\”Education is the power to think clearly, the power to act well in the world\’s work, and the power to appreciate life.\” – Brigham Young

Ashley’s Blog  - Students Give Input, Too

I love the idea of online classes! It seems so appealing to me to be studying in the comfort of my own home.

However, as we all know, technology is not as reliable as getting up and physical attending class.

Through out all this I’m reminded of Blackboard. How many times have you tried to log in and have found problems. And is it me, or does blackboard always seem to be down when your trying to figure out what your homework is for the next day?

I once tried to take an online class, and from the second week feel behind. Some students, like me, benefit from being in a classroom, seeing the teacher and being encouraged to keep up with the rest of the class

Katie’s Blog - What about the Gifted?

It is interesting, the way society spends so much time attempting to cater to those students who are falling behind, but very little do we hear about the gifted students who are sitting in class, day after day, bored out of their mind!

I 100% agree about the grouping method. I actually got a knot in my stomach just reading that part. How horrible it would be for that student who is being challenged in class, almost more than they can bare, that is grouped with people how are much more intelligent then than they are? Obviously, they will become discouraged by the idea, and in essence the educator will be providing a dis-service to that student. So basically, I feel that grouping will have the opposite intended meaning with in the classroom.

Christina’s Blog - Bloodshed in Bartlesville.
Like I posted on Katie’s site, I think that if an educator attempts to separate the groups of students, they would be doing a dis-service by discouraging the seemingly less intelligent students, thus not doing their job.

Anyway, I don’t think that separating these students will be beneficial, especially in high school. High School students can be mean, can you image the torture? I think that teachers should just more prepared to give these students challenging material in the classroom.

Jamie’s Blog - Varsity Blues
I agree – what a horrible reaction to the situation. I fear that is just lets this situation slide, and make it seem forgettable, what else will she let slide? What kind of school must he be running if that kind of behavior doesn’t catch his attention?

I agree too that that school probably has a lot of problems, but if the assistant principle isn’t promoting peace and unity, more problems will be on the way, for sure!

Oh, and that coach deserves a pat on the back!

Kayda’s Blog - Falling schools across America.
What a comfort to know that it’s not just inner city schools, but suburban school too! I often feel, too, like the news just focuses on failing inner city Detroit schools. Although this is a horrible situation, it’s refreshing to hear that it’s not just Detroit anymore. Sad however that the problem is much bigger than what most people expected.

I particularly enjoyed your last paragraph and thought it was a really good point! Things would change, for sure if the administration could be in the classroom with those teachers, helping them prepare their students for the lessons they need to meet, by state standard, as well as preparing them for the MEAP.

It would be nice to work in a system one day where teachers have a direct say in standards. I agree with you, it probably would work in that case!

Colleen’s Blog - ESL Suit
I believe that this situation going against everything ESL works to accomplish?

How horrible that this boys academic gain would be put at risk because somebody in administration decided he couldn’t speak English because he looks Latino!

This is constant problem in many ESL programs: stereotyping. There needs to be better programs in place if ESL is going to be successful.

and shame on no child left behind; just another testimony of what that law needs to be taken out with the trash!

Ashley W’s Blog - Reviving Hope: One Principal’s Stand.
I enjoy the fact that the principal said he want to make being smart cool. Corny, but I agree.

I think that their is a direct correlation between the way students perform with how they feel about them selves, so this leads to question the atmosphere that this school is creating; why so many of the students are performing poorly.

Good to hear though that measures are being taken to promote social justice, and allow students to feel safe and comfortable in their learning environment.

Christine’s Blog – Trim the Tests
I 100% agree that standardized tests are really only a way to measure the effectiveness of how the school measuring up against other schools.

I became particularly interested in the quote that standardized takes away teacher’s professionalism. Scary; true. It’s so frustrating to think that so much time from teaching will be stripped away in order to prepare students to take the MEAP.

But I also liked the section about how only the teacher knows if Jonny has learned what he has supposed to learn. So true! What if teachers could write the test to measure the children’s knowledge (someway, somehow).

I guess it really just boils down the simple question: what is the point? Is anything being proven, prevented and/or changing because of this test. Because if things are going to be the same, year after year, then its time to take this test out with the garbage.

Interesting post!

Eli - I Like The Way Brits are Thinking here.

Schools need to be center of creativity: my new favorite quote!

I feel that their is a direct correlation between how the teacher presents the assignment, and how students will approach it. Ya know? If teachers simply hand you a piece of paper with an assignment in 12 pt. times new roman, probably not one student will have sparked interest.

I feel that it’s an educators job have creative juices. I’m sure we can all relate to having boring teachers. Were we inspired, motivated to succeed in education circles because of those educators? Probably not.

Interesting article. Maybe GVSU should send all education majors to England for some extra pep using creativity!

Chris- Preschool + Language = Advantage

Earlier the better, absolutely! I will have to agree with Christina, as studies show, it is much easier for a young child to acquire a first or second language than for an adult to acquire one.

Especially with the Spanish speaking community growing in leaps and bounds every year, this children will benefit from being able to communicate in both languages. Not to mention that it does, indeed, open up the door for future opportunities.

I also think it’s important that the students know their native language isn’t being de-emphisized, and not give them a chance to feel inferior to the other students.