Teaching To Change The World
I really enjoyed reading this chapter. To me this chapter seemed to bring us full circle with our retreat to Serenbe and the summer discussions. It really brought back memories of our Claire and Margaret stories and our discussions of the reasons why teachers stay or leave, etc. Until this program I have never really realized all of the details and ins and outs of the teaching profession that there really is. This program has really brought to light many of the concerns and needs in the teaching profession. I think the awareness of this will promote us to be more of a change agent for our class, school, or community.
I really related to Cicely’s story in this chapter as well. I enjoyed reading her story about why she continued to stay as others left. I hear myself saying “I am ready to get out” but I just can’t take that step forward. Our kids do not need more transition in their life. They need to know their teachers are staying for them and fighting for them–it just keeps getting harder to leave. But we will see what the future holds…
And again…what a full circle we have come.
Blog Reponses | Comment (1)Assessment
After the years I have been in my school, when I hear the word assessment I think constant testing, CRCT, teaching to the test, etc. That is what the word means in our school and it seems to mean that in the entire state. I do think there are schools out there that trust their teachers teaching and in the end the students will do fine because of good teaching not good practicing for the test.
I also do not understand how we can put so much emphasis on just one test for these little kids. How fair is it that we base an entire grade level and success on how they score on one test. That philosophy should not really make sense with anyone–why does it?
Authentic assessment does make the most sense but I know I have heard teachers including me say time is a factor with these assessments, but I truly feel once we got into the groove of giving these assessments it would be a positive and true experience for everyone.
Blog Reponses | Comment (1)