I saw a study on the news this morning that says that well rounded students are becoming a thing of the past. Why? Because we don't spend enough time on teaching them science, social studies and THE ARTS! We are teaching to the test. Here are my thoughts....
First of all, I love that we are trying to "improve" the system. I think that the intent is great; however the execution is awful. Why are we trying so hard to do away with the arts instead of just improving on how things are taught? Why are we so convinced that we aren't keeping up with these other countries instead of focusing on how our kids may excel in other areas? Many, many great minds have come out of the "old" system of teaching. Instead of trying to revamp the whole system and letting a bunch of suits come up with the ideas, why not talk to the teachers who have been doing this for years and years? Why are we not involving THEM more in the process?
My feeling is that we SHOULD be focusing on the basics. It's great to teach kids different methods of solving a math problem but it will be even easier if they knew the basics first. If a child knows what 5+7 is without having to count, it's so much easier. If they know their times tables, it makes their subsequent math so much easier. Why are we taking the focus off of these things and trying so hard to make them compete to some test that most teachers will tell you is ridiculous? Why are we not continuing things like spelling, handwriting, and grammar being taught longer? Because of spell check? Dream on. We should be getting back to the basics. It doesn't mean we can't improve on our methods; evolving our methods is the key to improving. However, evolution doesn't mean complete eradication of the former teachings.
Why have we eliminated cursive? Cursive writing not only allows you to have a signature of your own but also uses a part of your brain you wouldn't otherwise use. You don't have to have perfect cursive writing or even use it frequently for it to be something that is helpful to know. Penmanship, in general, seems to be thrown to the wayside anymore. Well, we type. So what?
Why are we encouraging calculators so much? This drives me bonkers!
Why in the world are we not teaching a more complete social studies and science course?
Why are we cutting out recess and shortening lunches to the point that kids are being rush, rush, rushed into choking down their food?
So many questions that don't seem to have any answer except "we need to be prepared for the standardized test." We are cutting off our teachers at the knees (figuratively speaking) by not allowing them to use their creativity to teach THEIR way. We are undermining their authority at every turn when they should be the ones we should be asking. So how does this girl think we resolve this?....
Ask the teachers! Get rid of common core. Get rid of the billion tests a year. Give the teachers great pay and initiatives to want to teach. Change the rules of the tenure process so that if a teacher isn't doing their job, they can be disciplined/fired BUT understand that most teachers ARE doing amazing, even if these stupid tests aren't showing it. Stop thinking that some bubble test can show a child's intelligence level and start letting the teachers assess who is doing well and who needs help. Get more teachers in the classroom so that if these 5 kids don't understand this math method, they can be pulled aside and taught a different way while the other kids are reinforcing the original method (so they don't confused). Teach the basics and get history, science and the arts back in school. Give the kids a longer lunch and more time outside.
How else can we help? Revamp school boards and PTA's. Stop letting a few families control these associations just because they have the time. In the age of social media and technology, we have the ability to include everyone that wants to be included in these organizations. The more parent involvement, the better off the school is. This is all about the kids. We should all be working together to achieve a common goal, which is to teach our kids to be healthy, intelligent, well-rounded individuals that will be productive adults!
There's a whole lot of work ahead but it can be achieved. To the past, current and future teachers, THANK YOU. You make an enormous difference in our children's lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment