A Campaign for Proficiency
I'm still working through my notes from the Forum on Oct. 14th. To mount a campaign for proficiency, people have to be energized about the mission and have the belief that it can be done. Dr. Howard called upon community leaders to work together and become 'powerful partners for educators committed to high standards for all children.'
Proficiency can be measured (Do they know it; can they use it?). Adult proficiency is defined as a 'demonstrated capacity to move students toward educational proficiency.' In other words, adult proficiency is reflected in student proficiency. In fact, the health of a community can be measured by the success of all children. So, how do we do it? First, we have to talk about one of the biggest obstacles, one that is built into the American belief system. At this point, Dr. Howard said "Some got it. And...."
Many in the audience answered, "Some don't." And, I'm sure that the ones who didn't answer out loud were thinking it. There is an subconscious feeling that people are born with a certain amount of intellect and not much can be done to increase that. However, on Dr. Howard's website, there is this motto: "Smart is something you can get." With enough effort, enough careful analysis of the problem and belief in a solution, enough willpower and enough will to educate all children, it could happen. Here. In Lowell.
Proficiency can be measured (Do they know it; can they use it?). Adult proficiency is defined as a 'demonstrated capacity to move students toward educational proficiency.' In other words, adult proficiency is reflected in student proficiency. In fact, the health of a community can be measured by the success of all children. So, how do we do it? First, we have to talk about one of the biggest obstacles, one that is built into the American belief system. At this point, Dr. Howard said "Some got it. And...."
Many in the audience answered, "Some don't." And, I'm sure that the ones who didn't answer out loud were thinking it. There is an subconscious feeling that people are born with a certain amount of intellect and not much can be done to increase that. However, on Dr. Howard's website, there is this motto: "Smart is something you can get." With enough effort, enough careful analysis of the problem and belief in a solution, enough willpower and enough will to educate all children, it could happen. Here. In Lowell.
1 Comments:
Before my first child was born, I was convinced that the proper nurturing could produce a smart, motivated, pleasant, well-rounded child. Shortly after my son was born, I discovered that there is a lot more in-born nature that determines the above personality traits than I previously thought. Dr. Howard's statements ignore that human nature exists at birth and influences how nurturing takes root. Just because I took tennis lessons and like to play it does not make me ready to play Venus Williams. If body type determines whether someone will excel at gymnastics vs. swimming, why can't we recognize that brains can also vary? Speed of learning can vary, too. Can all children become proficient -- yes, of course. Can all children of the same age become proficient at the same time -- no. Do teachers and surgeons need the same skills in their jobs -- no. Let's structure education so that students can learn most effectively for THEMselves and look for the strengths that each has rather than pretending that everyone is the same lump of clay that just needs to be molded/nurtured the right way.
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