"...If we're behind in the class we're a problem and if we're ahead we're a problem." -pg. 137
I believe that it is OK (sometimes) to be behind... to take that extra time to help your students better understand the material. Teachers have so much pressure to be on schedule, and when other teachers are ahead...its easy to push forward and lose track of the students needs.
"What African American students need are better schools." -pg. 137
Amen! In the city of Rochester they need to re-vamp the current system and change the environment, goals, teachers, themes, activities... to make it more of an enjoyable and safe environment for the students.
"One parents spoke of a daughter who kenw how to do cursive writing when she was 7 years old but was told she had to print because. 'We don't do cursive until 3rd grade.'" -pg. 137
This is ridiculous! She is not going to be able to practice what she knows because she is ahead? This is so backwards... and I believe we should praise students for their desire to get ahead instead of trying to push them back or make them feel bad because other students are not at their level. NO, NO, NO!
The Dreamkeepers "Education, like electricity, needs a conduit, a teacher, through which to transmit its power- i.e., the discovery and continuity of information, knowledge, wisdom, experience, and culture. Through the stories and experiences of eight successful teacher-transmitters, The DreamKeepers keeps hope alive for educating young African Americans."
RCSD...can we push to change the "standardized testing" teaching only to the test score? What about teaching our kids to apply the material that is relevant to them & their futures! Know the kids, teaching from the heart, make the curriculum relevant & personal with the right amount of "rigor!"
ReplyDelete