Ravich
If the president were to call me up, asking my advice about
what needs to be done about America’s education system, I would most
respectfully reply, “No, thank you!” But
since he isn’t, and luckily this is a completely hypothetical scenario, I
suppose I could offer a few tidbits of advice…
- GET RID OF NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND. High standards, testing, and accountability have not and will not produce proficient students, especially by 2014. Students have learned test taking skills rather than knowledge, standards have been lowered, teachers have been shamed, and schools have been closed.
- CREATE A STRONG NATIONAL CURRICULUM…AND DON’T REINVENT THE WHEEL TO DO IT. Other countries do have successful educational systems…take note and build off the curriculums and reforms they already have in place. Students should have a strong foundation in English and math, as well as the sciences, arts, physical education, health, history, geography, literature, foreign languages and technical studies. Students must come out of high school prepared to think for themselves, as responsible, and fair citizens.
- MAKE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THEM. Students and parents who need additional support should be able to take advantage of additional resources. There should be quality extra learning time for those who fall behind. Opportunities should be made for family members who are looking to improve their skills and knowledge and ultimately help to create an entire community, at school and at home, that places high value on education.
- INCREASE MEANINGFUL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS, AIDES, AND ADMINISTRATORS. The more opportunities teachers have to learn new techniques, content knowledge, and pedagogy, the more successful they can be in the classroom.
- STOP LOOKING FOR SHORTCUTS AND QUICK ANSWERS. THEY DON’T EXIST.
About 99.9% of what I wrote above, Ravich concluded in her
book. I loved The Death and Life of
the Great American School System.
Now, with a background in the reforms the United States has tried (and
pretty much failed at), I have a clearer understanding of where we shouldn’t go
with our education system. I was
empowered by the fact that she placed so much value on the teacher. But after
her book, I look at schools a completely different way: I see now how principals can chase and
manipulate scores to their benefit, as well as the detrimental effects of “chasing”
meaningless data.
As much as I was enthralled by Ravich’s book, it did leave
me feeling pretty helpless…as a teacher and as a citizen. Teachers and citizens did not get significant
input in these reforms, in fact, teachers were undermined and citizens fell
victim to misleading political campaigning.
However, I can still educate. I
can continue to educate my students to the best I can, and I can educate my
friends and family about what has and has not worked in education reform. As a citizen, I can cast my vote and continue
to support what I believe is right for education’s future.
Science Associations
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)- The NSTA
publishes books and journals related to teaching all levels of science. In addition to lesson plans, labs and other
resources, they also hold an annual conference on science education and offer
professional development opportunities.
You must be a member to access NSTA’s publications and resources, and
membership begins at $75 per year.
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)-
The AAAS is an international organization that strives to advance science around
the world. AAAS publishes the scientific
newsletters, books, reports and the Journal Science. The association also serves as a leader and
spokesperson while developing programs around the world.
Places I can go and things
I should read…
Bay Area: (1) Genentech, Inc. (2) Lawrence Hall of Science (3)
Amgen, Inc. (4) Bayer HealthCare (5) The Tech Museum
Books: (1) The Violinist’s Thumb: And Other Lost Tales of
Love, War, and Genius, as Written by Our Genetic Code by Sam Kean (2) The
Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot (3) The Billion
Dollar Molecule: One Company’s Quest for the Perfect Drug by Barry Werth (4)
Survival of the Sickest: The Surprising Connections Between Disease and Longevity
by Sharon Moalem and Jonathan Prince (5) Why Evolution is True by Jerry
A. Coyne
Journals: (1) Journal of Science Education and Technology
(2) International Journal of Science Education
Conferences: (1) National Biotechnology Education Conference
(2) NSTA National Conference
World: (1) Galapagos Islands (2) Citi des Sciences et de
l’Industrie, France (3) Science Museum, London (4) Patagonia, South America (5)
Franklin Institute, Philadelphia
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