tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45969838602256425.post3061150456665921800..comments2024-02-09T07:57:45.221-05:00Comments on Leading Motivated Learners: School Reform: Can It Work?TonySinanishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624064743310267544noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45969838602256425.post-59785114248753438542014-12-30T12:53:32.583-05:002014-12-30T12:53:32.583-05:00As a former teacher in Gary, In and a polar opposi...As a former teacher in Gary, In and a polar opposite district (Lewisville,Tx), I have seen all socio economic ranges and the effects on children. Closing the academic gap is indeed related to the opportunity gap. Which comes first? Is lack of opportunity/exposure in beginning years of a child's life a primary factor where if addressed through a Headstart program and high quality public ed schools the achievement gap would be negligible? Or is that just the beginning of a long journey to give every child a chance to achieve --- whatever that looks like for them. The ongoing collaboration between school and family is important but not vital. It can't be. I've been where it can't be the deciding factor and I, as the teacher/school have to be. Not that we don't try and couldn't increase our efforts at trying to bring parents in as partners in their child's education and development, but In some cases it is impossible. Working in Gary was the most rewarding but also the most emotionally damaging. To see your students shot, jumped, drugged up, pregnant, on drugs, in gangs, on street corners as hookers, and listed in the obituaries every week is more than any passionate educator who loves their students should have to bare. Freedom Writers, the movie, did not do justice to what that teacher went through and endured and sacrified to do what she did. And that is what it takes to beat the odds. Stand up and Deliver type sacrifice and dedication. We must continue to battle, but to ask a teacher or administrator what it would take to close the achievement or opportunity gap requires a long and multifaceted discussion because there is no one answer and not every teacher is able to give what it sometimes takes to close the gap for children in those dire situations. It is heartbreaking. But we must keep trying like you said----- include parents and the community like we are doing in Lewisville, tx also----giving every stakeholder a voice in their children's education so that all possibilities and perspectives are considered. We are waging a war against societal problems that severely affect Our children's potential and we must continue to battle using every tool and venue possible. I am glad to read thoughts and opinions that mirror my own as an administrator. I just felt compelled to reflect as a teacher with an urban background on the reality of what we wish and say sometimes. I am all for changing that reality and work hard to do so daily. Bless my old<br />School system because they need it as so many others around our nation battle the ravages of drugs, alcohol and extreme violence that make up the daily lives of their students and teachers. Tasiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11740088229731270783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45969838602256425.post-76242385444317858902014-12-28T17:43:54.377-05:002014-12-28T17:43:54.377-05:00Great thoughts Tony! Hopefully the policy makers w...Great thoughts Tony! Hopefully the policy makers will start to look at the opportunity gap as well as the achievement gap. Luckily there are educators like you (and many others) who are working to give voice to students and communities. I know we are working on that in my district as well. Thanks for the timely post!<br /><br />JonJon Wennstromhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13953279088419504430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45969838602256425.post-20800470987392955492014-12-28T10:31:32.493-05:002014-12-28T10:31:32.493-05:00Your post makes me think of the importance of cont...Your post makes me think of the importance of context and community. Some initiatives in MA focus on the learning community. Each school is required to have a school council run by educators, leaders, families, and community members. After reading your post, I'm going to suggest the addition of a couple of students as well. Also, MA is moving forward with student evaluations of educators--that will also offer voice in part. <br /><br />Perhaps we're at a a time when we should be thinking of multi-service community centers rather than "schools" as the answer--places that focus on the needs of children. their families, and communities holistically. Thank you for posing many important points to think about and act on. Teach Children Wellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15445866699209731255noreply@blogger.com