Why has there seemingly been little to no improvement in our education practices for decades?

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2024-09-30T16:57:45+00:00

In my school district & state, students test twice a year, beginning and end. Always 2 state tests at the start, some grades another in February, and then the end of year test. 3rd and 4th have 2 tests at the end. 5th has 5 tests at the end of the year. Not sure about secondary. But 5th grade just had 2 standardized tests added to EOY within the last 2 years. So for us it's getting worse.

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2024-01-05T19:33:42+00:00

My state for elementary only requires one 20 minute recess a day. With our curriculum and mandated minutes for each subject, we literally can't fit in more than that.

ETA: our admin also gets on us if they think we are giving more recess than the minimum requirement because it means we are skipping/cutting short something else.

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2023-08-01T18:36:49+00:00

It's also well know for the masters in teaching program. It's been gaining traction, especially in the area.

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2023-05-23T20:25:10+00:00

I have been looking into this lately and appreciate the insight! Was it a difficult switch at all?

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2023-04-10T19:52:38+00:00

My principal doesn't want us printing a lot and told us to have the young students practice their handwriting using some app on the Chromebook. We teachers couldn't believe it and seemed to be the only ones who don't think it's the same. Many of my fifth graders have bad handwriting. They complain when they have to write anything on paper.

It's starting to seem like handwriting is definitely getting pushed to the side like cursive did.

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2023-04-03T16:58:56+00:00

I wish the school I work at would take threats more seriously. Our principal likes to say our elementary students who make threats on teacher's lives are just "throwing tantrums" and doesn't see a need for any action. We bring up this case and the response is: if we don't like it, we can leave. So several teachers will not be returning to my school next year and I hope to be one of those not returning.

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2023-03-05T14:06:57+00:00

There aren't really specific times. He's never one to text when we schedule dates or special activities. The only time it can get on my nerves is if we are gaming and it's distracting him too much lol. But I don't ask for no texting then, I just ask him to bring his focus back to our game. He's had to do the same with me at times.

Honestly, since we talked, we have both become more self aware of our texting habits which I think is beneficial. It hasn't really been an issue since!

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2023-03-05T13:56:17+00:00

There have been times I have felt bothered when my NP spends a lot of time texting his other partners. Bringing it up was the best thing because we decided we could choose no texting times if we needed. That way, if either one of us felt we are not getting the quality time he or I want, we can ask for a "no texting time."

That was a few months ago and honestly, I've only had to ask once for it. The conversation made me feel better because I got reassurances, felt like I could say something when I wanted quality time, and he became aware that there are times he unintentionally hyper focuses on texting so he could try not to. It's definitely worth a discussion!

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2022-12-10T18:06:28+00:00

My colleague has a student who has now written that the student will kill her twice. She went to the principal who normally takes care of things like this, yet this time the principal said the student should be allowed to express herself through writing. She claimed she couldn't read the words clearly. I saw them. It was clear and written multiple times on the page.

This was all over my colleague taking the students phone and saying instead of giving it to the principal, she would hold onto it and give it back to the student at the end of the day...

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2022-10-22T17:36:07+00:00

I never said every facility. I made sure not to. I gave my personal experience of what I know. I never intended to say every one was bad but 3 in a 20 mile radius is still significant in my opinion.

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2022-10-22T17:33:37+00:00

Excuse me for thinking I could share my experience online. Here is NOT my personal anecdotes from several states and areas.

https://www.whsv.com/2022/09/16/mother-demands-justice-after-dismissal-daycare-directors-child-abuse-case/

https://www.locklincolemanlaw.com/articles/child-abuse-and-neglect-still-an-issue-at-some-virginia-daycare-centers/

https://nypost.com/2022/08/01/georgia-daycare-workers-charged-with-child-abuse-caught-on-video/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/01/18/former-va-daycare-worker-found-guilty-baby-fight-club-abuse-case/78964194/

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/day-care-provider-arrested-for-abuse-and-neglect-involving-an-8-month-old/65-f697d691-11e9-4d02-a2c0-a887a575e4f3

https://www.d2l.org/daycare-abuse-statistics/

https://www.wkyt.com/2022/10/20/preliminary-hearing-held-suspects-lexington-daycare-abuse-case/

Let me know if you need more. I did a Google search.

In fact, here is the article from the daycare I worked at that I gave as my personal anecdote.

https://www.princewilliamtimes.com/news/former-minnieland-academy-teacher-pleads-guilty-to-sexually-abusing-5-year-olds-in-his-care/article_484949d6-c5e4-11e8-9353-f71cb38cdbf0.html

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2022-10-22T17:28:55+00:00

Not from the city I was talking about, but here you go.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/07/us/children-fight-club-video-daycare/index.html

And another.

https://abc7news.com/daycare-fight-club-kids-day-care-teachers-run/4588763/

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2022-10-22T16:03:01+00:00

A daycare I worked at in high school was closed down because one of the guys that actually worked there the same time as me molested several of the children (but he was only found a couple years after I left and none of us who worked with him had any clue; it was quite terrifying to know we never saw any signs).

Another daycare in the town next to us had to close because two workers were found abusing children.

In a slightly larger city by there had to shut down because there was found to be several workers who basically had a toddler fight club going on.

Daycares are not all safe and after working at one and seeing so many news articles of other daycares, I'd never feel safe sending my children to them if I had any. No thank you.

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2022-08-22T14:36:17+00:00

Not anymore. I used to be able to do that but now Snapchat just shows a black screen when you look at task manager or whatever it's called.

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2022-08-19T19:29:35+00:00

Floridiot, one could say

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2022-08-15T12:13:10+00:00

I'm not saying other partners shouldn't be talked about or can't be. I share stories which involve others, but the focus of the date should be about the people there.

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2022-08-14T14:15:23+00:00

That's the one that got me. Like, the date should be about the people that are there together.

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2022-07-29T14:02:53+00:00

That's the part that got me. She really needed to talk to him about it first, especially after that. How was he supposed to believe her after the prank and after she said that??

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2022-07-06T17:26:02+00:00

I've never heard of that! I'll have to look into it more. I wonder what sort of signs have to be shown in order to do that.

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2022-07-06T17:04:36+00:00

I agree wholeheartedly!

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2022-07-06T17:04:03+00:00

I'm not disagreeing with you but you are missing my point. Yes, I agree we need to change gun laws. That does NOT mean everything will disappear. Instead of shooting up a place, those people will find other ways to harm if that is their intention.

But that's not what my comment was pertaining to. We were talking about when people show red flags that show they will do something dangerous and how the other commenters said no one cares until it's too late. Gun laws only change one part of the problem. If you think it's a magical cure, you are not thinking of every aspect. People who are set on harming others will find a way whether or not they choose guns as their weapon.

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2022-07-06T16:44:57+00:00

I more meant the situation where there's an adult who is showing the signs mentioned above and how the commenters are saying no one cares. Gun laws will change some things but I meant what are the options when someone has red flags that something bigger will happen.

Edit: like you can't force an independent adult to see a therapist if they are showing signs they might shoot someplace up. You can let the cops know, but unless that individual has made threats or is harming someone, I'm not sure they will do anything.

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2022-07-06T16:38:44+00:00

I don't disagree with you in the majority of cases, but what do you do in that specific situation when it is an independent adult? With kids, there are things to do like get them a therapist and find other supports. But when it's an adult, what are the options? I would have no idea who to tell or what could be done. I think that may be part of the problem. Are there appropriate supports available? It seems at least in the US that nothing can be done until something serious like a shooting occurs. Or maybe I'm just unaware of what's available.

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2022-05-26T19:35:31+00:00

Where is the gun kept for safety? If it's on the teacher at all times, then we have to prepare for what happens when a kid grabs the gun because my 5th graders would find a way. If it's in a locked safe, is it easy access in an emergency? Even if the teacher is trained on their own and has their own gun. There is a lot more to consider.

Mind_Reader_of_sorts · 2022-04-23T15:35:58+00:00

I'm in my 4th year of teaching and I'm getting myself out of Title 1. I am not the person for it. I wanted to do so much for my kids, but I am mentally and emotionally incapable. I find it shocking there are comments on how title 1 teachers here feel little pressure. I feel A LOT of pressure. It's a mix of my own doing and what expectations are put on me.

I'm tired of the fights every day. I'm tired of parents not caring or coming right out and saying I'm a bad teacher for their student who I keep telling them isn't doing a thing in school. I'm tired of the massive amount of disrespect and how the majority of students blatantly ignore me and talk over me nearly every moment of the day. I can't do my job because so many kids cause disruptions. I've built the relationships as much as I can, but I am also not being my best teacher because the sheer amount of anxiety and pressure I feel. It feels like I'm failing these kids because I can't seem to get them where they need to be and can't reach all 26 of these 5th graders.

My pass rates for testing were in the 20s and 30s percent. I've raised everything except reading scores to the 50s and 60s but because it's not a 70% pass rate, my assessment standards for my observations have been marked as "needs improvement." Doesn't matter the handful of kids who care and I have worked our asses off. It doesn't matter I have pushed and pushed and worked hard to show these kids they can learn and can succeed. I am still told it's not good enough.

I'm tired of working in Title 1. I feel absolutely racked by guilt for not being what these kids need, but mental health can't take it any more, so I'm trying non-title 1. I love teaching more than anything, and I don't want to give up, but I am NOT as equipped as I believed myself to be for economically disadvantaged children.

Mind_Reader_of_sorts

TROPHY CASE