Seeking advice from families, students and readers (you)
This column appeared in several APG of East Central Minnesota newspapers during December, 2019.
Seeking advice from families, students and readers (you)
The column begins:
Some of the best advice I’ve ever received has come from parents, grandparents, students – and you, readers of this column. Here are a few examples, along with research about how some states have started seeking advice to help improve schools. In that spirit, I hope you’ll take a few minutes over the holidays to give me feedback.
Thinking back, I’ve seen many students benefit when educators listened to and followed advice from families or young people themselves.
January 3, 2020 @ 12:02 pm
Joe describes such a fundamental principle it could be what I call an outbreak of common sense. Unfortunately, as Joe clearly explains, the ideas and suggestions of those directly and most affected by policies and programs, in this case schools, is far too often ignored. This results in an enormous loss of vital, valuable contributions to the success of any endeavor. It continues because those in control of organizations resist sharing decision-making with others for a variety of reasons including, maintaining the status and compensation of their organizational position. In addition, many demanding control are fearful of losing their credibility/sense of self-importance if their ideas and practices need to change and/or be replaced. I believe there are three mutualities essential when working with others for a common purpose: mutual respect, mutual learning, and mutual accountability for results. Another outbreak of common sense.
January 3, 2020 @ 4:51 pm
I think we need a serious discussion about the use of test scores (especially individual, only multiple choice tests like the MCA) to judge students, schools and school districts. I think it is time for more complex measurements.
January 3, 2020 @ 8:57 pm
The most important thing we can do as adults is get young people to realize they have a voice and power to shape their educational experiences. Having spent the last decade and particularly the last year talking with middle and high school students about their education, far too many feel that their education is something that happens to them rather than something that they have ownership of. When kids realize adults care about them and that their voice really can make a difference (and we as adults are here to support them), there will be no stopping the transformation to a learner-centered paradigm.
January 4, 2020 @ 8:03 pm
If you want better tent, use the curriculum tests. For example, stud in 3rd grade, give them the end of 3rd grade math and reading tests and use the results for placement.If they have about have about half correct, place the student in 3rd grade. If they have even fewer correct, give the 2nd garden tests, If they have 80% give them the 4th grade tests. Use the results for placement until you find the grade in which the results show partial mastry. Use the results to group students across grades, if need …