We Do Not Have Super Powers

Too much responsibility has been placed on schools and teachers. Teachers can do a lot, but we do not have super powers! Like Clayton Christensen listed, teachers are expected to preserve our democracy and instill democratic values, eliminate poverty, keep America competitive, keep students competitive, and provide something for every student." I would love to know how they expect us to do all of that! We are trying to teach our students academics, how to function in the 21st century, and how to be good, respectful members of society. Most of the people coming up with these expectations of teachers have never even stepped foot in a classroom. I think that may be the most frustrating part.

I do believe that things in the education system need to change, however, the people on the front lines (teachers) need to be part of the conversation. As mentioned  by Ken Robinson, there are two pillars of the education industry. There is the intellectual pillar and the economic pillar. Our current education system is designed in the intellectual pillar, the main goal is academic achievement. That is not all that is important in education. If you ask any teacher, we know that academics are important, but that is not our number one priority. Above being smart we want our students to learn to problem solve, be curious, accept differences, and be productive members of society.

What teachers want to accomplish with their students is not something that can be assessed using a standardized test. The world of education still wants students to perform on a test. Although they want students to develop 21st century skills, like FCPS and their Portrait of a Graduate, there is so much pressure on students and teachers to perform on a test that these life skills are not being met. I have noticed that my students each year are less ready to achieve as an individual than the previous year; they do not know how to problem solve, they don't try things before asking for help, and they give up when things get hard. We are not teaching students to think for themselves, we are enabling them to think that surface level learning is all they need to know.

I have very mixed feelings about online learning. I can see how it can be effective for high school students, however, for elementary, it does not seem appropriate. Maybe that is because I am still trying to wrap my head around online learning and how it works. I do think blended learning can be effective for everyone and I am looking forward to learning more about it. But as far as education reform goes, teachers need to have buy in, teachers need to be part of the conversation! If you just tell them that there is something new they need to do, it is not going to turn out well for anyone. Teachers know their students, they should be a part of the decisions as to what is best for them!