Bringing Common Core to Life

This is a quote that I found quite interesting from David Coleman. I read this in the transcripts as I wanted to understand how the changes in the New York State standards-based system and their specific implications for teachers and instructional leaders will affect teachers...."Let me tell you the difference between teachers and standards developers. For standards developers time does not matter. Nothing is easier than with the stroke of a pen adding something that now all teachers and kids need to do. But that takes no account of what teachers are constantly conscious of, which is the actual amount of time it takes to master that and for students to practice it. And what’s happened in almost every state is an accretion of standards to the point that they’re utterly unrealistic in terms of time. All of you know what this means. This makes assessment a Russian roulette system. Since the assessment has to cover too wide a body of material into superficial matter no one can predict what will be assessed, what won’t in an in-depth way and there’s a situation of distrust." Here is a link to the webinar.... http://usny.nysed.gov/rttt/resources/bringing-the-common-core-to-life.html

Now that it's over...

Now that school is over, I am.....saddened. Yes, you've read it right. I had the most wonderful opportunity to cover an absence in a fourth grade classroom for the last six weeks of school. I was given the reins and I feel that I managed to succeed. It was definitely a learning experience, but the whole entire school staff were so awesome and helped me whenever I had a question. I learned so much of the daily duties of being a teacher; something you cannot get when you are a substitute in a different classroom everyday. I am continuing with subbing until I find my next opportunity. I am more excited than ever to get my own classroom.

In the Real World

I have been substitute teaching since I graduated last May. I really enjoy going into a new classroom and new schools every day. It can be a bit challenging at times because you can get the "Oh, good it's a sub" look. After a few minutes, the class realizes that I will reinforce the rules that are set in place and they can't get away with anything. I feel that the most important thing you can give to the students is respect. Very rarely do I ever encounter a disrespectful student. I can't wait for my own classroom!