I've been thinking a lot lately about how education has changed over the past generation of learners (say, from me to the current generation). Add a generation or two, and one can see even a greater difference. And while change is a positive thing, transition is often difficult. As one of my friends so eloquently put it, "Mike, change is good, but transition stinks". I guess that's true.
We've become quite addicted to fancy names and acronyms - ITBS, Common Core, Educator Effectiveness, NCLB, RtI, Differentiation - just to name a few. Even this short list isn't the entire bunch that are currently active components of education, and that's not to mention all of those retired initiatives, to have been replaced in the sunset by the 'latest and greatest' that we often brand are good for kids.
That's all good, but I'd argue something a bit different. I believe what is good for kids are positive relationships; friendships, role model, mentor, family, etc. I hope that we stress those positive relationships here at our school. It's the type of relationship that is formed only by care and concern, not labels and red ink. I personally know that so many of our teachers truly inspire and help kids, especially when they face frustration and distrust. I've also seen the opposite - at other places - simply giving a kid a grade with ill regard to what the child knows. Imagine that sort of impression as the child grows older - better off to forget that teacher than remember them.
So I guess the only fancy word that I can meaningfully offer is thanks. I'm thankful for the compassionate parents, the hard-working expert teachers, the energetic students, and the ability to be part of such a wonderful school.
All the rest of those fancy acronyms and words - sure, we'll keep working on them, but we must never putting them before what's the most important: each other.
Mike
We've become quite addicted to fancy names and acronyms - ITBS, Common Core, Educator Effectiveness, NCLB, RtI, Differentiation - just to name a few. Even this short list isn't the entire bunch that are currently active components of education, and that's not to mention all of those retired initiatives, to have been replaced in the sunset by the 'latest and greatest' that we often brand are good for kids.
That's all good, but I'd argue something a bit different. I believe what is good for kids are positive relationships; friendships, role model, mentor, family, etc. I hope that we stress those positive relationships here at our school. It's the type of relationship that is formed only by care and concern, not labels and red ink. I personally know that so many of our teachers truly inspire and help kids, especially when they face frustration and distrust. I've also seen the opposite - at other places - simply giving a kid a grade with ill regard to what the child knows. Imagine that sort of impression as the child grows older - better off to forget that teacher than remember them.
So I guess the only fancy word that I can meaningfully offer is thanks. I'm thankful for the compassionate parents, the hard-working expert teachers, the energetic students, and the ability to be part of such a wonderful school.
All the rest of those fancy acronyms and words - sure, we'll keep working on them, but we must never putting them before what's the most important: each other.
Mike