As I read chapter four I could not stop thinking this is how a teacher feels. So much of the time we teachers are judge by how our class scores look compared to other classes. What others need to realize is that not all classes are equal and though the scores may not be high in comparison I as the educator have contributed a lot to these students’ education. Not only that, but these students have also contributed to their own education. We are the ones who are with the students every day all day. I have had students come into my classroom and not be able to tell the difference between the letter “d” and the letter “b” or know any other sounds for vowels other than short vowel sounds. By the end of the year, after the student and I have worked so hard together, they are reading on grade level and have shown leaps and bounds of improvements. Where is the ‘test’ that shows those results?
On that same note, standardized testing has becoming competitive. For instance, a school in my current district has earned high scores on the last standardized test. Their secret? A new format for reviewing information and presenting new information. When we asked if we, a struggling school, could view their program we were told no because they were the ones who came up with the idea. Competition not contribution! Who are we doing this for? Our school so we can get better funding or the students who will one day be running our country? Such an injustice.
Chapter five kind of resonated the whole ‘allow the student to have a part in his education’ idea. Many times an educator believes that it is her way or the wrong way. She knows best, so just sit there and listen. When in all actuality, if we allow the students to take ownership in his or her own education the more meaningful it is to that student. Also, the educator may have years of experiences compared to his or her pupils, however, a new idea such as one being offered by a pupil may in fact benefit the class as a whole.
“If you can’t make fun of yourself, others will have no problem doing it for you” is what my brother use to tell me. Everyone has flaws it is how you deal with them that makes them less of a flaw and more of a personal characteristic. If you know yourself and don’t take yourself so seriously teaching is a much easier job than otherwise. When we let ourselves go it can sometimes result in an extraordinary learning experience for ourselves and our students.
I don't understand why teacher's compete with each other. It doesn't make sense but it happens. That's for sure. I thought we (teachers) were all on the same team. I think it would be extremely beneficial if teachers from different schools would share ideas about things that work for them. Sometimes its nice to see what else works besides the same thing year after year. And obviously some things are just not working at your school since you say your school is struggling. My school is too. You have given me the idea to talk to other teachers about new strategies. Its a good idea. I know that I can certainly learn a few things.
ReplyDeleteIt really is appalling that a school that has found a method to raise student achievement would refuse to share it. If there is any field that should be the flagship for collaboration and cooperation, it is the field of education. Most of my experiences have involved teachers having an air of, “use it if you can, and share what you have.” So sorry to hear you are not dealing with like-minded educators that have the students’ interest at heart. I guess the only thing you can do is "remember rule # 6," rise above it, and look for the opportunity to share something good with them. Perhaps your willingness could be a model, or even an invitation, for them.
ReplyDelete~Larry
Wow, talk about forgetting the real purpose of education and NCLB for that matter. "Oh, NCLB really means None-of-my Children Left Behind. But yours are expendable." Geez, talk about short-sighted survival mode.
ReplyDelete