More than 500 students at Maria Saucedo Elementary School have submitted letters stating that they want to opt out of the ISAT test that will be given commencing in the week of March 3rd. 40 teachers earlier in the week agreed they would all refuse to administer the test! Their reason for refusing? They claim that the test "is not used for any gainful purpose within the district."
For her part CPS chief Barbara Byrd-Bennett has come down strong on the teachers who refuse to administer the test. She said that if teachers won't give the exam then the teachers will be ordered to leave the school building. She went on say, in a letter sent out to principals, that teachers who boycott the test could even face losing their state education certification.
This is a pretty big deal!! Where this ends up, I have no idea but this will be an interesting situation to follow in the coming days.
There are plenty of concerns and issues pending but one that I find to be at the heart of the struggle is the one that centers on whether the test is a meaningful/significant device and whether it is a really wise use of teaching/learning time.
Stay tuned!!
Dick
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Charter Watch
Whether the issues deal with admissions, the establishment of policies/bylaws, standardized testing, the existence of teacher unions, pay and a whole host of other concerns, we are constantly learning, day by day, more about the operation of charter schools.
Today's Chicago Sun Times reported on charter school expulsion rates within the CPS system. CPS released some pretty staggering data on this issue. The bottom line is this...charter students are 11 times more likely to be expelled than students who attend traditional neighborhood schools.
Poor behavior or inappropriate conduct needs to be dealt with but, to think that charter school students are kicked out at such an alarming rate makes one wonder. Lots of questions should be raised and answered.
Do charter operators have consistent guidelines to follow on this matter? In fact, are guidelines even in existence when the charter is granted permission to establish a school? Does the charter operator have to get the guidelines approved by the CPS brass? What steps are taken by charters which lead to expulsion?
These are but some fundamental questions that parents and CPS, among others, deserve to have answered.
Dick
Today's Chicago Sun Times reported on charter school expulsion rates within the CPS system. CPS released some pretty staggering data on this issue. The bottom line is this...charter students are 11 times more likely to be expelled than students who attend traditional neighborhood schools.
Poor behavior or inappropriate conduct needs to be dealt with but, to think that charter school students are kicked out at such an alarming rate makes one wonder. Lots of questions should be raised and answered.
Do charter operators have consistent guidelines to follow on this matter? In fact, are guidelines even in existence when the charter is granted permission to establish a school? Does the charter operator have to get the guidelines approved by the CPS brass? What steps are taken by charters which lead to expulsion?
These are but some fundamental questions that parents and CPS, among others, deserve to have answered.
Dick
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Teachers Relish the Challenge
Autistic students, special needs children, AP/gifted kids...you name them and teachers take on the responsibility for teaching these students. Allow me to say this, the teachers are at the forefront of making consequential curriculum and assessment decisions.
Make no mistake, teachers often work in a collegial manner to make the necessary adjustments. These changes are often done in preparation periods, after school or during the summer months. Quite honestly, no mandate, no law and no politician has to tell these folks what to do. My point is a simple one; when confronted with the need to make various alterations teachers step forward to do the right thing.
My advice to my teaching colleagues...keep up the great work. To the so called 'experts,' take notice of what teachers do to help your child and the students across America. The vast, vast majority of teaching professionals roll up their sleeves, no matter the challenges and they get the job done.
Dick
Make no mistake, teachers often work in a collegial manner to make the necessary adjustments. These changes are often done in preparation periods, after school or during the summer months. Quite honestly, no mandate, no law and no politician has to tell these folks what to do. My point is a simple one; when confronted with the need to make various alterations teachers step forward to do the right thing.
My advice to my teaching colleagues...keep up the great work. To the so called 'experts,' take notice of what teachers do to help your child and the students across America. The vast, vast majority of teaching professionals roll up their sleeves, no matter the challenges and they get the job done.
Dick
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
What you May Not Know
Don't be fooled for one minute. When you hear so called 'reformers' complain about union bosses and teacher unions in general, you may be surprised that there is much good that these groups do to help children.
There are a good number of locals as well as the AFT (American Federation of Teachers), NEA (National Education Assn.), and IEA (Illinois Educators Assn.) who participate in raising funds to provide scholarships to students in need. It is a longstanding tradition of many of these groups to provide assistance to those who want to continue their education.
You might also be surprised to learn that a good number of unions are already doing their own form of peer review (teacher evaluation) in order to help their fellow colleagues improve their teaching.
Beyond the scholarships and peer review one will find that a good number of teacher unions are engaged in their own mentoring programs. This is a wonderful opportunity for those new to the profession to gain some valuable insights from experienced and seasoned professionals.
Yes, unions engage in collective bargaining but they perform many other services in the name of educating America's youth.
Dick
There are a good number of locals as well as the AFT (American Federation of Teachers), NEA (National Education Assn.), and IEA (Illinois Educators Assn.) who participate in raising funds to provide scholarships to students in need. It is a longstanding tradition of many of these groups to provide assistance to those who want to continue their education.
You might also be surprised to learn that a good number of unions are already doing their own form of peer review (teacher evaluation) in order to help their fellow colleagues improve their teaching.
Beyond the scholarships and peer review one will find that a good number of teacher unions are engaged in their own mentoring programs. This is a wonderful opportunity for those new to the profession to gain some valuable insights from experienced and seasoned professionals.
Yes, unions engage in collective bargaining but they perform many other services in the name of educating America's youth.
Dick
Monday, February 24, 2014
We're In Charge
As NEA President Dennis Van Roekel put it, "It is time for us [educators] to transform public education by taking charge of our profession." I couldn't agree more with Mr. Van Roekel's assessment.
Teachers understand students, their behaviors and what makes them tick. Teachers have specialized training in their subject area(s) and know how to connect subject matter to students needs. But something is missing in the profession where novices, so called 'reformers' and those who run government see themselves as self annointed or self appointed educational professionals.
I'm not going to spend this space, today, discrediting such people; rather, I want to make a plea for those of us who have taught and are still involved in the profession to take charge.
Taking charge has many meanings and the possibilities are endless but, the bottom line is that teachers and our unions need to get back out in front of the pack when it comes to taking responsibility for what takes place within those four walls called the classroom. Don't get me wrong, this isn't about a dictatorship run by union bosses; rather, it is a profound collaborative process that involves many constituents. The point is that teachers need to come to the fore to organize such partnerships.
Over the next couple of days, I will lay out some ideas, some already in practice and others that need to be considered as the real professionals lay the groundwork for leading education into the future.
Dick
Teachers understand students, their behaviors and what makes them tick. Teachers have specialized training in their subject area(s) and know how to connect subject matter to students needs. But something is missing in the profession where novices, so called 'reformers' and those who run government see themselves as self annointed or self appointed educational professionals.
I'm not going to spend this space, today, discrediting such people; rather, I want to make a plea for those of us who have taught and are still involved in the profession to take charge.
Taking charge has many meanings and the possibilities are endless but, the bottom line is that teachers and our unions need to get back out in front of the pack when it comes to taking responsibility for what takes place within those four walls called the classroom. Don't get me wrong, this isn't about a dictatorship run by union bosses; rather, it is a profound collaborative process that involves many constituents. The point is that teachers need to come to the fore to organize such partnerships.
Over the next couple of days, I will lay out some ideas, some already in practice and others that need to be considered as the real professionals lay the groundwork for leading education into the future.
Dick
Friday, February 21, 2014
Some Final Thoughts on Vouchers
Vouchers and tax credit scholarships are not prevalent in America though roughly about 20% to 25% of the states have one of these two programs. Before others get on the bandwagon here are some facts to consider.
First, there is no link between using vouchers and gains in student achievement and there certainly is no conclusive evidence that students who use vouchers to attend private schools perform better. The evidence on improved student performance, where it does exist in various states and communities, is largely focused on teacher quality and getting extra help for those students who need it.
Another one of my main concerns with vouchers is that the low income, low achieving student typically is not afforded the opportunity to participate in this program.
Aside from these concerns, the church-state issue needs to be resolved in the courts. Unless, and until, this takes place it really doesn't make sense to forge ahead on vouchers.
Finally, given the research I have conducted on vouchers and other so called 'reform' ideas, I have the very real sense that vouchers are another way for some people to undercut public education. I refer to this as 'off loading' or government agencies ridding themselves of the responsibility for educating the public.
Dick
First, there is no link between using vouchers and gains in student achievement and there certainly is no conclusive evidence that students who use vouchers to attend private schools perform better. The evidence on improved student performance, where it does exist in various states and communities, is largely focused on teacher quality and getting extra help for those students who need it.
Another one of my main concerns with vouchers is that the low income, low achieving student typically is not afforded the opportunity to participate in this program.
Aside from these concerns, the church-state issue needs to be resolved in the courts. Unless, and until, this takes place it really doesn't make sense to forge ahead on vouchers.
Finally, given the research I have conducted on vouchers and other so called 'reform' ideas, I have the very real sense that vouchers are another way for some people to undercut public education. I refer to this as 'off loading' or government agencies ridding themselves of the responsibility for educating the public.
Dick
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Some Snags with Vouchers
Vouchers seem to be somewhat in vogue with the so called 'reformers' these days. Upon closer inspection, the use of vouchers presents some meaningful issues. Rita Zeidner of the NEA Today reports on some of these concerns.
In some cases, according to the Washington Post "hundreds of students use their voucher dollars to attend schools that are unaccredited or are in unconventional settings." The report goes on to note that they found one voucher approved school that was family run and doing so out of a store front.
Of course another issue concerns whether the private school is affiliated with religion. There is nothing wrong with a private school that has such an affiliation. There have been concerns raised in a number of states where people challenge using public funds for such purposes. This gets into the separation of church - state. This typically ends up in the courts.
In Louisiana if a private school has less than 40 voucher students then that school doesn't have to demonstrate basic competency among the students who are enrolled in math, reading, social studies and science. My guess is that most parents would not find this acceptable.
As you can see, there are some real concerns, problems and issues regarding the effective use of public funds to underwrite vouchers for private schools. Unless these problems, real ones, are rectified then the widespread use of vouchers in the American education system seems questionable.
Dick
In some cases, according to the Washington Post "hundreds of students use their voucher dollars to attend schools that are unaccredited or are in unconventional settings." The report goes on to note that they found one voucher approved school that was family run and doing so out of a store front.
Of course another issue concerns whether the private school is affiliated with religion. There is nothing wrong with a private school that has such an affiliation. There have been concerns raised in a number of states where people challenge using public funds for such purposes. This gets into the separation of church - state. This typically ends up in the courts.
In Louisiana if a private school has less than 40 voucher students then that school doesn't have to demonstrate basic competency among the students who are enrolled in math, reading, social studies and science. My guess is that most parents would not find this acceptable.
As you can see, there are some real concerns, problems and issues regarding the effective use of public funds to underwrite vouchers for private schools. Unless these problems, real ones, are rectified then the widespread use of vouchers in the American education system seems questionable.
Dick
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Vouchers - What are They?
Admittedly, the NEA Today publication is not likely to carry a favorable piece on school vouchers. Be that as it may be, there is much to examine, ponder and consider as some states and politicians push vouchers. Two U.S. Senators are talking about moving over $14 billion from helping low income students to a voucher system.
So we'd better start at the beginning. Just what are vouchers? Under this type of program a portion of tax dollars that normally goes towards a specific student's public schooling instead is diverted to cover tuition at a private institution (I'll comment on this in the coming days). The dollar value of the voucher is provided to a family to pay tuition either in full or in part.
This in and of itself may present concerns and problems for a whole host of people and institutions. First of all, the tax dollars that would traditionally accrue to the public school are lessened. This may have a severe handicapping effect on individual neighborhood schools and/or districts.
By the way, the voucher that is provided to a family may or may not cover the entire tuition for the student. In that case the family has to pay the remainder of the tuition out of their own pocket. Besides this expense, remember, these families still pay property taxes to support their local public schools.
There are many other issues dealing with vouchers that merit our attention and discussion and I'll get into these in more depth in the coming days.
Dick
So we'd better start at the beginning. Just what are vouchers? Under this type of program a portion of tax dollars that normally goes towards a specific student's public schooling instead is diverted to cover tuition at a private institution (I'll comment on this in the coming days). The dollar value of the voucher is provided to a family to pay tuition either in full or in part.
This in and of itself may present concerns and problems for a whole host of people and institutions. First of all, the tax dollars that would traditionally accrue to the public school are lessened. This may have a severe handicapping effect on individual neighborhood schools and/or districts.
By the way, the voucher that is provided to a family may or may not cover the entire tuition for the student. In that case the family has to pay the remainder of the tuition out of their own pocket. Besides this expense, remember, these families still pay property taxes to support their local public schools.
There are many other issues dealing with vouchers that merit our attention and discussion and I'll get into these in more depth in the coming days.
Dick
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Unions Feed those in Need
The 2013 Hunger in our Schools survey of 1,000 public school teachers and educators by Share Our Strength found that 73% of educators teach students who regularly come to school hungry due to a lack of food at home. Whether this is a totally accurate picture of hunger among school children across America, I can't say that I know for certain. But this figure certains points to a significant problem particularly when it comes to learning.
Too little food, too little of the right foods most certainly affects ones ability to learn. The research on this topic is absolutely clear.
You might be surprised (I was) to learn the National Education Assn (NEA) has partnered with the Food Research and Action Center, the National Assn. of Elementary School Principals Foundation and the School Nutrition Foundation to launch a $5 million initiative to bring breakfast to those children who would otherwise go without.
Far too many people have a limited view of what teacher unions do to further the education of children. The NEA is doing the right thing by kids. Just another way in which the NEA is there for the students and educators.
Dick
Too little food, too little of the right foods most certainly affects ones ability to learn. The research on this topic is absolutely clear.
You might be surprised (I was) to learn the National Education Assn (NEA) has partnered with the Food Research and Action Center, the National Assn. of Elementary School Principals Foundation and the School Nutrition Foundation to launch a $5 million initiative to bring breakfast to those children who would otherwise go without.
Far too many people have a limited view of what teacher unions do to further the education of children. The NEA is doing the right thing by kids. Just another way in which the NEA is there for the students and educators.
Dick
Friday, February 14, 2014
The Role of Education
Okay, so the title, 'The Role of Education' may not exactly capture your imagination or interest on this Friday morning. Be that as it may, it is a vital question that must be look at and addressed.
More so now than ever before I am left pondering what the 'experts;' reformers, business leaders, politicians, government agencies tasked with leading education, and, yes, even some educators see as the primary function(s) of education here in America. Are we to prepare young people to be mature citizens or is the role of education to merely prepare them to take their place in our economic world?
Hopefully, we are carrying out our teaching responsibilities in a manner that helps equip our students to tackle many challenges, being a member of the capitalist system but one of many. No doubt a career can offer many opportunities to an individual.
It is my belief that the quest for the material is not the primary end of education and a career choice.
Ones happiness, satisfaction with life, quality of life, and pursuit of meeting many of the needs of family and society are most worthy goals. There are lots of avenues to travel that will help satisfy such challenges and I am of the belief that a great education will enable young people to meet goals and challenges.
Dick
More so now than ever before I am left pondering what the 'experts;' reformers, business leaders, politicians, government agencies tasked with leading education, and, yes, even some educators see as the primary function(s) of education here in America. Are we to prepare young people to be mature citizens or is the role of education to merely prepare them to take their place in our economic world?
Hopefully, we are carrying out our teaching responsibilities in a manner that helps equip our students to tackle many challenges, being a member of the capitalist system but one of many. No doubt a career can offer many opportunities to an individual.
It is my belief that the quest for the material is not the primary end of education and a career choice.
Ones happiness, satisfaction with life, quality of life, and pursuit of meeting many of the needs of family and society are most worthy goals. There are lots of avenues to travel that will help satisfy such challenges and I am of the belief that a great education will enable young people to meet goals and challenges.
Dick
Thursday, February 13, 2014
One of the Joys of Teaching
These past few days have given me an opportunity to think about Linda Hurt, some of my terrific teacher-friends and the career of that led us on this journey. It is a joy to see young people grow, to see them care about their learning and to witness their development.
Oh there are trials and tribulations to be sure but those moments when we can see the spark, share the mutual feelings of respect and partake of the successes make it so worthwhile.
Those of us, and many of you, have had the distinct firsthand experience(s) of the above and one of the major reasons for it is the trust and confidence placed in us by so very many people. Those of us in this field are keenly aware that without this respect, trust and confidence - of so many - our work would be made all the more difficult.
In fact when these elements exist at all levels, within the education community, great things do happen and that's one of the reasons there is great joy in the profession of teaching.
Dick
Oh there are trials and tribulations to be sure but those moments when we can see the spark, share the mutual feelings of respect and partake of the successes make it so worthwhile.
Those of us, and many of you, have had the distinct firsthand experience(s) of the above and one of the major reasons for it is the trust and confidence placed in us by so very many people. Those of us in this field are keenly aware that without this respect, trust and confidence - of so many - our work would be made all the more difficult.
In fact when these elements exist at all levels, within the education community, great things do happen and that's one of the reasons there is great joy in the profession of teaching.
Dick
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
These Make a Difference
I have indeed learned some lessons on Finnish education. Though I no longer teach, I am an advocate education and American schooling. I have often found that one of the best ways of marching forward is to look inside our current building, selves and practices.
Having fewer students in classes does make a difference. What I have found, from studying the Finnish model, however, is that the idea that schools collaborate rather than compete is a fundamental element in the entire process. How else are you going to get teachers to work with one another?
It is clear to me that there is a strong unit, a cohesive approach towards teaching and learning in Finland. It's neither the teachers nor the municipal authority nor parents controlling the levers of power. In fact, you really can't describe what they do as 'levers of power.' What is happens in Finland is that everyone pitches in and does what they do best and they are left alone to perform.
It is apparent to me that excellence is more important than accountability. I far prefer the former rather than the latter.
Dick
Having fewer students in classes does make a difference. What I have found, from studying the Finnish model, however, is that the idea that schools collaborate rather than compete is a fundamental element in the entire process. How else are you going to get teachers to work with one another?
It is clear to me that there is a strong unit, a cohesive approach towards teaching and learning in Finland. It's neither the teachers nor the municipal authority nor parents controlling the levers of power. In fact, you really can't describe what they do as 'levers of power.' What is happens in Finland is that everyone pitches in and does what they do best and they are left alone to perform.
It is apparent to me that excellence is more important than accountability. I far prefer the former rather than the latter.
Dick
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
More on Finnish Education
The schools in Finland are managed by the teachers and staff. The local municipal authority (somewhat the equivalent to our local school boards) in any given region appoints principals for six - or seven - year terms. Apart from this appointment, the authority largely leaves the running of the school to the principal and his or her teachers. For the most part, this runs counter to policy in lots of U. S. school districts.
It is clear that those educators who work inside their respective buildings are left alone to do what they do best. These are the professionals and they are treated, allowed and trusted to carry out their responsibilities.
Want more? There are no "gifted" programs, no charter or selective schools. Why, you ask? It is because the Finns truly believe in 'equality.' Education is compulsory for just nine grades. Class sizes are small, seldom exceeding twnety pupils. Most children learn two languages beyond their native tongue.
I believe American educators, even the naysayers, would be wise to further investigate the Finnish model. I'm not for one minute suggesting we copy what the Finns are doing with education but we'd be doing ourselves a huge favor by closely examining their schooling system.
Dick
It is clear that those educators who work inside their respective buildings are left alone to do what they do best. These are the professionals and they are treated, allowed and trusted to carry out their responsibilities.
Want more? There are no "gifted" programs, no charter or selective schools. Why, you ask? It is because the Finns truly believe in 'equality.' Education is compulsory for just nine grades. Class sizes are small, seldom exceeding twnety pupils. Most children learn two languages beyond their native tongue.
I believe American educators, even the naysayers, would be wise to further investigate the Finnish model. I'm not for one minute suggesting we copy what the Finns are doing with education but we'd be doing ourselves a huge favor by closely examining their schooling system.
Dick
Monday, February 10, 2014
Lessons We Can Learn
Let's see, Finnish teachers (550), on average, work half as many hours, per year, as their American counterparts (1010). The Finnish school year is a bit shorter than the U.S. one and yet their PISA scores are among the highest in the world and they've been that way for a good period of time.
Here are some other facts that may shed some light on the Finnish success story. Compulsory school doesn't commence until age 7. Science classes are capped at 16 for every school. The children receive 75 minutes of recess per day compared to the U.S. average of 27 minutes per day.
Homework is a rarity as the Finnish educators believe that mastery is achieved in the classroom. In terms of testing, other than the PISA, the students take no other standardized exams throughout their schooling years. Giving grades to students isn't mandatory until the 8th grade.
Schools cooperate with one another rathern than competing with each other. Schools have curriculum autonomy while teachers have classroom independence. By the way, 45% of Finnish schools have fewer than 100 students.
I'll let you decide but, for me, there are certainly lessons that we can glean from the Finnish model. I'll detail some other interesting and thought provoking practices engaged in by the Finns in the next couple of blogs.
Dick
Here are some other facts that may shed some light on the Finnish success story. Compulsory school doesn't commence until age 7. Science classes are capped at 16 for every school. The children receive 75 minutes of recess per day compared to the U.S. average of 27 minutes per day.
Homework is a rarity as the Finnish educators believe that mastery is achieved in the classroom. In terms of testing, other than the PISA, the students take no other standardized exams throughout their schooling years. Giving grades to students isn't mandatory until the 8th grade.
Schools cooperate with one another rathern than competing with each other. Schools have curriculum autonomy while teachers have classroom independence. By the way, 45% of Finnish schools have fewer than 100 students.
I'll let you decide but, for me, there are certainly lessons that we can glean from the Finnish model. I'll detail some other interesting and thought provoking practices engaged in by the Finns in the next couple of blogs.
Dick
Friday, February 7, 2014
Get Well My Friend
Yesterday was the birthday of my good friend Linda Hurt. Linda taught at Hinsdale Central during her stellar career. She was the quintessential teacher, always putting the concerns and needs of her students, and the general population at HC, at the top of her list.
Yes, this wonderful Biology teacher knew about chromosomes, cells, the digestive system and all that goes with the subject matter but Biology was but a means for working with young people. True, she made Biology come alive and make it relevant for those young high school students.
You see, Linda was much more than a Biology teacher. She was a role model, a positive human being, a warm person and one who cared deeply about the people she worked with. At her core, she was giving and forgiving, always ready to lift up her students. Quite simply, Linda was always there...always.
Sadly, Linda has cancer and it is in advanced stages I am sorry to say. I have but one wish today, one prayer, and that is for her to feel better.
Be well, my friend,
Dick
Yes, this wonderful Biology teacher knew about chromosomes, cells, the digestive system and all that goes with the subject matter but Biology was but a means for working with young people. True, she made Biology come alive and make it relevant for those young high school students.
You see, Linda was much more than a Biology teacher. She was a role model, a positive human being, a warm person and one who cared deeply about the people she worked with. At her core, she was giving and forgiving, always ready to lift up her students. Quite simply, Linda was always there...always.
Sadly, Linda has cancer and it is in advanced stages I am sorry to say. I have but one wish today, one prayer, and that is for her to feel better.
Be well, my friend,
Dick
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Other Difference Makers
In addition to high quality teachers, schools must think about and address more vital issues than merit pay, school type(s), standardized testing and unions.
Are schools, reformers and the general public looking at student/teacher comfort? How about the quality of meals served by the school? The length of and start of the school day is something else that deserves close scrutiny. I believe that the issue of a balanced curriculum merits great attention with regard to offering students both a challenging curriculum but also one that exposes students to a variety of courses.
Are we, when you get right down to it, really doing what is best for the children and staff? This question must be addressed by these constituents, among others, and the challenge is for these stakeholders to help address the concerns raised by the question. To do otherwise, does a disservice to the enterprise of education.
I often see too great of an imbalance in looking at various concerns that really do miss the mark when it comes to taking care of what is most important in our schools. There is simply too much weight given to one or two issues (though important) while nearly neglecting others. That has to end.
Dick
Are schools, reformers and the general public looking at student/teacher comfort? How about the quality of meals served by the school? The length of and start of the school day is something else that deserves close scrutiny. I believe that the issue of a balanced curriculum merits great attention with regard to offering students both a challenging curriculum but also one that exposes students to a variety of courses.
Are we, when you get right down to it, really doing what is best for the children and staff? This question must be addressed by these constituents, among others, and the challenge is for these stakeholders to help address the concerns raised by the question. To do otherwise, does a disservice to the enterprise of education.
I often see too great of an imbalance in looking at various concerns that really do miss the mark when it comes to taking care of what is most important in our schools. There is simply too much weight given to one or two issues (though important) while nearly neglecting others. That has to end.
Dick
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Posing a Question
I have many questions about education. It is one of the truly wonderful elements of the enterprise; asking questions, probing and searching for answers.
Long ago I thought about one overarching question. What is best or good for everyone involved in teaching and learning? I'm not talking about structural or ways of organizing schools; (though they have relevence)rather, what are those meaty, nitty gritty things that make a difference.
Of course, you can start with teachers. No arguing that point. So then, what qualities do you want to see in an instructor? For me, I want someone who cares about and is passionate about teaching; that is, they want to see young people grow and make progress. I want someone who cares deeply about their students on a personal level and I want to see someone light a fire in their kids. Oh, this isn't easy to do nor is there a ready prescription.
A great teacher, to do the above, has to constantly demonstrate their true love of their subject matter. They have to make the material come alive. Great teachers have mastered and are continuing to master their understanding of what they teach. They aren't going through the motions and they aren't readying kids for a test. What they teach affects who we are and the journey we will take.
I'm not trying to be glib or to fill in some space. I really believe these teacher traits have a profound impact when it comes to the question of finding what is best for everyone involved in teaching and learning.
Thanks,
Dick
Long ago I thought about one overarching question. What is best or good for everyone involved in teaching and learning? I'm not talking about structural or ways of organizing schools; (though they have relevence)rather, what are those meaty, nitty gritty things that make a difference.
Of course, you can start with teachers. No arguing that point. So then, what qualities do you want to see in an instructor? For me, I want someone who cares about and is passionate about teaching; that is, they want to see young people grow and make progress. I want someone who cares deeply about their students on a personal level and I want to see someone light a fire in their kids. Oh, this isn't easy to do nor is there a ready prescription.
A great teacher, to do the above, has to constantly demonstrate their true love of their subject matter. They have to make the material come alive. Great teachers have mastered and are continuing to master their understanding of what they teach. They aren't going through the motions and they aren't readying kids for a test. What they teach affects who we are and the journey we will take.
I'm not trying to be glib or to fill in some space. I really believe these teacher traits have a profound impact when it comes to the question of finding what is best for everyone involved in teaching and learning.
Thanks,
Dick
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
More on Finnish Lessons Learned
Yesterday I remarked that the Finnish system of education eschews merit pay, vouchers, charter schools and a heavy dose of standardized testing. Okay, if the Finns don't embrace these then just what do they promote or do that allows their teachers and students to be so successful?
Pasi Sahlberg, the book's author, notes that four elements are critical to the success of education in Finland. First, there is a real emphasis on "improving the teaching force." Sahlberg goes on to state that Finland places a high priority on "emphasizing trust and responsibility before accountability." Finally, "school and district-level leadership is entrusted to educational professionals" in addition to "limiting testing."
I believe many in our educational community here in the U.S. would be wise to heed such advice. Perhaps positive change will occur by looking carefully at the Finnish model. After all, much of Finland's success, according to Sahlberg can be traced by to Finnish educators studing our very own Thomas Dewey!!
Dick
Pasi Sahlberg, the book's author, notes that four elements are critical to the success of education in Finland. First, there is a real emphasis on "improving the teaching force." Sahlberg goes on to state that Finland places a high priority on "emphasizing trust and responsibility before accountability." Finally, "school and district-level leadership is entrusted to educational professionals" in addition to "limiting testing."
I believe many in our educational community here in the U.S. would be wise to heed such advice. Perhaps positive change will occur by looking carefully at the Finnish model. After all, much of Finland's success, according to Sahlberg can be traced by to Finnish educators studing our very own Thomas Dewey!!
Dick
Monday, February 3, 2014
Well, what do you know?!
Many people, around the world, including a good portion of American citizens, acknowledge that the country of Finland has an oustanding education system. The scores of the children indicate high levels of achievement and success. The students certainly stack up favorably with their counterparts in other parts of the world.
What you might find interesting are some inner working about the Finnish system of education. The book "Finnish Lessons: What Can the World Learn from Educational Change in Finland," contains some points that all of us would do well to consider.
Other than one test to assess learning used by the rest of the countries in the world, Finland does not give other standardized tests. In addition, teacher evaluations are not based on test scores. Want more? Finland has no charter schools, no vouchers and they don't have charter schools.
I believe some of the so called 'reformers' in the U.S. would do well to read the book and glean some lessons.
Dick
What you might find interesting are some inner working about the Finnish system of education. The book "Finnish Lessons: What Can the World Learn from Educational Change in Finland," contains some points that all of us would do well to consider.
Other than one test to assess learning used by the rest of the countries in the world, Finland does not give other standardized tests. In addition, teacher evaluations are not based on test scores. Want more? Finland has no charter schools, no vouchers and they don't have charter schools.
I believe some of the so called 'reformers' in the U.S. would do well to read the book and glean some lessons.
Dick
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