Geoffrey Canada: OUR FAILING SCHOOLS: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
VISIT: http://www.ted.com/talks/geoffrey_canada_our_failing_schools_enough_is_enough.html
BETH DECKER COMMENTS: www.getreallearning.com
I am just as angry as Mr. Canada...As a high school teacher who's
been harrassed and stifled for being innovative, I struggle to keep
the hope for any real change. I created a very successful class and
curriculum to help teens to learn about themselves and what education
really means, discover more about the REAL world and their hopes and
dreams, give them tools to change their outlook and overcome obstacles
all with the ultimate goal of spark desire for their futures while
learning about their options after high school. Fail rates are down,
test scores are up but my school/district refuses to support it, make
sure all students have access or even buy books for the class.
WHY? because I, a lowly teacher/widowed mother of 3, who feared not being able to help her own teens navigate their way to successful lives in this complex world, had the nerve to begin researching and developing a book so I would have something to help my children and then brought it to my classroom with great enthusiasm from students.
I was accused of only doing it all just to make money and teachers aren't supposed to do that!! I started a scholarship at my school with nearly all the profit I make on book sales while also helping my own children finance their college educations.
I know I am not the only teacher out here who is creating innovative solutions to the apathy and disconnected youth...The problem is no one out there with any power, pull or influence can see or hear us.
We are in classrooms with doors shut alone with students and the world is "too busy" to care.
WHY? because I, a lowly teacher/widowed mother of 3, who feared not being able to help her own teens navigate their way to successful lives in this complex world, had the nerve to begin researching and developing a book so I would have something to help my children and then brought it to my classroom with great enthusiasm from students.
I was accused of only doing it all just to make money and teachers aren't supposed to do that!! I started a scholarship at my school with nearly all the profit I make on book sales while also helping my own children finance their college educations.
I know I am not the only teacher out here who is creating innovative solutions to the apathy and disconnected youth...The problem is no one out there with any power, pull or influence can see or hear us.
We are in classrooms with doors shut alone with students and the world is "too busy" to care.
