Changing channels
Especially this time year as the holiday movies old and new fill TV schedule, I watch and wonder about what became of their cast members and not necessarily the leading roles. The small children broadcasted in black and white, are they grand or great grandparents now. How did they spend the days of their lives and what did they accomplish? For some their success continued in films, for others maybe a quiet family life was their personal mark for success. Considering my students, I think the educational system is sometimes lacking in terms of how success and contributions are measured.
Borrowing themes from this weeks reading, the public education chair as well as many communities as a whole, place more value on some achievements while overlook the talents and efforts of others. I think standardize test are fine but may schools systems divvy financial and other key resources solely on whether a curriculum area is subject to state testing. Likewise, I’ve seen celebrations and awards for sports related accomplishment while artistic, musical, or other less mainstream achievements receive little to no recognition. Greatness comes in many forms and so does the ability to reach it.
With that in mind, I’m not advocating the abolishment of standardized tests or competitive sports, but simply suggesting taking them less seriously. Give other forms of learning and expression a chance to develop and succeed. Provide opportunities for students and educational professionals to contribute and fulfill their learning and teaching potentials.
Great observations. I agree that our system is out of whack when it comes to it's award systems and how it determines what things should be standardized. My sense is that the problem isn't entirely "educational" but mostly social and cultural. We know what to do, we know what works, but it's in conflict with the "educational model" that many if not most decision makers have stuck in their heads. This is a very touch problem.
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