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!
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I agree..when we went to orientation and did that round robin activity, one of the teachers actually admitted that Social Studies is pushed aside. She said that it's not really a focus because it's not tested. I think this is a shame because who's to say if Social Studies is less important than other subject areas??
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