Today's class was filled with very interesting information. First and foremost, I want to touch on the headlines that were presented. The first headline that Kenny presented, regarding the reading comprehension exam that was thrown away carries along with it, many controversies. Was it the US's specific scores that didn't want to be publicized? Or.. was there really a "problem" in the exam. Like mentioned in class, Kenny tried to find the problem in the text and didn't even notice it. I think that this exam was somewhat corrupt because I think the US doesn't want to "look" bad, and by using this exam... they could easily get away with it.
As for the Myspace/Facebook issues, I could write a book on my opinions. It is almost sick how people can use these social websites to ruin other people's lives. I have both a Myspace and a Facebook and I will definitely delete them before applying for jobs, but it is a scary thing to think someone can "Google" your name and find BAD pictures of you. Having these social websites aren't as bad as they are made out to be but still shouldn't be trusted!
Lastly, the issue of "losing love" for reading. I think that parents should play an active role in their child's reading activity level. My parents read to me and I loved to read when I was younger. When I got to high school, my love for reading grew and I one day want to teach reading comprehension. It is a great thing to have when you have the love for reading.
As for the rest of the class, I was interested in the amount of technology that is needed to be known to be a teacher nowadays. Even if you are going to teach Pre-K, I think that it is important to be Internet-savvy and help children understand the importance of technology. The younger children learn how to use a computer, the more they will know for their futures. The Internet is there for us, we should take advantage of it!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
The Jane Vincent Case Study [Reading for 11/26]
I enjoyed reading this Case Study. This was a pretty realistic issue that many of us will most likely have to face over the course of our careers.
I think that Jane should just stick to the strict guidelines [which were designed to better challenge "gifted" students] and keep the grade an 89.3. If the student achieved an 89.3, regardless of his or her own personality or learning ability, the grade should stick to an 89. If it was 89.5, it would be more "fair" to round the grade up.
In reality, Jane is only following what she is told to do, even if the principal in other words tells her to "cut the kid a break." What is fair is fair, and I think Jane should keep the grade an 89. If I were in her shoes, I would because I know in my heart that the student achieved this. To better challenge the students, this grading system was established, and Jane was told to follow these rules.
I don't believe that by giving Willie an 89, this will kill his motivation. I actually think that it will better prepare him for college, the real world, and to be challenged even further.
I think that Jane should just stick to the strict guidelines [which were designed to better challenge "gifted" students] and keep the grade an 89.3. If the student achieved an 89.3, regardless of his or her own personality or learning ability, the grade should stick to an 89. If it was 89.5, it would be more "fair" to round the grade up.
In reality, Jane is only following what she is told to do, even if the principal in other words tells her to "cut the kid a break." What is fair is fair, and I think Jane should keep the grade an 89. If I were in her shoes, I would because I know in my heart that the student achieved this. To better challenge the students, this grading system was established, and Jane was told to follow these rules.
I don't believe that by giving Willie an 89, this will kill his motivation. I actually think that it will better prepare him for college, the real world, and to be challenged even further.
Second Meeting Attended
On Tuesday, November 20th, I attended my second meeting [in my hometown] - a Board of Education meeting. I found it very interesting, reguardless how many people were saying how "boring" these types of meetings are. It is more interesting when the teachers are teachers who I have had in the past, rahter than pure strangers who I am not too interested in in the first place.
To start off the blog, I just want to say that in my town, there is a new school that was built and opened in April of 2007. Last year, the superintendent retired and as of right now, [until April 1, 2008] there is an interim superintendent. One of the main points of this Board of Ed meeting was the election of the new superintendent. The principal of the school was nominated as Superintendent/Principal until the end of the school year when the town elects a new principal.
Of all the members of the Board, one person did not agree with the election of the new superintendent. I found it a bit humiliating on his behalf to sit there and ridicule the future superintendent right in front of his face.
Other points of the meeting was exterior construction of the school. There was an argument about the sidewalks, and how there are problems with them. One member of the board didn't want to pay the company $2,000 for their work; but only pay for supplies when the other board memeber said it is NOT the company's fault.
Many numbers were thrown around. Specifically about a park/playground that still needs to be built for the students and for little repairs. The board members left the room for an "executive meeting" for about 25 minutes and that puzzled me a little bit. What is the purpose of holding a meeting if they were going to leave the audience? Towards the end of the meeting, the members left again for another "executive meeting." I was happy that at the end of the meeting, everyone congratulated the new superintendent and I know him as well.
*****I was scheduled to go back to Newark on Wednesday, but my host teacher was not there. More posted on my last 2 1/2 hours will be on Friday, November 30th.
To start off the blog, I just want to say that in my town, there is a new school that was built and opened in April of 2007. Last year, the superintendent retired and as of right now, [until April 1, 2008] there is an interim superintendent. One of the main points of this Board of Ed meeting was the election of the new superintendent. The principal of the school was nominated as Superintendent/Principal until the end of the school year when the town elects a new principal.
Of all the members of the Board, one person did not agree with the election of the new superintendent. I found it a bit humiliating on his behalf to sit there and ridicule the future superintendent right in front of his face.
Other points of the meeting was exterior construction of the school. There was an argument about the sidewalks, and how there are problems with them. One member of the board didn't want to pay the company $2,000 for their work; but only pay for supplies when the other board memeber said it is NOT the company's fault.
Many numbers were thrown around. Specifically about a park/playground that still needs to be built for the students and for little repairs. The board members left the room for an "executive meeting" for about 25 minutes and that puzzled me a little bit. What is the purpose of holding a meeting if they were going to leave the audience? Towards the end of the meeting, the members left again for another "executive meeting." I was happy that at the end of the meeting, everyone congratulated the new superintendent and I know him as well.
*****I was scheduled to go back to Newark on Wednesday, but my host teacher was not there. More posted on my last 2 1/2 hours will be on Friday, November 30th.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Monday's Class Discussion and Issues
Many interesting headlines were brought up in class again. The issue of whether or not cursive handwriting is "lost" in a sense throughout public school systems is an interesting issue. I think that cursive should definitely be taught, but on the other hand, should be optional whether or not a student is comfortable using it. Standardized testing, computers, etc., take away what writing was originally "all about."
As for the second headline, many people are frightened by it. The thought of school shootings and whether or not a teacher should be armed in the classroom is a scary thought. When I was growing up, we never had to discuss these topics. It is a shame how public schools' safety issues has changed.
Lastly, another Art issue. I cannot comment as much as I wish I could on the Art controversy because I was one of the students who always felt that Art was the class that we got a "break" in. Coloring, painting, drawing, and "having fun," is what my friends and I always thought Art class was all about. For Art majors out there, it is important to have a heart for the subject. You need to love what you do, and that is ALL that really matters.
Today's discussion about issues in schools, especially the Newark Public Schools caught my attention. Getting back to the meeting that I atteneded last week, the "Highly Qualified" status is important for the schools. It makes not only the schools look better but also can provide more funding for it as well. I think that tenured, seasoned teachers are at a disadvantage by having to pay for the PRAXIS, but in the end, it is beneficial.
As for the topic of Social Studies in Newark, this seemed important as well. I think that Social Studies is in a way, "cut off" from the rest of the day. It is not fair to teach these students about important, social and current events taking place in the world today in a total of 15 minutes. No one is paying attention, no one is lsitening, and everyone wants to leave. It is a shame! Something has to be done about this!
As for the second headline, many people are frightened by it. The thought of school shootings and whether or not a teacher should be armed in the classroom is a scary thought. When I was growing up, we never had to discuss these topics. It is a shame how public schools' safety issues has changed.
Lastly, another Art issue. I cannot comment as much as I wish I could on the Art controversy because I was one of the students who always felt that Art was the class that we got a "break" in. Coloring, painting, drawing, and "having fun," is what my friends and I always thought Art class was all about. For Art majors out there, it is important to have a heart for the subject. You need to love what you do, and that is ALL that really matters.
Today's discussion about issues in schools, especially the Newark Public Schools caught my attention. Getting back to the meeting that I atteneded last week, the "Highly Qualified" status is important for the schools. It makes not only the schools look better but also can provide more funding for it as well. I think that tenured, seasoned teachers are at a disadvantage by having to pay for the PRAXIS, but in the end, it is beneficial.
As for the topic of Social Studies in Newark, this seemed important as well. I think that Social Studies is in a way, "cut off" from the rest of the day. It is not fair to teach these students about important, social and current events taking place in the world today in a total of 15 minutes. No one is paying attention, no one is lsitening, and everyone wants to leave. It is a shame! Something has to be done about this!
Third Day of Community Service - 2 1/2 Hours
Sorry I didn't post earlier... I had no internet connection all weekend!
On Friday, I went to the school for my third day of community service... Now I have a total of 7 1/2 hours completed. It started off a little hectic, afterall it was Friday. The teacher gave me a stack of Social Studies workbooks that needed to be graded. Each student was assigned three pages of Social Studies workbook pages because their previous test grades were not too great. It was crazy the range of students who did excellent, who did poorly, or who didn't even bother to do it at all!
After going through the workbooks and recording all the grades, I had to grade another Social Studies test the students had previously. Once again, grades varied. As I was doing the grading, students were doing a picture prompt activity, preparing for the NJ ASK tests. Before I knew it, I had already been in the classroom an hour.
The teacher had me help with the spelling test. She gave the word, I repeated it for those who did not catch it or who weren't paying attention. During the test, there was a lot going on. Teachers were walking in and out of the room and the host teacher I was working with was trying to get her computer to work to add the grades. It was pure choas. Another teacher asked to have more copies of the Language Arts test that was supposed to be given next week. Printers didn't work and copy machines were jammed and of course, we were short the Language Arts tests. I had to count two large piles of tests and help organize them.
The last task for me to complete for the day. I had to take down the old "star papers" off of the bulletin boards and replace them with the student's more recent papers. This exercise showed me and the teacher who did and who did not hand in work. Those of the students who did not hand in the paper, obviously had no paper hanging up next to their picture on the bulletin board.
Before we knew it, it was 2:50 and I was watching the students at their lockers while the teacher finished up the Social Studies lesson. By 2:55 everyone was dismissed and looked forward to their weekend.
This Wednesday will complete my approximate 10 hours of community service. I'll be back later on this week to fill everyone in on my final experience. Tonight, I plan to attend a Board of Educaiton meeting in my town as well. Further posts are expected.
On Friday, I went to the school for my third day of community service... Now I have a total of 7 1/2 hours completed. It started off a little hectic, afterall it was Friday. The teacher gave me a stack of Social Studies workbooks that needed to be graded. Each student was assigned three pages of Social Studies workbook pages because their previous test grades were not too great. It was crazy the range of students who did excellent, who did poorly, or who didn't even bother to do it at all!
After going through the workbooks and recording all the grades, I had to grade another Social Studies test the students had previously. Once again, grades varied. As I was doing the grading, students were doing a picture prompt activity, preparing for the NJ ASK tests. Before I knew it, I had already been in the classroom an hour.
The teacher had me help with the spelling test. She gave the word, I repeated it for those who did not catch it or who weren't paying attention. During the test, there was a lot going on. Teachers were walking in and out of the room and the host teacher I was working with was trying to get her computer to work to add the grades. It was pure choas. Another teacher asked to have more copies of the Language Arts test that was supposed to be given next week. Printers didn't work and copy machines were jammed and of course, we were short the Language Arts tests. I had to count two large piles of tests and help organize them.
The last task for me to complete for the day. I had to take down the old "star papers" off of the bulletin boards and replace them with the student's more recent papers. This exercise showed me and the teacher who did and who did not hand in work. Those of the students who did not hand in the paper, obviously had no paper hanging up next to their picture on the bulletin board.
Before we knew it, it was 2:50 and I was watching the students at their lockers while the teacher finished up the Social Studies lesson. By 2:55 everyone was dismissed and looked forward to their weekend.
This Wednesday will complete my approximate 10 hours of community service. I'll be back later on this week to fill everyone in on my final experience. Tonight, I plan to attend a Board of Educaiton meeting in my town as well. Further posts are expected.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Another 2 1/2 Hours at School
Today I went back to Newark to do some more community service in the classroom. I got to the school around 12:20-12:30, and started the afternoon off by making a poster. The Newark Public School System is supporting the Dominican Republic that was just struck by a hurricane. Each student is requested to bring in an everyday thing such as: shampoo, soap, mirrors, aluminum foil, and things of the sort. Since most of the Dominican Republic was devastated, the school system is trying to get the students to donate things to help rebuild the country.
First I wrote down everything that the students were requested to bring in. Then I cut them up into squares and threw them into a hat. [At the end of the day, students were asked to randomly pick a piece of paper.] Then, I made a large, colorful poster with each product listed on it and a check box next to it. The objective is to get everyone to bring in something for the Relief fund.
I finished the cutting and poster around 1:45, and class ends at 2:55, so I still had a little over an hour. The teacher gave me a notebook and requested that I go to the back of the classroom and take each student individually and have them read one paragraph to me. She had me check if the student read fluent or if he or she had a "word attack," which is if they stumbled on a certain word or if they had to sound-and-blend a few words. I liked this activity because it gave me the opportunity to finally get to know some of the students. There are about thirty children in the class, and it is very hard to remember all their names but to know their faces is a pleasure.
Around 2:45 I handed out the bag with the names in it and made sure everyone knew what they were requested to bring in for the Relief fund. The teacher was helping a group of students towards the end of the day, so she asked me to get the students ready to go to their lockers. Each group of five was dismissed to their lockers around 2:50 and I had to watch them pack and make sure they all reported back to their seats to put their chairs up.
Tomorrow, there is a Social Studies test, so the teacher asked me to help her grade them because it is the last day of the cycle and all grades are due. Report cards will be distributed next week, and she says that she really needs help grading.
Until tomorrow!!!!
First I wrote down everything that the students were requested to bring in. Then I cut them up into squares and threw them into a hat. [At the end of the day, students were asked to randomly pick a piece of paper.] Then, I made a large, colorful poster with each product listed on it and a check box next to it. The objective is to get everyone to bring in something for the Relief fund.
I finished the cutting and poster around 1:45, and class ends at 2:55, so I still had a little over an hour. The teacher gave me a notebook and requested that I go to the back of the classroom and take each student individually and have them read one paragraph to me. She had me check if the student read fluent or if he or she had a "word attack," which is if they stumbled on a certain word or if they had to sound-and-blend a few words. I liked this activity because it gave me the opportunity to finally get to know some of the students. There are about thirty children in the class, and it is very hard to remember all their names but to know their faces is a pleasure.
Around 2:45 I handed out the bag with the names in it and made sure everyone knew what they were requested to bring in for the Relief fund. The teacher was helping a group of students towards the end of the day, so she asked me to get the students ready to go to their lockers. Each group of five was dismissed to their lockers around 2:50 and I had to watch them pack and make sure they all reported back to their seats to put their chairs up.
Tomorrow, there is a Social Studies test, so the teacher asked me to help her grade them because it is the last day of the cycle and all grades are due. Report cards will be distributed next week, and she says that she really needs help grading.
Until tomorrow!!!!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
My First Meeting Attended
Today, besides the community service portion, I also attended a faculty meeting in the Newark District. There were various topics discussed at the meeting, that both intrigued and bored faculty members.
The principal was in a lovely mood and his charismatic personality helped set the mood for the meeting. Teachers forewarned the students that go to MSU that we may be "bored." The principal introduced many different members of clubs and discussed many topics about events that were going to occur - especially on November 30th.
Some topics included: Rutgers University having courses dedicated to professional development, parent conferences, adjunct applications for MSU, Hispanic Appreciation month, social dances for the 6,7, and 8th grades, the food bank, programs for the Gifted and Talented students, and problems about "Highly Qualified" teachers. If the teacher is not highly qualified, they may need to take a PRAXIS exam in order to teach their subject. On a lighter note, staff dinners and holiday dinners were also brought up at the meeting.
Overall, the meeting went by quickly and I do plan on attending a Board of Education meeting in my town of Carlstadt, next Tuesday, November 20th.
As for the teachers, they joked and said we would be bored, but maybe [as an outsider], I was pretty interested in hearing and learning what the teachers need to think about on an ordinary basis.
The principal was in a lovely mood and his charismatic personality helped set the mood for the meeting. Teachers forewarned the students that go to MSU that we may be "bored." The principal introduced many different members of clubs and discussed many topics about events that were going to occur - especially on November 30th.
Some topics included: Rutgers University having courses dedicated to professional development, parent conferences, adjunct applications for MSU, Hispanic Appreciation month, social dances for the 6,7, and 8th grades, the food bank, programs for the Gifted and Talented students, and problems about "Highly Qualified" teachers. If the teacher is not highly qualified, they may need to take a PRAXIS exam in order to teach their subject. On a lighter note, staff dinners and holiday dinners were also brought up at the meeting.
Overall, the meeting went by quickly and I do plan on attending a Board of Education meeting in my town of Carlstadt, next Tuesday, November 20th.
As for the teachers, they joked and said we would be bored, but maybe [as an outsider], I was pretty interested in hearing and learning what the teachers need to think about on an ordinary basis.
Field Experience # 3 / First 2 1/2 Hours...
Well, today I started my third portion of my initial field experience. I stayed at the school for two and a half hours [12:30-3:00]. As like last time, the classroom was very hectic, but the students remembered who I was and seemed to be happy to see me. They greeted me when I walked in the door after their lunch period. My site liasion, as usual was in a very pleasant mood, and welcomed me.
Since I stayed for only about two and a half hours, I agreed to help grade a stack of papers that seemed to be piled to the ceiling. There are about 30-35 students in each of the teacher's two sections, so I had between 60-75 reading comprehension tests to grade.
After I marked the tests, [it took me over an hour...] the teacher needed me to record the grades into her plan book and then on to the computer for submission. I felt honored that the teacher, who is a seasoned teacher, trusted me enough to record her grades. Time was ticking away and the teacher needed me to help her hand in the grades because the main office needed to know who made the honor roll.
I noticed that many students got 100's on the test, while others got 10's, 20's, and 30's. It was a shame. I noticed the students with the lower grades persistently had lower grades throuhghout the cycle. [The same applies to the students who acheived a 90 or better.]
Before I knew it, it was 2:45 and everything that the teacher requested was completed. For the last fifteen minutes of class, I helped dismiss children to thier lockers and helped the teacher get the students out of the class because there was a faculty meeting.
I will be going back to the classroom tomorrow again from 12:30-3:00 pm for another 2 1/2 hours of community service. The teacher advised me that the student teacher will be in the classroom tomorrow, so I'm sure I can work with her and help her get some things accomplished.
Check back tomorrow!
Since I stayed for only about two and a half hours, I agreed to help grade a stack of papers that seemed to be piled to the ceiling. There are about 30-35 students in each of the teacher's two sections, so I had between 60-75 reading comprehension tests to grade.
After I marked the tests, [it took me over an hour...] the teacher needed me to record the grades into her plan book and then on to the computer for submission. I felt honored that the teacher, who is a seasoned teacher, trusted me enough to record her grades. Time was ticking away and the teacher needed me to help her hand in the grades because the main office needed to know who made the honor roll.
I noticed that many students got 100's on the test, while others got 10's, 20's, and 30's. It was a shame. I noticed the students with the lower grades persistently had lower grades throuhghout the cycle. [The same applies to the students who acheived a 90 or better.]
Before I knew it, it was 2:45 and everything that the teacher requested was completed. For the last fifteen minutes of class, I helped dismiss children to thier lockers and helped the teacher get the students out of the class because there was a faculty meeting.
I will be going back to the classroom tomorrow again from 12:30-3:00 pm for another 2 1/2 hours of community service. The teacher advised me that the student teacher will be in the classroom tomorrow, so I'm sure I can work with her and help her get some things accomplished.
Check back tomorrow!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Reading and Class Discussion for November 12th
Today's class seemed to drag a bit today because I wasn't feeling well. I had a severe migraine, but no worries, some parts of me were still in class!
To start off my blog for today.. I want talk about the headlines. For the first headline, it discussed a teacher refusing to give the test to students. As a new teacher, or even as a seasoned teacher, I do not think that I would have the nerve to go against the system and just refuse to give the test. I think that today's standards are so set so high for students that teachers actually feel bad for them. It still is part of the state's requirements; therefore, it is a teacher's job to do what he or she is forced to do.
For the second headline, it brings up the topic of whether or not it is indeed helpful or not to keep a child back a grade. I think it all depends on the age level and social and behavioral skills the student has. Like we mentioned in class, parents never really want to face the fact that their child isn't adapting well in the classroom and often do not want their child "labeled," but in some cases, it is better because they will get the help that is needed. I think if the child is going to be left back, it is better to do it while they are younger so they will grow and mature with the right group of people at the right time. Skipping a grade is another big question. Sometimes a child who is in the 3rd grade is reading at a 6Th grade level, but is it a wise decision to skip the grade? Sometimes it is better off keeping children where they belong in age-wise classrooms.
Getting to the point of inclusion: I think that inclusion can be a good thing. I have many friends who have ADD or ADHD and were never technically "picked on" because of their learning disability. I think that it is in the child's BEST interest to get the extra help that he or she needs. As for the Gifted and Talented children as well, I think that schools should at least try to provide programs to help them get along as well.
Lastly, I wanted to make a brief comment on the last video clip we watched. There were two teachers with two children [with different ages], who were acting up in class. I think that both scenarios depended on race, the ages of the students, the teachers [because they were both first-year teachers], the families of the students, and lastly, whether or not the children were academically gifted or not. The black boy had a black teacher. I think that it may have been a different situation if he had a white teacher. On the other hand, the white boy had a white teacher, I think that he would have had a different scenario as well. Also, both students were males with female teachers. Maybe if the boys had male teachers, they would respect them more? The younger boy's parents came in to school when he was acting up... GREAT idea. The boy disappointed his father and I think that by bringing the parents into school.. the teacher really got her point across to the boy. The other boy though probably will not have as important lasting effect because his family wasn't notified, and he can easily forge his parent's signature.
To start off my blog for today.. I want talk about the headlines. For the first headline, it discussed a teacher refusing to give the test to students. As a new teacher, or even as a seasoned teacher, I do not think that I would have the nerve to go against the system and just refuse to give the test. I think that today's standards are so set so high for students that teachers actually feel bad for them. It still is part of the state's requirements; therefore, it is a teacher's job to do what he or she is forced to do.
For the second headline, it brings up the topic of whether or not it is indeed helpful or not to keep a child back a grade. I think it all depends on the age level and social and behavioral skills the student has. Like we mentioned in class, parents never really want to face the fact that their child isn't adapting well in the classroom and often do not want their child "labeled," but in some cases, it is better because they will get the help that is needed. I think if the child is going to be left back, it is better to do it while they are younger so they will grow and mature with the right group of people at the right time. Skipping a grade is another big question. Sometimes a child who is in the 3rd grade is reading at a 6Th grade level, but is it a wise decision to skip the grade? Sometimes it is better off keeping children where they belong in age-wise classrooms.
Getting to the point of inclusion: I think that inclusion can be a good thing. I have many friends who have ADD or ADHD and were never technically "picked on" because of their learning disability. I think that it is in the child's BEST interest to get the extra help that he or she needs. As for the Gifted and Talented children as well, I think that schools should at least try to provide programs to help them get along as well.
Lastly, I wanted to make a brief comment on the last video clip we watched. There were two teachers with two children [with different ages], who were acting up in class. I think that both scenarios depended on race, the ages of the students, the teachers [because they were both first-year teachers], the families of the students, and lastly, whether or not the children were academically gifted or not. The black boy had a black teacher. I think that it may have been a different situation if he had a white teacher. On the other hand, the white boy had a white teacher, I think that he would have had a different scenario as well. Also, both students were males with female teachers. Maybe if the boys had male teachers, they would respect them more? The younger boy's parents came in to school when he was acting up... GREAT idea. The boy disappointed his father and I think that by bringing the parents into school.. the teacher really got her point across to the boy. The other boy though probably will not have as important lasting effect because his family wasn't notified, and he can easily forge his parent's signature.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Class Discussion & Readings for November 5th
Today for some reason, class went by very quickly. I presented my headline today about the severe rise in autism. I couldn't stress enough in class how autism has changed in the past years. From the boy I grew up with, to the new boy that lives across the street from me.. the many stages and types of autism are simply, unremarkable. I would love to learn more about it. Becoming teachers, I think we all need to be aware that these children who may even have a touch of autism... have special needs.
The two other headlines were interesting too. The first one with the project with the money. It is a gray-cloud area exactly what the teacher was trying to get out with this project, but whatever he was trying to prove, he was trying to prove. Most kids probably would keep the money anyway. College readiness is another important issue in education. I think that high schools today should focus more on preparing students to be more college-prepared. I feel like tenured teachers should focus more on their students' futures than wasting their times.
As for the readings that were due for today, there are many controversial topics regarding the No Child Left Behind Act. There are pros and cons. Many teachers teach to the test.. but nowadays you have to. I especially liked the clip we watched today in class with the parent that came in to talk to the teacher. I liked the way the teacher was patient, and even when she felt as if she didn't know and much as she could... she tried to explain herself as much as she could. I think that being a good, intelligent, teacher.. you have to keep your guard up and be patient with the parents. The most important thing to do is keep in mind, you are doing what you are required to do and that is all that matters.
The two other headlines were interesting too. The first one with the project with the money. It is a gray-cloud area exactly what the teacher was trying to get out with this project, but whatever he was trying to prove, he was trying to prove. Most kids probably would keep the money anyway. College readiness is another important issue in education. I think that high schools today should focus more on preparing students to be more college-prepared. I feel like tenured teachers should focus more on their students' futures than wasting their times.
As for the readings that were due for today, there are many controversial topics regarding the No Child Left Behind Act. There are pros and cons. Many teachers teach to the test.. but nowadays you have to. I especially liked the clip we watched today in class with the parent that came in to talk to the teacher. I liked the way the teacher was patient, and even when she felt as if she didn't know and much as she could... she tried to explain herself as much as she could. I think that being a good, intelligent, teacher.. you have to keep your guard up and be patient with the parents. The most important thing to do is keep in mind, you are doing what you are required to do and that is all that matters.
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