When Muriel gathered the focus groups of parents they responded that they wanted their children to gain from school the ability to get along with others, be responsible, be tolerant of peoples' differences, to become problem solvers, and to learn to be creative. Page 23 Not one said anything about academics. Do you think a focus group of our parents would respond in that manner?
As expressed on page 28 sometimes educators have wished quietly or even openly that business people would not meddle into our affairs. We are the experts. What is your feeling on this and how can we consider what the business leaders think and still do what is best for children?
What strikes you about the AB Combs framework outlined on page 35?
After reading the section on "what students want" respond to the statement on page 39 "Many teachers underestimate the role they play in either nourishing or draining students' spirits".
I truly feel that our parents are highly focused on academics alone. Many of them become infuriated if their child's grade does not reflect what they believe their child to be capable of making. I was lucky enough to only have one face to face conference with a parent this year, and the focus of this parent was not her child's disrespect toward teacher's, his inability to stay focused in class, or his poor work ethic; her only concern was that he used to make A's and now he was doing good to bring home a B, and on top of that she seemed insulted when I tried to explain that it wasn't his ability that was keeping him from achieving what he was capable of (the A she wanted), but it was his poor attitude and failure to complete assignments. I am not sure she was even able to fathom the idea that her child could be anything less than perfect. Scary. Other emails that I received during the year from other parents reflected the same mentality. Now, I am not saying that this is EVERY parent because it certainly isn't. I had many that worked with me to solve problems, but there was a large majority that felt this way. Therefore, it was academics that they found to be top priority and not basic skills.
ReplyDeleteI recently saw a funny saying that speaks directly to the second portion of this reflection...it said, "Those who can, teach; those who can't teach make laws about teaching." I guess I am too new to really have a strong opinion on this particular matter; however, I do find myself thinking that people who are not in the actual school setting could benefit from spending some time in our shoes before they make judgments and/or critical changes.
The main idea behind the framework of AB Combs seems to be illustrating relevance. Basically, they are using the core subjects to teach "Life and Career Skills," "Learning and Innovation Skills," and "Information, Media, and Technology Skills." I can not even count how many times I have heard students ask "Why do we need this? We aren't going to teach English." I hear the same things a lot of the time about Math. It is important for them to understand that English not only teaches them how to read and write, but it also teaches them how to communicate effectively. Likewise, Math helps students to become productive problem solvers not only for number problems but also for day to day life problems. Every subject offers "hidden curriculum" that students do not see on their own. They are so literal; therefore, they must be told. Students will become much more involved in class discussions if I am able to use the situation in the text and compare it to real life situations that they are familiar with in their own lives. They like talking about themselves ;) Relevance also aides in comprehension. A lot of these things we are already incorporating into our instruction and probably haven't realized the extent to which we do try to teach life skills.
Educators carry a great deal of responsibility when it comes to the role they play in students' lives. I really like the phrase "People may not remember what you did or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel." I keep this poster within my range of sight in my classroom mainly for my own personal benefit. I need a constant, daily reminder of this because I am human, and when a student has pushed me to my limit, their feelings don't tend to be at the forefront of my mind, but they should be. I try to remember that their teachers may be the only adults in their lives that can set an example. I wouldn't be where I am today without my former teachers.
It would be interesting to learn what a focus group of MVMS parents would want from our school. I, too, have become frustrated with the parents who are overly concerned with grades and have encountered responses similar to the ones described by Ms. Elliott. I try to stress that all students should do their very best, while some students (and their parents support this notion) want to do the very least amount of work possible and still receive the highest score.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I have also met many MVMS parents who are concerned about their child's character and the development of problem-solving skills and work ethics. These parents will be the ones to challenge their children to succeed in every aspect of their futures.
As the Professional Development Coordinator at Decatur City Schools was quoted as saying, "...students don't always come with these (character-related) habits. So why leave it to chance whether or not a child has these skills?" I look forward to implementing a program that will challenge students to "do what is right when no one is watching."
The input from business leaders would also be insightful. Finding out what they view as essential skills can help us to focus some attention in those areas. I am reminded of some of the first LTF meetings in which we met with the high school science teachers. Like business leaders, they are the recipients of our graduates. It was very helpful for them to tell us what skills we could emphasize to enable our students to be more successful at the next level.
The A. B. Comb's framework is focused on future success for students. All of the skills listed are clearly important for "real life," which is a difficult concept for middle school students in general. The adolescent views that "only today matters" and "only I matter" are difficult to overcome, as Ms. Elliott pointed out.
I know that I have been surprised numerous times by the effect I have had on students. Although they don't happen often, I have received thank-you notes from students after they graduate high school, thanking me for helping them feel successful in the 8th grade. One former student even named me in response to the question, "Who influenced you the most?" in a beauty pagaent. When the local Wal-Mart presented me with Teacher of the Year and $1000 to spend on classroom supplies, I was humbled by the fact that the award was based on in-store voting by members of the community. I had no idea I had made such an impact. I remind myself of these positive affirmations when I am "pushed to my limit," as Ms. Elliott described.
Really great responses, Mrs. Elliott and Mrs. Headrick! I've been teaching in this community for 14 years. I have sensed a shift toward the "Almighty A" for the last 6 years with this last year being the strongest focus. However, reading this chapter as a parent with a child entering the 8th grade, I found myself nodding at what the parents wanted. My daughter struggles with self confidence not academics. I want her to learn to be a leader. I am so glad that Mr. Highfield quoted, "Many teachers underestimate the role they play in either nourishing or draining students' spirits". When I was reading I got my highlighter out and marked that very sentence. It was my 7th grade Language Arts teacher who made me want to be a teacher. She breathed nourishing words into my life each day of that school year. To this very day, she is one of my dearest friends. I want that for my daughter. As a parent, I try to give her opportunities to grow as an individual, but it really helps when someone, especially a teacher, takes an interest in a teenager. They can truly make a difference, but it only takes one negative experience to taint the work of the positive teachers.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed what both of you said about the business world giving teachers advice. I come from a family of educators, but we have a few in our extended family that like to tell us teachers what we ought to be doing. My mother usually handles those conversations at our extended family events!!! I love it when she tells them in her diplomatic way that they really have no idea what they are talking about! However, I think that we do need to be informed as to what the business world expects from young adults entering the work force so that we can make sure that we are preparing our future leaders.
I totally agree with the framework presented on page 35. I especially agree with the Life and Career skills...so much of those skills guide what people/students do with technology just in everyday life.
Many parents seem to be more concerned that their child have an A than what they are learning. A common complaint is that my class is harder than previous years. My response is that it should be harder because the requirements increase as students move upward in their education. Of course, I have also had many wonderfully supportive parents.
ReplyDeleteWe do need to know the skills that are required in the business world because our job is to prepare students to be successful adults. This includes having the skills necessary to be employed. The framework on page 35 includes the skills most wanted by businesses. That being said, I also do not agree with people giving advice to educators when they have never been in the classroom. They do not understand the demands and challenges that we face.
When I was earning my business degree, the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was required reading in several courses. The skills discussed can apply to any area of someone's life. If we can find a way to create a framework similar to the AB Combs framework, we can help develop the skills our students will need to become successful. We can also show them that success can be found in more than just a grade.
The section What Students Want is a good reminder for all educators. We need to inspire our students to be the best they can be.
I believe our parents primary focus would be academics. Yes, I think all of them want their children to make an A. However, I think the meaning of that A is different to a parent than to us the teachers. When a child receives A's this becomes a bragging right for the parent, a reflection of their parenting skills. When their child does not make A's , I believe the parent takes it personally,a reflection on them the parents ,that they have failed in their parenting skills. This is why so many become defensive about their child's grades. We,as teachers, look at grades as a way to communicate the child's abilities and efforts to the parents. I would love to see the system change to a mastery system which truly had the same meaning to all stakeholders. Before a new skill could be taught the student must master the previous skill.
ReplyDeleteI do not mind the local business giving their input as much as I mind the politics that surround education. Our world is changing so quickly, technologically . Education needs to change as well if we are to keep our students attention. My, daughter recently graduated college and began her life in the business world. When she was interviewed for her current job, it was just as the quote in book said, she was interviewed because of the skills listed on her resume, however, the interview was all about her people skills and would she be good fit with the team she would be working with. We need to train our students to be able to work and get along with others. One of my biggest discipline problems this year was the bickering between students. Students need to learn to respect each other, their strengths and differences.
I liked the skills listed. If a person has a good character and work ethic they are trainable. I have seen many times students whose IQ is average or slightly below average outperform students who had above average IQ's because of their determination, work ethic and need to succeed. A person's character is very important in their successes in life.
I have lived and worked in this community for the past 15 years. I am always amazed when I run into a former grown student in the store or a restaurant and they quote something I said. This is a very humbling experience. When we think they are not listening to us and what we are doing doesn't matter, they are and it does!
Ok, my 2 cents: I think that you would get a positive response to this approach from better than 75% of our parents, but I know that there would be some that insist that if it doesn't apply directly to academics, then don't do it. That will be the challenge: exciting the parents and getting them to see that this is in conjunction with, not instead of teaching the core material.
ReplyDeleteI have colleagues in the business world now that continue to tell me that their workforce is not trained for 'real life' and they cannot understand/support public education due to this. I have explained many times about the academic constraints and pressure from performance outcomes expected via testing, but they say that shouldn't matter--they still aren't prepared. Yet, no offers of alternative methods are offered, either. I think that if this approach is embraced and supported by the parents, teachers and students, then the business leaders should see a better prepared group, more ready to handle real-world challenges than today's students.
I like the way that graphic is drawn, showing the core subjects 'embraced' by these desired skills. Another challenge facing us will be to get not just the students to accept this new way of thinking, but also the teachers themselves. 'New' and 'change' are hardest for those that have done routines the same way for a while, so this will challenge alot of us. The good thing is that it will bring out the best in us, too.
I agree with this statement! I would be teaching mechanical engineering right now if it weren't for the drawing teacher and band director I had in my freshman year. Where one impacted my learning negatively to the extent that I was questioning my goals, the other changed my direction around so much that it has become my career. He was someone who cared about me and made me feel like I was a part of something special. That is the kind of teacher I try to be, as well. Having taught the gamut from k-12, I know that middle school is the toughest age to 'fit in' and know that how I model makes a big impact. I don't try to be the best friend of the students, but I do try to help them be the best that they can be.
I agree that the academics of a school is the focus of our parents. Some parents are on INOW daily looking at grades instead asking what their kids are learning or engaging them in activites that require them to learn on their own just for the sake of learning without a grade. All learning doesn't require a grade.
ReplyDeleteAfter spending many years in education, I find that I question my curriculum being relevant in today's world. Maybe business can partner with teachers to educate us on what skills are needed in today's world. The business world has major concerns about the gap that exists with today's workforce, however, they must also realize the focus we must have on academics as that is the measure of our jobs. How the business world and education come together to teach students how to be the employees that are ready for the workplace is something that I don't have an answer for.
What really strikes me on the framework on page 35 is the area we are really lacking in is technology skills as the equiment we need is just way to expensive. We have one full computer lab for our whole school and not all teachers have the same technology in their classrooms. Some of the other areas are lacking as well.
This framework seems to add the skills that would help students in the future and hopefully find their place in the work place.
Robin,
DeleteI completely agree with you when it comes to the technology aspect at the school. Hopefully if we adopt a similar framework to AB Combs, the technology will appear as well :)
Even though all parents are concerned with their child's grades, I do believe that a focus of parents would more than likely respond similarly to the parents of AB Combs. Our community is experiencing multiple similarities to an urban area when it comes to poverty, unemployment and the inability to take care of oneself. I am very good friends with a parent that is the VP of the PTA at Rainbow Elementary. Even with the obvious difference in funding between city schools and county schools, she too agreed when I spoke to her about the reading that she is more concerned with her child becoming a productive citizen than getting all As. And let's be honest, teacher grading is somewhat subjective no matter how much we try to eliminate it. Where one child can receive an A in Teacher A's regular ed class, that same child could receive a B in Teacher B's class based strictly on the assignments and grading perspective of the teacher.
ReplyDeleteI believe that it is very important to have the input of business leaders throughout our community. Knowing what someone is looking for in an employee greatly strengthens any person's ability to achieve that employment. We as educators are able to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of our students, so instead of trying to streamline every child for the same job, why not focus on improving their strengths and developing the skills that they are weakest on with a more specific purpose in mind?
I truly believe that every student wants a teacher they can feel comfortable with and someone they don't feel like is constantly judging them. I've been told repeatedly how appreciative both parents and students are that I see each of them as an individual and that they feel comfortable coming to me with a problem or concern. Not one of us is perfect, so I am not opposed to hearing feedback and suggestions from parents, coworkers, business leaders and even STUDENTS! AB Combs seems to understand that as well, and the teachers in the school seem to thrive from the feedback.