ARE WE PREPARED TO TEACH DIFFERENT GROUPS OF LEARNERS?

Are you prepared to deal with diverse learners in the classroom? How do you determine your state of readiness? Can you ascertain the different learning groups present in your classroom? What are some of the strategies you currently use? How do you ensure that the educational process is fair and offers a variety of multiple entry points?

Recently, I was in a meeting where the academic performance of different sub groups were being discussed. As I surveyed the room I couldn't help thinking of both the students and teachers. If we are to succeed in helping these students to attain academic success it will require us to do things differently. The needs of these various learners must be addressed. Here lies our greatest challenge!

How do we proceed to ensure that the needs of these students are met? What are some of the programs or strategies that need to be in place to support our teachers, parents, and  students? Alternately, is it fair to assume that there are some teachers who are unable to do this successfully whether or not they are appropriately equipped? 

Over the years, I have observed that resistance to change comes in many forms. This includes placing the blame on students, equipment, programs, administrative support, as well as parents.

I am also reminded of the following quote from Bo Bennett:

"An excuse becomes an obstacle in your journey to success when it is made in place of your best effort or when it is used as the object of the blame."

So what will it be? Are you prepared to deal with diverse learners in your classroom? 

Have a Great Week!

Petreno

What Are You Willing To Do?

Last week we had our first faculty meeting for the Spring Semester. As I sat there, I was trying to figure out who would be the first to raise a legitimate concern that is impacting the instructional process. 

In approximately half an hour after the principal had discussed the data for the previous school year I got an answer. A teacher questioned the current procedure for addressing disruptive students. An example of a student being disruptive was proffered as well as how the teacher proceeded to manage the situation. While the teacher was articulating the problem there were a few teachers who gasped and whispered under their breath...."I don't have that problem!" Thus implying that it is the teacher's fault or simply classroom management issues. There were also those teachers who were experiencing the same problem who did not speak up in support of their colleague. 

We have all had those days when we have to deal with a disruptive student and sometimes there is need for immediate resolution or else the situation will impact the teaching/learning process. How then, do we move from it's not my problem but yours? How do we come together as a team to help each other? Ultimately, the instructional process must be preserved at all cost. Learning will simply not take place if there is disruption!

I was dismayed! Earlier that morning I read the article "Nine Reasons Teachers are Unwilling to Stand Up for Their Profession" by Nancy Flanagan in Education Week. She started off by quoting a teacher from Michigan:

"When I speak the truth in meetings about what is happening in public education, I am met with silence from my fellow teachers. It is the silence that is so maddening. I realize not everybody is as bold as me, but still—shouldn't the people working in this profession care about this profession? Beyond the four walls of their own classrooms? Am I crazy or what?" 

It is so amazing! I have often wondered why this is the case if we are all about impacting the lives of children. Ms. Flanagan gave some mind-boggling reasons for this including fear, "it could never happen here" syndrome, lack of information or misinformation, and teachers are too busy or distracted. How do we overcome these to move forward?

What are you willing to do for your students and colleagues?

Have a Fabulous Week!

Petreno

The Fate of Public Education

This week I spent a lot of time reflecting on public education. I am concerned about the students, parents, teachers, administrators, education policy makers, politicians, and the community. I came to the conclusion that the fate of public education is the responsibility of all. If this is the case, how then, do we work together to ensure that every child is successful?

Ever so often we hear of goals being set regarding literacy and numeracy of our children. Yet as the timelines for reaching these goals are being approached the data shows that there is no way these goals will be reached. What went wrong? Were the goals doomed to fail because of lack of participation of all stakeholders? Could the answer lie in implementation? Or a shortage of expertise and resources? Is it fair to say there may be other hidden agendas that will only become exposed in failure? Where are the checks and balances?

The inability to honestly address these concerns will lead to rather critical problems in the future. The fate of public education will require all to act. If we believe that all will be well and do nothing the pending result will be the ultimate failure of our children as we have been witnessing. The manner in which our society responds will indicate what we truly value.

How can I make a difference?

How can you make a difference?

Have a Great Week!

Petreno