers’ voices
When I yell my students’ names.
And you know that one quiet girl,
In the back,
With the glasses?
I overheard her mom saying
She wants to change classes.
They say this job is rewarding, but lately
I just feel like all my students hate me…
Their papers frustrate me
And I’m going so crazy
No sane person would want to date me.
But I’m here to stay
It takes a lot to break me
And that’s why I say
No matter what it takes me…
This year
Is gonna MAKE me.
The poem definitely speaks to how I feel as an educator. I am dealing with students who seem like they don’t want to learn and administrators who seem to add one more thing to do each day.
I feel like I never have anytime to myself because I’ m constantly bring papers home to grade, writing lesson plans, updating my teacher website or a plethora of other things.
My class room in a revolving door; every other week I lose one kid and gain another.
I thought education was supposed to be fun, but with so much focus on standards, elements, essential questions, rubrics, student and teacher commentary, I feel like a walking, talking puppet.
I have no time to teach a concept to mastery because I have to stay on the pacing chart; however they fail to realize all my kids are not at the same pace. Plus I’m trying to add rigor to all of my lessons and I still have some students that can’t spell their name or count to 10.
With all that is going on in education, it seems like the kids are the one losing out on a quality education. Trying to keep administrators, school board and SACS committee members happy isn’t the most effective way to educate our kids.
Solely relying on data to influence instruction leaves t0o many errors and test our students too much.
Reading this poem and writing this blog had made me realize it’s not education and my students that I need a break from, but the corrupt politics involved.
Just let me teach and I can stop losing my mind and contemplate quitting the job I love every day.
Make Me or Break Me: A Poem for Frustrated Teachers
By: Roxanna Elden
Make Me or Break Me
They say this first year will make me
Or break me.
I guess that’s because it takes me
Eight days to get through a stack of papers
And there are eight more waiting,
And every day I stay at school later
And get less done…
This is NOT fun.
Help me someone!!!
I’m already counting how many more
Mondays Until vacation
(There are 12, by the way,
And I’m getting impatient)
Because I spent all last night
On grading and preparation
But I can’t get these kids to just
SHUT UP!!!
And take this inspiration.
My temptation to keep driving
Instead of arriving
In the teachers’ parking lot
Is almost as strong
As my fear of what could go wrong
If I don’t pull into this parking spot
And I’m not sure if I can take it…
I’m trying so hard to make it work
The way the movies make it seem.
I’ve been sacrificing so much sleep
I forgot what it feels like to dream.
This isn’t the person I’m used to being
Not the image of me I’m used to seeing
I miss the days when I was a student,
Complaining about teachers to my friends…
This job seemed so easy from the other end.
From here, nothing looks the same,
And you know what’s even more of a shame?
I hear my teachers’ voices
When I yell my students’ names.
And you know that one quiet girl,
In the back,
With the glasses?
I overheard her mom saying
She wants to change classes.
They say this job is rewarding, but lately
I just feel like all my students hate me…
Their papers frustrate me
And I’m going so crazy
No sane person would want to date me.
But I’m here to stay
It takes a lot to break me
And that’s why I say
No matter what it takes me…
This year
Is gonna MAKE me.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Teacher Takes His Own Life
In response to Las Vegas teacher kills himself at school By Associated Press
Even though this article didn’t have much information about why this 58-year old teacher decided to take his own life, one must ask were there any signs? I know that being an educator is not an easy job. Daily, we take on the stresses of our students, parents, administrators and co-workers, but what makes you want take your own life? Just quit. (I know that’s earlier said than done.)
Reading this article makes me think of a friend of mine from high school. No one, not even me, seemed to notice his cry out for help until after he hung himself. More times than not suicidal people show signs but we have to be willing to acknowledge these signs.
I currently have a student in my classroom, whom I believe is dangerous to himself, but when I mention it to his parents, they simply response, they don’t notice it at home. I’ve contacted the counselor or administrators and they just tell me to document his behavior. With all that is going on in our world today one would think that more would be done for this six-year old child but to me it seems like it’s not enough.
Noticing and doing something about the warning sign could potentially save someone’s life. Sometimes we have to look past ourselves and see the hurt and pain in others. When we see the warning signs and do nothing about it, we too are to blame, but it will be too late to do anything, except pay more attention to the others. If all we do is talk to someone and make them realize that we all have something to live for, we could make a difference.
Check out the two websites below to see Warning signs and Recognizing Suicidal Behavior
http://www.conqueranxietyanddepression.com/Depression/Suicidal_Behavior.html http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/suicide/hic_recognizing_suicidal_behavior.aspx
Even though this article didn’t have much information about why this 58-year old teacher decided to take his own life, one must ask were there any signs? I know that being an educator is not an easy job. Daily, we take on the stresses of our students, parents, administrators and co-workers, but what makes you want take your own life? Just quit. (I know that’s earlier said than done.)
Reading this article makes me think of a friend of mine from high school. No one, not even me, seemed to notice his cry out for help until after he hung himself. More times than not suicidal people show signs but we have to be willing to acknowledge these signs.
I currently have a student in my classroom, whom I believe is dangerous to himself, but when I mention it to his parents, they simply response, they don’t notice it at home. I’ve contacted the counselor or administrators and they just tell me to document his behavior. With all that is going on in our world today one would think that more would be done for this six-year old child but to me it seems like it’s not enough.
Noticing and doing something about the warning sign could potentially save someone’s life. Sometimes we have to look past ourselves and see the hurt and pain in others. When we see the warning signs and do nothing about it, we too are to blame, but it will be too late to do anything, except pay more attention to the others. If all we do is talk to someone and make them realize that we all have something to live for, we could make a difference.
Check out the two websites below to see Warning signs and Recognizing Suicidal Behavior
http://www.conqueranxietyanddepression.com/Depression/Suicidal_Behavior.html http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/suicide/hic_recognizing_suicidal_behavior.aspx
Model Lessons for Jailed Youth
In response to: School Offers Model Lessons for D.C.'s Jailed Youths by Associated Press
Growing up in an urban area right outside of Washington D.C. I’m glad to see that people are taking interest in educating incarcerated youth. When many of them feel like the world has given up on them, they still have a place that will teach them lesson for life. Sometimes we forget about the students who get caught up in the system. Maybe even feel like they don’t deserve a second chance, however coming from those streets I see that that is not always the case. When violence and drugs are all you see it hard to not get involved with it. I feel like I was one of the lucky ones who got away from that life, but my twin brother was not. If we take the opportunity to look at the root of the problem we can see that it’s much deeper than we ever could imagine. Unless someone is willing to go into these neighborhoods and educate the community, more of our youth will continue to be incarcerated. I’m happy to know that the Maya Angelou School is taking these youth into consideration, giving them a place that they feel like they can achieve and hope that their tomorrow could be better than their yesterday because everyone deserves a second chance.
Growing up in an urban area right outside of Washington D.C. I’m glad to see that people are taking interest in educating incarcerated youth. When many of them feel like the world has given up on them, they still have a place that will teach them lesson for life. Sometimes we forget about the students who get caught up in the system. Maybe even feel like they don’t deserve a second chance, however coming from those streets I see that that is not always the case. When violence and drugs are all you see it hard to not get involved with it. I feel like I was one of the lucky ones who got away from that life, but my twin brother was not. If we take the opportunity to look at the root of the problem we can see that it’s much deeper than we ever could imagine. Unless someone is willing to go into these neighborhoods and educate the community, more of our youth will continue to be incarcerated. I’m happy to know that the Maya Angelou School is taking these youth into consideration, giving them a place that they feel like they can achieve and hope that their tomorrow could be better than their yesterday because everyone deserves a second chance.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Class-Sizes
In response to "Amendment 8 Would Loosen Class-Size Limits" By The Associated Press
This article states that Florida has an amendment on their ballots that will allow class-sizes to be increased in public schools. It goes on say that administrators think this amendment will allow flexibility in school; however teachers believe it has to do with funding, or lack thereof.
I agree wholeheartedly with the teachers. Administrators don’t realize the difference in 18 students versus 23 student in PreK through 3 grade and 20 versus 25 students in 4th grade through 12th. Especially in urban areas like the one I work in. The state of Georgia recently went through the same concern and it was voted that we would increase class-sizes. What needs to be realized is that the more students you have, the more academic challenges and behavior issues you have deal with. I know it would be wonderful to think that class sizes don’t affect performance but it does and anyone who thinks differently should spend a day or two in my 1st grade classroom.
I know funding is tight, but why is education the one to suffer? Not only does larger class-sizes put a strain on the teachers but it doesn’t allow the students to get all the assistance they could get in a small class setting. Not to mention with much emphasis on inclusion, students range from high to low and everything in between. One teacher has to get the lesson across for every level and every learning style and prepare them all to pass standardized tests.
I honestly think, some people, which includes politician and administrators, think teachers can make miracles happen. I wish I was a miracle worker and all of my angels were on the same level and I could teach them all the same way, but is not true. When you add 5 more students to each class, you add 5 more individuals levels and styles that have to be taught in their individual way.
This article states that Florida has an amendment on their ballots that will allow class-sizes to be increased in public schools. It goes on say that administrators think this amendment will allow flexibility in school; however teachers believe it has to do with funding, or lack thereof.
I agree wholeheartedly with the teachers. Administrators don’t realize the difference in 18 students versus 23 student in PreK through 3 grade and 20 versus 25 students in 4th grade through 12th. Especially in urban areas like the one I work in. The state of Georgia recently went through the same concern and it was voted that we would increase class-sizes. What needs to be realized is that the more students you have, the more academic challenges and behavior issues you have deal with. I know it would be wonderful to think that class sizes don’t affect performance but it does and anyone who thinks differently should spend a day or two in my 1st grade classroom.
I know funding is tight, but why is education the one to suffer? Not only does larger class-sizes put a strain on the teachers but it doesn’t allow the students to get all the assistance they could get in a small class setting. Not to mention with much emphasis on inclusion, students range from high to low and everything in between. One teacher has to get the lesson across for every level and every learning style and prepare them all to pass standardized tests.
I honestly think, some people, which includes politician and administrators, think teachers can make miracles happen. I wish I was a miracle worker and all of my angels were on the same level and I could teach them all the same way, but is not true. When you add 5 more students to each class, you add 5 more individuals levels and styles that have to be taught in their individual way.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
K-6 Ideas Could Keep Students From Dropping Out of School Later
In response to It's Elementary: K-6 Ideas Could Keep Students From Dropping Out of School Later By Markeshia Ricks, Montgomery Advertiser, Ala. (MCT)- Education Week
Michigan’s Dropout Prevention Efforts, was an article I read and blogged about during EDU 590. The article addressed how Michigan is trying to keep high school students from dropping out. I responded to that article by stating it starts at the elementary level.
The article, It's Elementary: K-6 Ideas Could Keep Students From Dropping Out of School Later, addresses that very concern. This article stated two Alabama elementary schools are excelling despite their odds.
These school employ strategies such as using data about student performance to make decisions, having teachers mentor each other and collaborate on lesson plans to help them achieve their goal. One of the principals also stated that “the teachers have a standard to live by called the three R's. They stand for rigor, relevance and relationship. That means the schoolwork is challenging, it relates to the lives of the students and the students know their teachers care about their well being.”
If all schools, even ones in low-economical area, had the same vision as the two Alabama schools, students would understand from a young age that dropping out was not an option. They would hold a high regard to their education and understand that they should take advantage of a good thing, education.
At my current school, which is much like the two Alabama schools in demographics, our motto is Riverdale Elementary Students are College Bound. We let students know from day one we have high expectations of them, no matter what their background. We instill in them that if the put their minds to it they can graduate elementary, middle, high school and college.
My principal lives by the word “rigor” and we try to build relationships with our students and parents on a constant basis. I know as a whole we are pushing our students to graduate and when other schools realize it starts at the bottom, great things will happen at the top.
Michigan’s Dropout Prevention Efforts, was an article I read and blogged about during EDU 590. The article addressed how Michigan is trying to keep high school students from dropping out. I responded to that article by stating it starts at the elementary level.
The article, It's Elementary: K-6 Ideas Could Keep Students From Dropping Out of School Later, addresses that very concern. This article stated two Alabama elementary schools are excelling despite their odds.
These school employ strategies such as using data about student performance to make decisions, having teachers mentor each other and collaborate on lesson plans to help them achieve their goal. One of the principals also stated that “the teachers have a standard to live by called the three R's. They stand for rigor, relevance and relationship. That means the schoolwork is challenging, it relates to the lives of the students and the students know their teachers care about their well being.”
If all schools, even ones in low-economical area, had the same vision as the two Alabama schools, students would understand from a young age that dropping out was not an option. They would hold a high regard to their education and understand that they should take advantage of a good thing, education.
At my current school, which is much like the two Alabama schools in demographics, our motto is Riverdale Elementary Students are College Bound. We let students know from day one we have high expectations of them, no matter what their background. We instill in them that if the put their minds to it they can graduate elementary, middle, high school and college.
My principal lives by the word “rigor” and we try to build relationships with our students and parents on a constant basis. I know as a whole we are pushing our students to graduate and when other schools realize it starts at the bottom, great things will happen at the top.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Standardized Testing Fails the Exam by W. James Popham is one of the greatest articles out. I am emailing it to all the teachers and administrators I know. As an educator, I have to agree with the key part of the article which states “If enough educators --and noneducators -- realize there are serious flaws in how we evaluate our schools, maybe we can stop this absurdity.”
Basing what our students have learned in an entire school year on one standardized test does not show if our students have mastered the concepts taught. It proved that our students have mastered how to take a test. All year long, in my district, we are focused on students passing and exceeding on the standardized test that we take each spring. “We have to make sure we AT LEAST cover all the content so the students can be exposed to it.” I can hear my principal say. All awhile I ask myself, “How does this method help my students?” This week we are working on cause and effect, next week compare and contrast, the week after that fantasy versus realism. How do we expect 6 year olds to grasp all of those concepts in the week period that we are teaching them? One can only scaffold and build on prior knowledge so much. Mastering a concept takes time, hands-on experiences and in-depth analysis of that concept. A week to introduce, do an activity or two, assess and then move on to the next concept isn’t enough time.
It is very frustrating as a teacher to have this over-barring test lurking in the darkness as the only form of accountability to my effectiveness as an educator. The sad part is that when all the weight it put on a test, it leads to cheating, which many teachers have been found guilty of.
The saddest part is through of this testing, students are the one getting the short end of the stick.
Basing what our students have learned in an entire school year on one standardized test does not show if our students have mastered the concepts taught. It proved that our students have mastered how to take a test. All year long, in my district, we are focused on students passing and exceeding on the standardized test that we take each spring. “We have to make sure we AT LEAST cover all the content so the students can be exposed to it.” I can hear my principal say. All awhile I ask myself, “How does this method help my students?” This week we are working on cause and effect, next week compare and contrast, the week after that fantasy versus realism. How do we expect 6 year olds to grasp all of those concepts in the week period that we are teaching them? One can only scaffold and build on prior knowledge so much. Mastering a concept takes time, hands-on experiences and in-depth analysis of that concept. A week to introduce, do an activity or two, assess and then move on to the next concept isn’t enough time.
It is very frustrating as a teacher to have this over-barring test lurking in the darkness as the only form of accountability to my effectiveness as an educator. The sad part is that when all the weight it put on a test, it leads to cheating, which many teachers have been found guilty of.
The saddest part is through of this testing, students are the one getting the short end of the stick.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Most 2-Year College Students Never Finish
The article “Study: Most 2-Year College Students Never Finish” by Associate Press states that California State University would make it easier to transfer from community colleges into their schools because transferring might be part of the reason students don’t graduate. Maybe they should consider the amount of money it cost to transfer from a community to a state school.
Most of the students I know who attend a community college do so because of the cost. They don’t have to take out any loans and can pay out of pocket. Also they feel like there is no need in wasting a bunch of money if they decide college is not longer for them. The cost of college was definitely a factor for me. My alma mater wasn’t my first chose in universities but they were on giving up the financial aid so where there.
Now that the economy is bad, I’m pretty sure that money is and has been a deciding factor for many students. Maybe instead of universities making it easier to get in, they should make it easier to stay in. They could lock you in at your enrollment rate. As long as you finish your degree within a certain time period (depending on the degree), you are guaranteed that price.
Instead many universities increase their tuition every year, which makes it hard to stay.
If we want to make higher education available to more students so that we can continue to compete at a global level, cost of higher learning should definitely be considered on a national level.
Most of the students I know who attend a community college do so because of the cost. They don’t have to take out any loans and can pay out of pocket. Also they feel like there is no need in wasting a bunch of money if they decide college is not longer for them. The cost of college was definitely a factor for me. My alma mater wasn’t my first chose in universities but they were on giving up the financial aid so where there.
Now that the economy is bad, I’m pretty sure that money is and has been a deciding factor for many students. Maybe instead of universities making it easier to get in, they should make it easier to stay in. They could lock you in at your enrollment rate. As long as you finish your degree within a certain time period (depending on the degree), you are guaranteed that price.
Instead many universities increase their tuition every year, which makes it hard to stay.
If we want to make higher education available to more students so that we can continue to compete at a global level, cost of higher learning should definitely be considered on a national level.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Week 1- OMG
Wow, the first week of class and I have already learned so much. Before this course the only web resource I’ve used is the blog, which was new to me before this cohort. I’m really looking forward to gaining much more knowledge and using the skills I’ve learned in my own classroom.
Also I finally figured out how to upload my Slideshow Power point to my wiki site. I was very proud of myself since I’ve been trying for a week. I’m having a great time collaborating with my classmates on the group wiki site too; we all have great ideas and having to organize and present them together through the internet is really cool to me.
That’s all for now, Until next time, Be Blessed and PEACE
Also I finally figured out how to upload my Slideshow Power point to my wiki site. I was very proud of myself since I’ve been trying for a week. I’m having a great time collaborating with my classmates on the group wiki site too; we all have great ideas and having to organize and present them together through the internet is really cool to me.
That’s all for now, Until next time, Be Blessed and PEACE
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)