Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Week 7
I am not able to be there for the discussion on the last part of the book, although I wish I could make it b/c that's when it makes the most sense to me. In the last part of the book, the author was discussing charter schools. He was telling how these different types of schools can benefit students who are just not succeeding in pubic schools. I was wondering where the closest charter school was to Oil City? I think that maybe I have heard of one in Tionesta, but that could be incorrect. If there is one nearby, I would like to see the research on it. I would like to see what students they are reaching, and how that school has helped them more than a public school. It seems that if this sort of information can be proven, then why are we not implementing their theories in public schools? Why should charter schools have all the fun? I understand that funding is a big part of it, but can't we receive more funding if we have students achieve success on the PSSA? What is it about these schools that make their students more successful than ours? How can we compete with that? I guess my blog contains more questions than answers. I've enjoyed the discussions on this book and look forward to future books!
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I was on my way to the book group last week when I was informed that I am the new afterschool tutor. I will be unable to attend this discussion, but wanted to leave my general impression of the book to wrap things up. I find that much of the information in this book conflicts with beliefs that I have about education. I hope that no time in the near future will school become "a business" though some may think that it already has. I also hope that computers and programs that can differentiate instruction will not replace teachers, though I know that this is not what the author is suggesting.
ReplyDeleteWhen you think about the fact that customized learning would help us to meet AYP if things fell into place as the author suggests, things seem pretty rosy. When you think about it a little more, the reality of the effects of the amped up computer interaction and less time communicating with people (teachers and peers) face to face, will not help to mold the types of people I would like to see making decisions for my country someday.
I am not opposed to change, and am certain I will see a lot of it in the future of my profession since I am just coming into it. I agree that it would be great if students could customize their own learning and choose their own path. Diverisfying course offerings would be of great benefit to certain learners, and should be utilized more. While there are benefits to computers in school, I think that society values the profession of teaching enough to realize that replacing people with computers is not the way to go.