Ask the Teacher chat - October 11, 2006
Ron_Fletcher: Well, the novelty of another academic year has worn off for students as well as teachers. We're now in the thick of it, folks. Feel free to submit your questions about high school and, of course, the college application process. I look forward to hearing from you.
Left_Center: Ron, What are your thoughts on the MCAS and standardized testing in general. My concern is that these tests help grade oriented kids, but leave the kids more interested in creativity behind, and that standardized tests are producing "standardized kids," which isn't a great thing for the kidso or our society.
Ron_Fletcher: You're right on, Left Center. While, standards matter and no measure of intelligence is perfect, the overwhelming presence of the MCAS and other standardized tests threatens to make an education a mere means rather than a rich--and ongoing--pursuit. Teaching the test is a mechanical act; teaching students to think--how to weigh a matter from a variety of perspectives, how to sift through misinformation, how to express themselves--that's education. Not to put too fine a point on it, but when the 9/11 Commision reports that "a failure of imagination" made us vulnerable, it's time to make a space for creative, constructive thought in the classroom.
pumpkinA: hi there. when should i ask for recommendations from my teachers for college? do they need a lot of notice?
Ron_Fletcher: Assuming you're a senior, Pumpkin, now is the time to make your request, particularly if you're considering early decision. I recommend putting your request in writing: reflect on the significance of the class taught by the teacher you're asking. Thoughtfulness begets thoughtfulness. Good luck.
dew: I have a 16 month old and in addition to having her learn English, would be interested in teaching her other languages. Spanish would be logical as it is often used. Latin intrigues me as I think it would help with both the english language and the sciences. Thoughts? This is obvioously a long-term question, but it would seem there is no time like the present to start.
Ron_Fletcher: Remarkable foresight, Dew. Early childhood is an ideal time to learn a number of languages. By high school the brain's wiring has hardened a bit. Still, once there I recommend Latin as the ideal foundation on which to build an understanding of grammar, etymology, and, later, the Romance languages--Spanish, French, etc..
db: Ron, what do you recommend if an 11th grader is doing enough to do well with an easy teacher, but isn't learning enough in a particular topic to score well in college boards?
Ron_Fletcher: First, have the student meet with the "easy" teacher and express in interest in "delving deeper" into the subject. That phrasing would work better than mention of a lack of challenge. If the easiness persists, find the student a mentor at school or near home who knows the subject well enough to make it challenging. Also, there's plenty of websites and books for self-study. Try, though, to keep the human element in the equation.
Left_Center: Ron, I?m a unclear of the goals of ?No Child Left Behind.? What are the stated goals and do you see them working?
Ron_Fletcher: Despite spending some time on the government's website in the past, I remain none the wiser about the efficacy of the NCLB campaign. They mention accountability, freedom for states, parent choice, and support of proven methods. If rhetoric were dollars, we'd have something to champion here. Until our culture shifts to one that has a genuine respect for ideas, education, teachers, etc., I remain a bit cynical about government "solutions."
mam: Hi Ron - My daughter is in 1st grade and has just started to have homework. The books that her teacher is having her bring home to read are not, in my opinion, at an appropriate level. She read more difficult books in kindergarten. This makes me wonder two things. One - how can I determine, without seeming overbearing, if her teacher knows that my daughter can read well ? and two - would it be okay for me to ask for more appropriate work for my daughter? What is your opinion? Thanks!
Ron_Fletcher: It's always a challenge for teachers to find books that present an apt challenge to entire class. Despite the best efforts, some kids will be bored, others lost. Feel free to contact the teacher and tactfully express your desire to see your daughter's progress continue. No true teacher would stand in the way of that.
Fancy5: my nephew's AP reading list does not contain many of the classics, but focuses mostly on contemporary fiction - most of it worthwhile, but it concerned me, what do you think? is this a trend? is it worth bringing up to his teacher?
Ron_Fletcher: Thanks for reviving the "canon" discussion, Fancy5. At the risk of sounding like a Greek chorus, I mention the importance of balance. Well, truth told, I would lean more toward the classics than the contemporary. We've much to learn from Sophocles, Chaucer, Woolf, etc.. More, teenagers don't need to look in the mirror of contemporary literature; let them consider Antigone's dilemma or Mrs. Dalloway's lambent impressions. And as Bob Dylan recently said when asked about why he played so many old songs on his web show, "there's more old ones than new ones."
juju: Do you think sports are emphasized too much in most high schools?
Ron_Fletcher: As someone who plays hockey thrice weekly, I say with a love of sport that high schools like the culture at large place too much emphasis on the trivia and trivial in sport. The games themselves provide an ideal complement to the intellectual life; alas, they are games.
Ron_Fletcher: That's the class bell, folks. Literally. I have to run. Thanks for your time and thoughtful questions. See you next month.
