This chapter's emphasis was about how to begin to recognize readicide in schools. Kelly Gallagher introduces his ideas about what readicide is, how he feels it has become this way, and also about other problematic ideas within the schools surrounding this concept, such as testing and standards.
I loved how Gallagher delved into the concept of standards and testing, but also makes claims that he is not against those things. He isn't against standards and even claims that they, "are necessary, and have made me a better teacher", but he goes on to say that, "there is one big problem concerning the state and local standards in this country: there are far too many of them" (9). He also claims that teaching to the test isn't the issue, but that, "the problem occurs when we spend most of our time teaching to a shallow test" (12). I agree with most of his ideas here. There are too many standards, and the expectations for teachers to truly teach in a meaningful way is unrealistic in the amount of time that they are given. I think that standards are helpful when they are thoughtful and useful themselves. I also agree that teaching to a test, meaning that you have a clear idea of where you will be assessing your students from the beginning is a meaningful way to teach them because their expectations are then clear from the beginning.
I think that too often teachers give in to the high unrealistic demands that are set for them from the politics surrounding them rather than trying to teach in a truly meaningful way. It is clear that something needs to change in the educational world. There are many who are speaking up, but is anyone listening?
My goodness - you final question make me pause. Yes, exactly who is listening? And, who needs to be listening? You are getting to important issues. It will be interesting to see what you think - and can use - as Gallagher explains what he tries to do to preserve teaching and learning.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your blog!
Yeah, that's a good question Jess, and Dr. Webb's- who SHOULD be listening is another. My question is-why aren't they listening? What's to be gained by state gov and Washington ignoring the fact that despite all the money and effort thrown at NCLB- we're still falling in the international literacy race? Gallager brings up a good point about knowing your desired outcomes first and teaching with those in mind- but fostering shallow thinking and reading skills just to pass some test- won't serve anyone once these kids are out of school. For this reason I believe this whole strategy is counter-productive to our national interests to be global competitors.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that the politicians and educational CEOs make the educational decisions for our country. When I read about the latest political propositions, they always seem to be tied to a politician or a CEO of some educational company. These "leaders" in education (and yes I use the term loosely) have never spent a year in a Title I school attempting to teacher 30+ students in a crowded, smelly room without out any resources or even a textbook. They've never given up hours after school tutoring one or two students who are willing and can arrange to stay after school, when you know that 50% of your students should be in the room because they are all failing. They've never stood for hours in an empty school during open house or parent conferences, because parents don't show up (for many reasons) to support your daily endeavors to educate their child. I'm sure you see my point. Why do these people get to decide these very important educational issues? Why is the input of teachers and administrators so easily dismissed? Obviously, what we are currently doing isn't working. It seems that many of us are just hoping that Obama puts a policy change in place so we aren't stuck with NCLB for 4 more years. It's sad that in some ways we just hope there's a change, because it can't be worse. Like you said, so many of us are speaking up. I believe these "leaders" are the ones who should be listening.
ReplyDeleteI also think that we have become too constrained by the standards in place. But teaching to a shallow test is what is really bringing us down. These normative exams drain the excitement and critical analysis out of education and learning. After reading "The Shame of the Nation" by Kozol I have tons of questions for our government. What are we doing to our students? We are not appropriately preparing them for citizenship and the workforce. But how are we to do this when there are so many rules, standards, and normative exams? Where has all the creativity and wonder gone? Hopefully in the next few years there will be changes because NCLB isn't working.
ReplyDelete