Comments for Teacher World http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog Organizing a Community of Educators Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:43:06 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Comment on Jay McDowell Takes a Stand by Joe http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=739&cpage=1#comment-41164 Joe Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:43:06 +0000 http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=739#comment-41164 "And isn’t this the saddest irony of all? The very reason for this day in October was to expand and broaden students’ thinking, encouraging them to be more tolerant of others and to end harassment. Unfortunately, according to all reports, it has caused even more bitter divisiveness. And tolerance was forgotten in the wake of renewed intolerance." from someone who just discovered this story (2012), the teacher fostered more hard feelings by going to the local and national news to talk about this incident. Really good example when "you're correct - good observation " would have sufficed. “And isn’t this the saddest irony of all? The very reason for this day in October was to expand and broaden students’ thinking, encouraging them to be more tolerant of others and to end harassment. Unfortunately, according to all reports, it has caused even more bitter divisiveness. And tolerance was forgotten in the wake of renewed intolerance.” from someone who just discovered this story (2012), the teacher fostered more hard feelings by going to the local and national news to talk about this incident. Really good example when “you’re correct – good observation ” would have sufficed.

]]> Comment on Two Baltimore Schools Cheated on Test Scores by Give the Children a Chance http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=1446&cpage=1#comment-36677 Give the Children a Chance Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:09:49 +0000 http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=1446#comment-36677 While I understand that the first group everyone would suspect for the dishonesty is teachers, as a teacher of one of the above mentioned schools during the time of the cheating, I feel the need to clarify that teachers are not the ones who cheated. Teachers could not have initiated or executed cheating to this magnitude. Teachers do not have the access to testing materials to change answers once tests have been secured, nor do teachers have the level of influence to encourage an entire staff of teachers to become involved in this type of cheating, especially not without the knowledge and approval of the principal. When attempting to improve performance of low performing schools, the principal is the first to be replaced. No teacher or staff member at either of these schools endured the immense pressure of losing their jobs except the principals. Of course the principals could not have executed such a plan independently. In order to succeed at their plan, they needed several people who were willing or intimidated by force to assist in the execution of their plan. There have been several reports of principals bullying, harassing, threatening, and retaliating against staff members who did not comply. Findings have been reported of incorrect answers being erased and changed to correct answers, incomplete tests being completed by someone other than the student, and students being retested on make-up test days who had already completed their tests. Some of these reports were made by students, who when they received their test books on subsequent days of testing, noticed that portions of the test that they had not completed were complete and that some answers had been changed. Many of these same students provided names, to investigators, of staff members who removed them from class and encouraged them change answers on their completed tests from incorrect to correct. None of the names that students mentioned were names of teachers. While I understand that the first group everyone would suspect for the dishonesty is teachers, as a teacher of one of the above mentioned schools during the time of the cheating, I feel the need to clarify that teachers are not the ones who cheated. Teachers could not have initiated or executed cheating to this magnitude. Teachers do not have the access to testing materials to change answers once tests have been secured, nor do teachers have the level of influence to encourage an entire staff of teachers to become involved in this type of cheating, especially not without the knowledge and approval of the principal. When attempting to improve performance of low performing schools, the principal is the first to be replaced. No teacher or staff member at either of these schools endured the immense pressure of losing their jobs except the principals.
Of course the principals could not have executed such a plan independently. In order to succeed at their plan, they needed several people who were willing or intimidated by force to assist in the execution of their plan. There have been several reports of principals bullying, harassing, threatening, and retaliating against staff members who did not comply. Findings have been reported of incorrect answers being erased and changed to correct answers, incomplete tests being completed by someone other than the student, and students being retested on make-up test days who had already completed their tests. Some of these reports were made by students, who when they received their test books on subsequent days of testing, noticed that portions of the test that they had not completed were complete and that some answers had been changed. Many of these same students provided names, to investigators, of staff members who removed them from class and encouraged them change answers on their completed tests from incorrect to correct. None of the names that students mentioned were names of teachers.

]]> Comment on Practical Tips for First-Generation College Students by Sharon Jones http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=2289&cpage=1#comment-36455 Sharon Jones Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:36:27 +0000 http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=2289#comment-36455 As a first-generation college student myself in the 1970s, this article makes valuable points. I also recommend Alfred Lubrano's book, Limbo: Blue-Collar Roots, White-Collar Dreams. Sharon Jones Coauthor, The Parent's Crash Course in Career Planning: Helping Your College Student Succeed As a first-generation college student myself in the 1970s, this article makes valuable points. I also recommend Alfred Lubrano’s book, Limbo: Blue-Collar Roots, White-Collar Dreams.

Sharon Jones
Coauthor, The Parent’s Crash Course in Career Planning: Helping Your College Student Succeed

]]> Comment on Can Teachers Remain Neutral Over LGBT Bullying? by JR http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=1562&cpage=1#comment-33490 JR Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:38:15 +0000 http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=1562#comment-33490 I'm curious about the policies at most schools: (1) What percentage of schools require you to not mention the subject? (2) Of the schools in which you don't have to ignore the subject completely, are you allowed to say, "There is nothing wrong with being gay"? Or is that an infringement on religion? I assume at any school, you can say, "S/he is important and we're all different which is what makes us special, etc..." But can you say, "There is nothing wrong with being gay"? I’m curious about the policies at most schools:
(1) What percentage of schools require you to not mention the subject?
(2) Of the schools in which you don’t have to ignore the subject completely, are you allowed to say, “There is nothing wrong with being gay”? Or is that an infringement on religion?

I assume at any school, you can say, “S/he is important and we’re all different which is what makes us special, etc…” But can you say, “There is nothing wrong with being gay”?

]]> Comment on Sick of Wisconsin’s Politics and Divisive Bipartisan Behavior by Jennifer Luxton Das http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=997&cpage=1#comment-32010 Jennifer Luxton Das Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:01:30 +0000 http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=997#comment-32010 I live in Wisconsin and I can tell you it's been miserable living here. The "bad day on the playground" has extended to a bad couple of years if we are lucky. I have seen people behaving in ways that I would not have said is possible when I first moved here. The incivility seems to know no bounds and there doesn't seem to be any over-arching standard when it comes to abusing, threatening, harassing the Governor. I have heard him called a gangster, a thug, so many things that I am no longer shocked and that scares me. I realize that he did controversial things that have made people very unhappy but in the process, his opponents seem to have lost their humanity. He's a duly elected official. Constant recall of him and his fellow Republicans is a waste of time. There'll be other elections. But instead, the opponents seems to believe that they shouldn't have to wait or work with him. We are a state that no longer follows rules, no longer believes in elections, has no idea what a drain this sort of thing is on us. Who would want to move to Wisconsin now...NO matter what your politics? I live in Wisconsin and I can tell you it’s been miserable living here. The “bad day on the playground” has extended to a bad couple of years if we are lucky. I have seen people behaving in ways that I would not have said is possible when I first moved here. The incivility seems to know no bounds and there doesn’t seem to be any over-arching standard when it comes to abusing, threatening, harassing the Governor. I have heard him called a gangster, a thug, so many things that I am no longer shocked and that scares me. I realize that he did controversial things that have made people very unhappy but in the process, his opponents seem to have lost their humanity. He’s a duly elected official. Constant recall of him and his fellow Republicans is a waste of time. There’ll be other elections. But instead, the opponents seems to believe that they shouldn’t have to wait or work with him. We are a state that no longer follows rules, no longer believes in elections, has no idea what a drain this sort of thing is on us. Who would want to move to Wisconsin now…NO matter what your politics?

]]> Comment on New Attacks on Teaching Evolution in Public Schools by Laura http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=2306&cpage=1#comment-30231 Laura Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:53:42 +0000 http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=2306#comment-30231 I disagree that creation "science" should be taught in public schools in addition to evolutionary theory. I could go on for pages about this topic, but suffice it to say that creation "science" cannot be considered a scientific theory because of what is required to be a scientific theory, which is why I've used quotations around the word science when referring to creationism. I am a Christian and a biology teacher and I find these types of bills appalling and threatening to my students' education. I disagree that creation “science” should be taught in public schools in addition to evolutionary theory. I could go on for pages about this topic, but suffice it to say that creation “science” cannot be considered a scientific theory because of what is required to be a scientific theory, which is why I’ve used quotations around the word science when referring to creationism. I am a Christian and a biology teacher and I find these types of bills appalling and threatening to my students’ education.

]]> Comment on NCLB Report:Half of All U.S. Schools Fail Federal Standard by Gail Nettels http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=2239&cpage=1#comment-28386 Gail Nettels Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:22:59 +0000 http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=2239#comment-28386 It's about time. Why did everyone jump on the bandwagon of standardized testing to begin with? When will we learn from the fable of "The Emperor's New Clothes?" It’s about time. Why did everyone jump on the bandwagon of standardized testing to begin with? When will we learn from the fable of “The Emperor’s New Clothes?”

]]> Comment on Imagine Schools That Teach Tolerance by Gail Nettels http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=2234&cpage=1#comment-28385 Gail Nettels Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:19:06 +0000 http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=2234#comment-28385 A wonderful organization, GLIDE, will come to schools (all levels) in the Los Angeles area to promote tolerance. They are a great resource and have made a difference in the culture of my school. A wonderful organization, GLIDE, will come to schools (all levels) in the Los Angeles area to promote tolerance. They are a great resource and have made a difference in the culture of my school.

]]> Comment on Celebratory Gesture Costs Cathedral High School Team State Title by Jake http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=2196&cpage=1#comment-27719 Jake Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:56:35 +0000 http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=2196#comment-27719 If Blue Hills had played better, people wouldn't be questioning whether a blown call by the ref was the deciding factor of the game. One of life's lessons they need to learn: Everybody hates a sore winner... If Blue Hills had played better, people wouldn’t be questioning whether a blown call by the ref was the deciding factor of the game. One of life’s lessons they need to learn: Everybody hates a sore winner…

]]> Comment on Alabama Law Limits Students’ Gifts to Teachers by admin http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=2203&cpage=1#comment-27589 admin Sat, 10 Dec 2011 23:49:44 +0000 http://www.teacher-world.com/teacher-blog/?p=2203#comment-27589 Melanie, I understand your frustration. And I wish I could answer your question, but the law is so vague that it is impossible to know what you are allowed to give as an appreciative parent, and what these teachers can safely accept without risking fines or jail time. And it sounds as though the Ethics Commission is having as much trouble figuring the whole mess out as you are! The fact that I am even linking the words "jail time" or "fines" with students' gifts to their teachers is revolting! Why are teachers and their students paying the price because lobbyists use gifts to garner politicians' political support? In what world does that possibly relate to accepting a student's gift? I don't know what Alabama teachers are used to getting, but the traditional gifts that we see from our students include candles, mugs, Christmas ornaments, boxes of chocolate, homemade candy and cookies, and an occasional gift card. I neither expect big gifts, nor do I express greater pleasure over bigger gifts if I receive them. I sincerely thank every student whether they brought in a $20 gift card or a handmade card. Do politicians think, just because some of their own have been caught being bribed, that teachers would seriously consider changing a student's grade because of the gift they give? Do they really have that low an opinion of teachers? "Let's see, Susie gave me a $25 gift card to Olive Garden; she gets an A in reading. But Tommy only brought me a handmade ornament. Oops, I guess he's getting that C." Really? It sounds like you are a generous parent who is giving from the heart to show your gratitude to the teachers who work with your children. Your gift sounds beautifully appropriate, and I can't imagine any teacher being fined or thrown in jail for accepting such a lovely present. But, I am not a politician in Alabama (thank goodness) so what do I know? Good luck with whatever you decide. And good luck to other parents like you who find themselves in the Alabama Christmas quandry; how much gratitude equals jail time? <a href="#comment-27556" rel="nofollow">@Melanie </a> Melanie, I understand your frustration. And I wish I could answer your question, but the law is so vague that it is impossible to know what you are allowed to give as an appreciative parent, and what these teachers can safely accept without risking fines or jail time. And it sounds as though the Ethics Commission is having as much trouble figuring the whole mess out as you are!

The fact that I am even linking the words “jail time” or “fines” with students’ gifts to their teachers is revolting! Why are teachers and their students paying the price because lobbyists use gifts to garner politicians’ political support? In what world does that possibly relate to accepting a student’s gift?

I don’t know what Alabama teachers are used to getting, but the traditional gifts that we see from our students include candles, mugs, Christmas ornaments, boxes of chocolate, homemade candy and cookies, and an occasional gift card. I neither expect big gifts, nor do I express greater pleasure over bigger gifts if I receive them. I sincerely thank every student whether they brought in a $20 gift card or a handmade card.

Do politicians think, just because some of their own have been caught being bribed, that teachers would seriously consider changing a student’s grade because of the gift they give? Do they really have that low an opinion of teachers? “Let’s see, Susie gave me a $25 gift card to Olive Garden; she gets an A in reading. But Tommy only brought me a handmade ornament. Oops, I guess he’s getting that C.” Really?

It sounds like you are a generous parent who is giving from the heart to show your gratitude to the teachers who work with your children. Your gift sounds beautifully appropriate, and I can’t imagine any teacher being fined or thrown in jail for accepting such a lovely present. But, I am not a politician in Alabama (thank goodness) so what do I know?

Good luck with whatever you decide. And good luck to other parents like you who find themselves in the Alabama Christmas quandry; how much gratitude equals jail time?
@Melanie

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