The Hot Topic: Science

The past decade focused on reading reform, with programs like Reading First taking over school autonomy.  Yet our country is realizing our heightened focus in reading caused a lag in science.  When will we learn the power of balance?  Our government is like a little puppy; attention focused only on the direction the toy was thrown, even when the thrower kept it in his hand. 

Reading is important, but plugging schools in with regimented programs which tell teachers what to say and when to say it will not create better teachers OR better students.  Science took the back burner and now we are paying for it.  I argued this for years, working in a district that leaves a half an hour for science and social studies combined.  Of course the children will suffer!  I prefer to teach with project-based and inquiry learning, but with only a half hour, once directions are given and materials passed out, that leaves little exploration and reflection.

Perhaps other districts value science and social studies more and have included more time in the curriculum. The article I read today touches on the idea that comparing US student scores to other countries, such as China, show the huge disparities between poor and affluent communities.  There are other studies, such as the 3 Million Word Gap where affluent children come to school with more (3,000,000) vocabulary because parents engage them in conversation each day, whereas poverty families talk "at" their children, focusing on what to do/not do, rather than prompt them to inquire about their world.

I believe another factor should be covered in this article: English As A Second Language (ESL) or English Language Learners (ELL).  These students are learning the basics of English, in addition to content knowledge.  Studies show it takes an average of 7 years to become proficient in a language.  The toughest part of learning a new language is content area; image having to learn the concepts of electricity in a new language.  It is more challenging than your every-day speak which is repeatedly practiced in realistic situations.  Our country hosts a plethora of cultures and language.  We are a melting pot and, in addition to beefing up an authentic inquiry-based (vs memorization of facts) curriculum, we need to accept that it is going to take our students a little longer to master the science vocabulary.  It is hard to authentically compare our progress to other countries in which the majority of the population speak the same language (not considering different dialects).

For further reading, please read "A Tale of Rich And Poor" in the middle of the article "Why does U.S. fail in science?" by the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

Having A Voice For Those Who Don't

Today's post is in response to a heartwrenching, yet inspiring story about new unit through the Anticruelty Society (ASPCA). "Saving man's best friend from dog's worst enemy" is an article about dogs and other animals forced into blood-sports. But this topic holds near to my job. I think I have a soft spot for animals, especially those in need, just as I do the demographic of students I teach. Both need someone to give them a voice, to stand up for them.

Each year Best Friends Animal Society visits my school with a host of trained dogs. They talk to my students about how to properly care for animals and identify animal cruelty and neglect. To think that they actually have to show students a padlock and explain that it is too heavy and cruel to put on a dog's collar is shocking. More so, on average each year when my class is asked, "How many of you have seen a dog fight (or any animal)?" at least 10-12 hands go up. My students witness violence amongst people, drugs, drunkenness, and animal fighting. They do not know it is wrong, or if they do they do not know what to do.

As a teacher I am fighting for the rights of my students to be given an education by a caring, devoted teacher each day. I appreciate these officers and ASPCA for also fighting to give a voice to those who also don't have one.

Stressed Students, Stressed Teachers and the emotional havoc

Today's post is about new research on student stress to school environment.

The first paragraph sucked me in, "Between inadequate supplies, rundown school buildings, and disrespected teachers buried in paperwork, school can be stressful for 1st graders..." This holds true for any student, and I have seen it first hand. I have been in the school with the windows shot out, toilets literally missing leaving only a hole, holes so deep in the walls you can see the parking lot outside, and mice/bats makes homes throughout the school. When children see the adults do not care enough to maintain the environment, the students begin to feel inadequate.

"In turn, children’s behavior problems are a major source of teacher dissatisfaction, turnover, and lowered expectations, the study finds, and discipline issues in the school can take teachers away from teaching, which can lead to teacher exhaustion, making it more difficult to regulate children’s behavior within the classroom, according to the authors." Returning to my preaching point, students come to school with many factors that take away from teaching. As a nation we need to hold family accountable for establishing values of behavior and education before the onset of education. Until then, keep in mind that teachers are a piece of the puzzle and cannot be held accountable for any other missing pieces.

Until then, we dedicated teachers will continue to put forth all our energy to guiding these students toward progress. We will open our hearts and share our concern for them, and we will do our best to do what the parents did not do.

I know today's post is narrow, it focuses on the stereotype of poverty-stricken families that I have so frequently worked with. I chose to work in this demographic because my heart went out to the children of these home environments. I know not all poverty-stricken families lack morals. But enough do that it bleeds throughout the community and into the school and has significantly affected our schools, causing blame to be thrown all over. That is why I promote parent education, from the onset of birth, if not before.

A New Technology-Based Curriculum/Data

First WATCH this video: http://www.ted.com/talks/salman_khan_let_s_use_video_to_reinvent_education.html

The Khan Academyis an interesting concept. I like parts, I'm unsure of parts. Again, since education is not cookie-cutter this is going to be successful in some areas, and unsuccessful in others. Those who will use it will, and those who won't, won't. My biggest concern is access to resources. This program can enhance education, without holding students back & will offer appropriate pacing for those who need more time. It will also widen the "Education Gap". Poverty-stricken students are (mostly) not as encouraged to access education outside of the school, especially when survival takes precedence. Those who can access the resources and work with others nation & worldwide may blossom from this concept. It brings the nation forward, but still holds back those who need to be brought forward.

The KahnAcademy is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, who "(S)ee Sal Khan as a pioneer...to use technology to let more and more people learn things..." As stated in the previous paragraph, this can be a supportive program, but not to those who won't use it. Will we blame Kahn for poor education too? He is offering free education and those who won't use it still won't!

"Criticism leaves scars; but encouragement can bring healing"

"Criticism leaves scars; but encouragement can bring healing."

A comment was made regarding my recommendation of Jon Gordon's ideal/book, The No Complaining Rule. I am always looking for inspiring quotes or books. Today I came across this quote which resonated with me. How good to you feel when you are criticized? Does it make you want to work harder? Have better relationships with the critic? Feel appreciated? Appreciate yourself? Probably the opposite of all these! Being criticized is very different from Constructive Criticism. Being criticised carries a negative tone and fosters negativity, rather than productivity.

Teachers are being criticized right and left for society's ills. Comparing our melting pot of students to generic countries, or even within the same city! Teaching is not a cookie-cutter business. Children cannot be put on a conveyor belt and be filled with understanding and background knowledge. We are fortunate to live in such a diverse country. But we must keep in mind children come in abused, learning English, have physical and/or mental disabilities. Teachers deal with all these differences and find ways to reach each individual child according to their needs. But the country is hyper-focused on what is not being done; standardized test scores. And so the cycle continues.

Let's start looking at what IS working, both at home and school. Let's learn from what IS working, rather than spending our energy on what is not. We are fostering a negative energy throughout the country and soon there will no longer be dedicated brave souls to take over this profession. Resulting in teachers being appreciated too late.

Quote fromhttp://www.reviveourhearts.com/topics/30-day-challenge.php

I Touch The Future, I Teach

Sharon Christa McAuliffe's is quoted as saying, "I touch the future, I teach." For those of us born before 1980, we clearly remember the horrific event being replayed on the t.v. as the Challenger Shuttle exploded. 2 months later the astronaut's capsule was found at the bottom of the ocean, in tact. Today over 40 schools worldwide are named after our Teacher In Space.

McAuliffe's quote made me think of other teacher-related quotes I have heard. Sadly, one disrespectful quote came to mind; "Those who can't, teach." How is it that we have gone from sending a teacher into space to making "teacher" a derogatory term today? This mission by Reagan was to honor the "(I)mportant role that teachers and education serve in their country." I have invited people who believe that ignorant quote to follow me for a day, or a week if they can hack it. My offer is always turned down. I've come to the consensus that "Those who don't teach, can't." There is no disrespect in this. It takes a special person to have the hindsight to choose a profession that can positively impact so many souls each day. To know that 30 little ones rely on your every move each moment of the day can be a heavy, but inspiring burden. Everybody has a purpose on this earth and to teachers, their purpose is very clear. We take our job very seriously and become defensive when it is challenged. This only shows just how serious we take our job.

In religion they have a "calling", and I feel the same with teaching. As a youth, growing up I had many tiny whispers in my ear about my future career, but there was a moment when a deep whisper was shouted, from all directions! I knew right then I was put on a path with a purpose for helping others. I hope that whatever your job may be, you find purpose. More so, I hope you find a way each day to touch the future.


Next post I will relate this post to JFK's famous quote, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."

Image from Wikipedia.

For Parents & Teachers: Molding Positive Kids

In an earlier post I recommended Jon Gordon's book, The Energy Bus. Each Monday I receive an inspirational email from Jon about how to be a better person or better leader. Today's email was focused on molding positive kids. Being in the classroom, adults can see the effects our mood has on children. When in a sour mood we may think we are hiding it, but children pick up quickly to our emotional status. This is especially true when standardized tests loom around the corner. Inner-city schools are under significant pressure to push students to perform well on these tests, which can be an uphill battle against a plethora of odds. But let's not let our stress take over and filter to our students. Here are some tips to create positive tips, a la Job Gordon. I'm especially fond of #1 and #5.

5 TIPS TO DEVELOP POSITIVE KIDS

(T)he research says...some people are born with a more positive disposition while others are born with more of a negative disposition. But there is hope. The latest research in neuroscience and positive psychology demonstrates that we can mold our brains and ourselves to be more positive, which is great news...

1. Success of the Day - Each night before bed, at dinner or while taking an after dinner walk ask your children their success of the day. The success could be a great conversation, an accomplishment at school, something they are proud of, a situation where they helped someone, etc. The important thing is to help them focus on accomplishments instead of failures. When we help our children expect success, look for success, and celebrate success they find more success and gain more confidence. Of course they need to learn from their mistakes and failures, but let’s help them to not dwell on them.

2. Bedtime Prayer - A ritual such as this provides your children with a foundation of peace, security, and confidence that gives them the strength to take on the daily challenges of being a child.

3. Implement the No Complaining Rule - It’s a simple rule that says you’re not allowed to complain unless you identify one or two possible solutions to your complaint. This empowers children to become a driver of their bus instead of being a passenger griping on the bus. They also learn to use complaints as a catalyst for positive change and positive action. Visit www.NoComplainingRule.com

4. Teach them the Positive Shark Formula, E + P = 0 - This is from my latest book, The Shark and The Goldfish, which is a story about a nice and positive shark who teaches Gordy the goldfish how to overcome his fear of change and find food. After all, Goldfish wait to be fed. Sharks go find food. The formula reveals that we can’t control the (E) Events in our life. But we can control our (P) Positive Response to these events and our response determines the (O) outcome. This formula helps children develop a strong locus of control which is a perspective that through their beliefs and actions they have an influence on their life. They come to believe that they are not a victim of circumstance but rather a hero in their own inspirational tale and that they can turn their challenges into opportunities and transform bad events into good outcomes. This helps them stay optimistic and believe that their best days are ahead of them, not behind them.

5. Feel Blessed instead of Stressed - As parents we need to realize that children, like adults, deal with a lot of stress...and stress is the enemy of positivity. Well, the great news is that when you are feeling blessed you can’t be stressed. The research says we can’t be stressed and thankful at the same time. Thus, a simple ritual is to help your children identify 3 things they are thankful for each day. You can create a gratitude journal together or you can encourage them to write these blessings on their blog, diary or simply talk about them at dinner. And anytime they are feeling stressed you can encourage them to recall something they are thankful for.

I encourage you to think of your child’s mind like a garden. Each day you want to help them weed their negative thoughts and plant positive thoughts. One day of weeding and planting won’t do much. However if you practice these strategies each day, over a week, a month, a year, a lifetime, the garden grows more healthy and vibrant. Nurture your child. Take time to coach them and nourish them with lots of love and positive energy and you shall see the fruits of your efforts.

Do you have any favorite strategies or rituals to develop positive kids?
Share your thoughts on our blog or Facebook page.

Stay Positive,

- Jon

What Do Teachers Make?

The hot topic is what teachers make and what can be taken away from them.
From my posts it's clear teaching is a profession undermined and lacking respect, yet right up there with parenting when it comes to meaningful and long-term impact.

I hope you enjoy the following. I do not know the author or source, so my apologies for not quoting.

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education.

He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" (Inner-City Teacher says, "Grrr bigot, this is the BEST option and a clear choice!)

To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor winner.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I-Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make? (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write.

Keyboarding isn't everything.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math.

They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know about English
while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in
the USA .

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything,

I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant.

You want to know what I make ?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

What do you make Mr. CEO ?

His jaw dropped, he went silent.

Respnding to the Newspapers

Below is a response I wrote today to a newspaper article. It is very important to be active in sharing our ideals and experiences with the public, not just ourselves. They need to be informed of the reality of what really occurs in the schools, as well as realize TEACHERS are the PROFESSIONALS. What other profession would easily allow society to rip on them as Americans have on teachers? It is sick and a disappointment on our culture's lack of thought.


It's time society stops using teachers as a scapegoat for poor education and money issues & start appreciating the emotional hard work they do every day. Look at the big picture: morals, values, respect, and family in inner-city communities have gone out the drain. Teachers are a piece of the puzzle, as is the home environment. Inner-city schools are composed of many poverty-stricken communities that do not support their school or children in their education. We need to hold family as accountable as teachers.

Finally, your solution for the deficit is reducing teacher pay. Teaching is 1 of the most important jobs! We need to take an honest look at the salaries for those sitting in offices running education, when they have no professional background in the profession, & these so-called supportive programs are a dime a dozen; lacking consistency and put in a basement within 2 years until another mandated program comes along.

Take a few months, study the history of education back to day 1. We have been riding the same circle for hundreds of years. Rather than looking back and learning from the past, we keep looking for the next quick-fix. This is EDUCATION, not a fad diet. Let's make it a lifestyle.

The 'S' Word: Part II

"And it has made standardized tests the main measurement of students, schools and, now, teachers. This obsession has bastardized the entire learning process, narrowing curriculum, fostering cheating scandals, harming real student achievement and putting teachers in a position of being blamed for things for which they are not responsible."
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/race-to-the-top/

I found this quote relating to my post from yesterday (See, The 'S' Word). There is not much more I have to say that this quote already has not. It is strong, it is bold, it is the truth of what government is doing to harm education, and the people are allowing it to happen.

Complaining solves little, but making the public aware is a start. Now the issues are clear, let me share some suggestions. Below are suggestions taken from a research resource called Rand.

I think we are taking a step toward #1 through the National Board Teacher Certification process, which many teachers have taken advantage of. #4 addresses the concern that NCLB focuses on Reading & Math, leaving other subjects on the back burner. I disagree with #5 since many teachers in low-performing schools are there because they are already determined to support those students. Try rewarding them with smaller class sizes immediately so they can focus on instruction rather than classroom management (see previous blog). And #8, oh #8...a topic so little considered in the realm of NCLB. It is as if policy makers refused to recognize the ginormous amount of language learners in our schools! Despite research stating it takes at least 7 years to proficiently take a test in another language, ESL learners are required to take standardized test just years after arriving to the country. How comfortable would you be taking that test after a couple years in the country? You may know your basic communication skills, but what about academic content in the 2nd language? Yikes!


How Can NCLB Be Made More Effective?
Should Congress reauthorize NCLB, RAND researchers recommend that it consider the following changes:
1. Promote more uniform academic standards and teacher qualification requirements across states.
2. Set more appropriate improvement targets using alternative accountability approaches that incorporate growth without the current targeting structure.
3. Broaden test measures and hold schools accountable in some way for subjects other than reading and mathematics.
4. Provide incentives for teachers to teach in low-performing schools, such as a higher salary or lower class loads for “highly qualified” teachers.
5. Allow for a more flexible system of interventions that enables states and districts to identify and prioritize the schools most in need and to design consequences to address their particular needs.
6. Broaden staff development beyond academic content and effective instruction to include approaches to problem solving, the development of interventions geared to the problems identified, and tools and practices for effective implementation of interventions.
7. Recognize the limited benefits of school choice, at least at this time, and focus efforts for school improvement on all schools while continuing to offer school choice.
8. Commit more resources to find better instructional methods and programs, especially for students with limited English proficiency and learning disabilities.

Job Perks

Time for a little reflection and hopefully, inspiration. In a time where blaming and negativity hover over our heads, let's take a moment to reflect on the perks of your job.

I've listed a few that come to mind about teaching. What comes to your mind? If you are in another profession, add what perks you enjoy about your job!

Being positive is contagious, hopefully this will take you into your next workday.

* Seeing a child smile every day
* Having a child make you laugh
* Seeing that "light" go on
* Getting sunlight through the window
* Learning something new about yourself, another, the world, etc.
* Working with people who appreciate you (child or adult)
* Each day is different
* Knowing you just changed impacted a life
* Knowing you will be in the thoughts of many of these kids when they are adults

The 'S' Word

Yep, I said it, Standardized Tests! This weighty stack of paper is soon looming on us. For some teachers, authentic learning is thrown out the window and teaching to the test began a few months ago. Frustrating, isn't it? With No Child Left Behind, and other reliance on Standardized Tests, administrators and teachers have been cornered. Administrators put on the pressure to raise scores or their job is on the line. Teachers are told to do whatever they have to to get these scores up, and teaching to the test is pushed.

Fortunately, there are the teachers who realize everyday teaching, from day 1 of school, can be authentic learning that will ultimately support test taking. But the reality is so many inner-city students come to school underfed, lack of sleep, haven't done months of homework, are repeatedly sent to the Dean of Discipline for violence in the classroom, or are still at home playing video games. These are uphill battles that teachers struggle to combat every day. Just getting some children engaged in school is a challenge, let alone giving them a test that takes 5 days to finish. And what about those kids who just don't test well, no matter if they are poverty stricken or not? Some of you reading this can identify. Taking the standardized test was probably one of your worst school memories.

Research shows there is more violence in poverty-stricken home and community environments. For example, I had a student who had been up since 3am and told me he might fall asleep during the test. He explained that his neighbor stabbed her husband to death with a kitchen knife and the police were in the building all night. Other students of mine lack sleep every night because their bed is the couch in the living room; the room the adults are busy socializing, drinking, and smoking (illegal and legal) in.

"Hardest job? I'd agree if they didn't get summers, holidays and most importantly, snow days off." Here is a many who obviously does not have children, nor family or friends in the education profession. My suggestion to this man is go to a school for 1 day and follow a teacher. Rather than looking at the job from a far spectrum, see what the job really entails. Considering babysitters make $12 per child and teachers have 30 kids in a class that they TEACH, teachers are significantly underpaid. Good teachers consider themselves a parent in the classroom. Teachers take a 7 hour emotional roller coaster ride where we parent 30 kids at once 180 days out of the year. Mental health days are a requirement in this field. Even parents know that. Teaching is part of the puzzle, but cannot be blamed as the only scapegoat for failure on a standardized test.

I am beginning to sound like a skipping record, but how do we expect teachers to combat the lack of parental responsibility in (not all) many of these inner-city student homes? Firing these teachers or paying them less is not the solution. We need to begin by training these parents when the child is in the womb. Parenting is a job and requires some sort of mentorship. For those who did not get that mentorship growing up, it is time to send them to parenting school to slow down this vicious cycle.