EDTECH: HELP OR HARM?

 I enjoyed this address by Lady Sophie Winkleman given at the the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship.

Pardon the Interruption

 As I looked through the articles about classroom disruptions, I noticed one common theme. Most articles are written to provide educators with management techniques. There are few articles that address ability grouping, consequences, educator abuse or peers' loss in learning. Although I am presently considered a "behavior whisperer," I have to admit that I failed my Classroom Management course twice in grad school. The ability to command a classroom of 25 diverse individuals is extremely complex. I employ a variety of techniques on a daily basis. Teachers have to respond quickly, act with personal restraint, and teach, all simultaneously. This is a stressful roller coaster ride when there are few disruptions, but today's classrooms are increasingly being disrupted by students with academic, social and emotional deficits. The United States is not alone when it comes to these issues. I found several international articles related to classroom disruptions as well. In addition to the loss in present learning, disruptions are being linked to a loss in future earnings, low test scores, health issues among educators, and peer anxiety from exposure to disruptive interactions.

Articles: The Effects of Classroom Disruptive Behavioral Management Strategies for Middle School Students Talking out of Turn; The Long-Run Effects of Disruptive Peers; Disruptive Student Student Behavior: The Effects on Various Constituent Groups in Large Suburban School Communities

Logistical Barriers to Learning

 Collaboration and transparent communication are key to creating a productive team. The education system is frequently stifled by the lack both. This tragically leads to failed student outcomes. The needs at the campus level are unique, and systems must be diverse from one school to another. In some cases, communication is taking place, but the wrong questions are being asked, the interpretation of the conversations are ineffective, and the chosen learning targets are based on false premises. District and campus administrators have to take a deeper dive into how educators are processing and implementing district policies inside the classroom. This takes masterful observation skills, content knowledge, and inspiring leadership qualities. Educators are being asked to complete time-consuming task that are taking away from more legitimate task that fuel student learning gains. Please post some of the tasks that are creating barriers to student learning.

Education in 2025: New Rules

I am baffled by the overwhelming amount of information that humans have at their fingertips and how so many people remain ignorant about basic life skills. Many educators are leaving the profession because the system is broken, stressful and filled with oblivious, pretentious, dimwitted, simpletons. It is unfortunate for students who suffer in the chaotic environment. People had a small glimpse into the life of educators during COVID. Initially, parents expressed admiration for teachers, but this was short lived as parents grew weary. America does not place a high value on education. State governments are enacting new policies to create barriers to acquiring educational funding, and local communities are divided politically and economically. Student performance in reading, writing and math are also on a decline. The community must become a refuge for students and families by championing the cause of  foundational learning which includes: literacy, life skills, and citizenship training. A recent Forbes article entitled, The Growing Discontent With American Education highlights some of the concerns people have with our current education system.