tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82313716006032188492024-02-20T07:37:02.706-08:00Retired Professional, Chicken Wrangler in TrainingTrying to find my place in the sun.EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-11018580814621952142019-09-27T08:55:00.000-07:002019-09-27T09:18:24.181-07:00Quilts<div style="color: #1c1e21; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;">As a child, I remember sitting under a quilting frame while my mother, grandmother and aunts quilted. I would crawl underneath the frame which was held up by ladder back chairs (one at each corner) and I would gaze up at the colors of the pieces with light shining from above them. The light and fabric backing of the quilt made the colors of the pieces diffuse, and I would dreamily imagine stories of knights and damsels, stained glass windows, and cathedrals. All of the quilts were handmade, as were the ladder back chairs and many of the other day to day necessities which were in our homes. My family did not have the means to purchase these items and would have thought spending the money on these items to be frivolous. If something could be made with what we had, it would be wasteful not to make it. Quilting was a necessity for many families, as well as my own. Today, quilting has become an art-form, a preservation of tradition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every quilt that was made told a story. Pieces may have been cut out of husbands' work shirts, children's clothing, old aprons, and even wedding dresses. Each piece spoke of a time when the garment was new, when the children were young, when a crop was planted and harvested, or when a young girl was married. Women sewed the pieces of their families' lives together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The process of making a quilt was time consuming, and was usually a winter project when other chores were not as demanding. My memories and recollections of quilting are of many women's voices buzzing overhead as they stitched the fancy designs. I can hear them laughing and talking about their lives, the garden produce, the crops, the neighbors, and the church. I can smell the coal fire in my grandmother's small grate in the sitting room. I had the privilege of experiencing what many people now try to reclaim in their making of quilts. The stories of quilts are the stories of family unity, of home and hearth, and the warmth of siblings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Quilts make us feel special. Quilts warm our toes as well as our hearts. We no longer curl up with a quilt in front of a coal fire, but now in front of a television. Still, we have our quilt. We seek the sense of home, even the sense of family identity, of belonging and a quilt many times satisfies that desire. Quilts make us feel as though we have come home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/OmiAndEs?ref=seller-platform-mcnav">https://www.etsy.com/shop/OmiAndEs?ref=seller-platform-mcnav</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-23745681690480506802016-12-16T10:46:00.000-08:002019-09-27T09:15:08.937-07:00Finding myself I have made a decision. I have not completely acted on it, just made a couple of inquiries. I just did some exploring and I hope to be volunteering as a mentor in 2017. <br />
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I am thinking of alternate volunteer situations, yes, part time work would be great, but I am still considering what I would enjoy doing. I now have that luxury. I can do what I would like to do, what a novel idea.<br />
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<br />EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-64658826725114926732016-12-10T15:41:00.001-08:002016-12-10T15:41:44.266-08:00Retired. . . .just trying to figure it all out. . .So, I had little traffic on my education blog, (the entries remain up for the curious). But that seems to be par for the course. I have come to the end of my teaching career, and am just trying to figure it all out.<br />
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Okay, so when someone says your days are numbered, they
really don’t mean they know that number, but in some cases, some rare and
extreme cases you do know. Well,
how? How could you know, unless you have
made that decision? That once in a lifetime one, that you will take that power
away from God. Essentially play God. I was asked once, have you thought about
it? Yes, I have, but it is not really an
option. That is too easy. What purpose would that be? To what end? We each do have a purpose, and like right
now, I don’t have a clue as to what my purpose could be. I am rudderless. </div>
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So, introspection is in order. I have done lots of introspection, and I am
coming up short in the column of good, more in the column of mediocre. How do I balance it out? I am tired of apologizing. I did the best I could with what I had. I
earnestly tried to be better at what I invested my life in doing. Why couldn’t someone have said, you are doing
a great job? Why can we only see the
negatives? I think I had friends. I thought a lot of things, not all of them
pleasant not all of them accurate, not all of them beneficial. I would like to
turn things around, but it is a struggle.
Is this how it really feels? To
be broken? </div>
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I became broken on December 7 last year, appropriately Pearl
Harbor Day. I received a diagnosis, (chronic and no cure) which
has consumed me, which had crippled me from continuing my career. I made the decision to leave my career. So, I essentially aborted my identity. I think this is why people who retire die shortly
after retirement. They no longer see a
purpose for living. I can understand
that now. So I am struggling with
finding a purpose. Since I have broken,
I have lost my confidence, my self-assurance, and my tenacity. Basically a
shell of the person I was once. Where do I do to find her again? Will I find her or find someone else who used
to be her?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have tried to come up with some things to occupy my
time. I am not having much success. I could volunteer at some place, but I can’t
be depended upon by others to not hurt, to not be in pain, to be able to
volunteer. I have lost confidence in my
driving skills so my volunteering has to be close to me. I don’t drive at night anymore, so it has to
be during daylight hours. I have limits
and I think they are shutting me down. I
do not wish to be in a stressful situation which would cause my disability to
worsen. I do not know if there is anyone
I can help.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am just trying to figure it all out.</div>
EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-84678696912940427522015-01-02T11:13:00.000-08:002015-01-02T11:13:11.130-08:00A ConversationI began blogging in a attempt to start conversations. I wonder if I have accomplished that goal. I am still teaching, still "fighting the good fight;" are there any people out there doing the same? I do know that there are, but they are being extremely quiet. I understand this situation. Teachers, especially young teachers, would like to keep their positions at least until that dreaded tenure year, and hopefully pass the deadline to become tenured. Tenure is not the "devil" that is "ruining" education. Tenure is a safety net for teachers to not be fired for little or no cause. The public does not seem to understand this concept, but that is for another blog.<br />
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I haven't posted on my blog for a considerable amount of time, because I haven't had the time to do so nor the inclination. There have been changes in my school, some are advantageous and some are not so advantageous. I have spoken with some folks to garner their "take" on the happenings, and so far they are in agreement with my own understanding.<br />
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Of course, I have been reading. I have read many other articles about teaching, the state of the American public school, charter schools, and op-ed articles that have been floating around on the nether world that we call the internet. This one article is an op-ed piece, which was written by another teacher and it speaks to me, maybe it will to you also.<br />
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<a href="http://ateacheronteaching.blogspot.com/2015/01/2014-year-teachers-became-public-enemy-1.html">http://ateacheronteaching.blogspot.com/2015/01/2014-year-teachers-became-public-enemy-1.html</a><br />
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<br />EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-58168833910082235952014-05-31T07:18:00.000-07:002014-05-31T07:20:25.228-07:00Who cares?We have just completed another school year. I begin my period of long reflection (summer break) and as I work in my garden and yard, I ask myself, who cares? Who really cares? I don't know the answer.<br />
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Yes, I think some of my students care while they are with me. Yes, I think some of the parents care while their student is with me. The key words in both of those sentences are "with me," in a school setting.<br />
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We've all heard that old axiom, "put your money where your mouth is," and I have tried to do that. Yes, once upon a time, I was greatly disturbed by an article written about education and all that was wrong with it. That was back in the '80's. Now, when I look back the 1980's was 30 years ago. In the 1980's we (society) were questioning "why can't little Johnny read?" That question is still relevant today. That question is the reason I went back to college and earned my teaching certificate, then returned to college and earned my Master's degree, then completed my National Board Teacher certification, then returned to college and earned my Educational Specialist degree.<br />
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And I'm still asking, why can't John read? I put my money where my mouth was, I went back to school and educated myself and began trying to educate our children. What I have found, through these years of experience, is that the problem has not improved, but only gotten worse. We hear about all the programs, initiatives, funding, and legislation enacted and made available to help our children succeed, but they are preforming at levels that are not acceptable to me as a teacher.<br />
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That makes me think of another axiom, "What is the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." Teachers are loosing more and more control of what and how they teach. In some cases, it is needed. Although, in the majority of cases it is not. We are professionally trained and certified by our state institutions to be teachers. Let us do our job!<br />
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Each of these new initiatives, grants, funds, (whether they originate from public, private or government) sources, bring their own set of mandates. So our leadership acquires these for us, and then demands that we meet all the criteria. It becomes a game of compliance. Teachers are overburdened with making sure we document, explain, prove, that we are meeting all the criteria for the programs, and ultimately loosing instructional time. The one thing we need more than anything else. We loose time with our students. We loose time to teach them.<br />
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After years of seeing money poured into the system, I still have students coming into my classroom that can not read on grade level, and some who simply can not read. The majority of my students are average readers, there is only a handful that excel at reading.<br />
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Oh, I won't even start writing about the ability to physically write on paper with pen and or a pencil.<br />
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Yes, I know exactly what my students need to excel, although I am busy proving that I am doing my job. It is a "catch 22." I enjoy having a house, clothing, and food on my table. If anyone in the private or public sector thinks any teacher is living at any standard that is above lower middle class then they haven't walked in a teacher's shoes, or a spouse of a teacher's shoes, or a child of a teacher's shoes.<br />
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Put you money, and or time, where your mouth is. . .go to your local boards of education, call your representatives, but really what you need to do first is come to school and help us.<br />
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Rant over.<br />
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<br />EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-5090852931317559652014-02-03T16:16:00.001-08:002014-02-03T16:16:58.912-08:00We know how to FIX education.Yes, we really do know how to fix education; lower teacher student ratios and more time in the classroom. This is really an easy fix.<br />
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So, why does this not happen? <br />
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I am passionate about my chosen career, education. Most educator's feel this way. I believe most educators see it as probably one of the most important careers that exists. Most educators are dedicated to their students and want to do whatever there is in their power to make their students' successful. Many of us do not feel that another test will do that. Many of us know that another test will not "fix" our students.<br />
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Our students are unique individuals, one size does not fit all. We can not operate on a "business" model. Our students are not objects, they are people. Until each community, each school examines their own issues and challenges, and addresses those at the school level, improvement will not happen. Mandates will not cure the problem, technology will not cure the problem, new standards will not cure the problem, new teacher evaluation methods will not cure the problem. <br />
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We need to stop spending money on "stuff" that does not work. We need to hire more teachers! If necessary, we may have to build more classrooms. Lower the teacher student ratio and watch the scores explode!EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-65296282166973422212013-09-08T09:42:00.001-07:002013-09-08T09:42:05.799-07:00How to FIX EducationSo, in the world of education, many people know and understand how to "fix" the problem. We know what to do. Ask any educator who has 15 plus years of experience in the classroom.<br />
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The overwhelming answer is LOWER student teacher ratios.<br />
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That means more teachers in schools.<br />
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It is not a program, it is not a "magic bullet."<br />
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It is not a grant.<br />
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It is not a innovation.<br />
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It is not something you can buy.<br />
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It is the solution and it can happen, if we want it to happen.<br />
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Lower student teacher ratios will raise test scores. It really doesn't matter what test you use. Use the ACT or the SAT. If you lower student teacher ratios, you will increase scores. PERIOD.<br />
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<br />EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-29388578414855284642013-07-22T09:27:00.000-07:002013-07-22T10:01:42.773-07:00Back To SchoolIt is that time of year again!<br />
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Gearing up and returning to school for teachers means that we are required to complete our Professional Development trainings. I have a required 24 clock hours to complete. I am sure other schools across the US require something very similar.<br />
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As is usually the case, one of our professional development days is allocated to our central office and is used to inform us of any changes that we need to be aware of or any initiatives that will be occurring this school year. Our individual schools will host other professional developments for each staff. <br />
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I am not entirely sure of how other teachers feel about their professional developments or planning for the opening of school, but sometimes I feel like my administrator blind folds me, leads me into a totally pitch dark room and leaves me there with instructions to find the light switch. Sometimes I really feel like I am trying to feel my way along the wall for the switch.<br />
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I am the type of person, that wants at least 2 to 3 weeks lesson plans complete, so that I will not be overwhelmed and can just make necessary modifications as the need arises. A lack of communication about what days are going to be used for which activities leaves me lost. I am not sure when to begin teaching content because I am not sure what we are doing for the first three days of school. So, yet another year has arrived, when I am again at this spot. I do not have the authority to correct the situation, although, I have the knowledge and ability to correct it; communicate scheduled activities and plans so that the staff can begin planning their content and allocating resources in their classrooms.<br />
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I know that this information I want will not be forthcoming early and I should just step back and let it come when it does; it would be far less frustrating for me if I did just that.<br />
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I remember one of the lines from the movie, O Brother Where Art Thou . . ."gentlemen what you do not want in a conversation . . . .(pause) is dead air." Yes, what I do not want is dead air.<br />
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<br />EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-46003273027923765792013-05-12T12:21:00.000-07:002013-05-12T12:21:32.880-07:00What teachers do. . . .So, the majority of teachers are wrapping up their school year. Some are completing state tests, some are completing End of Course exams (EOC), some are preparing for promotion activities and graduation activities; all are counting the days.<br />
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At the end of the year, I have a tendency to reflect over the past year, and think/ponder about what went well, what did not go well, and what I want to modify or change. Of course, the breadth and scope of the whole year is overwhelming, so I tend to think about my year of teaching in blocks of time or by units. As usual, I feel like I never really have had enough time with the students. That is very true this year, and hopefully can be rectified for next year.<br />
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Time allotment and the protection of instructional time is the priority of the principal. A good principal protects instructional time like a mother grizzly protects her cubs. Although, not all principals are momma grizzly bears. When we look at a school's data and determine whether or not it is a "failing" school, the first thing that should be examined is the manager of that school, the principal. When I was taking classes to receive my administration degree and certificate, it was pretty clear from my classwork and from my professors, that everything that happens in a school goes back in a straight line to the principal's chair. Yes, there are mandated regulations and curriculum and superintendents, but in reality, day to day work in a school is the principal's responsibility. How a principal makes or fails to make that happen is the issue.<br />
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So, once again, we must examine how the school operates, before we have the "witch trial" re-enactments of colonial Salem, and begin burning teachers. The teachers work under the direct supervision of the principal(s) in the buildings. How are the teachers being directed and supported?<br />
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Thankfully, more and more people are beginning to have this conversation. One such example can be found at:<br />
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<a href="http://theeducatorsroom.com/2012/08/its-not-always-the-teacher/">http://theeducatorsroom.com/2012/08/its-not-always-the-teacher/</a>EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-24152731034441703782013-03-27T18:03:00.000-07:002013-03-27T18:04:01.532-07:00Spring Break!Spring Break is upon us. Teachers use this time to renew and rejuvenate from the long stretch of January to April. Working with young people takes time and energy. Teachers are drained physically and emotionally every day. <br />
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This break is a time when we can actually not think about school 24/7. If you ask any teacher they will tell you that it is constantly on your mind. There is not a time when you are not thinking about school.<br />
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Since schools are closed to students during Spring Break, teachers can not only take a physical break but also a mental break, at least for a day or two.<br />
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As Brer Rabbit says "Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I jus' sits." Teachers now have the luxury of just sitting. WELCOME Spring! EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-70518067512369645052013-03-11T15:43:00.001-07:002013-03-11T15:43:14.656-07:00Okay, so I have been quiet for awhile. . . .We, as teachers are entering that turbulent time called "getting ready for the test." I have to say to each and all of you. . .this is baloney!<br />
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Isn't all year long supposed to be preparing our students to succeed? I thought so, and still do. I teach. I hate being a "robot" in the classroom. The mad scramble by building administrators to make sure the kids are prepared for the test is so very frustrating! <br />
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I agree with educator, author and researcher Richard DuFour, "do whatever it takes [all year] and the test will take care of its self." If we are doing what our students need, then we should not have to scramble around, play reward games, interrupt instruction, pep rallies to get fired up about the test, ect. We do not need another gimmick. We need to teach!<br />
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A teacher from Louisiana read this letter to the Board of Education where she was employed, please read, she is speaking the truth.<br />
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<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/03/10/i-have-had-enough-veteran-teacher-tells-school-board/">http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/03/10/i-have-had-enough-veteran-teacher-tells-school-board/</a><br />
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And as for that, (teaching), it has changed in the last few years. It is no longer about learning or even about studying. Heaven forbid if I ask my students to study! <br />
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More and more demands are being made on the teachers, and less demands on the students. We are creating a generation of people who feel that entitlement is owed to them! They can not fail, they will always get another chance. <br />
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<br />EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-85917719994316931862012-12-18T16:10:00.000-08:002012-12-18T16:10:32.850-08:00Sense-less waste of life.My heart mourns for <u>all the people</u> of Newton, CT. The town, the families, the school will forever be changed. There are not words to express sympathy for this cruel, terrible and sense-less act. There are no words that can or will make any of it better for those that are lost and those that lost. The only thing that I can say is my heart mourns for and with you all. God bless.EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-11710077912657718032012-11-21T09:27:00.002-08:002012-11-21T09:27:52.188-08:00Thinking.I have been thinking about what "I do" with my life and time. I have come to the conclusion that somethings I do actually do not matter, and some things matter in the extreme.<br />
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There is a lot of "talk" about education. Education is personal. If you are a person that is motivated to learn, then you will learn, against all odds. Internal or intrinsic motivation is what makes the difference. As a parent and as an educator, I have found that the best way for young people to succeed in life is to build internal motivation. The question is "how do we do that?" I don't think that we do that by giving out candy. We now live in an entitlement society that has been created, in some cases, by our educational system. Rewarding students for doing what is expected feeds this entitlement society. We should be rewarding students who go above and beyond. No one in the corporate world is rewarded for showing up at work. A person is rewarded with a raise, when they have accomplished something that is more that just "showing up."<br />
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We are establishing beliefs in young people that they are "entitled" to have the same things that a person (from a previous generation) has gained through initiative, determination, and just plain hard work. <br />
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I personally still believe in the American Dream, although it is dying. The American Dream was that you could achieve on your own hard work and labor. The dream was that you could have a good life and live free, through the fruits of your hard work and take pride in that work, because you did it, no one did it for you. We do not recognize that anymore. <br />
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We do not teach our young people that through failure, you can develop the skills to overcome obstacles to your success. Some of those skills would be determination, persistence, resolve, and a belief in themselves that they can overcome "road blocks." Practice, practice, and practice some more. No one is recruited by the NBA, NFL or other sports affiliation without putting in years of practice, without overcoming obstacles, without determination. If schools applied the same determination and motivation that society exhibits for sports toward academics, we would see a huge improvement in our test scores. It really doesn't matter what test you use, what matters is what you do in the classrooms every day and what happens in that student's life every day. <br />
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The classroom is where we, as educators, mold and enhance learning that has been delivered by other teachers, and most importantly, by parents. There are some students that no matter how much we do as educators, when that student is not with us and does not have supportive parent(s), all of our work is undone. The process starts over every day. Parents are the key to a student's success. A supportive parent is worth their weight in gold.<br />
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Reading is the one thing that anyone can do, at any age, to improve their education. It takes practice. When you can read and understand what you are reading the next step is to discuss your reading with others, then formulate your own ideas. . . don't let a "talking head" put words in your mouth.<br />
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Well it's for sure that one thing we don't have is a "Superbowl" for professional readers. We say we want success for students, but are we just "talking the talk" and not "walking the walk?"<br />
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<br />EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-54556597367045774062012-10-31T18:22:00.000-07:002012-10-31T18:22:21.499-07:00A little light at the end of the tunnel. . . .Yes, that old joke! The light is the on-coming train. <br />
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When we stop "passing the buck" in education and start really doing the hard work to make things better, then education will improve. If we are not "passing the buck" then we are throwing money at the problem and we keep asking "why can't Johnny read?"<br />
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I see one of the real issues with students is that they are not being held responsible for their own learning. I know there are some students who have support and good homes that value education. Although for the most part, that is becoming more and more of a rarity. The "talk" in the media is continually negative about teachers. I posted some time ago, that I am so defeated because the media floods the airways and fiber optics with every negative story that can be found on bad teachers. I tried to find a number for the total people employed as teachers, I checked the US Census. . .one number I found was approximately 7 million. WOW! <br />
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Yes, there could be some "bad apples" but not all are, for the most part we are concerned and care about our students. Society needs to stop playing the "blame game."<br />
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I think one of the other issues we need to look at (besides student responsibility) is effective use of time and money. Let's see, where is our money going??? To programs that are purchased and partially implemented? To technology that is not maintained? To training that is obsolete when the teachers get it? <br />
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How is our time being used? I was interrupted in one class 5 times by PA announcements. It became quite comical, I would begin a sentence, stop, say another word, stop, and finish the sentence when I and the students had forgotten the beginning of it. It is really imperative that we start managing our schools better. Going to school is about learning and it should be emphasized as the end goal. In many schools it is not emphasized. <br />
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What is the atmosphere of your school? Is it always a "reward day." It is okay to interrupt the flow of units and education to reward the students for their good behavior? When do all the parties turn the school into a circus or an amusement park? Rewards loose their value when given too often and when the rewards are given for little or no effort, or not for academic achievement. What message are we sending our students? It's okay that you can't read, your behavior is great! Is that what we are saying with meaningless rewards?<br />
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We need to get serious. It's time, perhaps too late for some, for everyone (parents, administrators, support staff, community members, and anyone that is complaining about education), that is involved with a school to get in there with kids, roll up your sleeves and do the hard work! Your child's teacher is already there.<br />
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<br />EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-66242949299709541622012-10-14T09:25:00.000-07:002012-10-14T09:25:47.850-07:00Solutions?Okay, so everyone knows that I am a teacher. <br />
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It is a thank-less job. <br />
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I am tired. I am exhausted, I am stressed, I am physically sick . . .it is only the first nine weeks of school. I have already gone through 2 doctor's visits and 2 prescriptions for antibiotics. I have a dehumidifier in my classroom and it is full every day. . .the work environment is adding to my sinus infections, the stress is adding to my sickness. . .<br />
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I am a teacher, not a miracle worker. Everything that is wrong today can not just be fixed by teachers, even though society tells us all the kids problems are the teachers' fault.<br />
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Here's a link to an article that elucidates these ideas better than I can. . .<br />
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<a href="http://theeducatorsroom.com/2012/09/the-exhaustion-of-the-american-teacher/" target="_blank">Exhaustion of the American Teacher</a><br />
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As a teacher, if I point out a problem and suggest a viable way to fix the problem, then I am told I am not being professional. If I object to the way things are being run in our school, then I am told I don't want to reward kids, help kids, etc. <br />
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What I do as a teacher is always based on my students. I want them all to succeed and when they do I want to reward that success. What I don't want to do is to teach them that just showing up, socializing with their friends, not doing their work, bullying each other, disrespecting adults and breathing are what they get a reward for doing.<br />
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What happened to being proud of doing hard work and taking pride in that work?<br />
<br />EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-64061739825277513672012-10-02T12:44:00.000-07:002012-10-02T12:48:03.371-07:00The connection between handwriting, reading and success in schoolOnce again, I have been reading. I have witnessed students that have poor handwriting skills that also exhibit poor success in acquisition of new knowledge and of the ability to produce and explain coherently complex thoughts.<br />
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That has led me to explore the development and instruction of handwriting. I have come to the conclusion, through reading multiple studies and research articles that handwriting and learning are definitely connected. The connection between handwriting and reading acquisition is definitely evident. Without the acquisition of adequate handwriting skills students will habitually struggle with conveying complex thought on paper and developing an ability to analyze complex thoughts which they read.<br />
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I know the argument is (with the development of computer technology) "why teach handwriting, you don't need it." I object, I believe otherwise. The physical act of typing on a keyboard is extremely different from handwriting the letters. The sensory processes that are involved are complex and involves many different areas of the brain to produce handwriting. The learned processes in the brain that are activated during automatic handwriting leads to the greater ability of the student to produce complex thought. Without practice and the mastery of handwriting skills the brain struggles with the process of writing, thus using memory that can not be used in more complex higher order thinking.<br />
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That being said, the process of cursive writing or writing in long hand, is conducive to more fluid thoughts being expressed in essays and papers. The automaticity of the act allows for the student to not only express more complex ideas but also to write more physically. This skill will benefit college students during lecture. Early education should build the foundation for success in those students who do continue their education through college.<br />
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So, is you child learning manuscript and cursive? Perhaps they should be. . .especially if they are poor readers or are not experiencing success in school because they can not write legibly.EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-38523785543703054332012-09-30T13:44:00.001-07:002012-09-30T13:44:21.394-07:00Tony Danza, an apology to teachersSo, I have read another book. When visiting a local bookstore, I picked up Tony Danza's book "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had." The book is about his year that he spent teaching at a high school in Philadelphia and the A&E production "Teach."<br />
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I believe that about half of the stuff in the book would not have happened with out the celebrity Tony Danza; but I also believe that 100% of the stuff in the book would not have happend without Tony Danza, the man. I believe that Mr. Danza's integrity to the students shines through, and without that, it would just be another celebrity "pet project."<br />
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I think Mr. Danza is being sincere in his book. I think Mr. Danza actually learned what is like to be a teacher in today's environment. Mr. Danza did not have a "full load;" he only taught one block (90 minute) class. Therefore, he did not experience the "real" thing. Mr. Danza realizes this, and he speaks about this in his book. I applaud him, he has done what a lot of folks have not done, he attempted to "walk" in a teacher's shoes for one year.<br />
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The epilogue in the book really does speak to me as a veteran teacher. Mr. Danza nails the issue directly on the head.<br />
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As a teacher, I have been so discouraged by the media, whether it's about a "bad" teacher or situation in a school, but also the back lash we teachers have to deal with in the classroom. Education is not valued. The media, TV entertainment, popular music, politicians and pundits do not follow through; yes, they may say education is important, but how do they back that up? With more complaints about teachers in American classrooms? We know what it will take. Where are the people willing to make that happen? We need more teachers to lower the student-teacher ratio, we need more support in our schools from school boards, administrators, parents, and local communities. We do not need more rhetoric about data or accountability when the data or reports of accountability are not used in a valid manner.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Like-Apologize-Every-Teacher-Ever/dp/0307887863" target="_blank">I'd Like To Apologize To Every Teacher I Ever Had</a><br />
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EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-47480433729181479782012-09-01T11:37:00.000-07:002012-09-01T11:37:29.609-07:00Who's driving this train?You know, I've been thinking about leadership for some time. <br />
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I look at leaders in my field and consider what they are promoting. If a leader makes a statement, pro or con about a belief, then doesn't that represent them?<br />
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I do not understand.<br />
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Through the use of logic, training, education and practical experience I posses, I have come to realize that effective leadership is "hard to come by." Some of the most ineffectual leaders are in the educational field (speaking from my own experience). <br />
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There is a trend in education to use teachers in leadership roles. Well, that's really great, if they are truly given the autonomy to do that with guidance. Is leadership always doing what you are told? or is leadership compliance? Does leadership operate from a basis of inducing fear?<br />
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I don't know. . . what I do know is . . .<br />
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True and effective leaders always have their eyes on the horizon and facilitates the establishment of goals that are worthy and achievable. The true leader maintains those high expectations, and is also aware of and facilitates the workers by not only giving them tools to do their job, but including support to the workers. The true leader grants autonomy to the workers in reaching the horizon, rather than stifling creative and productive problem solving. A true leader is really a servant to those that they lead. <br />
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<br />EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-67720319643760165192012-08-11T09:40:00.001-07:002012-08-11T09:40:44.009-07:00What is school culture and climate? How does it impact learning?The culture and climate of a school has significant impact on student and teacher learning. What does that mean? How does the school operate? What are the actions of school administrators and teachers that define the culture and climate?<br />
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To the best of my knowledge, I believe that every school has a mission and a vision statement. Some schools also have belief statements. That is great, and if the school's action reflect those statements it is even better, and is exactly how it should be. . .<br />
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For the most part though, many students, teachers and even school personnel can not quote any of those things if asked. <br />
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What will tell you more about a school than any statement that they have published are the actions and words of school staffs and administrators. This will give you some indication of the culture and climate. Are the actions and words about student learning? Are the actions and words about success on the test? What is the language used to describe the school? How are you greeted when you visit a school? What do you see people
doing when you come in to a school building? What is the "business as
usual scenario?" <br />
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The culture and climate of a school can be anything from an enriching learning environment to a culture of a circus or to a rule of a tyrant or to be extremely toxic to professionals and students. Who is in charge in the school? It is not always the administrator. A weak administrator allows others to not only influence critical decisions but to also actually make them. A weak administrator leads to teacher burn out, turn over in staff, discipline issues of students, poor communication with the community and poor decisions for the school as a whole. <br />
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EVERYTHING that happens in the school goes directly back to the Principal's chair. The principal is the one person in the building who can make changes. . .albeit, good or bad. All actions of the school are directly related to the principal and their decisions and actions. <br />
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<br />EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-63852012141320066682012-07-29T09:04:00.000-07:002012-07-29T09:04:12.156-07:00Something to think about. . .Well, it's that time of year. We are all headed back to school. As usual I've been reading. . .<br />
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If you have email and belong to any organizations, you get notifications, newsletters, right? Well, I have received an email that is really more than a notification, it is a newsletter. I don't always read the entire newsletter, but really pick out the articles that interest me. So, a "hot" topic mentioned in the title to one of the articles piqued my interest. I am including a link:<br />
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<a href="http://neatoday.org/2012/05/16/bullying-of-teachers-pervasive-in-many-schools/?utm_source=neatodayexpress&utm_medium=email&utm_content=bully&utm_campaign=120725">http://neatoday.org/2012/05/16/bullying-of-teachers-pervasive-in-many-schools/?utm_source=neatodayexpress&utm_medium=email&utm_content=bully&utm_campaign=1207</a><br />
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While reading the article, I kept questioning myself, have I experienced this? The answer is yes, at all levels. I have witnessed examples of this between others and aimed at myself. New teachers are much more "attractive" targets for the bully, because they don't have tenure and are afraid to speak up. Teachers with experience and multiple degrees are becoming targets, due to the cost of employing teachers with experience. In this situation, no one wins. <br />
<br />EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-70646318277492130562012-07-17T17:17:00.000-07:002012-07-17T17:17:14.259-07:00Value added evalutionsThe more that I read about "value added" evaluations, as promoted through Race to the Top, the more concerned I become about the welfare of the quality of education in America.<br />
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I am concerned that Race To The Top is more about money and political clout than quality education for our children. There are too many questions for us to implement these "innovations" across the board. There are too many instances where abuse and mishandling of funds could exist. There are too many instances of political partnerships with philanthropic organizations and the possible existence of graft and control for profit. There are just too many questions.<br />
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Do we need some reforms? Yes, but we need to be cautious. Lack of funding is straining our schools to support our students. As I said in my last post, one proven method of improving student learning is student teacher ratios. The lower the ratio, the more success and learning for the student. It is pretty easy, and no "for profit" organizations would be involved.<br />
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Please read the articles at these links and see what you think.<br />
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<a href="http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/living-in-dialogue/2012/07/the_gates_foundations_leverage.html">http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/living-in-dialogue/2012/07/the_gates_foundations_leverage.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/living-in-dialogue/2012/07/the_gates_foundations_educatio.html">http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/living-in-dialogue/2012/07/the_gates_foundations_educatio.html</a><br />
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On a more positive note, I have recently read an article about schools extending their day. This makes sense, and I will follow their progress.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ednewscolorado.org/2012/07/16/40526-dps-launches-extended-learning-pilot">http://www.ednewscolorado.org/2012/07/16/40526-dps-launches-extended-learning-pilot</a><br />
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I am familiar with PEBC (Public Education and Business Coalition). I have attended professional development with PEBC consultants. I have found PEBC to have sound practices which engender rigor in learning for students.<br />
<br />EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-50737002199133708132012-07-06T09:14:00.000-07:002012-07-06T09:14:12.569-07:00Conversations need to re-focus. . .I had some data brought to my attention today. Since I was not sure who had compiled the data, I decided to go to the one source that would be most accurate, the US Census. This is the report I found. I think we need to change the conversation in eduction to "what we can do" rather than "what we can't do." It is a paradigm shift. It changes how we approach our issues.<br />
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<a href="http://www.census.gov/prod/2012pubs/p20-566.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.census.gov/prod/2012pubs/p20-566.pdf</a><br />
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I also think we should start talking about the success we have had over the last decade. Is all this uproar (i.e. teacher effectiveness, test scores, accountability) about who can have the largest part of the money pie? I have witnessed personally a lot of waste in finances. With the advent of Bill Gates and Race To The Top, is the uproar over who gets the cash? I have seen many people paid many dollars for "new" educational practices that are not all successful, and some that are just not practical.<br />
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Again, when are they going to ask the people who do the job what is best to help the students succeed? Research for many years, and practical experience have given us the answer over and over again. Smaller classes, more teachers. Done. Hmmm, that didn't cost much.EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-85162992928777836502012-07-03T12:07:00.002-07:002012-07-03T12:07:59.683-07:00Effectiveness of teachers. . .I have been involved in discussions on measuring teacher effectiveness. I am still not convinced on the best way to measure the effectiveness of teachers. There are a tremendous amount of variables, it would have to be an extensive amount of work. Basing effectiveness on one facet such as test scores is not viable. You will never get the whole picture from one measurement.<br />
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I just read an article, that yes, and yet again, my profession is compared to other professions. . . hmm. Apples and oranges? Although this article did make some valid points, the most major one is that of teamwork.<br />
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It is worth reading and thinking about.<br />
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hunter-gehlbach/teachers-should-be-evaluated_b_1643211.html" target="_blank">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hunter-gehlbach/teachers-should-be-evaluated_b_1643211.html</a>EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-82519910811067247722012-06-21T07:57:00.000-07:002012-06-21T07:57:32.442-07:00Ok, so someone else is aware!?!I came across this article on Yahoo news. Ms. Bloom has apparently written about the state of education and what we, as a society are saying to our young people. The article is well worth reading. . . .<br />
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<a href="http://lisabloom.com/site/lisas-books/swagger-excerpt/" target="_blank">http://lisabloom.com/site/lisas-books/swagger-excerpt/</a><br />
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I think the second paragraph pretty much sums up how it really is . . . not just perception.EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231371600603218849.post-12241579827783504332012-06-14T09:26:00.001-07:002012-06-14T09:26:45.303-07:00OH MY! Arousal sensors!!!!!!!I just read an article about a sensor that is being tested in schools this fall. The sensor is supposed to inform teachers about which students are engaged in the lesson.<br />
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<a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation-world/sns-rt-us-usa-education-gatesbre85c018-20120612,0,3007501.story">http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation-world/sns-rt-us-usa-education-gatesbre85c018-20120612,0,3007501.story</a><br />
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EPIC FAIL! <br />
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What are we doing to education? How in the world can we get past all the gimmicks and just go back to teaching the students? What kind of crazy train are we riding? I don't know about you all out there, but it really makes good sense to me to try and ask the people doing the job what would truly help.<br />
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Jus' sayin'.EDickinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15135292031056154888noreply@blogger.com0