Theresa and a math program question

The classroom in which I am observing is using a math program called enVision Math. This program is created by Pearson and is connected to the Common Core standards.   In fact, it is totally focused on the standards. This program has lessons for everyday of the year, chapter tests, and unit tests. Each day the lesson begins by having the students watch a video that introduces the concept they will cover in the lesson.   They then do a worksheet with the teacher and then one on their own, and then they have a homework page. The only thing the teacher is required to do is put the video on and help during guided practice. The program mixes math up a lot too. One day the students will be learning about subtraction,  the next day they will be learning about patterns. 

            I am not sure how I feel about this program. I think the strategies ( the way they teach students to learn math) are very difficult. I find the students in my classroom struggling, because this program is introducing a completely new way to teach math. I am also finding that the parents dislike it, because they are finding it harder to help students with their homework.  The parents are not familiar with the strategies. I believe that the teacher becomes too  reliant on the program. The teacher does not have to do anything.  It is almost like the students are being taught by a robot. This is the second year that I have observed this program and I am not a fan.

            What do you think? Do you think it would be better for teachers to work without this resource? Do you think that programs like these enable a teacher to really teach? Would you use a math program like this in your classroom? Would you prefer to teach math the old way? 

Rebecca has a question about bullying

We all know that bullying is a big issue in schools.   I recently read an article that said that a judge in Hunterdon County ruled that school districts can now sue the students who are found to be tormenting their peers.  It is believed that if a school district is able to sue a student who is participating in harassment and bullying that parents of those students will now be legally responsible for their  child's actions.   In turn, it is hoped that this ability to sue will force parents to take some affirmative steps toward demanding appropriate behavior from their child.    This is the first case to be brought forward by a school district since the new New Jersey anti-bullying law was passed.  

Obviously we know that actions need to be taken with regard to bullying,  but do you agree with this court decision?   Do you think that other courts in other counties in New Jersey  will do the same?  Do you believe that by involving parents in these law suits that bullying will decrease? I have inserted the article for your convenience.   

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2014/03/bullies_beware_groundbreaking_ruling_allows_schools_to_sue_students_who_harass_peers.html#incart_river

Leticia and the biracial family

             Recently, the  Today show spoke about a recent Cheerios commercial that seemingly caused a great deal of  controversy. The commercial includes a white mom, biracial child, and an African-American dad.  According to what was stated on the Today show,   many people were offended by this advertisement. Cheerios had to disable comments on YouTube because of all the negative comments. The Cheerios company added that they were trying to portray the American family because there are many multicultural families in America today. I feel that it is sad that we are in the year 2014, we have a biracial president and we are still having this issue of prejudice today.

            I believe that as teacher we need to teach respect for  diversity.   It is important because many, many families are diverse. By teaching diversity the teacher creates a place where the students feel cared for, accepted, and learn to appreciate differences. An activity I recently saw about diversity involved two different colored eggs.   The  teacher demonstrated that when she cracked the two eggs they both had the same thing in the inside. I also saw the following poem on Pinterest, saying that we are all different but that we are all important.  This is the poem:  

“The Crayon Box That Talked –

Wouldn't it be terrible?

Wouldn't it be sad?

If just one single color was the color we had?

If everything was purple? Or red? Or blue? Or green?

If yellow, pink or orange was all that could be seen?

Can you just imagine how dull the world would be if just one single color was all we got to see?” 

What are your thoughts?    Should the curriculum include the teaching of respect for diversity?   Should we teach an appreciation of racial, ethnic diversity in school?    Should we include biracial families in our discussions?    Should General Mills have pulled this advertisement that featured a biracial family?   

Megan Ann and concerns about all day kindergarten

After reading at an article on NJEA.org, I learned about a full-day kindergarten bill that was vetoed by the governor. Due to the bill’s veto, a 17-member task force will not be formed to study the feasibility of full-day kindergarten in New Jersey. The task force was to have looked at existing data and then  gather the opinions of parents and teachers with regard to full-day kindergarten programs. Since this bill planned to only gather research and data, and not to enforce full-day kindergarten in New Jersey, I think the bill should have been passed. If the bill had been passed, the information gathered could have helped all legislators in making  an informed decision about  full-day kindergarten programs.   This information would have been beneficial to the legislators and to the people of New Jersey. 

 As a future teacher, I feel that these young children would greatly benefit from a full day of education. Not only would the students get a full day of academics, but also a full day of learning social skills.  With this veto there will not even be an opportunity to discuss this topic here in New Jersey.

What are your thoughts on this topic? Do you agree or disagree with the governor’s decision to veto the bill? Do you think the bill could have helped students in New Jersey?  Do you think that students would benefit from a full-day kindergarten? If so, what benefits do you think there are in creating a compulsory  full-day kindergarten education? Have you had any experiences in a half-day and/or full-day kindergarten classroom? If so, what are your insights?

For more information about the bill, here is the link to the article:

http://www.njea.org/news/2014-02-06/christie-vetoes-full-day-kindergarten-bill

Alexandra and ESL student

Alexandra has a very direct question to ask each of you with regard to ESL students:


Do you have any ESL students in your class?    What strategies does your teacher use in order to make sure that those students understand all that is going on in the lesson?    Were you an ESL student when you were in elementary school?    As you observe ESL programs do you have any questions or any suggestions that you would like to make with regard to these programs?    Should there be ESL programs in our public schools or do you think that we should consider total English immersion programs, that is, programs where there is no transition for students?    Let me hear your ideas, concerns, opinion.    

Meghan is concerned about her privacy as a teacher. Are you?

 I recently read an article entitled " Schools Would be Required to Set Social Media Guidelines.” There is a bill currently being considered in the New Jersey Legislature that would require every public school district in the state of New Jersey to create guidelines stipulating how employees are to interact with students when communicating online and through social media. This bill, if it becomes law, l would prevent inappropriate communication between school employees and students.  The communication being discussed includes texting, emails, social networking and all other Internet-based social media.  If this bill is passed through the New Jersey Legislature,  school districts throughout the state of New Jersey  would have a four month grace period in which to  create the district’s guidelines.    Each district would also be required to enforce the guidelines that have been created.   

>      I always knew that my personal life would probably be monitored closely if I chose to become a teacher.    As a teacher I realize that I will have to set a good example in the classroom as well as in my community.    However, while reading this article I had several questions that concerned me as to on how in-depth my personal life would be monitored if, indeed, this bill were to become law.  I was wondering how would the state enforce this policy?  Would Facebook entries and emails be audited?  As future teachers, do you feel that this is going to affect your effectiveness within the classroom? Since education is incorporating technology in classrooms more and more, would you still feel comfortable using social media on a personal and professional level?
>
>
>