School Reform

The hot topic of the hour!
I'm just curious. The NCLB laws presents that if a school, has not performed to standards, parents will have school choice.  Has anyone actually seen or experience this happen since the law was established? I mean, I have heard of a district here in Ga. having difficulty and loosing accreditation, but less than a year later, gaining the accreditation back. There was one year that I know a middle  school in my district  did not make AYP. Parents had choice, they took advantage of that choice for one year and mysteriously their old school  has been making AYP ever since.  My school has been making AYP.  Is the AYP standard the same for everyone?  I'm sorry, the proof is in the pudding,  If everyone is making AYP, why is there still a huge achievement gap?  If you ask me, There is a big wig out their " saying " Let them all make AYP so that we can keep everybody in place." (In their place)


What's the  deal in Fla. I hear, that they have done great things to close the achievement gap between Hispanics and their counter parts. Are we trying to learn anything from them?  Have they collected data long enough to even see results? If that's the case, then we should be seeing more representation of Hispanics in our schools, hospitals, law firms, STEMs fields or will we?

Just venting........ I'm just sick of the rat race. I don't understand  why we are trying to be so sophisticated, I say call it like it is. Even in our educational system their is a hierarchy -why are we trying to look so much different from countries that have a class system? In my opinion, It's wrong but it's a reality. All children deserve a quality education, equal access but that's not the case is it? Does every classroom in your school has a projector and  huge screen? Are the  students in your school utilizing laptops, Kindles,  or i - pads?
I know some private schools that do. What does that say? It's all about competition not equality.

Nissan Leaf

I just saw a commercial that was advertising a Nissan Leaf car. It was a heart warming commercial that features a polar bear being forced out of his natural habitat because of global warming. The polar bear wonders on in forest, the city, and then into some one's yard. As a man approaches his car the polar bear comes up behind him and they hug. I guess the bear  hugging the man  symbolizes his appreciation for the type of car that he is driving. Well, I guess that answers one of my questions. I do think that we more to bring awareness. Maybe have the information on billboards in our communities.

Have you ever seen this commercial? What are some other commercials have you seen?

Melting Icebergs

Honestly,

I do not have a specific position on this topic. If the polar ice caps melted, I think that it would be proper to say that, this will have a direct negative affect on the animals, their habitats our  and our world. I would also think that the melting icecaps would be a form of a desrtuctive force that man has contributed to. We should  identify and use  prevenitive measures to keep this from happening.
I plan to do some more research on the matter so that I could contribute more to the discussion.

What are scientist saying about the prevention method that shoud be used?
Are the current methods making a difference?
What measures are taken to bring more awareness to the community?
.

STEMS LESSON PLAN (OMG !)

I definitely needed to be re exposed to that level of planning. I have not seen a plan like that in over 10 years.  This STEMS lesson plan was totally in depth. I mean it addresses every detail. Planning at this level ensures that everyone, every student  is covered. I'm not sure how realistic and user friendly this plan would be for me every week. It seems great for a unit plan or  long range plans. Most educators are incorporating the information in their plans without really thinking about it. In my opinion the plan template really encourages you to think about what you are doing, focus on the goals, and including every student's need.

The 5 E's

I have had some experience and introduced to this model about four years ago. It is a good model for teaching science and every other academic subject.

I would love to hear from someone who uses the STEMS plan on a regular basis.

Rolling! Rolling! Rolling!

Week two of science on the cart. I am actually having a good time rolling around on the cart. I mean, unless I forget something then I stress out. I appreciate the change in scenery every 45 min. It just works with my personality. Have a great day!

Wow- What a .Technology

This is totally new to me. I thought that I had experience with blogging. This is a totaly new perspective. I hope this gets to the right location.