All this talk and reading has been so cerebral. I took a few moments to remember some of my students from this last year, and it makes more sense. They are the students we talk about. I have met them, taught them, argued with them, and loved them.
What is the future of middle level education in Maine? It is too big for me to wrap my thoughts around. I don't understand the complexity of policy and administration and implementation. I haven't been working in the public schools for many years. I am committed to sharing what I am learning to the parent-directed school I taught at last year, and to implementing in my own classroom as much as possible what is best for my middle level students. After many years of teaching (once my kids are in college), I will consider becoming an administrator myself.
It has become obvious to me that, while the board of PCS cares and loves these students (their own children), they do not know how the development of young adolescents should influence their schooling. While I am not an outsider, I don't know how to approach the board without sounding like a know-it-all, or what to suggest. I don't see massive change happening at this small school without a new headmaster with the vision for the change. And quite frankly, they can't afford a well-educated headmaster. I am very discouraged.
I will share about the physical, social, etc changes in young adolescents. I will encourage an interdisciplinary approach. Once again, I will suggest they find a different curriculum than the one in place. It is awful, at best. I'll emphasize what they can do to meet the non-academic needs, because they know the students need help. I would love to teach there again next year and teach science, math and oral and written communication (they need more teachers), but I need to make a break and establish myself in the public school system.
We've had a lot of discussions about how there should be a special certification (or more training) for middle-level teachers when they are going through their teaching programs. I've always thought that school board members should be educated in education! They're making policies, and trying their best to do what's right for students (in most cases), but are ignorant when it comes to pedagogy and actually understanding some of the developmental needs of students. In a perfect world, I think they should have to take a few introductory education classes--just to be exposed to the science behind it. Until then, we'll be stuck with people just trying to do the right thing. I wish you and PCS luck next year :)
ReplyDeleteI 100% agree with educating the board and some of the community members about specific middle level practices. I would start with sharing the texts that we have studied throughout this course, at the very least the "Bright Futures" document from the state should shed some light on the developmental stage of our adolescents and current best practices. The DVD clips with "This We Believe in Action" are quick and easy to show how the implementation of This We Believe's core characteristics look. We need to share the information that we have learned in as many ways possible. Maybe weekly tips on the district's website, brief articles in the local newspaper, or more community based education fairs/events.
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