PODCASTS
These were two resources I discovered for podcasts. The Bam Network is specifically focused on education and is great.
I’ve known about Podcasts for a while but have never listened to one. I don’t know why, because I have found them to be pretty fabulous! I’m glad I finally “took the plunge”.
Following are two of the podcasts that I listened to. One is a brief talk from Diane Ravitch, of whom I am a big fan, on Standardized Testing. The other caught my attention as its focus is on the education of the “Whole” child and the idea that education can be a factor in “leveling the playing field” for students.
Diane Ravitch on Standardized Testing: March 7, 2013 3:00
Students over tested. Designed that a portion will always score in the bottom half. Argument is that it will improve performance but this isn't always so. Seattle teachers said they weren't going to do it. Closing schools and paying millions for tests. Address this through united action among teachers and parents who opt out. Policy makers totally out of touch.
Whole Child Podcast: Leveling and Raising the Playing Field April 4, 2013 31:08
Addressing a child's needs: hunger, health….many schools address this, but some schools have gone further. In Milwaukee, WI, students' social, economic and academic needs are addressed. (received 2013 Whole Child Award)
Reducing barriers and expanding opportunities.
Milwaukee High School-Why aren't students acheiving? Factors: attendance (why weren't they coming?) Student health (65% free or reduced) limited access to doctor and dentists. Built a school based health center. Took five years to organize and build it. Once got them to school look at how taught. Offer opportunities to volunteer so view self as not impoverished by an important viable part of society. Offering the opportunity to serve others. Work with different community agencies (doctors, dentists, counselors) who donate time and service.
Social justice of concern as addresses specific needs of students from their African American and Latino communities. Training on how to provide "equity": what does it look like in the school and classrooms?
Strong focus on Professional Development. Collaboration….what is working and why? Teachers have a say so on what P/D would look like based on needs. Instructional Leadership team meet once a week discussing needs of students and how to meet them. Identified common problems and communicated to brainstorm potential solutions. Programs "born" out of these open and honest dialogues. New instructional models allowing teachers to look at own practice in non-threatening way and work together teacher to teacher in development. Observe each other….helped develop a level of respect for each other. Teachers become leaders. Common lesson planning, common pacing, looking at data and growing and improving. Teamwork, trust, relationships, empowerment, willingness to take risks that creates a learning environment that encourages student success while leveling the playing field. WANT kids to be successful and want them to learn and are committed to that.
"The staff at Milwaukee High believes that there is more to education than just to teach a student to read, write and thinking critically. The physical and emotional well being of the student must be nurtured as a part of teaching and learning. When the WHOLE child is educated at Milwaukee High we are guaranteeing that we will produce a graduate ready to participate as an acting contributing community member."
Taking care of kids along with educating them. Creating a place where students feel safe. Help eliminate barriers so students can focus on school. How do they know they have succeeded? Considering attendance through examination of data and talking with families to problem solve. Celebrating student success (70% across the board is actively celebrated). Kids walking out not only with sense of accomplishment but also with a sense of direction.
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