Call backs have swept the education world and now are being used in classrooms across the U.S., if not the world.  Walk down any hall and you will hear echoes of "Yes, Yes."  Eager little high pitched voices eagerly call back to their teacher's voice and wait in breathless anticipation for the next instruction.  If the instructions come quickly enough they actually hear them. If not. Well, the call back is used again. And, once again, the students answer their teacher and give her about 5 seconds of their time. 

Let me just say that call backs may have their merits, but, in my opinion, they do not encourage listening. In fact, they do they opposite. Students who are trained to only listen when they hear the call back initiative will only listen when they 'have' to. Students should be expected to listen anytime they hear their teacher's voice. Anytime there is instruction. Anytime that learning is taking place. 

Yes, students need to learn cooperative learning. And they need to explore and they need to solve problems. But, they can't accomplish these tasks or even begin if they do not have instruction and leadership. They need to know what the objective is. In the beginning, they need a model.  In these instances call backs may be defeating the very purpose for which they were intended. 

Call backs are considered to be an educational break-through. A revolutionary idea. The latest genius invention to bring our kids into the 21st century.  We have taken time tested teaching methods and given them a new name (usually an acronym) and held numerous conferences and professional development sessions and tell the world that we're doing something new.  Are these really improvements? Or just something new to make us feel like we're moving forward? 

I wonder what the committee-that-creates-educational-trends will come up with to move us in to the 22nd century?? 

I'll be moving into 2018. See you next year!  Have a very Merry Christmas! 

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This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers

I don't  know what to think about charter schools. I mean, everyone should have a choice, right? But, then don't they take away our choice. And, what about charter schools affecting my retirement? Doesn't seem fair that those newly elected into office want to rob me of something that I spent over 21 years earning. And, let me tell you teachers earn every last penny (and then some)!!!  My blood pressure is starting to rise just thinking about it.  If I am willing to agree that we need choice, fair choice, then why can't politicians. Come to think of it, why are they even interfering with education. They certainly can't agree on anything in Washington, what makes them think they can make educational decisions?  

So, getting back to charter schools.  The ideology behind charter schools sounds good. A school free from some regulations that public schools face.  A school where there is transparency and accountability from the top down. A school where everyone has a voice and the overall goal is to provide excellent education.  Then it starts to get tricky. All charter schools are not the same, nor all they all managed by the same group. Some are run by organizations. Some of the organizations may be a state or two away from the school (meaning communication is basically on-line or phone, no hands-on). Many are a 'for-profit' business.  Each state has a committee to authorize a charter school. Any group can submit a proposal to the committee. The committee is organized based on state laws.  Some charter schools receive public funding based on attendance. Not all teachers in a charter school are required to have certification to teach. This is a decision which varies from state to state.  

So charter schools in a nutshell have many similarities to public schools. But there are some glaring differences. A public school operates under regulations mandated by the state. These mandates are similar throughout the U.S. All teachers in a public school have to be certified to teach. This is a license requiring a college education with training specifically geared towards working with kids.  A public school is immediately governed by a school board which is made up of locally elected patrons wishing to volunteer their time to represent the needs and wants of the taxpayers in the district.  They are local and provide hands-on guidance.  A public school is not run like a business, by a business, or for a business. A public school provides an education for all children free from the influence of a business or organization.  

One of my pet peeves (and I think most teachers agree) is a non-educator telling an educator what is best. I am speaking for myself and making a generalized statement when I say that most teachers do not want, nor do they need someone from "outside" the world of education telling them how to 'run' their classroom.  Each classroom is unique. Its' own little world.  It functions based on the individualized needs of each child.  A teacher doesn't need a test or a bystander or a suit telling them which children need help with math or who reads below grade level. They don't need someone telling them that a child has a vision or hearing problem,  or is hungry.  They just know. Usually within the first couple of days, or even the first couple of hours.   

That should make clear what is my largest concern with charter schools.  An alternative to public school run by an organization or business.  Supporters may say that they know what is best for their kids. I would dare to argue with them. Supporters may say that charter schools are held accountable and are transparent. I say attend school board meetings and ask questions. Volunteer. Visit the school. Bring treats for your child's classroom.  If supporters of charter schools are only supporting them because of the control that they can personally have over them, they need to realistically ask themselves if they are trained in education and have the skills to teach. If they are only concerned with accountability, they should invest some time in their local public school. 

To me, a charter school is simply another way for businesses and government to control the education of our children. What seems like a privilege today could actually turn out to be tomorrow's manipulation.  

Hop on this Train before it leaves the station!

Nonfiction Companion to Van Allsburg's Classic! 

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This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers

No one is taking credit for this one, are they?  In fact, the minute I say 'the entitled one' people duck their heads or turn away. No one wants to admit responsibility for creating this little whiner that insists on everything being his or her way. In all honesty no one wants to be around this little jewel either.

Awwww... the life of the misunderstood entitled child. The world is against them. No one understands them. Their boss or teacher isn't fair to them. They deserve so much more. Doesn't anyone understand who they are? Doesn't anyone get their potential?  Why can't someone just slow down long enough to realize what a diamond in the rough they are?  I mean really. It's pretty obvious. It shouldn't be that hard to figure out. I'm sure they don't see things the same way that the rest of us normal folk do. In fact, I'll bet their story goes something like this:

Over the years, my teachers perfected that roll of the eyes and blank smile when mom was explaining how I deserved to be class president. After all I will be a perfect candidate for POTUS one day.  Weren't the treats I brought to class the best? Didn't everyone love to listen to my stories of summer vacations and week-end excursions?  Of course they did.

Am I ever wrong? You've got to be kidding. Wwwwrrrrong is not in my vocabulary. It isn't possible for me to be wrong.  Ever. Didn't you hear my parents when they told you how unfair you were being by expecting me to complete assignments the same as everyone else? Don't you get that I take things to a deeper level? Hello??? I need extra time and parental assistance to pull off the project of the century.  You didn't like my outburst? Don't you know that creative people are very high-strung? That's me. I'm high-strung.  I'm wound so tight that I can't possibly begin to do any menial tasks in the classroom.  Prepares me for life you say. Well, I'll work for someone that is a little more intelligent and appreciative. I won't have to point out my unique characteristics. They will realize them right away and instantly promote me. I won't have to wait around long for that day.

People will fall over themselves when they see me in a store. They won't be able to wait to help me. Standing in line is for all of those ordinary people. The ones who aren't as special as me. Even when I shake my head in disgust or honk my horn at them, they just don't get it. How can anyone be that stupid? Oh, well, I'm glad that I'm not in that category.

I'm glad that my parents paved the way for me to be successful.  They straightened out those teachers and picked out the best friends for me.  They gave me opportunity after opportunity to prove how awesome I am. They wanted the best for me. They did things for me so that I wouldn't have to waste my time on trivial matters. Why waste someone so special on that!?

Yep ! Spoken like a true entitled one.
Thanks. From the bottom of my heart. You've created an insufferable, egotistical, spoiled, whining, brat that somehow thinks the rest of the world owes him or her something.


P.S.
Sounds harsh? Probably so, but by allowing this mindset to grab ahold we are unfairly preparing kids for a successful future, not to mention, a happy one.


A surprise Christmas resource is in the works (yes, it is late!) and will be on sale for the first few days. I will send out a FB post on my FB page, Chocolate 4 Teachers.  If you're curious, like my page and keep your eyes open ! :)


                                         ???
                  Click here to like my FB page!

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers