The excerpt we read from Michael Schmoker's Result's Now was rather interesting. I must say that I agree that a buffer exists between those outside the school and those within it. If you were to read my school's mission statement and then walk around our building, you would definitely find some incongruities. While I believe that many teachers strive to reach the goals of the school, not all are successful.
Incongruities can also be found between the literature the teachers receive on how to run their classes, and how the their classes run in reality. Many teachers have their own style and disregard what the administration considers "best practice." Is this okay? Does it need to change?
I am unsure that these differences between what is said to occur and what actually occurs are bad. Our school is quite successful at keeping kids out of trouble, helping them get into a good college, and preparing them for standardized tests. To me, if teachers are successful in their pursuits, then why shouldn't they be allowed to carry on in their own styles? Perhaps, if a problem arises, then some changes need to take place. As for now, at least with my school, I believe success should warrant creative freedom.
4 comments:
I like the balance you have the argument. Your post makes be ask the larger question: When Schmoker calls his book "Results Now", what results is he referring to, and more important what results do WE value? Test scores? College Acceptance? Student happiness? Teacher happiness? Job retention? Lack of violence?
As long as teachers are successful at helping students achieve the goals identified by the school district, they will likely retain the freedom to run their classes as the see fit. It's when students don't achieve that districts must consider what happens in classrooms and make appropriate changes.
you brought up an excellent point about teaching styles - how can we measure success of a teacher when there are so many variables to consider. Teaching is an individual art form and can not be quantified.
I have always believed that teaching is an extension of who we are. I know how hard it is to have a teacher "leave you in the guessing" and I am sure we have all had that type of teacher. Given a curriculum, it should be trusted- due to the profession that the teacher is reproducing valuable information to his/her students. Why is it always a challenge? People do not need to be painted with the same brush no matter what is going on. Unfortunately we are.
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