Delicious Links

My Two Cents

This week I was challenged to review the following sites and report back on my findings. We were given the task of answering a few questions and coming up with solutions to those questions. I am not saying I have the best solutions possible, but there has to be a change. I believe if you aren't part of the solution, you are part of the problem so here are my two Cents:

Rhode Island Teachers Fired

Collective Bargaining/Unionization

Idaho News

1. Where is the state of education heading? I think the "state of education" is heading towards more results and teachers are being held accountable for those results. While this sounds acceptable, the push for results comes at a price. Also, with a diminished union, teachers are losing their voice. I realize there needs to be a change but teachers need to feel protected too. Taking away their power, i.e. the union, demanding more results in a shorter window of time and providing less benefits and funds does not seem like the right direction for better results.
2. What are your concerns? I fear that the micromanaging will squelch creativity inside the classroom. This inhibits positive, fluid, meaningful results and may impact teacher's positions through no fault of their own. I also think that shortening school years is not going to solve the problem of higher education. Students need to be in school, they need to learn that learning is fun! If we keep larger classrooms, shorter school years and provide limited support, how are they supposed to feel about their education? We are setting students up for failure!
3. If you could say your 'piece' what would you say?
I would say, I agree there needs to be accountability with any profession. That being said, teachers need the freedom to be relaxed and teach their students without having someone else dictating their every move. If teachers are afraid of low test scores, they will focus on those areas which leaves other very important topics on the back burner solely for self preservation to protect their livelihood. Believe me, I've seen it!
I want to be a great teacher. I want my students to leave my class with the knowledge of a variety of subjects, not just those they will be tested on for the state. I want the freedom to be creative and make learning fun. I'm afraid the micromanagement will make teaching creatively not only challenging but my fear is it may make teaching effectively impossible.

I want to be THIS kind of teacher and get these kind of results: Good Morning Miss Toliver

4. What suggestions do you have to make things work?

• Allow teachers to be creative, don't micromanage! We need room to breath. Especially with larger class sizes, we need to get to know our students and teach them on their level. We DO need support though. As a Principal i.e. manager, you communicate openly with teachers, give constructive feedback and assistance when necessary. The accountability is already in place with the state guidelines, the poor teachers will be weeded out and the exceptional ones will flourish if you allow it. Personally, I am happy to come before school, make myself available during lunch hour and stay after school or whatever it takes to help students who are willing to receive help.
• Provide an even salary. I want to teach, I left a high paying job to do what I love. However, if teachers are now responsible to purchase supplies for their classrooms, they need a steady income to do it! This may need to be taken to the Federal level as I think it is unacceptable that teachers in Rhode Island are paid highly in a low income neighborhood and have less than stellar results. Teachers in our area have to take on second jobs just to pay their mortgages!
• Find a better way (outside of the school system) to cut costs other than school programs. I know a lot of students who only survived school BECAUSE of programs like: art, music and sports. Cut the programs and you will lose students interest in school.
• Adopt free word 2.0 sites and cut back on all of the paperwork. Last year alone, I received more paper handouts, worksheets etc. from my Kindergartener than I wrote in college! Other states have already taken this measure. I was informed the state of Oregon saved over $3,000,000 by this action alone?! This seems like an easy cost effective solution to me!
• Maintain a consistent school year. Cutting the time teachers and students have to cover topics for their growth and development not only hurts their learning, it sets them up for failure in higher education!
• Work on a partnership with parents. I understand parents are busy but children do not stop learning at home! Let’s embrace our co relationship with students and find a balance with parents. With so many new concepts coming out, parents may feel discouraged and unwilling to help their child. If we take the time to work through them with parents, we may find some would be willing to take on more tasks inside the classrooms. My goal is to utilize parents inside and outside the classroom. The hope is that this will not only help their child succeed in school but it could build stronger family ties.
  
• Allow teachers to have a voice. By taking away the union, teacher's legs are cut out from under them. Everyone needs to be heard. Communication is the best way to succeed. I should be clear that I do not support walk outs, picket lines and the like. In those instances, teachers are hindering their students of an education. But with the union powerless, teachers are too.
  

There are my two cents. I ask that you take the time to check out the links for yourself and see what you come up with. Together, we may be able to come up with a reasonable solution and protect our children's future!

Be a Friend, Not a Bully

Tips for Internet Safety

                                                                                                                                                                  http://jonathansblog.net/

The internet is a wonderful source of information and opens up the entire world to us in the comfort of our own home.  With all of the benefits of the internet, there are also dangers to be aware of.  

Just like we wouldn't let our children cross the road without an adult; parents and guardians need to be aware of the dangers to help keep children safe online. 

Some things to watch out for are: 

predators, cyberbully's, viruses... 

(While I was looking for pictures for this blog post a virus attempted to infect my computer. BE AWARE!)

Watch this short video on internet safety brought to us by 

Mom's Homeroom.com:

http://momshomeroom.msn.com/?topicId=T3&section=episode&dataId=1201629&source=search

Other helpful resources:

www.netsmartz.org

www.getnetwise.org

www.wiredsafety.org

www.stopcyberbullying.org

Something else to remember:  

Once ANYTHING is posted online; pictures...messages...etc, there is ALWAYS a trace of that message or image that can NEVER be erased.  That being said, parents: help your child(ren) to know what is and isn't appropriate to post.  While posting is fun, there may be repercussions later... 

Here is a post of adults learning how serious online posting is the hard way: http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=4791295&page=1

Again, the internet IS a wonderful source of information and connects people worldwide.  Have fun and be safe while navigating cyberspace. 

Letter of Introduction

Hello and welcome to first edition of "The Peterson Pilot!" 


My name is Angela Peterson and I am very excited about our upcoming semester!  I have been fortunate enough to grow up in Idaho and love the great outdoors!  I love to sing and you will find your child will learn a lot of songs when learning new concepts in class.  I am a fun loving person who is patient and kind.  My philosophy is one should never stop learning, no matter their age.  So, while I teach your children what I know, I will also be learning so I can grow!

This blog is available for you to receive information about upcoming lessons and activities your child will be participating in.  Please check each week so you are up to date on what we are doing inside the classroom.  I hope to include art and pictures of your children at work and play.  I realize pictures can be a sensitive matter and I will be sending home a permission slip for you to complete before I post any pictures of your child.

My classroom expectations are very simple.  We are to treat one another with respect and kindness.  Together, we will create and maintain an environment for learning. There will be individual and group activities daily so children can participate in a team environment.  I enjoy interactive learning and encourage children to learn to make decisions and problem solve on their own.  Since this is a learning environment, I ask that any toys, cell phones, hand held game systems etc are left at home or remain in back packs so we will not be distracted from our objective.  Should I find any of these items have made their way into our classroom I will remove the item to be returned at the end of the day.  

Since children learn from all avenues in their lives, I feel it is important that we as adults work as a team to provide the best education possible for your children. That being said, I plan to give you an opportunity to participate in your child's learning from home.  Once a month I will include fun activities for you to complete with your child. One example of the type of activity you will be doing is creating an "All about Me" poster. This is your chance to let your child shine! You can include art, family pictures and anything that rings true for your child.  I will be decorating our classroom with the completed posters. 

I feel maintaining open communication is essential for a successful semester.  I am always available for questions, please contact me anytime!  You can reach me at 208-999-5555.


Also, I am always looking for volunteers to help with classroom projects.  If you are interested in volunteering, please let me know!  

I look forward to meeting each of you and want to thank you in advance for trusting me with your most treasured possessions...your children!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Angela Peterson