Blog Reflection #3

Blog: Alternative Education Resource Organization

Title: Profound Slam Poetry Performance by Four Students on Standardized Testing (VIDEO)

Entry Posted: November 15^th, 2010

http://aeroeducation.org/2010/11/15/bravenewvoice/ 

This blog posted a video relaying the opinions of some students who go to school in Albuquerque public schools. Miguel Figueroa, Reed Bobroff, Olivia Gatwood, and Khalid Binsunni express their viewpoints through a poem at a poetry slam. These students composed a “Love Letter to Albuquerque Public Schools” in order to accurately portray their feelings on standardize testing. The students talk courageously about their opinions of not only the test but also their opinions of the test coordinators.  

The student’s performance reflects the much-debated topic on standardized tests. Throughout class we have often discussed standardized testing in relation to No Child Left Behind and Race to The Top and the negative effects testing can inflict on students. Much of the testing used to measure the effectiveness of the reforms affects the total curriculum taught to students and they are merely taught to the test. Standardized tests also limit the deep learning because tests are just based off the memorization of facts. In the video the students directly speak about their dislike of the lack of creativity. The accountability of standardized testing is a very debatable subject too. The students also cleverly stated that they feel that the tests are just labeling them a number and not really thinking of their individuality. Lastly, in class we also discussed the role of neo-liberalism, the students adversely spoke of the neo-liberal philosophies directing the testing. Overall, standardized testing affects many aspects of students’ education and additionally teachers are incredibly affected by standardize testing.  

I feel that the video was very captivating and creative. The students were very courageous to portray their ideas in such a bold fashion. I strongly agree with their presentation and their ideas presented. As a student I felt the same lack of creativity and lack of individualism. As a prospective educator I see why the students reference segregated education and their play on lack of color. The students were very creative in symbolizing their trapped feelings towards the test by linking their arms together. One thing that I did dislike about their slam was the fact that the students swore; I just thought that that was an unnecessary way to portray their feelings.

            The students that created this video align with a student-centered perspective. The students believe that for learning to be effective learning must also be enjoyable; these students strongly deem that the current curriculum is not enjoyable or effective. Throughout the video the students also present the concept that student’s individual needs must be accounted for to permit optimal learning. It is obvious that the students’ view that standardized testing is not catering to student’s personal needs and therefore not profiting optimal learning. The video itself expresses that the students view their opinions superior and acknowledge that student-centered learning is greatest. 

Blog Reflection #2

Blog: Open Education

Title: Teacher Pay – Current Model Definitely Outdated

Entry Posted: November 29^th, 2010

http://www.openeducation.net/2010/11/29/teacher-pay-–-current-model-definitely-outdated/ 

This blog created by Thomas J. Hanson incorporates the major factors that go into student’s increased achievement. Hanson classifies the reason for higher achievement into two categories family support and teacher effectiveness, although in this blog Hanson expands on teacher effectiveness. At its core teacher effectiveness is motivated by and or viewed in correlation with pay. The author discusses the topic by outlining the current model, talking about reconstruction of the General Master’s Degree, and then tackling changes that need to be made to the system.

In class we touched on the topic of merit pay and the reasoning behind the Race To The Top changes. Teacher evaluation is a large portion of RTTT’s mission. This reform links teacher pay with student success in hope that this will stir motivation in teachers and as a result improves teacher effectiveness. Hanson mentions that the current model of pay doesn’t account for the time and preparation that some teachers pour into their curriculum, a teacher who may put little effort into the classroom outside of class is given the same salary as one who gives hours and hours of preparation. In the same respect since teacher salary is correlated to experience, teachers are not paid for quality or effectiveness, but time in the profession. Hanson also brings up the factor that although this process is already in action that many teachers are weary on the idea, similarly as future educators this scale of pay is sort very alarming.

The author’s argument made me think a lot. I am in much agreement that the salary format has many loopholes for teachers and feel that this categorization of pay may not even improve effectiveness. I do deeply understand the importance on teacher effectiveness; yet feel that correlating teacher pay with effectiveness is an inefficient manner to base pay upon. Many students that could be fantastic teachers could be drawn away from this profession based on this factor. Additionally, one major concept that Hanson never brought up was the different combinations of students learning. Meaning that some students may not progress due to cognitive disabilities or other special needs and the teacher would be docked regardless of their terrific teaching abilities. Overall, Hanson brought up some great points and I agree with his perspective on the topic.

Hanson’s opinions are closely linked to social reconstruction. Hanson brings up the topic of merit pay because student success is connected to parent involvement and teacher effectiveness. This factor shows that Hanson believes in the importance of socialization and the benefits that a child receives from that opportunity of socialization. Furthermore the fact that the students are given an equal opportunity due to the fact that the teacher must be advocating progress for all students, describes social reconstruction thinking. Social reconstruction also favors knowledge as political; Hanson mentions that a teacher who has a master’s degree may not have even benefited their teaching from the degree, but rather improved their status. In that aspect knowledge is just a form of position, but not necessarily the truth. 

Blog Reflection #1

Blog: Education Week’s Blog: Rick Hess Straight Up

Title: Even on IDEA's 35th, Special Ed Dollars Aren't Free

Entry posted: November 22^nd, 2010

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/rick_hess_straight_up/2010/11/even_on_ideas_35th_special_ed_dollars_arent_free.html

Here is my reflection upon Rick Hess’ thoughts regarding special education funds.

            The main point being conveyed through Rick Hess’ blog Even on IDEA’s 35^th, Special Ed Dollars Aren’t Free was the fact that our resources are indeed limited and we need to focus on reaching not only those with special needs but on all of our children. Hess praises Secretary Duncan’s speech about cost-effectiveness; although the tide turned when the anniversary speech Duncan subsequently spoke about had little follow though on the previous financial issues. Hess strongly adheres to thinking in the perspective of the most efficient method of spending and furthermore the most effective way to teach students.

            These concepts discussed about special education directly relates to our class   readings on equal opportunity and also ties into proponents of the achievement gap. In NCLB one of the main aspects is granting equal opportunity for all students. NCLB aims to close the achievement gaps among different groupings of students and this achievement gap includes classification of gender, class, race and it also includes students with special needs. Hess’ ideas also parallel the goals of public schooling in the respect that he feels that investing in students without special needs will yield better future leaders; and therefore boost the economy that much more. This human capital theory explains that students are simply government’s investments. Hess addresses the importance in spending smartly and focuses on the ‘large’ scope of students, rather than seeking to close the achievement gap. Hess’ opinions go against the view of equal opportunity and the efforts to leveling the playing field for all students in minority groups.

            I strongly disagree with the author’s opinion about limiting spending on special education. I was shocked after reading this article and according to the blog’s response the issues raised likewise disheartened other followers. It is not to say I don’t agree that schools should be making cost-effective decisions, but abandoning a whole grouping of students is horrifying! All students deserve the right to an equal education and I strongly believe that not a single student should be held back from the education they deserve because of special needs. Furthermore, giving a student facing hardships an education can grant that student with a new and more promising future.

            Rick Hess’ opinion presented in this blog mirror the beliefs of essentialism. In particular Hess makes it known that he feels that the funding should be flipped in-order for our nation to benefit the most financially. This thinking is closely linked with essentialism in the fact that essentialist think that one purpose of schooling is to make America economically competitive. Through Hess’ blog there is also a hint of unifying citizens, which is another core concept of essentialism. Hess ends his blog in saying that a balance of obligation should be provided to all children, meaning that a united common body of students should be established excluding the ‘special’ treatment of the special education students.