Students Perform

April Fools at its Finest

Have you ever been the victim of a harmless prank? April 1st is full of full of them. From mayonnaise filled Oreo to more extreme pranks like putting the furniture on the ceiling. To perform the perfect prank it takes thought, dedication, and knowing the person you plan on pranking.

College students in Grand Rapids may have just pulled off the one of the more clever pranks I have seen. Not only did they think of something they could look back and laugh at, they used a teachers rule and turned it around on him.

Professor Stephen Barrows teaches macroeconomics at Aquinas College. One of his rules is that if your phone rings in class, you have to answer it on speakerphone. Normally this rule it used to embarrass the students. On April 1st, it was reversed and used on Professor Barrows.

One student planned to have her phone ring in class with an unexpected call from a Pregnancy Center. When she answered her phone Barrows quickly realized this had taken a turn for the worse. The student played it perfectly. Hanging up, she explained to Barrows that she had already planned the name, "April Fools". 

"I was thankful that they had enough confidence in my temperament to even risk the joke." Barrows stated. 

Personally, I think this is what can help make learning fun. Not embarrassing others but making the students feel comfortable. This little prank wasn't designed to hurt anyone and it didn't. It gave all the students something to talk about and bond. Teachers need to create a classroom where their students feel comfortable. Giving them an environment that doesn't make them feel less but an equal. 

I can bet that a majority of the students after that didn't mind coming to class. Obviously they probably didn't appreciate the class considering it is Macroeconomics. They probably didn't mind going to class only because they were looking forward to the possibility that something new and exciting might happen. 

Take a look for yourself and see how this harmless prank lightened the mood of the classroom. Whether you think it's appropriate is up to you.

For more information click below
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140407/SCHOOLS/304070115/0/SCHOOLS/April-Fools-prank-teacher-by-Grand-Rapids-students-draws-big-laughs-online

Only Time Will Tell

Lacking Enthusiasm

It’s not news to hear how teachers feel about standardize tests. They are against them. But it’s shocking to hear about how teachers feel in their classrooms. What happens when the teachers are those that lose interest in school? How does that affect the students? I know from my experience that when someone was talking about something they felt so passionate about, I was all ears. Clinging to every word they said, reading their facial expressions.

If someone wasn’t excited about something we were talking about, I would wander into day dreams dreading the ongoing conversations. At school, I have been blessed to have teachers so passionate about their jobs that learning was not a task. Learning was something I looked forward to. Until I had that ONE teacher that made learning feel like a minimum wage, laborious job.

It was my first year in college. With about 30 other classmates, I took a math class. It was absolutely horrible. Not only was math my least favorite subject, but the professor was monotone, boring, and used lectures as his one form of teaching. Since I’m being honest, I failed the class. There was no hope for me from the first day I walked through those doors. My professor was just as excited about math as I was… which isn’t saying much. Would have a more excited and enthusiastic teacher helped me pass the class? Probably not but it might have made the class more bearable.

According to Smith, "A survey of more than 7,200 teachers across the country found that about 70 percent are not enthusiastic about their work." Why are our teachers lacking enthusiasm at work? New teachers should be so passionate about their careers. When our teachers lack enthusiasm, so do our students. Creating a domino effect where their grades (more importantly their understanding) fall short. The feelings and passion one puts in their work shows. It translates in the work we do and the work we want other to do.

It’s so easy to say that as a future teacher I will be excited to teach my students. I can’t be sure that that will happen. With all this pressure to meet these unrealistic standards it’s difficult to enjoy the simple pleasures in teaching. Lessons become less exciting when they become so strict on following the Common Core. Of course it is great to have these objectives in the lesson. A lesson would have no point if it had no direction.  But we need our teachers to be engaged and excited to teach in order for our students to be excited. Engaged students gather more concrete understandings when they love what they are learning.

They say that the lack of engagement improves over time. We can only hope that this is true. I guess only time will tell.

For more information click below

http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2014/04/most_teachers_arent_engaged_in.html#incart_river

Project Technology

Technology for the Save

Classrooms are very diverse. From a personalities to economic backgrounds. Not one student or household is the same. So why does learning appear to be designed for one type of student? I have never been in a classroom where it was possible to teach one way and have every student understand everything. For example, teaching a lesson on plants. Some students have never seen some plants that a teacher might have talked about in class. Other students may have seen, felt, and smelt these plants. So would it make sense to talk about a plant and then move on expecting every student to receive the same understanding? Of course the one students who has seen and felt the plant may succeed while the other student would struggle. 

That goes for homework. When teachers are giving homework, they have to remember that not every student may have the resources necessary to fulfill the requirements. That means the teacher must either A) provide the resources necessary or B) eliminate the assignment. 

In Detroit, teachers were noticing that when it came to homework online nearly 70% of students were disconnected. Making it practically impossible to use the internet as a resource. How can the Detroit Public Schools give these students the same opportunities as other students with access to the internet?

Daniel Neal established one way. The Kajeet. This is a device that provides internet access anywhere, any time. Teachers can filter out the websites that are not allowed to be accessed therefore, provided students with unlimited educational access. Teachers are in control which levels the playing field in the classroom. Technology is becoming a material in classrooms. Teachers use technology to instruct and students use it to find out more information. If teachers are trying to incorporate technology in the classroom more, students should have access to technology outside the classroom. Devices similar to the Kajeet are one way of making sure students are apart of the movement toward technology.

Detroit Public Schools are testing this device out in pilot classrooms. They are looking to expand the program. Hopefully, this will allow teachers to challenge students and push them to excel. 




For more information click below
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140309/SCHOOLS/303090009/0/schools/Detroit-schools-project-always-keeps-virtual-classroom-open

Watch Me Thrive

Raising Awareness 

It only makes sense to "nip it in the bud". Stop something before it gets out of control. Realistically you would think that applies to children or students. If they are struggling to understand something, it makes no sense to push through the material and then come back. Teachers are taught that if students are struggling with a topic, it is best to break that down and then move on once they understand it. 

In an article on MLive.com, Brian Smith writes about how officials are now pushing to have children tested earlier for developmental issues. This program is called "Watch me Thrive". Michael Yudin states that Early screening can lead to better access to services and supports, which can enhance children's learning and development, minimize developmental delays, and result in more positive outcomes in school and life.

Children have a better chance of succeeding if issues are addressed ASAP. Providing screening and testing for young children will help parents take necessary step to helping a children's development meet expectations. 

I am currently working in a Pre-K classroom. It is amazing to see how much these young children know. And even more exciting is to see how excited and interested they are in school. They never view anything as too much work. These students are thriving because they are seeing and trying new things everyday. To know that some students are struggling is heart breaking. When things are hard or more complicated for them, students become frustrated and upset. Their friends aren't struggling so why is it is more difficult for them? Addressing any developmental delays would help children get on the right track. It is great that these tests are available for young children who are just starting to develop. 

Parents can work together with their child and teacher to create a plan that will address any developmental delays. This way, students can get back on track and return to being excited about learning. 




For more information click below
http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2014/03/watch_me_thrive_initiative_to.html#incart_river

March Madness

Detroit Schools out of Money?

• Fact #1: Every single district in the state has receives less money per pupil now than it did in 2010-11.
• Fact #2: Michigan now has the largest number of school districts in deficit in the history of our state.

According the the Detroit news, "Michigan's school districts have been denied adequate funding to sustain themselves". So where is all the money from the budget going? The $2 billion tax cut was said to be handed to corporations and CEOs, funded in part by the $1 billion from our schools. 

Schools in Michigan have been struggling for some time now. That's old news. Now we are seeing another side to this. Schools have little to no money for anything. Teachers are paying for supplies out of pocket. Programs are being cut. While these things may seem small, take a look at it from this point of view. 
Teachers have classrooms with 35 students; including students with special needs. They are responsible for taking on this challenge with no help. The responsibilities have grown for teachers making education less than a priority. Teachers are worried about how they can provide the necessities for students while educating an entire class. It sure looks like the schools can be using the $1 billion.

The article in the Detroit News talked about how the Michigan Education Association (MEA) created a website, kidsnotceo.com. This website is full of stories from parents, teachers, volunteers, administrators, etc. All these stories are associated with how schools are affected with the budget cuts. A simple website but it is full of personal stories of how people are being affected by the budget cuts. The communities are coming together to address an issue that will affect us now but will affect us in the future.

Our children, the future of America, aren't receiving the education they need to succeed in today's economy. They are loosing the options of classes that help students identify their skills and talents. So by choosing to cut fundings for our schools, we are choosing to destroy our hopes for a better future.

One statement from a teacher's post on kidsnotceo.com says, "I understand that Michigan has lost business and that many lawmakers feel that to improve our economy we must boost business in our state. I don't disagree with this. I just don't feel that it should happen on the backs of our students. Without educating our young people who will carry on the next generation of business in Michigan?"

What do you think?



For more information click below
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140326/OPINION01/303260003/Will-Michigan-schools-run-out-money-

Taking the Risk

Entrepreneur (n.) a person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so.

The word of the century. I have seen more people pursuing entrepreneurship than ever. My brother is one of those future entrepreneurs. I can honestly say it isn't the road for me but it is working for him. I have my reserves, though. There's always that chance of failing. Putting so much into one thing that has no guaranteed results, that scares me. So looking back, was it my education that made me afraid to take risks?

Are we teaching our children to play it safe? To take on careers where they are comfortable?

Maybe we haven't been challenging our students to excel. To take face challenges head on and take risks. 

Mary Coleman addressed the idea of entrepreneurs at the Detroit Economic Club on March 24th. Stating that Detroit needs people  who are willing to take risks and  start businesses. That's what Detroit needs. A community that thrives off it's citizens building business within the city. Creating jobs for those seeking work.

Mary Coleman believes it's time to take education to the next level. And I can't help but agree. "The principles we teach our students about entrepreneurship are the exact same principles all of higher educations needs to navigate in today's economy," Coleman states to the Detroit Economic Club, "It is time for higher education to become the innovators we are teaching our students to be."  According the Detroit News, U-M has invested $5 milliion dollars to encourage entrepreneurship. 

Coleman is talking about students at Universities, but that should be applied to our elementary students. They should be involved in taking their education to the next level. Making inquiries, developing critical thinking, and problem solving. 

Teachers have to prepare their students for the real world. Elementary through College. That's what our education should be working towards.  With a high unemployment rate in Detroit, it only makes sense to teach the younger generations to create their own jobs. Their businesses can provided opportunities for everyone.

It's all about preparation. Making sure our children are prepared for the real world and making sure our children are prepared for college. Educators should be encouraging their students to pursue their ideas and explore the world of creativity.

for more information click below:
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140324/SCHOOLS/303240074/1361/Mary-Sue-Coleman-says-Michigan--universities-should-be--innovators--in-economy

A Long Road Ahead

The Road to Recovery

When it comes to helping our children do better in school, most of us lean towards improving our teachers or our children. Schools hold after school tutoring sessions, teachers attend meetings, the list goes on. But when do the parents step in? When do they set an example for their children. Showing their children that school isn't a prison but an opportunity to expand their knowledge. 

In Detroit, Bennett Elementary School has taken a step towards involving the parents. The school has turned the elementary school as a place for community programs to be held.

According to Buendia, the importance of school starts with students observing their role models showing up to school. 

"Students see parents here and they know obviously that school's an important place to be."

This is exactly what our children need to see. They need to see parent's involved in the school. Parents at Bennett Elementary school in Detroit attend the school for workout sessions, workshops, and job training. They are part of the reason why this school has such a high attendance. Children see so much happening at their school that they understand how important it is to be in a school.

It's no secret that Detroit schools are not doing well. Detroit has been ranks the worst scoring city according to the National Report Card. Public education is said to have been worse that New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina came and wiped out the town. A city with an outstandingly large population has a reputation worse than a city with little to no housing left. Definitely not acceptable.

Schools are trying to change and become a place for children to succeed. It has been difficult but people are taking action. They are doing anything and everything to restore the peoples' trust. Bennett Elementary has used one idea to help that. 

By involving the community, people are seeing the school in a different light. Children are as well. That isn't way that the only way to fix the education in Detroit is to have programs running through the school but it is a start. Bennett Elementary is starting at the beginning. They are making school a place children want to be. Not a place the have to be. After they have the attendance, schools can start getting the process of teaching the students. Fixing what is happening in the classroom is the next step. 

Detroit has a long way to go before it can be recognized for its education. It is possible to get a better reputation but it takes more than just a few people. It takes a lot of people; students, teachers, parents, business owners. EVERYONE together can help Detroit recover. 



For more information click below
http://michiganradio.org/post/long-road-ahead-detroit-education-reform