I really enjoyed reading this educational blog. However, when it came to the time when I had to formulate my own comment, I was a bit intimidated. The blog I read was focused on the issue of "failing school" and "diverse learners" and the it posed the question: How can you solve the problem of failing schools and also avoid the stigmatism of having diverse learners?" This is a very tough question to answer and I really do not know what the best thing is to do. However, it was good to think about this issue especially because I am interested in teaching in a low income area. This is for a sure an issue I may be facing in the near future. I enjoyed reading the article and participating in the discussion. However, it still was a bit scary posting my ideas for the entire world to see.
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Devon,
ReplyDeleteI think you offer some excellent suggestions in your comment concerning this "tough question". The webcast that I listened to today confirms your advice to hire well-qualified teachers. The speaker quoted research done on students who agreed that about 70% of the influence on how they learn comes from their teachers (versus their principal or content area). Good teachers can make a great difference for schools that struggle. However, that puts a lot of pressure and accountability on us becaues it's essentially saying that we're to blame if students aren't learning well - which Dr. Kress would probably say is not typically the case. That's why it's good that you also noted the importance in mixing up students (i.e. high class).
I agree: it's quite intimidating to post our thoughts for all to read when we're amateurs. But you have done a lovely job!