I've often wondered if the "reforms" of NCLB and Race to the Top were not intentionally setting up teachers to fail. While the media loves to point out Jaime Escalantes and the "Freedom Writers" out there, the fact is that there will be plenty of perfectly competent, well-meaning teachers who nevertheless cannot be miracle workers. Education reform that does not take into account a social justice theory of intersectionality or environmental factors such as poverty is not much of a "reform" at all.
In his article, Kotlowitz mentions that too often "we" (I am guessing he means society) tries to impute to teachers impossible powers. The weight of the world is put on their shoulders. They are considered the ultimate solution to problems related to poverty and violence. It falls on them the responsibility to transform a child's life, and yes as the author notes great schools and teachers can do this, but it is unfair to put sole responsibility on teachers. I have seen in my school well intentioned teachers and guidance counselors doing all that they can for their students. I have gone more than once with my co-teacher to the guidance counselor's office to fix schedules and tend to student's complains. She does not have to do this, but she does. The guidance counselor is amazing, but she is only one person. My co-teacher has over thirty students in one of her classes. There is only one of her for over thirty students. She is trying. The point is that there are great teachers and guidance counselors out there, but it won't be enough.
Just as Jessica and Marina has stated in response to the article, teacher can not combat the problems alone. As Tough stated, education is a central issue and although teachers remain a factor in aiding in student achievement, teachers can not be the sole individuals responsible for closing the economic (achievement) gap, which clearly is a issue for society and can only take place if our current infrastructure is challenged. Teachers can, however, do their very best to meet the needs of students when they enter the classroom and make it known to their students that their current position in society does not have to determine their future positions in society. Keeping that in mind, I do not support selling students dreams but I do believe in making dreams realities. As educators we are there to encourage and inspire while providing students with the only thing that can not be taken from them: Knowledge.
I've often wondered if the "reforms" of NCLB and
ReplyDeleteRace to the Top were not intentionally setting up teachers to fail. While the media loves to point out Jaime Escalantes and the "Freedom Writers" out there, the fact is that there will be plenty of perfectly competent, well-meaning teachers who nevertheless cannot be miracle workers. Education reform that does not take into account a social justice theory of intersectionality or environmental factors such as poverty is not much of a "reform" at all.
In his article, Kotlowitz mentions that too often "we" (I am guessing he means society) tries to impute to teachers impossible powers. The weight of the world is put on their shoulders. They are considered the ultimate solution to problems related to poverty and violence. It falls on them the responsibility to transform a child's life, and yes as the author notes great schools and teachers can do this, but it is unfair to put sole responsibility on teachers. I have seen in my school well intentioned teachers and guidance counselors doing all that they can for their students. I have gone more than once with my co-teacher to the guidance counselor's office to fix schedules and tend to student's complains. She does not have to do this, but she does. The guidance counselor is amazing, but she is only one person. My co-teacher has over thirty students in one of her classes. There is only one of her for over thirty students. She is trying. The point is that there are great teachers and guidance counselors out there, but it won't be enough.
ReplyDeleteJust as Jessica and Marina has stated in response to the article, teacher can not combat the problems alone. As Tough stated, education is a central issue and although teachers remain a factor in aiding in student achievement, teachers can not be the sole individuals responsible for closing the economic (achievement) gap, which clearly is a issue for society and can only take place if our current infrastructure is challenged. Teachers can, however, do their very best to meet the needs of students when they enter the classroom and make it known to their students that their current position in society does not have to determine their future positions in society. Keeping that in mind, I do not support selling students dreams but I do believe in making dreams realities. As educators we are there to encourage and inspire while providing students with the only thing that can not be taken from them: Knowledge.
ReplyDelete