Everything academic revolves around the year-end state testing to the point that other subjects are usually neglected. Reading, math and writing are the main thrusts of schools, and are obviously important. However, critics state that children are not receiving well-rounded educations because of the emphasis on these subjects
The problem in the school structure that Graff recognizes is lack of persuasion to get students to argue. This holds true in my personal experiences in academics. Despite the fact the educating administration is trying to avoid violent disputes because of arguments, they fail to see that properly structured arguments are the best way to avoid violence. Without the school system instilling the ideas and values of argument, students will lack an outlet for an argument consisting of words and are more likely to resort to violence for resolution. In a section of Gerald’s essay he advocates that educated conversation be shared with uneducated audiences as a basis for understanding any scholarly topic as well as a basis for a strong argument.
Many of his students said they weren’t interested in what was being taught because it was stupid and they already knew the material. Gatto doesn’t place blame on any one party but places the blame on everyone. With this essay Gatto intends to get the proverbial wheels turning inside the readers mind by giving them a look into his own view of the educational world. He uses a host of examples to support his ideals. First, Gatto refers to a lesson his grandfather taught him at the ripe age of 7; his grandpa declared that if Gatto was bored that it was his fault and no one else’s.
Taking Responsibility For Education Students rely on a number of things in their pursuit of a higher education; teachers, accredited institutions, and textbooks containing correct information. James Loewen, who wrote Lies My Teacher Told Me, brings up concerns for students stating US History lower-learning textbooks are not equipped with factual information. In Loewen’s text he brings to light some very significant US events he believes are not factual. When we think of studying history we think about learning specific dates, events, or wars that impacted our country. Not many people stop to question if the information they are reading or being taught is factual.
Liberty University Mathematical Reform: Using Phi Delta Kappan Series EDUC 301 There is an issue of reform versus the basis. Reform is the improvement of something wrong or is corrupt. One thing that is corrupt is the American education system dealing in mathematics. The society has many questions on why students have problems in math rather than any other subject they take in school. Some questions that have risen are still needed answering by the many school districts in our nation especially dealing with the curricula of the mathematics courses and text books, and also and the districts investment in the school districts.
The thesis of Mary Sherry’s essay is that teachers and parents need to take further action to help their students earn their diplomas. The main points Sherry expresses in her essay are that students barely have any motivation to focus in school, how students are not satisfied with their academic skills, and ways that teachers can get their students to study. First, Sherry mentions in the essay, “…but, as I rediscover each time I walk into the classroom, before a teacher can expect students to concentrate, he has to get their attention, no matter what distractions may be at hand” (Sherry 515). I agree with what she said because I am a recent high school graduate who would always want to be everywhere but school. Another main
Gatto compares school to a factory or prison which, generally speaking, are not fun places to be. This style of diction, with Gatto consistently projecting new words of the same connotation suggests his point of view on rejection of this prison-like system. The author appeals to anyone who has or has not questioned the usefulness of education. He appeals to our common sense by asking a simple question: why do we need this? Almost every student has thought the same thing at some point, but lacks the confidence needed to express these feelings to the public.
(Lazarin and Ortiz, 2012). CPS has also noted that testing students will become a major part of the teacher evaluation system. (isbe,net) These tests must be administered to the ELL student to fit their needs and match the standards set for their testing environments and individualized learning plans. The auxiliary staff aide the classroom teacher in developing a well balanced and most times an individualized program for the ELL students, CPS has to increase these 'human resources' to help the ELL student. Next I began think about the fate of the underperforming schools.
It is the schools responsibility to be able to provide good enough teachers, who can prepare these students. In order to have a good education, there must be qualified teachers there to teach and prepare students effectively. Bauerlein questions schools curriculums and the way they are presenting “complex texts” (Bauerlein) to the students; “The more high school teachers place complex texts on the syllabus and concoct slow, deliberate reading exercises for students to complete, the more they will inculcate the habit” (Bauerlein). Students learn what their teachers tell them they have to learn, without knowing the effects the teachings will have on them whether good or bad. That is why schools providing qualified teachers are so important
It does not solve all our educational problems. But not having a curriculum indicates our unwillingness or inability to define what we are trying to accomplish. It provides direction, clarity, and focus around worthy ends, without interfering with teachers’ decisions about how to teach” (Ravitch, 231). Teachers are not getting the creative freedom that is necessary to be a good teacher. Too much emphasis is being placed on testing and accountability thus creating discomfort and stress for educators.