The More Things Change

Over the past couple of weeks I've been struck by the vast amount of knowledge that exists about how kids learn best. As more and more research contributes to educators' understanding of what needs to change about how we teach, the more things in schools seems to stay the same.

Since my last posting I've been attempting to negotiate the onslaught of at least three standardized tests my students will need to take in the coming weeks and months. Teachers at my school observe, only half jokingly, that we're spending more time testing students than we do teaching them.

Questions abound:

• If research-based instructional best practices are the way to go why don't our school processes and procedures reflect that?
• If research tells us that we need to use a variety of modes to reach our students, why do we keep testing them using paper and pencil?
• Why are school administrators still expected to be instructional leaders and business managers given they have little time or resources to do either job well?

The teachers' lounge and after-school conversations are filled with these questions and echo with the refrain of teachers' quandary, "What are we supposed to do?" For some the answer is to leave teaching all together. Incredibly talented and caring individuals are being driven away from classrooms by arbitrary requirements and unrealistic expectations. Others will opt to look for a spot in systems where the status quo is being challenged. Still others decide to stay put and continue to work on ways to mitigate, if not entirely circumvent, this confusing set of circumstances.

Admirably, as my colleagues chart their varied courses of action, the vast majority stay committed and focused on providing their students with engaging and effective classroom experiences. Alongside their efforts to fathom the thinking behind any number of decisions that impact the classroom, are an energetic sharing of lesson plans, resources, or tools that could help learners progress. Positive words and helping hands help to ease the stress. What's more, teachers continue to give of their time to ensure there are extra-curricular activities that develop the talents and feed the spirits of our students.

Through all the frustrations and disheartening decisions I love my job! There is nothing like teaching nor are there beings like teachers who have a calling to the classroom. I wonder when the rest of the world will come to realize this.