Friday, July 18, 2008
History of Education
We have been thinking, lately, about the American education system, and how it is so tied into the success of or progression of our nation. We discussed with the Donhams problems, solutions, possibilities, and impossibilities which of course led to the history of the system we are a part of today. Surprisingly enough, there isn't much information out there on why we have chosen the system we have. Does anyone really know THE best way to educate the children of our nation, in our modern society? Something that others have mentioned when we bring up this topic is that educational authorities do not leave in place any policy/plan long enough to see if it actually works. They are constantly trying something new, instead of waiting out for the end result. Well, maybe that has to do with the high turn-over of teachers/professionals. Maybe someone has a plan, and before they can see it through, they are ready to move on to something bigger and better. Who's in it for the long-haul (and not just for retirement)?
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Interesting topic, and one I've pondered and researched for years. You might be interested in some of this:
One of the most successful programs for revamping American education's top-down-based approach comes from the National Writing Project, which espouses the "teachers teaching teachers" philosophy. After all, who knows best what works and doesn't work in the classroom?
another agent for change is Dr. Harvey (Smokey) Daniels, with his Walloon University. Smokey developed the Literature Circles concept, and has a pilot school in the Chicago area.His book 'Rethinking High Schools' is well worth reading.
'The Manufactured Crisis" by Berliner and Biddle, and 'Battleground' by Bates, both chronicle the ongoing assaults on public education that result in more and more restrictions on the freedoms of teachers, administrators, and systems.
Writers, like Daniels, Tschudi and Tschudi,Calkins, Romano,etc., offer ways that the aspiring teacher can modify his/her teaching practices to foster real inquiry and active learning, even in today's test score-driven environment.They all offer best practice models, and guide the reader through the change process.
Marzano's 'Habits of Mind' should be a staple in anyone's curriculum. It supersedes subject areas, and focuses on the student's approach to learning. Heady stuff!
Keep me informed as the dialogue progresses!
Bill
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