Final blog

I took this course as an elective because I just feel like the education field is so important.  I am very glad I did take this course.  It truly opened my eyes to all the facets of educating all children.  Through our discussions, we looked at things I probably never would have given any thought to.  I know I will now look at bilingual, special education, and new students entering our country in a different way.  After reading the blogs and posts, it was very interesting to see how differently concepts can be interpreted. 

I’m not certain I will ever become a “blogger” but while taking this course it did fulfill its purpose.  I really liked looking at the pictures people put with their blogs.  Often, just by viewing the pictures, the reader could tell what the interpretation of the writer would be. 

I wish everyone success in their careers and know you will all become awesome teachers.  I say this because of your kind, compassionate, and understanding of children that I witnessed as we chatted with each other.

I summary, I believe by taking this course I have truly gained more respect for educators.

Zero tolerance

                                                        Both Sides on Zero Tolerance

Today student violence in schools has gotten out of control. As a result school systems have been forced to put zero tolerance programs in effect.   Some may feel school systems have been out of control in enforcing these policies.  There appears to be no flexibility when determining consequences for students. Administrators must follow the proper procedures and there must be consistent discipline. With all the bullying, stalking, harassment, fights, and hurtful behavior students are inflicting on each other something had to be done to address this serious issue. 

            Numerous people are debating both the pro and con issues of a zero tolerance policy.  Many feel that good kids that make a mistake just once should not be as severely punished as the student that is always getting in trouble. However, others feel when the same rules apply to everyone, students will realize they will face penalties.  There must be no tolerance for inappropriate and sometimes illegal behaviors.

Rich-Shea teaches crime and justice studies at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, and is a fellow at Suffolk University’s Center for Restorative Justice.  She states, “With zero tolerance, what had been kids’ defiant behavior became assault. In schools, bullying, fighting and sexual harassment are now criminalized. Research shows that these harsh, punitive policies have a negative effect on school climate and reduce academic achievement.” (Shea) 

Others feel that the “one strike, you’re out” policy is not too harsh.  These people feel that an example must and should be set.  An article by Sean McCollum states, “Rule-abiding students deserve safe, drug-free environments in which to pursue their studies. Classmates with problems need to be removed and given the help they need” (McCallum).

            In order to rectify part of this problem, administrators, school personnel, and parents must establish guidelines and follow them.  Proper training about zero tolerance should be provided by school systems.  At least this way everyone can understand the ramifications of what is considered improper and inappropriate behaviors.  Everyone will also understand the consequences and this training will put everyone on the same page.

http://www.schoolsecurity.org/trends/zero_tolerance.html

http://www.usatoday.com/educate/ednews3.htm

http://teacher.scholastic.com/writeit/cavalcade/pdf/sept2004/debate_zero_tolerance_p20_21.pdf

John Dewey

John Dewey

John Dewey’s thoughts on education are often linked with the progressive movement in education.  His philosophy of education basically is that educators must teach so students are ready to contribute to society.  Schools need to teach social aspects as well as educational concepts.  Schools should also provide social reform.  Dewey’s theory focuses on the idea that education has a social purpose as well as a purpose for one’s self.  As one is learning and gaining an education, social processes should be meshed with the learning.  He felt approaches in the classroom should be experimental. 

The idea behind Dewey’s theory is that it is important for students to learn about things they can relate to and things they have prior knowledge about.  Students should be able to build on this background knowledge and use their skills to live in a progressive democratic society.  Dewey believed that students needed to learn beyond regular rote.  Students must learn how to think.  He felt that schools should “teach students how to be problem-solvers.”   It is the teacher’s job to help students learn how to think rather then have the students become containers of rote memory.  Students should be analyzing and making judgments using reflective thinking.  The teacher should not just lecture content to the students.  Students need to go beyond just memorizing curriculum.   Dewey also felt there should be a balance between the teacher and student.  The idea was to have them both work to become partners.  Dewey felt it was important for the students to make independent discoveries.  He felt students should be active and thatsthe best way to learn is by being actively involved and by doing.  The teacher’s role is to act as the guide or the facilitator.

It was also Dewey’s belief that students need to learn about good judgments.  When these students become adults they should be able to "pass judgments pertinently and discriminateingly on the problems of human living."

 http://www.bgsu.edu/departments/acs/1890s/dewey/educ.html

http://johndewey.shawnolson.net/