tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263767063375539241.post6986529303028667814..comments2023-09-10T02:54:08.708-08:00Comments on The Good Things: No Child Left StandingKale Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01375296973062807799noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263767063375539241.post-63237590647895260242009-04-08T11:46:00.000-08:002009-04-08T11:46:00.000-08:00It’s much easier for people to move smoothly along...It’s much easier for people to move smoothly along the ‘grain’ than it is to outwardly question a routine that is so hugely accepted by most, without doubt. It takes fortitude, imagination and PASSION for a person to possess (and to express) a different, conflicting insight, or an idea that in one way or another scrutinizes the routine norms (“going-against-the-grain” if you will). A good teacher isn’t a teacher who puts a book in front of the student and says, “this is what you need to learn, learn it, memorize it and then take a test on it. If you pass the test, congratulations, you will succeed in life, and if you don’t pass the test, sorry, sorry you fail.” There’s more to it than that isn’t there? Those who don’t think so are brainwashed aliens [they’re everywhere]. Its people like you, people who get passionate about things that in all actuality is just fucking silliness.<BR/>A good teacher provokes thoughts and inspires students to not merely read the books but to ask why “they” want us to be learning this. And also overall consensuses on what are the underlying purposes and who/what they really serve. <BR/>Keep your passion flame burning hot and bright, Kale. Keep instilling wonder and enthusiasm in everyone (blog readers, students, friends, family, fellow teachers EVERYONE). If more people shared your speculative insights and compassion to question the norm this world would be a lot easier to look at. You ARE a great teacher. Asking questions is awesome. It really sucks to just smile, nod, swallow everything that’s spoon fed to you. Given, it’s much easier and you don’t have to think as much, but in the end… the ones who listen to their inner voice and uses outlets to comfortably express themselves are the real heroes of the world, the ones who inspire people and make a positive difference in peoples’ lives. People like you.Sydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08369901555450981093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263767063375539241.post-61863351519557689692009-04-08T04:22:00.000-08:002009-04-08T04:22:00.000-08:00It's funny to read about teachers hyperventilating...It's funny to read about teachers hyperventilating about standardized tests. You'd think if they were doing their jobs properly there wouldn't be anything to worry about. But nothing really seems to wind them up more than the thought of having someone check to make sure they're actually doing what taxpayers are paying them to do. I wonder why that is?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263767063375539241.post-88203343490879668602009-04-07T21:36:00.000-08:002009-04-07T21:36:00.000-08:00Unfortunately I feel that the tests are just a ref...Unfortunately I feel that the tests are just a reflection of a skewed system of education in a so called ‘Democracy’. Dewey said it best that the ultimate aim of production is not production of goods but the production of free human beings associated with one another on terms of equality. But what is the direction of today’s education system? To turn the next generation into goods and services that can be bought and sold in accordance to their ‘value’, becoming ‘tools’ rented by their employers. The education system is controlled by the institutions of private power and the production of ‘free individuals’ would only undermine this absolute control. Education today is very political, and politics is the shadow cast on society by big business. The path is designed to award those who follow the system and socially constructed capitalist mentalities and the lack of activism and dialogue over such essential issues as what really is a ‘democracy’ or ‘freedom’ can only play into the hands of those who are really controlling the direction of the next generation.<BR/><BR/>Keep the questions coming Kale, the world needs them.Brett Ortgiesenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11034724211131032872noreply@blogger.com