Our public education system in the US is an unique concept in the world. The idea that we require all of our children to be educated is both heroic and daunting. I think any changes in the system has to start from bottom up. Each community has its unique challenges to face in its student populations. The point that Carlos Garcia made that when over half of a school can be English language learners class size may be more important for that community of learners. So its obvious to me that one size fits all approach to education reform leads us to legislation like NCLB. While some children have benefited from NCLB many other children are sitting bored in classrooms with scripted instruction.
As a new teacher, I feel only somewhat prepared to begin teaching. My credential program was a step in the right direction but many of the mechanics of the craft are still a mystery to me. Now if I am lucky and land a job in a well funded district I can hope for a well organized BTSA program that can help me along the way. But this just doesn't happen in every district.
I agree with the Forum panel that teacher training, collaboration (professional learning communities) and solid mentoring programs is a good place to invest limited resources. I propose a mentoring program that utilizes the experienced staff of a district to help the newer staff . I think districts should create a mentoring program where teachers that are experts at their craft can take time off from the classroom to help newer teachers with lesson planning, classroom management, curriculum development etc. A mentoring internship would give experienced teachers a break from the classroom and an opportunity to give valuable on the job training. Supporting new teachers might help with teacher retention as well.
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Hi Monique,
Welcome to the wonderful world of education!!!! You made a really good point with regards to what Garcia had to say about class size with ELL learners. However I have to say that class size matters, period. Think about classes you have had, lecture hall vs. more intimate settings with say 20-25 students. Which class do you feel you really got more from? Learned more? Had a better connection with the teacher and your classmates?
Class size effects so many things. Behavior management with 30+ kids is far more time consuming on the part of a teacher than 20 kids. Students flourish and grow when they have 1:1 attention - just like plants. Leave them in the back of the room on a window sill getting virtually no 1:1 time and they ultimately wilt and die.
For education to take the turn toward educating the whole child they really need to focus on smaller class size for every grade.
We are not only educating students on an academic level but it has also become a teacher's job to educate students on being kind, respectful, helpful, and contributing human beings. That one was handed to us when both parents needed to go out into the work force to simply survive in this country!
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