Chapter 11 Reflection

If I could serve in a governing position, I would chose to be a superintendent.

A superintendent hires his principals and supervises them. The superintendent makes decisions on what is best for students. And that is what I like most about that position.

Being a superintendent would be a very interesting job in that they get to “clean house” when needed. As a superintendent I would be able to cultivate relationships with the districts communities. Keeping them up to date with  how a school is performing not only in testing but overall. As a superintendent, building these relationships will help to increase schools budgeting and allow for better school resources such as up to date textbooks and technology.

As a superintendent I would be able to make improvements for school facilities.

A low income school does not need to look the part. A superintendent has the power to make improvements necessary for students to feel proud to attend their school.

Superintendents make up the school's policies and procedures. The most important part of a superintendent job is make schools a solid and safe environment so that a student is allowed to reach his or her highest academic potential. A schools should be considered as a students second home. It is where they spend most of their days. And as a superintendent I would strive to make my schools as safe as possible.

Another reason I would like to be a superintendent is because they are the motivators of our principals and teachers. Through them, they are the ones that bring about the motivation in our educators to help give better instruction to our students.

Chapter 11 Notes

The state legislatures are the most influential actors in establishing school policy. The governor’s office has the power to affect educational policy but often chooses to do so only on limited basis. Governors and state legislatures have the tremendous influence over educational policy and expenditures.

State Board of Education: exercised general control and supervision of schools within the state. It also establishes and enforces minimum standards for the operation of all phases of elementary and secondary education from the state to the local school system level.

Chief state school officer: also known as the superintendent, is responsible for serving as the chief administrator of the state department of education.

State department of education: responsible for carrying out the policies of the state board of education and the laws passed by the state legislature. Most schools, school districts, colleges of education are strongly affected by the policies and actions of the state department

The state creates local school districts to facilitate local control of education. their purpose is to carry out education in a manner that conforms with state policy

Local school board: represents the citizens of the district in setting up a school program, hiring school personnel to operate the schools, determining organizational and administrative policy and evaluating the results of the programs and performance of personnel.

Superintendent of schools: is undeniably the most powerful officer in the local school organization. The most important function is gathering and providing information to the local school board so its members can make informed decision.

School Principals: are generally considered to be a part of the administrative organization, directly accountable to the superintendent and the local school boards. Principals usually interview prospective faculty members and make faculty assignments, supervise and evaluate staff members, schedule students and classes,  manage school budget, administer district discipline policies and procure and dispense supplies. Most importantly, principals are expected to function as instructional leaders for their schools.

Among the most influential forces on the schools are professional education organizations
such as the National education Association and the American Federation of Teachers. State politicians pay attention to these organizations because of their power to influence.
Site based decision making: tended to increase teachers power. The key is that most changes needed to occur at the school level.

Parents are their children's first and primary teachers and the only ones who follow a child’s progress from year to year. PTA or PTO serve as a communications link between parents and the formal school organization with teachers usually acting as representatives of the school. Most PTO are comparatively impotent in achieving educational aims. Strategies to improve partnership between parents and teachers are: frequent parent teacher conferences, homework hotlines, email, workshops and volunteer programs.

Business: have been at the forefront of efforts to restructure public education. They have become both the strongest critics and the staunchest advocates for public schools. Business have donated hundreds of millions of dollars to improve elementary and secondary schools. One major effort on the part of business is to influence school reform is the business roundtable, an association of chief executive officers of the leading U.S. corporations. Many Business leaders are convinced that education reform is essential to the health of U.S. economy

Federal government: The U.S. supreme court has played a particularly important role in changing educational policy in the country. Because of its ruling have altered or reduced the power of state and local educational authorities. In the case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, the U.S. supreme court ruled that the doctrine of “separate but equal” had no place in public education.

Categorical grants: money that must be spent for designated purposes. Stated generally in the legislation and more percisely by the federal agency administering the funds.
Block grants: are sums of money that come with only minimal federal restrictions and are transferred from the federal government to the state governments as a block of money rather than by categories.

The federal government's most significant efforts have sought to address the needs of children from high poverty areas which are at risk for educational failure. The Compensatory education, is an approach to creating more equal educational opportunities for disadvantaged children.

Chapter 10 Reflection

In the year 2020 many things will change. From technology and books and if we went a bit further, the reduction of paper. Also a change that I predict will occur is we will no longer have traditional school desk, making room for computers.

Technology will change our schools completely. In fact, it already has but in the next decade, teachers will use computer programs even more so to teach lessons. Teachers will be using web based programs to post assignments or classroom bulletins. Seeing that this is through the World Wide Web, students will be able access their classroom information from anywhere. The school's curriculum will be more computer based than it is now. Computers today is how students learn and at the rate that technology is being introduced in schools, students will only be using computers with the teacher as the facilitator.
Teachers will be able to post the assignment for the day or week and with each student having a computer, they will be able to have that lesson pop up on their screen giving them the ability to view and perhaps write their own notes which is where the reduction of paper comes into play. Teachers are now asking for powerpoints and other means of presenting and turning in assignments. Some teachers are now preferring to have students email assigned homework to them. With “Word” students are able to write their papers and send it out through email. Paper in this manner will certainly be reduced.
I forecast that there will no longer be the traditional student desks in the classrooms. The classrooms will have computer tables that run the length of the classroom allowing for more room, much like a computer lab but in a regular classroom setting. Each student will be assigned a computer and through it, they will be able to view the lesson as the teacher is presenting it.
One of the biggest changes I see taking place in the future in our schools is textbooks. With the introduction of the Ipad and kyndal, schools will slowly set aside the hard copy textbook and instead give each student access to their class textbook through these devices. Students will be able to take quizzes on the lesson and perhaps their exams, much like we do in online college courses.
Many changes have already occurred in our schools but with technology today making a big impact in our present day, technology is where our educational change will occur in the year 2020.

Chapter 9 Reflection

In reading Chapter 9 I was confused about all the different types of philosophies that the chapter described. As the chapter continued to describe all the different types of philosophies,I began to see how a teacher needs to have a philosophy to guide them. That each falls into a different category and how each is essential in how it affects a students ability to learn. Teachers each have a different philosophy from which they teach by. In taking the Philosophy of Education self inventory, I found that my philosophy of education leans toward Perennialism. It was an eye opener for me to see what I thought my philosophy was, ended up being the opposite. I believe that a student should be pushed to do his or her very best and that lazy work is unacceptable. This type of thinking was described as perennialsim in the chapter.
Some teachers chose to borrow from various philosophies by choosing what looks attractive. This can become a problem in that it show inconsistency and liable to confuse everyone. Therefore it is important that teachers adopt a philosophy from which to teach by.

I concluded that no matter what philosophy is adopted that moral values such as honesty, respect for others, and fairness should be taught in order for students to thrive in schools and in their communities.

Chapter 9 notes

Chapter nine discusses different types of philosophies that teachers use to teach students.
Philosophy as described in the chapter “forms the intellectual underpinning on which the practice of education rests.” Philosophy is divided into several areas that are important to teaching: Metaphysics, epistemology, axiology and logic.

Metaphysics: Involves the attempt to explain the nature of the real world or nature of existence. It tries to answer the question “What is real?” The curriculum explains reality to students and it represents what a community believes is worth knowing.

Epistemology: deals with questions regarding knowledge and knowing. Skeptics, question if we are really able to know what the truth is. Agnostics, are convinced that there are no truths. Epistemology deals not only with nature of truth but with the ways we can know reality. Teachers work to focus on helping students find the most effective  way of coming to know, gaining new knowledge.

Axiology: focuses on the nature of what we value and how we value it. hedonists believe in seeking pleasure an living for the moment. Stoics seedk to be unaffected by pleasure or pain. There are two subtopics for Axiology: Ethics, takes us into the realm of values that relate to good and bad behavior. Aesthetics: deals with the question of values regarding beauty and art. And lastly,Logic: is the branch of philosophy that deals with reasoning.

Four philosophies that are influential in American education: Perennialism, essentialism, romanticism and progressivism.

Perennialism: views truth and human nature as constant, objective and unchanging. In schools particular emphasis is placed on literature and humanities. Perennialists believe that traditional subjects provide greatest insight into the human condition. They believe that education is preparation for life and believe that is should not attempt to imitate life or be lifelike. They believe that a person learns through disciplined study of the great works and ideas of human history

Essentialism: is a uniquely American philosophy of education that began in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Essentialists do not focus as intently on truth as Perennialists do. They are less concerned with the classic as being primary. They search for what will help a person live a productive life today.

Romanticism: is based on writing of Jean Jacques Rousseau. They consider the individual more important than needs of society. The purpose of education is individual self-fulfillment. Education must help the students develop physically, intellectually, socially and morally.

Progressivism: views nature as being in flux, as ever changing. They believe that the place to begin an education is with students rather than the subject matter. They believe the school should be democratic in structure so children can learn to live well in a democracy and become good citizens

Behaviorism: is an educational approach that emerged directly from the pioneering research of B.F. Skinner. Skinner developed a theory called Operant conditioning which viewed learning as as the learner’s response to various stimuli. behaviorist uses clear objectives, establishes a learning environment that provides positive reinforcement, closely monitors and gives feedback on progress.

Eclecticism embodies the idea that truth can be found anywhere and therefore people should select from various doctrines, systems and sources. The eclectic teacher selects what he or she believes to be the most attractive features of several philosophies. Borrowing from different philosophies and determining which one will be most useful.

Teachers have different philosophies in which they use to teach their students. Which ever type of philosophy the teacher adopts they should include philosophies that teach moral values and those that the student can take and use for the choices they will make in the future.

Chapter 8 Reflection

Chapter 8 spoke about the issues that play a big role in a teachers life, ethics and laws.
Ethicis plays a big role in a teachers life. Teachers ethically influence students. The way they treat their students sends a very powerful message. By creating a classroom climate that is safe and that exhibits trust is another form of ethics that teachers should portray Showing and discusing values of respect, honesty and responsibility will influence students in real life events.
Most parents want their children to be taught by some one who upholds good ethical values. A teacher is some one whom the child spends most his or her day. Parents want teachers who will have a positive influence on their children. A teacher who has shows postive ethics will have a great influence on students. Those students will come to remember and appreciate it in the end. Ethics also plays a major role for teachers when it comes down to doing what is right. Speaking up when something is seen as not morally correct. and having the courage or willpower to act.
Teachers are also affected by the laws.  In the case for dismissal. The most commons reasons for dismissal are insubordination, incompetence and conduct unbecoming of a teacher.
Teachers have to be mindful of the laws imposed by their state as well as federal laws.They have to remember that the students also have their individual rights even after they graduate.
Even though some laws continue to change, teachers, for their own protection as well as those of their students should be reminded of what those laws are to protect themselves and those they are teaching.

Chapter 8 Notes

Using good ethics in teaching makes for special relationships with students and co-workers

Ethics=refers to a system or a code of morality embraced by a particular person or group
The characteristics of ethical teaching are: Appreciation for moral deliberation, meaning teachers need to see the complex dimensions of the problem and appreciate that care must be taken to protect the rights of others; Empathy: the ability to get inside the skin of another person. we need to feel what the other person is feeling. Knowledge: to deal effectively with ethical issues; Reasoning: means to reflect systematically on an issue; Courage: to be able to act in what is perceived to the be the right way.
Three ways to teach ethically are: Personal Example: The manner in which teachers treat students and the way a teacher works and the seriousness of their teaching sends a powerful message to their students; Classroom Climate: providing a safe and trusting environment for students will help students feel satisfaction in what they are learning; Ethical Dialogue: discussing with students the values of honesty, respect, and responsibility will help students in real life events.

Law=is a written rule that members of a given community must follow. Teachers are affected by the law.

Due Process=fairness. Due Process comes from two amendments, the Fifth Amendments states that “no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process law.” Fourteenth Amendment states that” no person should be denied the equal protection of the law.” Types of Due Process include: substantitive due process: has to do with the issue itself; and procedural due process: concerns the fairness of the process followed.

Contract= is a binding agreement between two or more persons or parties. Contracts differ from district to district and from state to state. Grievance=is the formal expression of a complaint about an unsatisfactory working condition. They usually concern disputes over working conditions. Continuing contract= states that it’s terms will remain in force until the teacher is given notice that the contract will be terminated on a particular date.
Tenure= teachers are hired on a probationary basis with the probationary period often lasting three years. State law determines when a teacher is eligible for tenure. It helps to maintain an adequate and competent teaching staff. Dismissal=to justify dismissals the school district must prove that the tenured teacher has violated some provision of the tenure law. Most common reasons for dismissal are: immorality, insubordination, incompetence and conduct unbecoming of a teacher. Liability= means blame. Meaning that the teacher is accept liability for a students injury
Reporting child abuse=teachers have the responsibility to safeguard students from the abuse and neglect from their parents and other adults. A teacher does not have to be certain that a child is being abused before they make a report. It is better to act than to be wrong. Assault and Battery=means a willful attack on another person that results in harm. Incidents should be reported immediately and disciplinary action demanded or legal charges filed.
Freedom of expression=includes symbolic expression=dress style and verbal or written expression. Academic Freedom= the freedom a teacher has to select course materials and to teach in a way he or she thinks fit. deals largely with issues in the classroom and the teachers rights as well as students to discuss ideas and read material of their choosing.
Absolute Academic Freedom=does not exist in K-12. Often generated a great deal of heat.

Teachers bring into their classrooms more than their minds but their attitudes and values

personal appearance, hair, clothes, and weight= teachers according the current view, do not have a constitutional right concerning their style of dressing and obesity may be it’s own punishment.
Private sexual behavior= courts have view a teachers private sexual habits as separate from their public lives as teachers. Conduct with students=allow a good degree of freedom when it comes down to their private and personal lifestyle as long as it does not affect their performance as teachers.

Students and the Law=most legal issues that affect teachers relate to students rights.

Suspension and Expulsion=example Columbine High School in Colorado in 1999, schools need to keep in mind as the drug, violence, and drop out rate increases that some students are severely and deeply unhappy. Schools have three disciplinary alternatives; in-school suspension=for minor offenses and is brief in duration; out of school suspension and expulsion= are more serious and last longer periods with expulsion meaning complete separation from school.
Pregnancy, parenthood and Marriage= dismissing these students has been found to be discriminatory by the courts and a denial to their rights to education. Most schools make arrangements for the education of pregnant students
Corporal Punishment=the trend among states is clearly in favor of banning it.
Search and Seizure= a students locker may be searched by an appropriate school official, usually a school administrator if there is reasonable grounds to suspect that the locker contains something illegal. Authorities must have probable cause for believing that the person is in possession of something illegal to conduct any kind of search of a persons possessions.

Ethics and Law play an important role in a teachers career

One of the missions of schools is that they prepare our students for the future work force. Schools are being pressured by a number of sources pressuring schools to use technology.
1)Parents are placing pressure on schools to use technologies in the classroom. Parents are concerned not only that their children have access to technology in the classroom but also that the students learn technology skills that will allow them to compete in a jobs that are powered by technology 2)Students are placing pressure on schools by knowing more about which technologies are rcurrently available and how to use them than do teachers
3) Teachers are placing pressure on schools because they need both access to technology in their classroom
4) business are placing pressure on schools and governmental agencies to adequately prepare future employers.
5) The perception that the U.S . is falling behind the world in educational attainment has increased pressure on schools and teachers to bridge the gap. 6) Governmental agencies have moved to support federal, state, and local initiatives to ensure access to technology for K-12 students
computer applications can be classified as cognitive tools when used to engage and enhance thinking. Cognitive tools manage information in ways that allow users to think clearly, creatively and critically. Using cognitive tools often requires students to think harder, more critically or more creatively than they might without the tool. some examples of cognitive tools are:
research: archives provide a tremendous variety of information
analyzing data: spreadsheets and other analysis with multiple ways to view and think about data.
spread sheets: provide students with multiple ways to view and think about data

New technologies go through different stages of application. They are as follows:
1) Technology is applies to things we already know. Example: when teachers use power point or keynote. it is used to show text and pictures which is what over heads and projectors have done in the past.
2).Technology is used to improve upon existing tasks. Example:
3) The technology is used to do things that were not possible in the past.

Technology offers many tools for developing literacy. writing, communicating, and learning to read.
In science, technology can allow students to do legitimate scientific investigations on a scale that would otherwise be impossible In social studies: digital resources can be used to promote historical thinking and inquiry based learning Mathematics: techonolgy offers tutorials, and graphing calculators
Foreign Language: the world wide web and other communications tools open vast opportunities in foreign language education. Specail Needs: Technology tools can also assist students with special needs. In assertive technology: computers help in allowing students to participate in normal classroom activities that would otherwise be impossible it is a potential component of the individualized education (IEP) required under law for each child with a disability Blind students and their teachers can use a braille software which provides braille to print translations. Integrating technology into teaching can change the way a teacher delivers the content to the class. Teacher as a facilitator: a teacher is freed to become more involved in higher level evaluation of
performance.
Embedding technology in the curriculum: a new model of embedding technology skills within the context of the content. Small group instruction:  smaller group work are more conducive to active, engaged learning and student interactions. Technology can save a teacher time in areas of their daily work. Software Gradebook: keeps records of a student and parent information, calculate grades, Test generators: allow teachers to create a database of questions and then construct tests from them, IEP: helps manage paperwork involved, Time management tools: can be used for personal and academic purposes.

Chapter 7 Reflection

I have to admit that while in grade school I never did encounter the internet. I don’t think we even had internet during those days. But I do remember first being introduced to computers in the sixth grade.

Our computer usage was more for literacy testing in English class. It wasn’t like it is now that elementary school children actually go to computer class to learn how to use it for research and the like. I know my daughter, who is in fifth grade is encourage to do research for little projects her class has to do. I remember when my children started elementary school and I was told that part of the curriculum was using computers not just for testing but for research. I was truly amazed at what my children were learning from the interent. In my day, we didn’t have that. For my own research, we had to do it the old fashion way, looking up books in library using the card catalog or micro-fich for articles. Even doing my research papers when I first entered college was done through book sources only. For my composition class, it was all handwritten or typed on a type writer. We didn’t have word processors. Our technology was extremely limited.

I was not attending school or college when the internet was introduced. Even in college in the late 1980’s computers were limited therefore everything was typed. I was first introduced to the internet in the 1990’s when it was first introduced to the public. I had already graduated from high school in 1985. It was an amazing tool and now it is our life-line I say. We can not do anything without it. Most of the questions that we have can be answered through the internet. Every time my ten year old daughter asks me a question that I do not know the answer to, I tell her to “google it”. Most of our research is now done through internet sources. Now I can see why my college courses were so limited with the assignments back then and how they are much more different now due to the amount of resources we have in our computers.

The only game I remember playing was called an Atari. I can’t even recall when that was first introduced, perhaps late 1980’s but the game was a little ball that would bounce across the screen.
In reflecting on this topic, we have come along way since my days in school. The amount of technology is amazing. Teachers teach with it and students are encouraged to use it to prepare them for their future jobs. In our present day, we are so dependent upon it for our jobs and our daily lives. If we had all this technology when I was in elementary school, I would have much more literate in computers.