The Community
This chapter really connected with the book I just read called Black Ants and Buddhists. I read many ideas and thoughts that related to the topics in the chapter such as activism, parent involvement, community liaisons, and bridging the school/home culture.
A very important point I gained from this chapter and actually the book I read as well is that we cannot say that parent involvement is coming into the school constantly. We need to see parent involvement as anything form sending in glue sticks, reading a book to their child, responding to a note sent home, and of course coming into the school. Many families have two working parents and life is busy. I also see the point made in the chapter about past experiences and we may need to be the teacher that helps a parent get past their fear of schools and involvement and gain trust. All parents want the best for the children some parents may just not know how to express it or be an advocate for their child–as teachers we can help. Removing barriers is a term in the chapter that was enjoyable to me as well–a great way to put it.
Blog Reponses | Comments (3)The School Culture
I thought for this blog I would look at the “Effective Design for Small Schools” and compare to the school that I am currently working in. My school is far from small and I would LOVE to try out working in a small school some day but I thought it would be interesting to look at these factors and see where we are at. Of course this is not for every single teacher –this is just my overall perception of our school.
Personalization–We do not have the ideal smaller classes of 15 per class
Continuous relationships–I have yet to see a teacher loop in our school–it is not a practice that seems open unless you ask and then it might get thought about
Standards and performance assessment–We do have the GPS that we use and I am excited to say that I have been on the K report card committee for the county and we are moving to a standards based report card with a rubric this next school year–very exciting
Authentic curriculum–in depth learning–how about “teach to the test” learning–to me teach to the test is not real-world connection. The principal is excited about the new CRCT Coach books. But I do know teachers use real world connections in their teaching.
Adapted Pedagogy–Differentiated instruction–we have some teachers that just are not open to change and this kind of teaching. We have teachers that still put assignments on the board ands say “go at it”. We have others that do differentiated instruction all day long in all grades–so at least it is happening–that is a start
Antiracist Teaching–Not sure our school seeks out diversity–we are still working on a respectful community for all students–this needs to include everyone in the school–from administration to teachers to cafeteria etc… We are models…
Qualified Teachers–We have incredible teachers in our school. I hate to say not so good ones too because that is just the word out and I actually have not seen their teaching habits.
Collaboration and development–This year we are starting to get more collaboration time
Family/community Connections–I think we could be more family and community oriented
Democratic Decision Making–Shared governance? Common Vision? Not now anyway–I hope this changes. I did see a spot on our committee choices for next year for a “Professional Development Committee” –not sure what that will entail
I see the importance of all of these conditions to promote a positive school culture. All schools should have these conditions as goals to success.
Blog Reponses | Comments (2)Gorski
Not really ever hearing about Ruby Payne or Paul Gorski, I was excited to go hear the presentation by Gorski. In the beginning of the presentation I was really into his thoughts and ideas and even facts. But as the presentation went on I was feeling rushed and like I haven’t mastered all of his thoughts and ideas. Towards the end of the power point I felt like those important aspects for teachers went by so fast–I need to go back and look at the power point again. Other than feeling rushed I do feel like he has such a purpose for social justice and getting the message across about the unrealities and realities of poverty.
I am usually quick to rush to get the next thing going in my classroom or school. But I want to “marinade” a little before I go rushing to my principal about him and getting him in our school and showing the power point, etc.
I am not feeling down but I feel like at times that with these presentations and the Eds Program, we are preaching to the choir. We are the ones who want to hear these things, we are the ones who want to read book after book to make better changes in our teaching practice. How do we get to the other side? It seems so hard at times. I guess that is when we become change agents –even if it is little steps at a time (like opening up to peers about how Columbus Day could be taught in a socially just way, for example)
Overall–I am rooting for Gorski and I hope to hear or see more of him in the near future.
Blog Reponses | Comment (0)Understanding Ruby
Honestly, I have never been really familiar with Ruby Payne. I have heard the name throughout school but it hasn’t been until this program that I have really heard of her. I remember during our book club last fall that our assistant principal’s book choice was a Ruby Payne book. I never thought of that either. I would love to know now what actually happened during those book talk discussions. Did anyone fight her beliefs and think they were shallow and stereotypical? Or did everyone just go right along with the book? I feel because of my lack of knowledge about Ruby Payne I do not have alot of opinions or thoughts at this point. I do find the hidden rules a bit stereotypical–how can one say it is a middle class rule to know how to reserve a table at a restaurant? Why can’t everyone know how to reserve a table at a restaurant? You can’t say that it is not possible because my kids play restaurant at school and learn and play with these types of scenerios–no matter who they are.
I must admit I might need to be a little more aware of my SES status in my class. If you asked me right now how many students are on free or reduced lunch in my room…I have no idea! Is that bad? I could name a few from remembering forms but I have no idea how many or who unless I look it up.
My book I am reading for the book postings has really opened my eyes and has showed me the meaning of critical teaching and being responsive to our students needs. By knowing my free/reduced status it may help me be more responsive to their needs. I know I got off the subject of Ruby but….I am ready to see Gorski and hear what his philosophies are…
Blog Reponses | Comment (0)