Wednesday, January 28, 2009

More on Student Learning

So, I continue to think about how do schools focus spending on improving student learning. I was, perhaps, a bit flippant in my last posting, suggesting that spending money on pencils may be considered spending on student learning. The truth is that there exists a significant number of studies that could suggest what has the greater impact on student learning, providing a focus for the spending. Dr. Marzano's book, Classroom Instruction that Works, is an example of how research supports the effectiveness of specific teaching strategies. (The link I've provided takes you to Dr. Marzano's Web site. If you google the title of the book, you can find lots of links where schools are implementing the strategies.)

Research exists that emphasizes that it is the teacher who has the greatest impact on improving student learning. President Obama mentions this in his book, The Audacity of Hope, and we can only hope that legislation and funding will somehow support this. However, it is important for us to recognize that not all teachers are having the most positive impact. Indeed, some teachers are doing as much harm as good. Still, I believe that the two thoughts that I am tossing out in this blog are pointing toward what we should focus on with regard to spending money on student learning: ensure that teachers are excellent teachers and provide these teachers with training and support in implementing strategies that are supported by research.

More to come...

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Spending on Student Learning

On January 21, 2009, I received an email from Dr. Tony Bennett, the newly elected superintendent of education for the State of Indiana, outlining his goals for improving education in Indiana. Basically, he has three goals: streamlining state operations, removing obstacles for local schools, and promoting policies to promote student learning. As expected from all politicians, these are noble platitudes and I will not cast aspersions on these goals. But I would like some clarification.

Under streamlining state operations, Dr. Bennett states, "We hope that many local school corporations will follow our lead in looking for ways to reduce administrative costs, thus freeing up more dollars that can be spent on student learning." Again, I do not argue with the concepts; I would like some specifics, starting with some discussion about what it means to spend money on student learning.

I could justify money as being spent on student learning when that money goes to teacher salaries, professional development costs, building expenses especially when the end result is the creation of new classrooms or learning spaces--i.e. media centers, distance learning facilities, etc. I can also justify spending money on technology, copy machines, paper, pencils--the list goes on, but it could all be justified as spending on student learning.

However, I have learned that it is not my definition that matters as much aqs it is the definition of those in charge. Teachers and administrators across the state will take steps to be certain that the money they have is spent on student learning only to discover that their expenditures do not meet the requirements of the Indiana Department of Education's goals under Dr. Bennett.

So, what does it mean to spend money on student learning?

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

President Barack Obama

It seems like so many years ago that my wife told me about a new rising star in the Democratic Party who was to speak at the Democratic Convention for Kerry. His name was strange and hard for me to remember, but she said it correctly--Barack Obama. His speech at the convention made me aware that he was a great orator. I don't know if I am right, but I have always considered those who can communicate well to be mentally strong, possessing strong reasoning skills and understanding the relationship between ideas and, more importantly, how the juxtaposition of those ideas can have the power of persuasion. Now, I am in awe that Barack Obama is the President of the United States and I am filled with a hope for a brighter day when people work not so much for personal gain as for the good of mankind. Some call that Socialism.

I heard a news reporter state that Barack Obama is President and now the world awaits to see if he can deliver on the promise of a new and better world. I am afraid that people miss the importance of Obama's election and the message as to what it will take to make the world a better place. Obama was elected not from his singular effort but from the concerted effort of thousands and thousands of people--some donating money, others donating time, but all believing in the vision and working to make it a reality. That, I believe, is what may be the real definition of America. If Barack Obama is able to make not only America but also the world a better place, it will be because each and every person on this earth helps. And I do not believe that we have to do great things. Perhaps we do not need to sweat the small stuff, but we really should pay attention to the small stuff, because every little effort will be a contribution.

It's a good day.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

What do I mean by "perspective"?

When I taught high school English, my students would often ask if they were allowed to have their opinions in their essays. This, invariably, led to someone expressing that whatever he said could not be wrong because it was his opinion. My point is that there exists a wide-spread misconception as to the value of an opinion. I suggested to my students that there exists a continuum of the statement of a position, from impression to irrefutable truth and with opinion falling somewhere between these two extremes. Opinion is, then, supported by and founded upon what one knows and understands from one's own experience. This has led me to prefer the word "perspective" over "opinion."

Following this as truth--even if only personal truth--the term "perspective," relative to this blog, holds two meanings. The first is that I will be expressing my personal views regarding education and education reform. These entries will be my views expressed for any who are willing to read them. Consequently, those who read the entries may wish to respond, thereby providing their perspective as well. The second is meaning is relative to "perspective" being modified by "learning." My intent is to provide dialogue regarding educational reform from the perspective of the learner, as opposed to that of the teacher or the administrator. My next entry will address the meaning of "learning."

Friday, January 16, 2009

This is a photo of me and my beautiful wife.
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Today I begin....

It is January 16, 2009. We were scheduled for a half-day with students. However, as the weather had turned very cold--minus 11 degrees this morning when I awoke--schools were calling for a two hour delay. Therefore, my school closed for the day. I don't like it when we miss a day of school because we have to make up any days missed. But having the day off has allowed me to do something I've been meaning to do for some time: start an educational blog.

In this blog I intend to express many thoughts regarding public education in Indiana, the state in which I live. I expect that educators, students, and parents in other states will recognize similarities between Indiana and their own state, as well as differences worth commenting on.

Anyway...I have much work to do to make this blog presentable and look forward to this adventure.

Have a great day.