Although we were given the politically correct definition of rigor, when referred to from an educational perspective, we are shifting from one paradigm to another. To provide rigorous instruction means to challenge students with engaging practices so they are compelled to think critically and be actively engaged. In other words, we have moved away from the transmission approach in which the teacher is the expert and that knowledge is deposited into students' minds to a participatory and constructivist approach to learning. As for rubrics, they have been around forever. Remember the scale of 0-4. Using rubrics can make life easier and grading becomes less subjective. If you attach a rubric to each student's work, you can highlight the strengths and weaknesses with two different highlighter colors. This data can also be shared with colleagues or as portfolio content. When I was completing my research study, I created a metacognitive checklist (holistic rubric) which prevented students with limited English proficiency from being penalized as they were still learning, changing, and growing. It was a great success. Rubrics serve as great documentation, as well, and hard to dispute. In regard to the upcoming election of politicians and SC members, and in support of NB educators, I would like to become a registered voter in NB. Where would I go to register? Additionally, after hearing your stories, my heart goes out to you and the students. If I was a wealthy woman, I would most certainly donate a large portion of money to our educational system. Like my friend Dave says, education is not about the students. It is a business. Guess who suffers?
Through my unexpected sabbatical,I have had time to reflect. I now realize much of what we do is not appreciated. And to think, we educate America's future. When something goes wrong, the ball drops on us. It is always our fault despite the variables.
Most importantly, I learned that it is not okay to disagree because it finds its way back to bite you. The state of our educational system is disheartening and the people in charge are just as bad. I think I will write myself a pass to a deserted, tropical island and live in isolation as trust, security, and enthusiasm for our profession, no longer exists!
16 comments:
The definition of rigor is "harsh inflexibility in opinion, temper, or judgement", "an act or instance of strictness, severity, or cruelty" that one word says it all
Not only is there a buzz but there's a sting. Apparently we don't even know what rigor is. We sure try our best, but we lowly NB teachers are not able to actually deliver rigorous instruction.
not only do I hate the word rigor, but we should also consider "Innovation" a dirty word too....hate them both...
Rigor, Rigor, Rigor, Rigamortis!!!!
The school committee in Attleboro obviously thought Pia was doing a lousy job leading the district there.
Thanks to King Jon and Queen Pia the children of New Bedford will be the biggest losers.
ww.thesunchronicle.com/news/local_news/praise-for-pia-durkin/article_0ba11c16-1376-5ff6-b799-2c7d71340e93.html
Let's remember Attleboro did not think too much of her "rigor" as they decided behind closed doors to NOT renew her contract. Hmmmm, so she loves NB so much because.....oh she was unemployed.
http://narragansett.patch.com/groups/schools/p/former-narragansett-superintendent-hired-in-attleboro
She seems to be very concerned about all of us dressing appropriately. I think we all dress pretty well. By the way, has she asked parents not to come to meetings in their pajamas?
Durkin's management style sucks.
Not emit even a couple of weeks and she's already treating us like $hi$.
There is a buzz and there is a sting. Not all of it is effective management; but not all of the management we have had has been effective. The truth as I see it goes like this - Some of Dr. Durkin's observations haven't been entirely wrong. We are being challenged, and a high expectation has been set for "our" children,
"our" community, and ourselves. Expectation breeds hope. It has design and motive. I understand that some of the criticism we have received is harsh. I don't plan on recoiling in defeat. I accept the challenge. I refuse to be unnerved because I am not inflexible and know that I am competent and capable. Someone has raised the bar because they believe in us and also know that We are capable of ascent. Let's use the critique to move forward and prove her right and wrong.
I motivate myself and my students. I do not need a controversial "leader" to come in and tell me to make sure my students are expected to meet high expectations. What I do need a "leader" to do is manage a school budget in an efficient and effective manner that allows for smaller class sizes, schools supplies that will assist us when we provide rigorous lesson (I currently by my own supplies as do many others) and I need a leader to make decisions that will provide teachers with planning time during the WORK DAY so that I may also be a successful parent. My own children deserve my time and attention on the weekends. So I am sure that for some Pia Durkin may make you rise up. However, I rise on my own and just need her to do her job and to not mis-manage the finances of this city school budget. I am also a taxpayer in this city and her mistakes will cost me. She really should focus less on the little things until she can make sure we come out of this financial hole! If she can do that, I will then say she has done well.
I would love to see these politicians and the others who walk into a classroom and judge the teachers. They have no concept of what we are doing and how hard we work. I would love to see these people teach 34 plus kids everyday. What a joke these people are and I hope they realize how foolish they appear to everyone !
A brief observation or classroom visit, is enough to sustain your harsh judgments or criticisms? You have no concept of how hard we work, or how much of ourselves we really give! Walk a mile in our shoes, and you'd be out the door in a New York minute!
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