Showing posts with label Jennifer Rector-Class Reaction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jennifer Rector-Class Reaction. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Class Reaction 4/15/09
We covered a lot of interesting questions in tonight's class. Incidentally, I liked the small group format. In response to the question regarding the tension between local and national school policies, I believe that the state of South Carolina is a perfect illustration of the problem. South Carolina leaders claim that they care about education, but clearly they do not. All one has to do is watch The Corridor of Shame, to figure that out. Recently Governor Sanford has voiced his opposition to stimulus money which is meant to fund education and establish jobs. I hate to sound cynical but with a school system that faces constant opposition reform seems impossible.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The Intangibles
I am unclear about whether or not it is appropriate to officially classify teachers as professionals. While, I certainly believe that teachers are professionals, it does not seem that teaching meets all of the standards that are required to be deemed a profession. This is not to say, however, that many teachers are not intelligent, thoughtful, and talented individuals.
In terms of evaluating teachers, I do believe that it is more valid to use comparative data than it is to solely use standardized test scores. However, I think there is another component to this debate that must be considered, the intangibles. So often what makes a teacher great are the things that we can't measure, or even articulate very well. When I think about the teachers that I loved the most, I do not think about how they dressed or how they wore their hair. I do not think about if they met every predetermined standard, or how strictly they followed a professional code. Instead I Think about the teachers that had the innate ability to express genuine care and concern for me. The teachers that really new how to connect with their young students. I firmly believe that children have a very keen sense for the genuine nature of adults.
I do not think that we should totally dismiss they notion that "you either have it or you don't," there may just be some substance to that thinking.
In terms of evaluating teachers, I do believe that it is more valid to use comparative data than it is to solely use standardized test scores. However, I think there is another component to this debate that must be considered, the intangibles. So often what makes a teacher great are the things that we can't measure, or even articulate very well. When I think about the teachers that I loved the most, I do not think about how they dressed or how they wore their hair. I do not think about if they met every predetermined standard, or how strictly they followed a professional code. Instead I Think about the teachers that had the innate ability to express genuine care and concern for me. The teachers that really new how to connect with their young students. I firmly believe that children have a very keen sense for the genuine nature of adults.
I do not think that we should totally dismiss they notion that "you either have it or you don't," there may just be some substance to that thinking.
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