This is great. I am actually reading the Knowledge Gap. I am Youth worker (30+ years) but have spent the last 19 going into schools across the nation speaking to students and teachers. This year I wanted to expand my knowledge about trends in schools. Over 19, I have seen a lot of changes, but also students in many ways have remained the same. Part of my goals was to read or listen to podcasts. There is some context for my interaction on this topic. As I read the Knowledge Gap, there are parts that I know a teacher would understand, but since I do not have that background I need that knowledge. I can read the words, but comprehending the "insider language of education" was sometimes hard to decode. I was simply just like Robert was saying picking up a college text book about things I did not know (I know some of it by osmosis of being around education). I am glad this interview is connected to what I am reading because both will help me decode.
1) Better pay for teachers 2) Highers standards for teachers and students 3) Smaller classes 4) Absolutely NO social/political propaganda/signs/flags/posters
When the curriculum changes every few years, the intended benefit dissipates. None of these curricula can be used exactly as is and need at least some tweaking because, yes, we do know our students better than anyone else.
As for the state tests, they are not necessarily well constructed. Where is the data that these are gold standard measurements? And charter schools are even more abusive towards teachers.
At about 39:40, you struck upon a truth no one wants to admit--the culture of the child's family counts. Children from families that value the wrong things, and in a country where we make fun of "nerds," where violence and disrespect of institutions is lauded and admired (Trump and Gangsta Rap are not as different as they appear) not to mention labeling being good at school as "too white" and and disrespecting teachers as "cool," pull down the rest of the class. No one with half a brain wants that for their child.
This is great. I am actually reading the Knowledge Gap. I am Youth worker (30+ years) but have spent the last 19 going into schools across the nation speaking to students and teachers. This year I wanted to expand my knowledge about trends in schools. Over 19, I have seen a lot of changes, but also students in many ways have remained the same. Part of my goals was to read or listen to podcasts. There is some context for my interaction on this topic. As I read the Knowledge Gap, there are parts that I know a teacher would understand, but since I do not have that background I need that knowledge. I can read the words, but comprehending the "insider language of education" was sometimes hard to decode. I was simply just like Robert was saying picking up a college text book about things I did not know (I know some of it by osmosis of being around education). I am glad this interview is connected to what I am reading because both will help me decode.
1) Better pay for teachers
2) Highers standards for teachers and students
3) Smaller classes
4) Absolutely NO social/political propaganda/signs/flags/posters
When the curriculum changes every few years, the intended benefit dissipates. None of these curricula can be used exactly as is and need at least some tweaking because, yes, we do know our students better than anyone else.
As for the state tests, they are not necessarily well constructed. Where is the data that these are gold standard measurements? And charter schools are even more abusive towards teachers.
At about 39:40, you struck upon a truth no one wants to admit--the culture of the child's family counts. Children from families that value the wrong things, and in a country where we make fun of "nerds," where violence and disrespect of institutions is lauded and admired (Trump and Gangsta Rap are not as different as they appear) not to mention labeling being good at school as "too white" and and disrespecting teachers as "cool," pull down the rest of the class. No one with half a brain wants that for their child.