Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Blog 5: Teachers' Cost of Living
After reading the article, “Teachers’ Cost of Living Matters More”, I was not shocked to learn of the effect that adjusting income of teacher’s based on the cost of living in an area. This article showed numerical data that supported the argument that although some teachers may make a higher salary in some areas, they are actually able to buy less with their salaries due to a higher cost of living. This argument will hold true for almost any profession. When I first started the job hunt, I would see large salaries and get excited to think that I could make so much money. However, most of the time this would only be a deceiving figure after I adjusted it to the actual cost of living in the area. The fact that New York City’s elementary teachers receive the highest pay in the nation did not surprise me, considering what they probably have to deal with. However, when the article pointed out that after adjustments, they actually ranked 25th in the nation, I felt like they definitely deserved more.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Cultural Pluralism
On one hand, I am still very impressed by educators who are able to teach so that the masses of students that they teach perform very well. However, I am also intrigued by educators who can transfer the information they know to their students that do not have the greatest track record when it comes to learning. I feel as though children from all racial and ethnic backgrounds should be given the opportunity to see how the real world really is. When I think of pluralism in the curriculum, I think of a curriculum that paints the accurate picture of the world is really like, which is a mixture of all types of people. This is the only way that we can assure that children from every type of background can find themselves in this world. We have to choose to teach topics from a pluralistic perspective if we are going to expect true student achievement. Until there is an educational reform that addresses this issue, I feel as if our educational system will continue to lack.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Blog #3: Nationalism and Multiculturalism
I have always held the belief that exposing children to diverse cultures in the classroom has a positive effect in that it allows them to learn and understand different points of view, which is in itself a very important part of the education process. Essentially, we allow children to grow from questioning their own beliefs and coming to the realization that their own culture influences the way they see the world. When learners are able to question their own beliefs, they are then able to gain a deeper understanding.
Therefore, having children from other countries and cultures in the classroom can be a positive experience for teachers and students. It is always advantageous to view diversity as a way to learn and grow from one another. After all, what could we learn from each other if we were all the same? I am reminded of an example of an effective leader that was having a meeting with members of his organization. After he made a suggestion, he asked for feedback, specifically for feedback from those that opposed it. The leader did not want to have people around him that only agreed with what he said. Instead, he recognized that in order for his ideas to be truly great, they needed to be viewed from all different angles. Having a diverse student body, without a doubt, enhances the learning environment, as it allows the subject matter to be viewed and discussed from many different viewpoints.
Therefore, having children from other countries and cultures in the classroom can be a positive experience for teachers and students. It is always advantageous to view diversity as a way to learn and grow from one another. After all, what could we learn from each other if we were all the same? I am reminded of an example of an effective leader that was having a meeting with members of his organization. After he made a suggestion, he asked for feedback, specifically for feedback from those that opposed it. The leader did not want to have people around him that only agreed with what he said. Instead, he recognized that in order for his ideas to be truly great, they needed to be viewed from all different angles. Having a diverse student body, without a doubt, enhances the learning environment, as it allows the subject matter to be viewed and discussed from many different viewpoints.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Religion and Education
1. Well, needless to say, the debate goes on! I recently read two articles on this debate that addressed some of the main issues concerning this topic. Moment of Silence and Evolution Theory are huge issues that continue to be taken to court. There are so many mixed emotions on the two topics. In the article "Religion in Schools Debate Heats Up", the author refers to a court case in Illinois where a federal judge ruled against requiring students to observe a moment of silence for prayer or personal reflection. The judge did so due to the fact that it stole the student's personal choice in that it forced religion on public school children.
Another case in Texas dealt with how evolution in the classroom. Biologists and social conservatives are now trying to revise the curriculum to make it harder for teachers to discuss possible weaknesses in evolution theory. However, the to date, the courts have banned teaching creationism and "intelligent design" in biology courses.
2. My feelings on the two opposing views of both of these topics include a sense of sadness and compassion. I personally think it is sad that we are having these debates. In today's society, I think it is very important to keep an open mind that accepts all types of religion and pulls the good from each. As a child, I grew up in a household that did not claim to be one form of religion. Instead of forcing a certain religion upon their children, my parents left it up to us to explore all of the different types of religions available and chose whichever one resonated the most with us. In doing so, I think this allowed each one of my siblings and I an opportunity to gain an added appreciation for religions that we had not previously had.
Another case in Texas dealt with how evolution in the classroom. Biologists and social conservatives are now trying to revise the curriculum to make it harder for teachers to discuss possible weaknesses in evolution theory. However, the to date, the courts have banned teaching creationism and "intelligent design" in biology courses.
2. My feelings on the two opposing views of both of these topics include a sense of sadness and compassion. I personally think it is sad that we are having these debates. In today's society, I think it is very important to keep an open mind that accepts all types of religion and pulls the good from each. As a child, I grew up in a household that did not claim to be one form of religion. Instead of forcing a certain religion upon their children, my parents left it up to us to explore all of the different types of religions available and chose whichever one resonated the most with us. In doing so, I think this allowed each one of my siblings and I an opportunity to gain an added appreciation for religions that we had not previously had.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Historical Perspectives
1. What are our personal thoughts regarding the innovators and the "makers"?
When I think of an innovator, I think of someone who has, as Robert Frost so beautifully put it, come to a fork in the road and chosen the one less traveled. One of the most well known innovators of my time that comes to mind is Bill Gates. In my opinion, an innovator sees a better way of doing something that is already in place and takes action for change. The innovators that were discussed in the field of public education included individuals like Horace Mann and Linda Brown Thompson. All of these individuals were able to take a stand for what they believed in and make a difference for the better.
The individuals that were described as "makers" included Andrew Carnegie and Henry Ford. Unlike the innovators, the "makers" were the ones that fist laid the foundation. They are the reason that we have public education in the first place. Without the makers, the innovators would not have anything to improve on.
2. Select one innovator and one "maker" that you feel truly influenced public education as we know it today.
As a "maker", John D. Rockefeller, also known as the "duke of oil", was a leader of the new American industrialist class. In founding his company, Standard Oil, the large amounts of profits he saw put him in a position to give back and that he did. He helped lay the groundwork for modern schooling because he recognized the importance of being educated in areas that were also related to real world experiences, like business. According to u-s-history.com, one of his most charitable ventures was the General Education Board, which distributed more than $300 million to various education improvements. (Retreived from John D. Rockefeller/u-s-history.com)
An innovator that contributed in many ways to public education as we know it today is Horace Mann. As he surveyed the condition of schools in his time, he saw areas of weakness that needed to be focused on. As he surveyed the condition of schools in his time, he then was able to improve these areas by establishing training for teachers, increasing the length of the school year, and gathering support for more funding for public education.
3. Record your initial, personal, reflective thoughts regarding the differences between the innovators and the "makers".
My initial thoughts were that the tow terms could be used almost interchangeably. However, I soon realized that the "makers" should be viewed more as the first part of the equation and the innovators entered in as the important second part of the equation, as they improved on what had already been started.
4. Breifly discuss why you selected the innovator and "maker".
One of the things that impressed me most about John D. Rockefeller was that he did not even complete high school. Instead, he chose to take a six month business training course, completed it in three, and went out into the real world to pave his way to greatness.
Horace Mann was chosen due to the fact that he was passionate enough about public education that he took it upon himself to look for areas that needed to be improved on and did something about it.
John D. Rockefeller. Retrieved May 13, 2009, from Travel and History Web site: http://www.u-s-history.com/about.html
When I think of an innovator, I think of someone who has, as Robert Frost so beautifully put it, come to a fork in the road and chosen the one less traveled. One of the most well known innovators of my time that comes to mind is Bill Gates. In my opinion, an innovator sees a better way of doing something that is already in place and takes action for change. The innovators that were discussed in the field of public education included individuals like Horace Mann and Linda Brown Thompson. All of these individuals were able to take a stand for what they believed in and make a difference for the better.
The individuals that were described as "makers" included Andrew Carnegie and Henry Ford. Unlike the innovators, the "makers" were the ones that fist laid the foundation. They are the reason that we have public education in the first place. Without the makers, the innovators would not have anything to improve on.
2. Select one innovator and one "maker" that you feel truly influenced public education as we know it today.
As a "maker", John D. Rockefeller, also known as the "duke of oil", was a leader of the new American industrialist class. In founding his company, Standard Oil, the large amounts of profits he saw put him in a position to give back and that he did. He helped lay the groundwork for modern schooling because he recognized the importance of being educated in areas that were also related to real world experiences, like business. According to u-s-history.com, one of his most charitable ventures was the General Education Board, which distributed more than $300 million to various education improvements. (Retreived from John D. Rockefeller/u-s-history.com)
An innovator that contributed in many ways to public education as we know it today is Horace Mann. As he surveyed the condition of schools in his time, he saw areas of weakness that needed to be focused on. As he surveyed the condition of schools in his time, he then was able to improve these areas by establishing training for teachers, increasing the length of the school year, and gathering support for more funding for public education.
3. Record your initial, personal, reflective thoughts regarding the differences between the innovators and the "makers".
My initial thoughts were that the tow terms could be used almost interchangeably. However, I soon realized that the "makers" should be viewed more as the first part of the equation and the innovators entered in as the important second part of the equation, as they improved on what had already been started.
4. Breifly discuss why you selected the innovator and "maker".
One of the things that impressed me most about John D. Rockefeller was that he did not even complete high school. Instead, he chose to take a six month business training course, completed it in three, and went out into the real world to pave his way to greatness.
Horace Mann was chosen due to the fact that he was passionate enough about public education that he took it upon himself to look for areas that needed to be improved on and did something about it.
John D. Rockefeller. Retrieved May 13, 2009, from Travel and History Web site: http://www.u-s-history.com/about.html
Monday, May 11, 2009
Livin the Dream, I said!!
Hi:) My name is Muriel. I work in Athletic Compliance and the famous saying around our office is "Livin' the Dream". As one can imagine, being viewed as the "police" of the Athletic Department can sometimes make you feel like you're "livin' the dream" in more ways than one:) As you can tell, I enjoy people with a good sense of humor and sarcasm is appreciated. My background is in business, but have found a new love for the field of Higher Education after taking a course this past semester with Dr. Watson Harris called Issues in Higher Education. If I am not working in Compliance, I can usually be found mentoring student-athletes. I have found a passion in being able to say that I helped the kids that I work with not only realize the importance of their education, but also that they have the ability to succeed in the classroom if they are willing to put forth the effort.
If I am not working or studying, I can be found either in spin class, out playing any type of sport, shopping, enjoying my friends, trying new places to eat, or at a movie. The best movie I have most recently seen was Marley and Me. It may have been the saddest movie ever and I might not have cried that hard since my mom read Where The Red Fern Grows to my fourth grade class, but it was still a Great movie!! Along with going to movies, I love listening to live music. I will listen to any type of music that isn't too crazy. I'm more of a mellow, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Brett Dennen, Zac Brown Band girl myself, but I will admit that in my cd player at home is a Kings of Leon cd.
Well, that should give you a little background info on me. I look forward to posting blogs on topics for class the next few weeks and am grateful to anyone who takes the time to read them:)
If I am not working or studying, I can be found either in spin class, out playing any type of sport, shopping, enjoying my friends, trying new places to eat, or at a movie. The best movie I have most recently seen was Marley and Me. It may have been the saddest movie ever and I might not have cried that hard since my mom read Where The Red Fern Grows to my fourth grade class, but it was still a Great movie!! Along with going to movies, I love listening to live music. I will listen to any type of music that isn't too crazy. I'm more of a mellow, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Brett Dennen, Zac Brown Band girl myself, but I will admit that in my cd player at home is a Kings of Leon cd.
Well, that should give you a little background info on me. I look forward to posting blogs on topics for class the next few weeks and am grateful to anyone who takes the time to read them:)
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