Archive for June, 2009
Is Public Education Today Really Equitable?
Hey, folks!
Do you ever wonder if the DOE is doing the right thing as we move into this age of greater accountability in our nation’s schools? Districts have grown so large that teachers do not feel known or appreciated. Tested subjects are the focus in schools where large numbers of minority and low income students attend. Teachers are continually bombarded with more to do as we endeavor to eliminate the achievement gap without reassessing what can be taken off their plates in exchange. Billions of dollars are spent each year on public education, and we are still not seeing the results we had hoped for. I am concerned about a lot of things in education, but especially about the resulting narrowing of curriculum for all students. Are the needs of all students being met through when we cut back time spent on social studies and science? Is this equitable practice for kids in poverty who do not have the opportunity to learn these important subjects outside of school? Is a reduction in educational opportunities for middle and high status students driving them to charter schools who are able to maintain their rich content and course options?
Exhausted? How do I nourish the teacher in me during the summer?
There is so much to master as a teacher these days, but we also must nourish ourselves during the summer months so we have renewed energy to return in the fall. I have found massage to have exceptional benefits for me, but that isn’t for everyone and you can only do one of those every so often. It’s important to have time for reflection during the summer if we are to be great teachers. I’ve often thought that teacher evaluation has a negative effect on teacher learning. What I have preferred as an educational leader is to ask teachers what they would like to work on during the coming school year. Teachers know their own weaknesses and strengths. I think if they were not trying to please their evaluators, they would buy in to their own learning in a more comprehensive way and make much more progress.
School’s Out: Should students who struggle academically continue their learning?
Summer provides a good time for students to play and relax, however, it also provides an opportunity for additional support with all students who struggle in school. Keeping up can be stressful during the school year. Summer tutoring and organized learning time can give students relaxed time to brush up on skills. Reading during the summer months is essential. Perhaps you want to read with your child to model fluency and how you tackle difficult words. Books that are at the child’s independent reading level—lots of books—can do wonders for improving your child’s fluency as he/she sets aside special reading time during the summer.
