A few days ago at a PSBAA council meeting, Wayne Hulley challenged us to consider:
“Who would ever apply for a job where for thirteen years you sit in a chair, can’t leave your seat unless you get permission, can’t even go to the bathroom unless you ask. Why are we doing this to our kids?” Not anymore!!!!
We need new lenses in education. A different way of viewing what it means to learn and teach. Many of us are used to seeing the entire educational process from the proverbial “car window”–travelling from one point to another with only passing interest in how we get there and what lies in between. Things are done the way they have always been done. It is easier that way, and until recently, that was all that was expected.Educational leaders (meaning dedicated teachers, administrators and school advocates and trustees) are beginning to put away the rose-colored glasses in favor of new lenses.
Lenses that:
- allow the viewing of more possibilities and fewer obstacles
- show a radically transformed educational system that values student input and individualizes instruction to meet student needs
- diminish the fear of technology and help educators embrace it as a powerful tool for teachers and students
- see the “back to basics” movement for what it is–a step backward, when we need to be moving forward
- cause us to reflect on all current educational practices, with a mind to change, or eliminate, those that are not in the best interest of our students
As people in the world of education, we have been wearing the same glasses for too long. It is time for an eye exam and a new prescription. Let’s change the way we look at teaching and schools.
Nancy's Notes 