I Believe

I believe that teaching is a team effort. "It takes a neighborhood to raise a child." It also takes a team of people to teach a child. The child has had their own personal teacher since they were born (and prior to birth). Their parents are their first teachers and learn more through their parents than maybe their teachers. If
their is home support then the better off the child is, because they can help their child access information needed for a homework or project that is assigned. An involved parent allows a resource for the teacher and their child.

I believe assessment is a big key in getting to know our children. However I feel there is a big difference between teacher assessments and standardized assessments. When teacher assess they know more about the student then the state does. If a child doesn't do as well on the assessment as we thought, we can always find another way for them to show what they know. Standardized test is a one shot deal. Either you know it or you "don't" philosophy. There has to be a way for the teachers and states to show what it is these children know that will meet the learning styles of others. There should be more of a test option for each specific learner.

I believe that allowing parents to have access to grades at a moments notice is a great tool. Parents can go to the website and find out how their child is doing and find out what it is they need to improve. It allows the parents to not have to wonder what is going on in between grading times. I do however feel that there is a draw back to this method as it's the same group of parents that are looking at these grades. These are typically the students that are doing well and not the students that are struggling and need the support from home.

Teaching and learning should be fun and not so focused on grades or tests. Learning should be about fun and more about what they don't know. Teachers should implement more engaging tools to help students find learning fun. When students find learning fun they remember more about that concept. If they are so focused on getting the best grade they are only remembering the concepts for the test and then they loose it.