question of homework

Over the last year, I have thought about the topic of assigning homework to students. I think I have decided that, in general, I don't like the idea of giving out homework on a daily basis. In certain grades, such as kindergarten, I don't think it should be given out at all. Kindergartners are not only learning a lot academically, but they are are adjusting socially and emotionally to being away from home and away from the family. Kindergartners can be ready for first grade if they are taught by an effective curriculum and by a teacher who is able to meet their needs in the classroom.

As for older kids, I think homework can help their learning, but should be limited. In the middle school years, students are suddenly hit with six different teachers and 6 different subjects. When a student comes home with homework for all six subjects (or maybe 5 because one subject is PE), as a teacher, you are going to "shut them down". Students will become tired, frustrated and feel anxiety because of a lack of a break. Middle school teachers should really consider collaborating their homework so that only one subject per evening is being focused on. And, there are subjects that are just not necessary to assign homework in. My son's social studies teacher purposely does not assign homework to his students because he knows that they already have a lot with their other subjects and because he is productive and focused in his classroom and the lessons that he teachers. As a parent, I appreciate the fact that he has thought about he issue and developed his curriculum accordingly. I wish I could say the same for the other teachers.

Happy Halloween!

Feeling nostalgic being that Halloween is/was a great time to be a mom. This was my favorite picture forever and the only one I ever kept with me. So, happy Halloween everyone! I think I may go to some suburban neighborhood and spook kids a bit. This is William and Jahnavi, now 18 and 20.

Protecting our students

I was flipping through channels on my tv tonight and I caught the last ten minutes of Dr Phil. I'm proud to say that I don't watch his show regularly, but today's topic was on "Cyber bullying" and how it affects children in the schools. As I continued to listen, they talked about creating curriculum that helps children identify and handle bullying.

Most people are aware that the Columbine High School shooting in 1999 was a result of bullying. According to the FBI over 70% of school shootings are caused by bullying. In addition, bully is linked to academic failure, depression, substance abuse, delinquency, gang proliferation, self-harm, and suicide.

Florida has recently passed The Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act. It:

"prohibits the bullying or harassment, including cyber bullying, of any public K-12 student or employee. It requires the Department of Education to adopt a model policy to prohibit bullying and harassment and directs all school districts to adopt a similar policy. School districts are directed to work with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and local law enforcement on developing this policy. School districts will be required to report all instances of bullying or harassment and to notify the parents of the bully and the parents of the victim. The required communication among parents, students and teachers about incidents of bullying will help to prevent acts of violence and future tragedies. Schools should be a safe place for teachers and children to teach and learn" (http://www.jeffreyjohnston.org/jeffslaw.htm).

This act will be enforced by withholding federal funding from districts and schools that do not comply with the designated actions. My first thought when the show ended was, where are teacher expected to find time to role-play and teach students how to handle bullying? Also, why are teachers and schools being held accountable for cyberbullying when it's not likely happening within the school (due to sensors and filters)? Something certainly needs to be done in situations where bullying is occurring, but are teachers the best equipt to hunt down students who gossip because it could be viewed as bullying? Who should be held accountable for identifying bullies? What is acceptable behaviors to teach our students when they are experiencing bullying? "Just ignore them"? Or "Walk way"? Does this work? What do you think?

Become a Reporter!

This was on one of the other blogs I read. How ridiculously awesome would it be to bring writing and language to life... it can actually have a purpose and meaning. I'm not sure what this was a part of, but it brings it all back for me.... Plus the line "Sen. Biden is now my homeboy" just had me in stitches. (fyi: for equal opportunity purposes, there is also one this kid did with McCain. It was longer, so I skipped it :)

Dave Eggers on tutoring, from TED on the web

Ok-I couldn't upload the link. so,
It's www.ted.com

I couldn't upload the entire video, for it is 24 minutes long. The TED people are amazing. If you go to this site, thinkers and shakers receive the TED award and you can watch their acceptance speech and just browse through inspiration. For those English lovers, the writer Dave Eggers has a fantastic foundation, Once upon a school. This non profit group pulls in which writers and creative people to create a tutoring center. The video is great-watch the first 5 minutes, and from 17 minutes on. The center in S.F. was commercially zoned, so they have part of tutoring center as a 'Pirate supply shop'. Inspired by this, Brooklyn is a 'Superhero Supply shop' and on and on..around the country and world. It's great to see artists co-operating and helping youth who need more 1-1. You should check it out. (PS I didn't know how BIG 24 minutes would be-uploading video can only be 100 MB. I don't know how much that is.

James Crawford in the hizzy

duders,
it is I, again.
so this james crawford guy, hes got things to say...on this website.
He also has things to sell, the stuff that wont set you back any dinero is below the links that lead you to the things that will.
indeed.
more good stuff on the politics of bilingual education in the US.

peter

Restricting bilingual education in oregon

duders,
Ive been sick, and have been listening to the radio.
Heard this on bilingual education.
enjoy...its cringeworthy.

peter