Changing Education Paradigms

Please make sure that your group has posted a blog before class - preferably before Monday so I can read them.

I enjoyed reading all the posts.  Many of you appear to have first hand experience with different aspects of the systems that he describes.  Let's be clear though - there is a need and room for structure within classrooms.  And there should be some uniformity for what kids should learn.  These should be essential life skills and knowledge that will propel them to a happy life and successful career (how ever you define that).  So, we need some structure.  We also need a way to test if we are being successful and written assessments are one sure fire way of doing that.  There is no question about that - I don't think.  So, we have to have the tests - formative, summative, etc. so we can begin to evaluate how we are doing.  But it should not stop there...

I believe where it gets out of control is when we overemphasis the importance of ONE test and take away the control over what is taught from teachers.  The challenge for teachers is to work within and without/in and arond the system.  And the further challenge is digging deep into their students to find out what serves them best.  And the next challenge is to do that with 25+ kids!  It is a huge task.  A monstrous task and so very important.  And, having first hand knowledge of this, it is fun!  And so enlivening.  To me there are few greater pleasures or measures of success than working with some one (especially kids) and knowing they GOT IT!  Wow.  It really is a fabulous feeling to know that you are making an impact.

One last thought - I always to back to this when I think about teaching.  Everyone remembers their great teachers.  Right?  I challenge myself and now I challenge you to become one of those great teachers that your students will talk about in years to come.

That is about it - here is another link that contains more stuff from Ken Robinson.

Schools Kill Creativity - Ken Robinson

to get the magic 4 in this category of Standards Based Grading you should listen to this as well and post a short (500 words or less) blog.  Remember you should also read and respond to other people's post.

Please have a good weekend.  I have enjoyed working together and look forward to next week.

Be well

Matt