Do I suck it up and do it if I don't believe in it?

I met with HM for my yearly evaluation. It went well, and yet I feel really upset about it. He gave me some constructive crit. and it was well recieved and understoon (ie appearance--especially as a team leader next year). He commented how he is going to be rougher on me b/c I"m setting an example etc etc etc.

But what really gets me is this whole rewards thing--Joyce happened to be in there and she "explained" that this is the back bone of the check system--ie incentive. The contest thing also bothers me...Why? What purpose do they serve? I'm not competative and don't like fostering a competative atmosphere in my classroom.

So we have to do contests...OK...I'll just jump through hoops on that one. But the reward thing, I really feel strong about. Why must I reward kids for what they are SUPPOSED to be doing, how do I deny kids (and let them built resentment) if they didn't reach the magic number. I dont' know...maybe I'm supposed to just suck it up and do it again, jump through hoops and make them happy. It just doesn't feel right.

In memory of Wyat...kids on my radar who do not fit the system

2005-2006 School year
Allen Youngblood--7th grade
Gregory Vance--maybe--7th grade

• intelligent ie social misfit

In memory of Wyat...kids on my radar who do not fit the system

2005-2006 School year
Allen Youngblood--7th grade
Gregory Vance--maybe--7th grade

• intelligent ie social misfit

GRRRR...and this is where Mckeel screws up.

I hate it when teachers just sit around and bash students. That is a cardinal sin amongst teachers. I'm subbing for a 7th grade teacher today, so I had lunch with them. One of them sits there and talks about a student who does his own thing....such as in science when they are studying electricity rather than sit there like a good little student, dismantles things and puts them back together. This kid doesn't need a lecture on science...he needs to be doing actively learning.

I am really getting frustrated with traditional education and how we (education and Mckeel) just shove kids aside and label them as "bad" b/c they don't do things the "normal" way. B/c they don't conform with our "rules" they are being disruptive.

There has to be a place for these kids...a place at Mckeel. I have ideas. I think my new goal (along with the other million I'm currently working on...)is to type up my proposal for a school with in a school and give it to HM and Margie. These kids are going to be ruined before they even get into highschool. The teachers who do this have blood on their hands.

06-07 curriculum

Ø Meaningful activities and assessments
Ø Project oriented curriculum
o Teach students how to present orally
o Teach students the technology to use
§ Power Point
§ Smart board
§ Slide shows

Ø Create folders for all seniors on Bob
o Use materials in folder to create an electronic portfolio that will be burned on CD/DVD

Ø No MC test
Ø Teach Bloom’s Taxonomy so that kids understand what “analyze, discuss, etc…” mean
Ø Two internship presentations done during internship.
o The first—What the student is doing, what their project is
o The second—What they have accomplished, reflection
Ø Possibly let the news dictate points of the curriculum—especially if it is a senior internship class.
Ø Teen Age Project—Intro Autobiography
o True Colors
o Kersey Temperament Sorter
o Nirvana Essay
o Interest survey
§ Nycareerzone.org* see added sheet
§ Interest survey and Career survey


Career Zone:

What are your results:
· Artistic - 16
· Investigative - 11
· Social - 5
· Realistic - 1
· Enterprising - 1
· Conventional - 0

Click on the one that you have the most in and summarize what it says

Click on Interest occupations. Print out 2 copies of your interest profiler—turn one in.

Read through your career suggestions

Explore other areas of portfolio

Click on asses yourself. Follow instructions on screen

Write down your 3 letter combo. Choose your top 3 jobs.

Notes on my perfect school....

Why do we need a different school (i.e. What is the problem?)

Ø Provides an individualized education—One size doesn’t fit all
Ø Students learn differently
Ø Provides real life experience
Ø It focuses on small groups of students over a long period of time
Ø http://www.bigpicture.org/aboutus/philosophy.htm
Ø





The perfect school

Ø A place of individualized learning—each student has an Individualized learning plan
Ø A place where learning is REAL
Ø A place where instruction is student centered—little to no lecture
Ø A place where kids feel safe
Ø A place where assessment is valid and real and reflective—no MC test
Ø A place where there are no ABC grades….grading is done reflectively by students and teachers.
Ø A place that incorporates advisories and small class sizes
Ø A place that uses internships as true learning experiences.
Ø A place where the 5 habits of mind are used
Ø A place that encourages real usage of technology
Ø A place that does not offer honors credit. Instruction is individualized to each student’s needs.
Ø Each student’s gifts are used and appreciated.
Ø Bloom’s taxonomy is used at its highest levels.
Ø Would allow for at least one dual enrollment class at a local college.
Ø Would provide an actual education, not the appearance of one.
Ø Would also use mentors in the internships to help teach students
Ø Would leave the traditional model of education behind and explore new ideas and new options
Ø Is not afraid of taking risks and making leaps of faith.
Ø Find a place for all students.
Ø Use portfolios to monitor and show off progress
Ø Students learn because they are interested in the content material
Ø