Social Justice

Is it good to teach what “they” want? It is an ongoing battle of teacher vs. society and there is no near end in sight. Teachers are faced with these issues everyday they step into their classrooms, should they do what they want or what they are given. In the class that I am observing the cooperating teacher showed me her “lesson plan” the entire book was pre-made, no decisions were really her own. At one of her breaks while the kids were in the library my teacher and a couple others were discussing how they were going to try and sneak some of their own lessons in with the schools. For teachers to have to try and sneak in their own work is ridiculous. We get into teaching to make an impact on kids lives, and the fact that we need to follow what someone else has already done, that doesn’t make us feel very accomplished. Teaching with social justice is an educational practice that promotes teaches to argue for justice and equity in all of their learners and in all educational settings. The practice is spread through all grade levels and academic settings, often making educators think harder and enlighten themselves as well as students. When I began to read Kohl’s article I will admit I was lost. I had to idea what was happening. Then reading though what he suggested for us, it began to make sense. I liked what he said about teaching against consciousness. “First, don't teach against your conscience. Don't align yourself with texts, people, or rules that hurt children; resist them as creatively and effectively as you can, whether through humor or by developing alternative curricula.” (Kohl)
I believe that social justice is an ongoing fight, but teachers need to teach. In order to get across what they need to, to the students they need to enjoy what they are talking about. Teachers need to display what they love in any way possible. Teacher freedom is needed.

http://www.rethinkingschools.org/archive/15_02/Just152.shtml

Special Needs

Special needs children have it hard enough in school. Getting pulled out class if they are integrated, and having a hard time keeping up with the rest of the class. They might even feel like they don’t belong. But what happens if they feel like they don’t fit in at home as either. Children going through adoption have a very hard time adjusting to their new lives. Special needs children have an even harder time adjusting. If they are in foster homes they are getting the attention and help that they need to thrive. Teachers need to handle special needs students carefully and give them the proper care. With the added stress of adoption special needs students need too have special help that they might not be receiving.

http://www.comeunity.com/adoption/special_needs/index.html

Children Falling Behind

Children falling behind is a very serious issue that is happening more and more today. There are many factors that can contribute to this. Children these days have just as much stress as adults do, or so it seems. Children who have stressful home lives also seem to have added pressure to the everyday pressure of school. If a child doesn’t have a place of their own to study and get work done then they might fall even more behind. For some students school could also be a safe haven if their home life is too hectic. However if a child isn’t understanding what it going on in class and they are falling back instead of forward what can be done? Many schools have a good special help for those students who need one on one help, but I think that there should be a country wide collaboration that had set goals for these students. I know that when I was in elementary I had a very tough time with reading. I got put into a special reading class in the basement of all places. It did nothing for me and I could tell the teacher didn’t want to be doing it. I think that more focus should be put on this area.

http://www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=158

What up with private schools?

Are private schools all they are cracked up to be? What does the price get you, and is it really that expensive? More and more scholarships are being giving to try and get students in private schools rather than public. A recent study has shown that the cost of different private schools do vary, and they are mostly somewhere between 2,500$-5000$ per year. In the long run this price really isn’t that bad, but is it worth it? Do private schools give you a superior education to public schools? I don’t think so; public schools offer a largely diverse group of students to interact with. Private schools cater to one type of family, ones that can afford private prices. Also I don’t believe that since you pay for school you are getting anything more than you do in public school. The school you teach in does not mean you are a better teacher. It is how you approach your teaching that makes you a good teacher. Private schools may be for some people but I think public education is a gift that should be appreciated.

http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=3231

Are the Arts overlooked?

Research has shown that art is a very important part of a child’s life. It allows them express themselves freely mostly without restriction. However is it getting left in the dust?
Art has many positive factors on a child, including increasing non-verbal skills and cognitive skills. Art can give a child who is “falling behind” a chance to be good at something. I know that when I was in school art was my favorite class! Art is a natural source of curiosity and lets children’s minds wander to new and exciting things. It allows children to become involved in their schools and can even establish a sense of pride amongst a group. A strong bond can be linked between art and student to student and student to teacher relationships as well. By letting a child express themselves you are giving them an utmost sense of pride and accomplishment. It enhances the natural curiosity all students possess.
However sad to say especially in today’s economic crisis, art is being over looked. With tighter and tighter budgets classes like art and music are being dropped. Canceling these classes may help the money problem but it is ultimately the students that suffer from it. With a way to healthily express themselves students may feel contained and anxious. I think that Art should be a part of every school, economic crisis or not.

http://www.ecs.org/html/issue.asp?issueid=211&subissueID=0

Getting Started

This is my first time making one of these so hopefully I did it right? I think its ok! Well just wanted to write something to get started. I guess I will just put up some pictures. Me and my girlfriend are on the left. Also this is how we found Lorelai asleep in her crib.