Bobcat, last for tonight...

Posted on 6/30/09

On 6/26/09, Kay wrote:
> The standards have pushed skills into lower & lower grades.
> Since schools are judged on test results (based on the
> standards), we are forced to teach at a much higher level
> than ever before. Coupled with huge numbers of students with
> learning disabilities or with a lack of vocabulary in the
> English language, our job has become harder & harder. I do
> not see an easy resolution to this problem.

So, I wonder if the standards are the problem. I'm one of the
few teachers who thinks that NCLB was a great idea.
Unfortunately, like Communism, the idea loses something in the
implementation. There should be a minimum set of standards, we
see it even in teaching licenses ... except each state has a
different standard. We should use the sports model of teaching
and have kids master the basic skills before moving on to the
next level. But, that's just my opinion.

I do wonder about your learning disabilities comment, as well as
ESL kids. I'm not a doctor (no would I go to one unless I was
brought in on a stretcher), but I cannot believe that the number
of learning disabilities has increased. I think that the kids
weren't coddled as much way back when. And there have always
been immigrants. I'm sorry if it sounds harsh, but do or do
not. My ancestors from Germany had to learn english. Not many
words translated. But, they did it.

Our job has become harder. And hopefully, the masses (read
parents) will start to realize that not every kid is college
bound. And that there are many good jobs that can be had
without a college education. I know, talking to the workers
next to my house, that building a house earns a good living.
And the man putting in my garage door opener. As well as the
ones selling me my blinds. Oh, and landscapers. Lots of jobs
that my degrees in math really don't help me with ... only make
me wonder if I made the wrong choice to get in to teaching.

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