This week I watched the documentary film, "Waiting for Superman." Even though this film does not address the topic of integration in curriculum, it sends a powerful message about the state of public education in the United States. I believe that through learning about the poor education that American students are receiving, us educators north of the border can not only feel good about our teaching, but make sure we continue to strive for the best for our country's youth. Integrating the curriculum is a good way to improve our education, but I think attempting that in America would result in failure as there are so many more basic problems that need to be straightened out first.
A part of the film that shocked me was when hidden cameras were taken into the schools to document the teacher's performance. They caught teachers on camera sitting at their desk reading a newspaper while students did whatever they wanted. One teacher even told their student that "I get paid whether you learn or not." I hope I never encounter this type of lazy and indifferent attitude when I enter the profession because I don't think I could restrain myself from verbally abusing this "teacher." It is not only the fact that this teacher is abusing the system because they know how hard it is to get fired, but they are preventing an entire group of young people from attaining there true potential. Teaching is a career that comes with a high degree of responsibility and when teachers like the ones in the documentary, totally disregard this, it paints a poor picture of all teachers. Teachers need to be able to be fired for this kind of blatant disregard for the future's knowledge and skills.
Another scene in the film that really resonated with me was the emotion that went into the lottery for the charter schools. These families were completely heart-broken when they're child's names were not called. It makes the importance of education for society all the more real. This film also made me realize how fragile education is. If we fail to invest in maintaining our education system, there is no reason why families wouldn't desire to go the private route while those who can't afford it are left behind. I know that when I become a teacher I will ensure that parents need not seek out schools in other areas because the students will have an education that they are proud of and I think integration of the curriculum is one way to do this!
I highly recommend checking this movie out as it provides a valuable insight into education and the immense importance it has currently and will have when these students grow up.
Ah! A good movie. I like your comments and attitude toward education. Luckily we are doing MUCH better in Canada and Ontario and Alberta in particular. As noted in class, Ontario and Alberta are at the top of the world in standardized testing - well right in there with Shanghai, Hong Kong and South Korea. We have good people working at the top who know about best practices and are doing their best to disseminate this knowledge to teachers and the public. It is a real systems approach - recognizing that what one does in one part of the system affects the other parts.
ReplyDeleteI have just added myself as a follower after reading all your past blogs. I enjoyed every one of them. It's interesting to me to see where your thoughts are ranging.
ReplyDeleteYour final remark in the Superman post hits a sensitive point. Obviously education is important to you- otherwise, you wouldn't be an education student - but you are also acknowledging it's importance to the quality of an entire society. Have you read Three Cups of Tea by Greg Morgenstern? (Hope I have spelled his name correctly?) It will give you a more optimistic view of education and of people who value it. It's about building schools in Afghanistan. Very inspiring and not at all "righteous".