Teachers Suggest How to Improve Education

This survey, commissioned by  Scholastic Inc and the Gates Foundation, asked teachers a number of questions about the current state of American education and how it can be improved.  The survey showed that, in terms of retaining good teachers, supportive leadership (68%), time to collaborate (54%) and high-quality curriculum (49%) all out-rank higher pay (45%).

The teachers' suggestions to directly improve student performance include: "clear, common standards; multiple measures of student performance; and greater innovation, including differentiated instruction and more use of digital resources."  I certainly agree with all of these things.  But I've got one to add.  

Boy Almost Suspended Over Lego Gun

I came across this little gem of a story a few days ago: a 9 year-old boy narrowly avoided suspension after he and some friends brought some Lego toys to school and his Lego man had a gun.  Give me a break.

This is absolutely ridiculous!  The boys were even sharing the toys at an appropriate time: during lunch at the cafeteria table.  Apparently the threat of suspension was removed after a meeting with the boy's mother, which isn't all that surprising; I hope she gave that principal a piece of her mind.  The mother was even quoted as being confused why her child was targeted: another boy had a Lego man that was brandishing an axe.

Education Optimism

As a substitute teacher, I have a peek inside a variety of schools and teaching methods, as well as age groups of children.  Sometimes the teacher remains in the room for a while after I arrive, and at such times, I try to glean as much information as possible by watching them: how they deal with the children, which students are trustworthy, which ones whine or instigate trouble, what the discipline system is like, what the feel of the classroom is.

Even a five minute observation tells me a lot about a teacher and their classroom.  Often, I critique internally whether I agree with the teacher's methods, tone and general manner with the class.  But sometimes, on a rare, pleasant occasion, I find myself becoming a student of the teacher's method, an avid observer of the details, in awe of the smooth way a classroom can be run by a good teacher.  I was in such a classroom yesterday.

25 Students Arrested for a Food-Fight?

Think back to your childhood: you've thrown food at least once, right?  Maybe it wasn't at school.  Maybe you chucked some peas at your brother while mom's back was turned, or you and your cousins ended up covered in turkey at the kids' table at Thanksgiving.

Apparently this type of childish fun can now get you arrested.  After a massive food fight at a Chicago school, twenty five students were arrested and charged with reckless conduct.  25 frightened children, aged 11 to 15, spent a day in jail and now face misdemeanor charges.  For a food-fight.

This is appalling.  The administration at this school and the Chicago police should be absolutely ashamed of themselves.  They chose to traumatize and damage the reputations of these children instead being grown-ups, taking charge and saying 'stop.'  The school should have handled the situation privately, but instead they called in guns to a food fight.

If these charges aren't laughed out of court by the judge, my disgust will be forced to extend to our legal system as well.  My message to adults: don't put grown-up judgments on the behavior of children.  They're kids.  So let them be kids.

[NY Times]