I have to agree with Joy on the fear, but NCLB is born of that fear. The fear that we (Americans are number one!) are inferior in science and math when compared to other countries. The fear that our children aren't as smart as they can be, so we're going to force testing on them. The fear that we are weak. The fear that the teachers of America aren't capable of fixing what's wrong with education.
I have always been concerned over the well-being of my students, but I noticed that this year I have the fear inside me wondering if we can make gains on the tests. We did it last year, can we do it again? What will happen to us as a school if we don't? What will happen to me? I know many of my students are afraid of looking stupid. That's why I spend a lot of time on building self-esteem and putting an emphasis on effort, not product, at first to build their confidence. I even teach that schemata makes a difference, so anyone's interpretation could be right. But to no avail... I used to come to school empassioned about my job. Now I'm just trying to make through until May..... Bill _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
