September 2010
11 posts
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“More than 85% of U.S. teachers have an education degree. But many ed schools are...”
– TIME Magaine Article, How To Recruit Better Teachers (September 23, 2010)
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In Our Voices (IOV): A 2nd Grade Teacher
Me: So, how's everything coming along so far since school started back?
Teacher: Dre', I thought it was bad last year, but this year just takes the cake.
Me: Wadduyu mean?
Teacher: Well, last year I had some kids that wanted to learn but were behind the curve. This year, I have kids that don't even want to learn and are even more behind than last year!
Me: Yeah...I feel for you girl, that sounds tough. What grade do you teach again?
Teacher: 2nd grade.
Me: So wadduyu plan to do?
Teacher: I have to keep teaching the curriculum the state outlines...no choice.
Me: How far "behind" are they?
Teacher: You might not believe it, but some kids can't even spell their names!
Me: Whaaaat? That's crazy! Why would they let kids out of Kindergarten without the ability to spell their names?
Teacher: Yeah, I don't fully blame the kids in situations like this. And I don't blame the teachers (too much) because I understand the challenges involved. But, yeah, those kids should not be in 2nd grade without knowing the basics.
Me: Yeah...talk about kids not knowing "the basics"! We gotta help these kids...'Lawd Jesus give us the wisdom to help these kids!!
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“Did you know America ranks the lowest in education but the highest in drug use? ...”
– ~Leighann Lord
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August 2010
27 posts
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“If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade,...”
– Ancient Chinese Proverb
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Week 1 is Done. Purpose-driven and loving it.
I’m sending a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone who checked out Cierre la Boca last week. We launched the blog on Monday, August 16th and as of last night, here are a few of the latest stats. 1. We posted 4 blog entries. A. Why Cierre la Boca? B. Redefining Education: Cultivating the Soul C. Top 4 Reasons for this Blog, and D. “My Marshall Plan” for Educating...
“Modern cynics and skeptics… see no harm in paying those to whom they...”
– ~John F. Kennedy
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“Most teachers have little control over school policy or curriculum or choice of...”
– Tracy Kidder
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WatchOnly 47% of black males graduate from HS.
Only 25% of black males in New York state graduate from HS.
Only 28% of black males in New York City graduate from HS. (NYC schools enroll the largest number of black males in the country.)
Only 9% of NYC’s 8th graders are proficient at the 8th Grade reading level.
This is a serious problem people! What I love about this CNN segment though is...
SPARKING An Educational Transformation
This principle speaks to my desire to create an intellectual evolution among youth in America! I believe that once Principles 1-6 have been successfully achieved, there exists an inherent and attainable ability to transcend and enhance our society!
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Redefining Education: Cultivating the Soul
The following excerpts are from “Redefining Education: Cultivating the Soul”, by Thomas Moore.
We pride ourselves on the things we possess, and we go to school to learn things.
The things we learn are all sorted out and grouped together: We learn mathematical things and scientific things and even psychological things.
At school, students cram for an exam. “Cram”...
ENCOURAGING Positive Identity Development
This principle speaks to my desire to answer the most fundamental question of a person’s existence, “Who am I?” I believe that once youth have the empowered vision to establish self-confidence and to articulate their dreams, an inherent and attainable platform for achievement is created.
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ACKNOWLEDGING Cultural Relevance
This principle speaks to my desire to show appreciation and respect for the knowledge that youth already possess. I believe that once youth sense validation in their existing knowledge base, an inherent and attainable platform for achievement is created.
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“T.E.A.M.=
Together Everyone Achieves More!”
– Thanks for the reminder S. Levy!
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EXPANDING The Existing Knowledge Base
This principle speaks to my desire to help youth understand that everything has a universal connection and is a part of the larger circle of life! I believe that once youth are encouraged to explore the links between their personal lives and happenings in their surrounding communities, cities, states, countries, and continents, an inherent and attainable platform for achievement is created.
...
PROMOTING Critical Examination
This principle speaks to my desire to help youth explore and challenge the status quo! I believe that once youth have the tools and perspective to analyze and scrutinize both what they have been taught to think about history as it relates to the present, and how they have been taught to think about history as it relates to their future, an inherent and attainable platform for achievement is...
“It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education.”
–
-Albert Einstein
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CULTIVATING Cultural Awareness
This principle speaks to my desire to create a knowledge of and pride in their rich, vibrant cultural histories! I believe that once youth have a sense of the multiple truths regarding their dynamic cultural foundations, an inherent and attainable platform for achievement is created.
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INSPIRING Imagination
This principle speaks to my desire to expose youth to the windows of endless possibilities! I believe that once youth begin to imagine positive possibilities for their lives, an inherent and attainable platform for achievement is created.
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Interviewing "The Man"
Jazz: Hey Mr, can you give me access to your toll road? I heard it's the quickest way to get to the 'Big City'.
The Man: You heard that, huh? Well somebody sure told you right little fella. This here highway was built for the sole purpose of getting good people to the 'Big City' faster than they could on those old roads. We pave the roads pretty regularly so they're as smooth as a baby's bottom! Yes sir buddy. We got the best road this side of the Mississippi.
Jazz: Really!? That sounds even better than what I've heard so far. I can't wait to travel the road and find out all about it myself!
The Man: Well, son. I hate to disappoint you but, uh...well son...this here road's for uh...ummm...how can i say it? Right. Son, this here road's what we call a "private-access only" road. I don't think you'll be able to get to the 'Big City' this way.
Jazz: Sir? I don't understand.
The Man: What don't you understand little fella?
Jazz: Well, you said the road's the best way to get to the 'Big City', right?
The Man: That's right.
Jazz: And I can see the road right in front of me. It's right there.
The Man: That's right.
Jazz: And I have the money to pay for the toll. I've been saving up my whole life for this Mister.
The Man: That's admirable little boy, but what is it that you don't understand??
Jazz: Well, if that's the best road, and I can easily see it, AND I have the money to pay for access, why is it still private? What else could I possibly need, sir?
The Man: That's simple son...you just need a card that says "Private access granted."
Jazz: Okay, that sounds easy enough. How do I get one of those?
The Man: (Hearty laughter) Son, didn't they explain that before you got here. You can't just "get one of those"...those cards are assigned at birth!
“Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities,...”
–
John F. Kennedy
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