I thought Jervis' article on dealing with race posed some interesting points to take into consideration before becoming a teacher. Too often people worry about how awkward or inappropriate discussing racial issues is going to be. I think if racial issues or concerns are talked about, especially within a classroom or school community, the issues can be talked about and improved. This article does a good job pointing out the fact that if the staff would have interjected during certain points some issues could have been resolved before they were escalated. Race issues are out there and it is important that the staff in a school discusses issues or problems and deals with it instead of ignoring problems in order not to create even bigger problems.
Reading about standardization is really very frustrating for me. It also makes me think of No Child Left Behind Act. I think it is very risky to teach students to a test. It is also implying that if a student can't perform well on a test and didn't know that exact information they are not smart enough. Although I understand the pupose of standardizing education and making sure that students are receiving the education they deserve and need to function in our world, standardized tests is not the best route to ensure this. Personally I have always done pretty well on standardized tests but I have had friends that I know are very smart not do well. The scores that they get back on those tests often make them feel stupid. There has to be better ways to distinguish if students are meeting necessary requirements besides a random test.
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I doubt as long as standardization exists that there will be an alternative to these random tests. They're a profit-making venture that are easy to undertake. I've often thought about possible ways to replace these tests but can't really come up with one. If we get rid of them, there is no possible way to identify that there has been a standard curricula. Since states have different standards, then it's necessary to not make these tests national, but at the end it goes back to testing as a way of proof. It's a necessary evil, especially after NCLB, that can only be whisked away with a collective movement that opposes standardization. And if there is ever a push to rid the U.S. of standardization, there better be a well-crafted Plan B.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you have to say about race. Its obviously out there so why dont we talk about it. I think that sometimes teachers feel as though their students may not be ready to talk about topics as important as these, but teachers often underestimate what their students are capable of. Students who live in the inner-city see alot of things go on and i know that they have a lot to say about what they see and how they feel.
ReplyDeleteI think that rudy brings up some good points. Standardized tests will probably be around for awhile because they are a money making venture. Its tough to quickly change something that is making a profit. I also agree that there hasnt been any solid alternatives, and if one does pop up it must be very well thought out and be able to be an accurate measure of learning for children all across the country.
I really agree with your view on race. Too often I think we all freeze up at the slightest possibility of a discussion on race out of fear. IT is often a needless fear that will only lead to raised tensions and misunderstanding. By talking about these issues as they come up you open up the classroom for a reflection on these issues that can often be very instructive and productive.
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