GAETI Day 11

Today was really neat to see that some districts are stuck in a rut, the Stone Age. I am thankful that I am in a district that has taken the time to research and implement these new strategies of learning. Having lived outside of this state and moving back, it's like a time warp. I am grateful that the teachers that are here at GAETI are good teachers that have the students' well-being in mind. These are tough times of integrating districts, and in the process, some might not have a job next year. That's unfortunate, because what I'm hearing as we discuss topics are very well-informed adults that are in this career because they want to be a catalyst for change. (The very people that gave permission for this opportunity to happen WILL be challenged on various topics.) (...I'm stepping off the soap box...) I did find it rather mind boggling when I looked at the CCSS/CCRR Standards along with the MS and the NSLL Standards. I just wanted to teach how to conjugate an AR verb. With the new standards, learning has to be linked and scaffolding has to take place; we are ALWAYS building on previous learning! (How exciting:0) We has a really good discussion on MSTAR and how it might be linked to merit pay in the future. There are lots of unknown factors and therefore it is hard to accept that. (I'm stepping back on the soap box...) IF merit pay comes down, I think we need to have some sort of evaluation tool for these legislators and representatives to determine their merit pay. Everybody wants to tell everyone else HOW to do their job. If you want to know what teachers do, go IN the classrooms...and not just for a day. Better yet, TEACH and see how easy it is. I bet you mind will be amazed at the many facets of the job. As my children get older, I'm learning the difference between a teacher and a TEACHER. There are those individuals that put the information out there and whoever grasps it does well. What about those students that don't know how to grasp it or are afraid to ask questions? That is where a TEACHER comes in and takes that person by the hand walking them through the steps SO learning can take place. After all, someone held our hand once. As a result, students are falling through the cracks. It is hard to sit by and watch it happen if it is your child. We need take ownership and teach these students as if they were ours.