Teacher suspended for calling out her students

[breckbrew]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110216/ap_on_hi_te/us_teacher_suspended_blog

What do you think? Should she get canned or do you support her?

[pathetic]

i blame marijuana

[rconverse]

She's absolutely within her rights to write what she wants on her blog as long as she refrained from singling out any students, which it sounds like she did.

I also couldn't disagree more with this statement.

"Whatever influenced her to say what she did is evidence as to why she simply should not teach," Shoolbraid wrote in an e-mail to the AP. "I just thought it was completely inappropriate. As far as motivated high school students, she's completely correct. High school kids don't want to do anything. .. It's a teacher's job, however, to give students the motivation to learn."

Wrong and wrong. First, everyone gets frustrated with their jobs and co-workers. Acting like this is some sort of indication that she shouldn't be teaching is ridiculous. Second, teachers aren't there to pep students up on a daily basis. They're there to present material for student's to learn. Why should a teacher's responsibility include motivation to learn?

[v4micajr]

my initial reaction is that she just needed to blow off steam... She didnt threaten, use any specific names or even name the school...just ranting like most of us do around here on a daily basis. its hard to say whether this reflects in her actual performance as a teacher, but you cant tell me that every teacher loves every student they have... this one in particular just happens to blog about it.

i'd like to know A) what kind of class/ students she teaches & B) hear testimony from actual students about her behavior in the classroom... other than that, i dont think her right to speech should be abridged just because she is a teacher

[jpevear]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110216/ap_on_hi_te/us_teacher_suspended_blog

What do you think? Should she get canned or do you support her?

Like most news stories, without actually walking in her shoes, it wouldn't be fair for me to judge her or assess whether she was right or wrong.

[rconverse]

my initial reaction is that she just needed to blow off steam... She didnt threaten, use any specific names or even name the school...just ranting like most of us do around here on a daily basis. its hard to say whether this reflects in her actual performance as a teacher, but you cant tell me that every teacher loves every student they have... this one in particular just happens to blog about it.

i'd like to know A) what kind of class/ students she teaches & B) hear testimony from actual students about her behavior in the classroom... other than that, i dont think her right to speech should be abridged just because she is a teacher

High school english.

From a former student:

As far as motivated high school students, she's completely correct. High school kids don't want to do anything...

Not exactly "from the classroom" but it sounds like she didn't post anything that couldn't be viewed as true.

[Noles20]

That's a tough call. I do believe that teachers need to be held to a higher standard of behavior, even away from their job. At the same time, if she did not mention any students specificly, then maybe she has a right to express her thoughts. It is a tough call.

[scrock25]

She's absolutely within her rights to write what she wants on her blog as long as she refrained from singling out any students, which it sounds like she did.

I also couldn't disagree more with this statement.



Wrong and wrong. First, everyone gets frustrated with their jobs and co-workers. Acting like this is some sort of indication that she shouldn't be teaching is ridiculous. Second, teachers aren't there to pep students up on a daily basis. They're there to present material for student's to learn. Why should a teacher's responsibility include motivation to learn?

Because without it teachers wouldn't have a job?

[rconverse]

Because without it teachers wouldn't have a job?

Disagree. I don't think it's a teacher's job to motivate students. That should come from the home. I'd imagine it's hard enough to get 25 kids in a room to be quiet and pay attention for 40 minutes without having to rile them up for learning. Your motivation to learn should come from either consequences at home or having to repeat a grade, imo.

[BotheDMBFan]

That's a tough call. I do believe that teachers need to be held to a higher standard of behavior, even away from their job. At the same time, if she did not mention any students specificly, then maybe she has a right to express her thoughts. It is a tough call.

She does, I hear they call it the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. Or the Major League Baseball Collective Bargaining Agreement, I forget. I was unmotivated for learning since 2nd grade.

[Noles20]

She's absolutely within her rights to write what she wants on her blog as long as she refrained from singling out any students, which it sounds like she did.

I also couldn't disagree more with this statement.



Wrong and wrong. First, everyone gets frustrated with their jobs and co-workers. Acting like this is some sort of indication that she shouldn't be teaching is ridiculous. Second, teachers aren't there to pep students up on a daily basis. They're there to present material for student's to learn. Why should a teacher's responsibility include motivation to learn?

I disagree with the second part. I think teachers need to make an effort to motivate their students, but in the end, it is each student's responsibility to do their work.

[TwoStep2888]

these kids I openly hate don't like or respect me!! :lorraine

[haybale97]

i agree with roger and the teacher involved. i read the article this morning, she did not mention the school she was in, the school district or any single student. she was broadly and generally ranting, which is well within her rights. the school only became aware of it because STUDENTS brought it to the attention of the school board. if she loses her job because of this she may have a legitimate case of first amendment rights violation.

[scrock25]

Disagree. I don't think it's a teacher's job to motivate students. That should come from the home. I'd imagine it's hard enough to get 25 kids in a room to be quiet and pay attention for 40 minutes without having to rile them up for learning. Your motivation to learn should come from either consequences at home or having to repeat a grade, imo.

You don't believe that there's even a shred of inherent responsibility for teachers to motivate students to learn?

Like if a student is in class, and totally disinterested, unmotivated, and making no attempt to pay attention... the teacher should make no attempt to reel them back in??

[breckbrew]

Disagree. I don't think it's a teacher's job to motivate students. That should come from the home. I'd imagine it's hard enough to get 25 kids in a room to be quiet and pay attention for 40 minutes without having to rile them up for learning. Your motivation to learn should come from either consequences at home or having to repeat a grade, imo.

Yeah, I tend to agree. The motivation to learn should be instinctive. Afterall, a teacher can explain the consequences of not making the most of your education, but if you really don't care, it won't have any impact on you no matter how hard the teacher works.

[TwoStep2888]

motivation is kind of a giant part of teaching effectively, hth

[scrock25]

motivation is kind of a giant part of teaching effectively, hth

I agree with this.

[Noles20]

motivation is kind of a giant part of teaching effectively, hth

I agree.

[breckbrew]

motivation is kind of a giant part of teaching effectively, hth

How so? I mean teachers should obviously have a passion and interest in what they are teaching, but you can't place the ultimate responsibility for a student's success on them. It's a shared burden.

[Noles20]

She won't end up getting fired. They will come to an agreement that she does not put the blog back up or publish anything like this in the future in exchange for keeping her job. The district is not going to want to spend a ton of money on a legal battle over something like this.

[scrock25]

How so? I mean teachers should obviously have a passion and interest in what they are teaching, but you can't place the ultimate responsibility for a student's success on them. It's a shared burden.

I don't know about Noles, but I'm not putting 100% of the responsibility on a teacher to motivate students, but as I stated before... I do think there is some inherent responsibility on the part of the teach to do this.

[Noles20]

How so? I mean teachers should obviously have a passion and interest in what they are teaching, but you can't place the ultimate responsibility for a student's success on them. It's a shared burden.

You are also correct. In the end, it is up to the students and parents, but these are kids we are talking about. They are supposed to be learning from the teachers, and not just about the subject matter. Teachers are supposed to try to find the motivation that is inside of each student. It might not be easy and it may take many different attempts and strategies, but teachers need to try. In some kids it may be years later that what a teacher has done begins to take effect. Still worth doing.

[TwoStep2888]

"sup kids here's a buncha math learn it or don't I don't give a shit, aint my job" *farts*

~ T E A C H E R of the Y E A R ~

[Noles20]

I don't know about Noles, but I'm not putting 100% of the responsibility on a teacher to motivate students, but as I stated before... I do think there is some inherent responsibility on the part of the teach to do this.

I don't put 100% on the teacher either. Being a teacher, who has only 7 minutes left of lunch, I think that teachers need to try.

[scrock25]

I don't put 100% on the teacher either. Being a teacher, who has only 7 minutes left of lunch, I think that teachers need to try.

Totally agreed, I just didn't want to speak for you.

[Noles20]

Totally agreed, I just didn't want to speak for you.

:thumbsup

[TwoStep2888]

You are also correct. In the end, it is up to the students and parents, but these are kids we are talking about. They are supposed to be learning from the teachers, and not just about the subject matter. Teachers are supposed to try to find the motivation that is inside of each student. It might not be easy and it may take many different attempts and strategies, but teachers need to try. In some kids it may be years later that what a teacher has done begins to take effect. Still worth doing.

I don't put 100% on the teacher either. Being a teacher, who has only 7 minutes left of lunch, I think that teachers need to try.

:thumbsup

[rconverse]

I disagree with the second part. I think teachers need to make an effort to motivate their students, but in the end, it is each student's responsibility to do their work.

I think teachers should try to relate and, generally speaking, find the best ways to reach students. I don't think that entails motivation.

You don't believe that there's even a shred of inherent responsibility for teachers to motivate students to learn?

Like if a student is in class, and totally disinterested, unmotivated, and making no attempt to pay attention... the teacher should make no attempt to reel them back in??

A shred? Maybe. Certainly not the crux of the job. As indicated above, I do think a teacher should try to reach students, but keep in mind if one student is a problem, he or she can't put one person ahead of the majority. I sincerely believe the motivation needs to come from home. Let's be honest, not many kids are excited about school.

[Noles20]

I think teachers should try to relate and, generally speaking, find the best ways to reach students. I don't think that entails motivation.


I think that's the first and easiest step to motivating a student.

[scrock25]

A shred? Maybe. Certainly not the crux of the job. As indicated above, I do think a teacher should try to reach students, but keep in mind if one student is a problem, he or she can't put one person ahead of the majority. I sincerely believe the motivation needs to come from home. Let's be honest, not many kids are excited about school.

I agree with this as well, 100% of it needs to come from home, but if it's not working there the teacher needs to be the first line of defense A.) to contact said home and advise, and B.) to attempt to support the homes gameplan for said motivation.

Regardless of where they fall in the "timeline", they definitely need to be a motivating factor to the child right along side of the parents.

[breckbrew]

I don't know about Noles, but I'm not putting 100% of the responsibility on a teacher to motivate students, but as I stated before... I do think there is some inherent responsibility on the part of the teach to do this.

Yeah, I'm not saying a teacher should be completely hands-off in trying to get students to learn. Like I said, if a teacher is genuinely passionate about their subject, it's almost automatic. And sure, if a student isn't on the same page as everyone else, a teacher should try to bring them back into the fold, but we shouldn't require them to guarantee everyone will be super-psyched to learn today's lesson.

[Butterfingerz]

Oh well, high school kids can be real shitheads. I don't blame her for being frustrated.

I'm sure worse things are said everyday, just not posted on blogs.

[dre2142]

the truth hurts

[americanemu25]

she wont go back to teaching in the district, if she goes back, she'll be forever known as the teacher who said that mean stuff about her students or whatever....they'll probably give her a severance package and she'll go work at another district when everything settles down...

[decemberlov]

"She could have been any person, any teacher in America writing about their lives," he said, pointing out that Munroe blogged about 85 times and that only about 15 to 20 of the posts involved her being a teacher. "It's honest and raw and a little edgy depending on your taste. ... She has a deep frustration for the educational system in America."

I couldn't agree with this more!

It's TRUTH!

But somewhere along the way people decided it is wrong to tell the truth :shrug

[Noles20]

she wont go back to teaching in the district, if she goes back, she'll be forever known as the teacher who said that mean stuff about her students or whatever....they'll probably give her a severance package and she'll go work at another district when everything settles down...

Fortunately for her, her district is a large one with 3 high schools and 9 middle schools. If anything, she will just get transferred.

[decemberlov]

and also people write about what they love, what they are passionate about. She's obviously teaching because she wants to make a difference, right? Most likely. You have to identify the problem before you actually go about trying to fix it. I think it actually says she cares.

[rconverse]

In what capacity should a teacher motivate a student (specifically or generally speaking)? I'm curious about this.

[DoOrDoNotNoTry]

In what capacity should a teacher motivate a student (specifically or generally speaking)? I'm curious about this.

In what capacity shouldn't a teacher motivate a student?

I work in Baltimore City. Motivation doesn't usually come from home because the home life is typically terrible. So I take it upon myself to motivate these kids and poise them for success.

[decemberlov]

In what capacity shouldn't a teacher motivate a student?

I work in Baltimore City. Motivation doesn't usually come from home because the home life is typically terrible. So I take it upon myself to motivate these kids and poise them for success.
:thumbsup:thumbsup

[rconverse]

In what capacity shouldn't a teacher motivate a student?

I work in Baltimore City. Motivation doesn't usually come from home because the home life is typically terrible. So I take it upon myself to motivate these kids and poise them for success.

I don't know. That's why I'm asking. I would say that if a minority amount of students is detracting from the majority, then it's the teacher's responsibility to the majority first.

Maybe that's why I'm not a teacher.

Also, Baltimore is the city version of New Jersey.

[TwoStep2888]

Baltimore owns, go Ravens

[ShotgunDMB]

School uniforms would fix all of this!

[Noles20]

School uniforms would fix all of this!

and don't forget merit pay. Oh, and vouchers so that all the nieghboring poor kids can transfer to this very wealthy and high acheiving school district that this teacher teaches in.

[breckbrew]

In what capacity shouldn't a teacher motivate a student?

I work in Baltimore City. Motivation doesn't usually come from home because the home life is typically terrible. So I take it upon myself to motivate these kids and poise them for success.

What exactly do you do to motivate them?

[breckbrew]

I don't know. That's why I'm asking. I would say that if a minority amount of students is detracting from the majority, then it's the teacher's responsibility to the majority first.

Maybe that's why I'm not a teacher.

Also, Baltimore is the city version of New Jersey.

I also agree with this. If the teacher is spending more time trying to get everyone to pay attention than actually teaching, especially those students who want to be there, that's a problem.

[Noles20]

What exactly do you do to motivate them?

I'll give you a great example that works wonders with wealty spoiled kids like this teacher has in this district. Start keeping a detailed log of all the behaviors exibited in class by a student and all the assignments missed or late etc. After a week, read it to the student. Tell them that you are now forwarding it to the principal and you will be continuing to do so for the rest of the semester. If their performance improves in class, within the next week, then it won't need to be sent home. If their performance does not improve, the log will be sent home and to the principal weekly. Then I would tell the student that if they fail the class or don't get the grade that their parents expect of them, the reasons why will be on paper, with dates for anyone to see. They will get their shit together after that.

[breckbrew]

I'll give you a great example that works wonders with wealty spoiled kids like this teacher has in this district. Start keeping a detailed log of all the behaviors exibited in class by a student and all the assignments missed or late etc. After a week, read it to the student. Tell them that you are now forwarding it to the principal and you will be continuing to do so for the rest of the semester. If their performance improves in class, within the next week, then it won't need to be sent home. If their performance does not improve, the log will be sent home and to the principal weekly. Then I would tell the student that if they fail the class or don't get the grade that their parents expect of them, the reasons why will be on paper, with dates for anyone to see. They will get their shit together after that.

That seems like it would be effective for some people, but have you ever had a student that didn't seemed concerned even after telling him that.

[jpevear]

I'll give you a great example that works wonders with wealty spoiled kids like this teacher has in this district. Start keeping a detailed log of all the behaviors exibited in class by a student and all the assignments missed or late etc. After a week, read it to the student. Tell them that you are now forwarding it to the principal and you will be continuing to do so for the rest of the semester. If their performance improves in class, within the next week, then it won't need to be sent home. If their performance does not improve, the log will be sent home and to the principal weekly. Then I would tell the student that if they fail the class or don't get the grade that their parents expect of them, the reasons why will be on paper, with dates for anyone to see. They will get their shit together after that.

My teacher did that with me in 4th grade. Every week she sent a letter home to my mother highlighting everything I did wrong. She also moved my desk up to the front of the class where I was parallel to her. I literally had to sit 12" away from my teacher the entire 4th grade. Needless to say, it worked.

[mdude85]

I'd probably support suspending the teacher. It doesn't really matter if what she is saying is true, or to what extent it's true. If a student confided in a teacher about intimate details about his home life or emotional distress or other personal issues and she then posted it online for everyone to see, I suspect that would be a cause for suspension even if what the teacher was writing was factually accurate. And even so, we don't even really know if what the teacher is saying is factually accurate, but it really doesn't matter.

In my opinion, teachers should not be expressing their frustrations about their students in blogs or other media, especially media that students have easy access to. If a teacher is frustrated then he or she should seek to solve the matter internally, through for instance conferences with parents and administrators or direct disciplinary actions for students. Teachers are supposed to be mentors to students ... people that students admire, look up to, and learn from. Teachers should not be setting such poor examples for their students in the manner that this teacher has.

I think what's entirely silly about this whole issue is that the teacher apparently had no idea that students could have located and reported her blog. Some people are just not aware that the stuff we put online has consequences in real life. :BANG

[breckbrew]

The threat of discipline is always the most effective tool in a teacher's toolbag, but once a student loses respect for that, he is lost. It seems like this is more often the case, students truly don't care if they get sent to the office or if the parents get a phone call. As soon as a teacher loses his appearance of authority, its over, and for whatever reason, that sounds like what happened here.

[ShotgunDMB]

Seriously though, I think school uniforms should be mandatory across the country. And there needs to be more discipline/respect in schools.

[decemberlov]

As soon as a teacher loses his appearance of authority, its over, and for whatever reason, that sounds like what happened here.

The teacher is only 30. I'll be 30 this year and constantly get mistaken for a teenager. Maybe she never had an "appearance of authority" to begin with.

[Lcsulla]

There was literally no greater threat my teachers could make than to threaten to tell my parents what I did or didn't do. My teacher could theoretically fail me but I would have appealed and won because while I did not do homework or participate in boring classes I still aced all my tests. However, threaten to tell my parents and you would have gotten a behavior change, of that I am certain. While my teachers had the supposed threat of failing me that wouldn't do it. My parents could ground me, take away my car, take away my beeper, disconnect my phone (landline)whoop my ass, take me out of sports, or keep me from doing anything fun until I turned 18. So yeah, my parents always had a far more effective stick than teachers. :lol

[decemberlov]

It's way easier for parents these days. The school in my town has a password for every parent and you can log in on the website anytime and check grades, what home work is due, etc. Point is though good habits are built at home. Parents need to do their part as well in ensuring that their children are successful in school.

[thebridge15]

It is kinda a bullshit vicious cycle. The kids actually are lazy and when they get the grade they deserve the parents bitch saying it's the teacher's fault or the kid has "learning problems."

[Lcsulla]

The kids actually are lazy and when they get the grade they deserve the parents bitch saying it's the teacher's fault or the kid has "learning problems."

It really is pathetic. When I was in school k-12 I swear a teacher could have kicked me down a flight of steps and my dad would have said something like 'Well they didn't do it for no reason. What did you do or say to deserve it?' and I would get grilled and in trouble.

hell everything was my fault if an adult was mad at me. I remember breaking my neighbors window with a baseball, big ass floor to ceiling pane. They had warned us so many times about baseball in the front yard. Soon as she left for work we started hitting balls, sure as shit we shattered the window. She got home, proceeded to yell at us, then spanked my neighbor, open fist on the ass - to make a point - not to hurt. Then she did it to me too - my neighbors mom!

So I went home crying, expecting sympathy because the mean neighbor smacked me - FUCK NO! I got round two and twenty more questions about how stupid we were and how many times they told us no baseball in the front yard. :lol

Fuck, I wish kids had to deal with the discipline we did growing up in the 1980's. We never shot up any damn schools either, mainly because we were afraid of our parents! ;)

[scrock25]

I agree with the post above.

I was petrified (read: respected) of my parents. And it's because they were good parents, not because they ever touched me (aside from spanking - which is ok).

[Beefsteak1138]

My parents used to beat me with a wooden spoon, the kind with a hole in it. The hole decreased the wind resistance, thus making the beating that much more effective.

[scrock25]

I got the wooden spoon too.

[decemberlov]

thats another thing that's wrong these days...kids dont get beat like they use to...

[scrock25]

Suffice it to say it's the truth.

[opshannon]

That's a tough call. I do believe that teachers need to be held to a higher standard of behavior,even away from their job. At the same time, if she did not mention any students specificly, then maybe she has a right to express her thoughts. It is a tough call.

Why?8888

[thebridge15]

It really is pathetic. When I was in school k-12 I swear a teacher could have kicked me down a flight of steps and my dad would have said something like 'Well they didn't do it for no reason. What did you do or say to deserve it?' and I would get grilled and in trouble.

hell everything was my fault if an adult was mad at me. I remember breaking my neighbors window with a baseball, big ass floor to ceiling pane. They had warned us so many times about baseball in the front yard. Soon as she left for work we started hitting balls, sure as shit we shattered the window. She got home, proceeded to yell at us, then spanked my neighbor, open fist on the ass - to make a point - not to hurt. Then she did it to me too - my neighbors mom!

So I went home crying, expecting sympathy because the mean neighbor smacked me - FUCK NO! I got round two and twenty more questions about how stupid we were and how many times they told us no baseball in the front yard. :lol

Fuck, I wish kids had to deal with the discipline we did growing up in the 1980's. We never shot up any damn schools either, mainly because we were afraid of our parents! ;)My parents never knew what I got on tests, when I had tests, if I had assignments due, anything like that. I never told them unprovoked but they'd never ask. They just always trusted that I'd get my work done and study to get the best grades I could. I doubt they could even name one course I'm in now with confidence. And it works out fine because I didn't want to disappoint them by doing poorly. There was never a conversation or anything, it's just the way it has always been.

I don't know how it gets to the point where parents actually need to actively check the online systems that monitor assignments, attendance, grades, etc. It's good that these programs exist but if there's a need for that kind of checks and balances system there was a problem from the beginning.

[rconverse]

I'll give you a great example that works wonders with wealty spoiled kids like this teacher has in this district. Start keeping a detailed log of all the behaviors exibited in class by a student and all the assignments missed or late etc. After a week, read it to the student. Tell them that you are now forwarding it to the principal and you will be continuing to do so for the rest of the semester. If their performance improves in class, within the next week, then it won't need to be sent home. If their performance does not improve, the log will be sent home and to the principal weekly. Then I would tell the student that if they fail the class or don't get the grade that their parents expect of them, the reasons why will be on paper, with dates for anyone to see. They will get their shit together after that.

Seems like I have a different idea of motivation. This seems more like threaten. The true motivation seems to be to stay out of trouble with his parents, which makes sense. If we're considering reporting behavioral issues to parents as motivation, then I'd say, yes, it's part of the job.

[rconverse]

My p's didn't micro-manage my education. It was just understood when report cards came that there wouldn't be any bad grades. Maybe a C+ once in a long while. Besides that, as long as the GPA was over 3.2/3.3, they didn't know what courses I was taking, assignments due, etc...

[breckbrew]

My motivation to get good grades was the arcade in the mall gave out 5 game tokens for every A.

[fonzz41]

I think the real question here is how the students found out the address for her blog and what they were doing reading it.

[justink]

it's a wonder any of the students figured out how to decipher the characters on the screen after they found her blog.

[eric81485]

My p's didn't micro-manage my education. It was just understood when report cards came that there wouldn't be any bad grades. Maybe a C+ once in a long while. Besides that, as long as the GPA was over 3.2/3.3, they didn't know what courses I was taking, assignments due, etc...

This is great, when parents are involved like this. But you would be surprised how many parents don't really care what their child's grades are

[eric81485]

I think the real question here is how the students found out the address for her blog and what they were doing reading it.

I hope you are being sarcastic.

[Beefsteak1138]

I think the real question here is how the students found out the address for her blog and what they were doing reading it.

Seriously. Kids these days aren't good with technology.

[fonzz41]

I hope you are being sarcastic.
;);)

Yes. I am.

[DoOrDoNotNoTry]

I don't know. That's why I'm asking. I would say that if a minority amount of students is detracting from the majority, then it's the teacher's responsibility to the majority first.

Maybe that's why I'm not a teacher.

Also, Baltimore is the city version of New Jersey.

So does that mean that a teacher shouldn't responsible for students who are advanced since they too are in the minority?

Baltimore owns, go Ravens

Truth.

What exactly do you do to motivate them?

Make lessons and assignments more than just dependent on a grade.

I also agree with this. If the teacher is spending more time trying to get everyone to pay attention than actually teaching, especially those students who want to be there, that's a problem.

Getting everyone to pay attention is classroom management. That's a lot different than making sure students are mastering the content.

[rconverse]

This is great, when parents are involved like this. But you would be surprised how many parents don't really care what their child's grades are

I know there are and that's probably the biggest problem.

[rconverse]

So does that mean that a teacher shouldn't responsible for students who are advanced since they too are in the minority?

I wouldn't say ignored but I'd say the same for them. If they're just smarter and pick up on things better, that's great but it's not to say that the lesson or pace of the lesson should change for them.

When I was in grade school, they split us up for math. Seemed to work.

[Lcsulla]

My parents used to beat me with a wooden spoon, the kind with a hole in it. The hole decreased the wind resistance, thus making the beating that much more effective.

Yeah, it was my grandparents who used the wooden spoon. 'actung, ya little bastard!'

I will never forget the look on my moms face one day though, I was probably about 5 or 6 and she whacked my bare ass with a plastic comb. The stung and I had a revlon tattoo for a week. :lol

[eric81485]

I wouldn't say ignored but I'd say the same for them. If they're just smarter and pick up on things better, that's great but it's not to say that the lesson or pace of the lesson should change for them.

When I was in grade school, they split us up for math. Seemed to work.

The big push now is to differentiate instruction and a teacher should be adjusting their teaching to also challenge the students who are learning on a faster pace then their peers.

[ShotgunDMB]

Combs? Psht. Down South we use "switches" off trees. Typical northern pussies. :haha

[Lcsulla]

I agree with the post above.

I was petrified (read: respected) of my parents. And it's because they were good parents, not because they ever touched me (aside from spanking - which is ok).

I do not think kids or parents understand that their is a HUGE difference between beating a child and spanking them. It is a personal preference (ie I realize not all parents spank out of principle) but a spanking is not abuse, it makes me sick when I see some parent in the news getting arrested for a slap on the ass to their 10 year old who is acting like a little brat in a supermarket. Frankly I think spanking is a tried and true method of negative reinforcement. I may or not spank my child, depends on his mom and how much he is like I was. :lol

and if that he is a she, every guy on this board better remember... she is mine and I have a .40 SIG for anyone who fucks with her. :)

[Lcsulla]

Combs? Psht. Down South we use "switches" off trees. Typical northern pussies. :haha

Please. :lol

It was just the closest thing in reach. Could easily have been a yardstick.

[DoOrDoNotNoTry]

The big push now is to differentiate instruction and a teacher should be adjusting their teaching to also challenge the students who are learning on a faster pace then their peers.

Exactly. Challenge the more advance students, foster the strengths of those struggling and stay the course with those in the middle.

I don't see why that is so difficult.

[eric81485]

Exactly. Challenge the more advance students, foster the strengths of those struggling and stay the course with those in the middle.

I don't see why that is so difficult.

It can be depending on the grade. For me it's not hard to challenge 8th grade students in math while helping students who are struggling. But in 1st or 2nd grade it can be tougher depending on the class size, help available, etc.

[mdude85]

Exactly. Challenge the more advance students, foster the strengths of those struggling and stay the course with those in the middle.

I don't see why that is so difficult.

I'm not a teacher, but on the face of it, that seems incredibly difficult.

[TwoStep2888]

Exactly. Challenge the more advance students, foster the strengths of those struggling and stay the course with those in the middle.

I don't see why that is so difficult.

Teaching is Just That Easy™!!

[eric81485]

I'm not a teacher, but on the face of it, that seems incredibly difficult.

You can do small groups or work stations for some subjects for elementary students. But yes it can be difficult.

[cruscott35]

The whole system is broken, and I don't want your shitty kids ruining my kids. There is an ongoing argument in my house because I want to home school our daughter.

[TwoStep2888]

The whole system is broken, and I don't want your shitty kids ruining my kids. There is an ongoing argument in my house because I want to home school our daughter.

ok do it, nobody wants to teach your shitty kid anyway

[mdmarvich]

Please. :lol

It was just the closest thing in reach. Could easily have been a yardstick.


Yep, same with my grandma. It was either "the stick" which was a ruler next to the microwave, or the spatula she was cooking with - really not a good idea to piss her off while she was frying bacon.

[snow1868]

I got my ass whooped as well. Dad had a paddle that he called, "Mr. Attitude," and it worked.

[ShotgunDMB]

Child Abuse!

[TwoStep2888]

420 hit kids e'ryday

[smokew11]

i like what she said on the news today to nbc10..

paraphrase:

"its like big businness..the parents and the students are customers who are always right"

my brother is 16..he cuts school, and he's behind in his work by about 2 months. he has stuff due from october that the teachers are still willing to accept. i asked him one night why he doesnt do anything and he answered "because they keep pushing back due dates. teachers are scared to fail us. if i dont do anything i'll get a d and pass"...we've bred a society of kids who arent accountable and arent held accountable

my dad had to go in for a parent-teacher conference, and was there with the vice principal until 5:30 on nigth last week..you know where my brother was? playing basketball. he was playing basketball while his teachers were being asked by the principal what they've done to motivate him more.

after a pretty awful exchange with a parent today, my mentor teacher sent me this to cheer me up. its 6 mins but its hilarious

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUEuoV9ZzpI&feature=related

[eric81485]

i like what she said on the news today to nbc10..

paraphrase:

"its like big businness..the parents and the students are customers who are always right"

my brother is 16..he cuts school, and he's behind in his work by about 2 months. he has stuff due from october that the teachers are still willing to accept. i asked him one night why he doesnt do anything and he answered "because they keep pushing back due dates. teachers are scared to fail us. if i dont do anything i'll get a d and pass"...we've bred a society of kids who arent accountable and arent held accountable

my dad had to go in for a parent-teacher conference, and was there with the vice principal until 5:30 on nigth last week..you know where my brother was? playing basketball. he was playing basketball while his teachers were being asked by the principal what they've done to motivate him more.

after a pretty awful exchange with a parent today, my mentor teacher sent me this to cheer me up. its 6 mins but its hilarious

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUEuoV9ZzpI&feature=related

:lol:lol but I have seen parents like this :BANG

[Lee3691]

Our educational system is insane....

A school district in Colorado is preventing a kid from taking anti-seizure medicine because it contains THC. So the parents asked if the kid could walk home during the day to take it. Nope, that's against the rules.

http://coloradoindependent.com/74138/teens-medical-marijuana-fight-escalates-as-school-says-he-cannot-come-back-to-class-after-going-home-for-medicine

[neumdogg]

Hell yea she should be suspended. If I worked for a company and bad-mouthed any part of the company's doings and the company found out, they would fire me in an instant. How is this any different?

[buzz05232000]

Motivation isn't really a HS educator's responsibility

[smokew11]

Hell yea she should be suspended. If I worked for a company and bad-mouthed any part of the company's doings and the company found out, they would fire me in an instant. How is this any different?

she didnt badmouth anyone having to do with the school, or even say what school she's from

but i hear what youre saying. when the Phill Eagles fired a low level event staffer for posting "eagles r retarded for letting go of Dawkins", i agreed he should be fired. you cant badmouth your place of employment in a public forum

this is a little different

[davehead86]

We have online grade books
We send home letters every week that tell the parents when their child is getting a D or F
We dont allow failing students to play sports or to go to school events


I still gets calls "why is my child failing" "I never knew what was happening why dont you contact me"


I dont have time to motivate the students who dont give a shit and have parents that dont give a shit either. I focus on the students who I can reach. You might not like what I have to say but its the truth.

[scrock25]

The whole system is broken, and I don't want your shitty kids ruining my kids. There is an ongoing argument in my house because I want to home school our daughter.

Do not home school your child. They'll end up outcasts and socially awkward.

[neumdogg]

she didnt badmouth anyone having to do with the school, or even say what school she's from

but i hear what youre saying. when the Phill Eagles fired a low level event staffer for posting "eagles r retarded for letting go of Dawkins", i agreed he should be fired. you cant badmouth your place of employment in a public forum

this is a little different
I just don't see a difference. Bitch to your friends and family. Don't make it public. You say something about your job and post it for the world to see, you have to deal with the consequences.

[smokew11]

We have online grade books
We send home letters every week that tell the parents when their child is getting a D or F
We dont allow failing students to play sports or to go to school events


I still gets calls "why is my child failing" "I never knew what was happening why dont you contact me"


I dont have time to motivate the students who dont give a shit and have parents that dont give a shit either. I focus on the students who I can reach. You might not like what I have to say but its the truth.

i dont want to get fired, so i wont say i agree with this


i wont say i disagree either

im all for working my ass off to challenge my students and reach all of them. truth is, if all kids wanted to learn, there'd be nobody to serve me my egg mcmuffin in the morning.

[smokew11]

I just don't see a difference. Bitch to your friends and family. Don't make it public. You say something about your job and post it for the world to see, you have to deal with the consequences.

yeah i do agree with the public forum bit.

maybe somebody high up just needs to say it. Back in my parents day, or even my day (im 27) you were kinda nervous about going to school if you didnt do your homework. if you didnt do it, tough shit, its a 0. nowadays because of No Child Left Behind, we can't give kids F's (and the kids know it) so they don't do anything. I cant really blame the kids, I wouldnt do anything either. But at the same time, don't complain to me about your bad grade if you don't do anything.

[TwoStep2888]

i dont want to get fired, so i wont say i agree with this


i wont say i disagree either

im all for working my ass off to challenge my students and reach all of them. truth is, if all kids wanted to learn, there'd be nobody to serve me my egg mcmuffin in the morning.

have you no faith in the future of America's robots?

[davehead86]

i dont want to get fired, so i wont say i agree with this


i wont say i disagree either

im all for working my ass off to challenge my students and reach all of them. truth is, if all kids wanted to learn, there'd be nobody to serve me my egg mcmuffin in the morning.

Dude, this is a register site your not gonna get found out here.

I respect your post though, and agree with the one below. The kids know they can fail and get passed on, so why do any work at all?

[IUgrlAtWKU]

Motivation isn't really a HS educator's responsibility

:thumbsup That, to me, is the biggest problem today: student motivation, accountability and apathy, and it all ties together. And unfortunately, those are things that a teacher can only do so much about. Those things start at home, and if a kid doesn't get the push, encouragement, and attention from parents (or whoever they go home to) about their education, what is driving them to give a shit? If their parents don't care, they won't either because they can get away with it. They are not being taught the value and importance of education, learning, responsibility, and taking pride in their performance and work.

I will say this - my parents were never incredibly overbearing... but they didn't have to be, because I knew if I didn't do my work and do it well, it was not going to slide at all. From an early age they made it clear that my schoolwork was of the utmost importance to them and to me, and they were the first to notice both when I did well and when I didn't. That was all it took. Most of my friends were the same way with their parents; if kids are held accountable - as they should be - and parents take a real interest in their kids' schoolwork, it's like night and day in the classroom.

My mother is a teacher and she spends nearly all of her free time trying to come up with extra projects and new lesson plans and all sorts of other things to try and motivate her students, but she can do that until she's at the end of her rope, and it just won't matter if the students don't care. It is heartbreaking for me to see her frustrated when she can't get kids to put in any time and effort into their work.

Apathy is, in my opinion, the single worst quality about this country and has been for a couple of generations now, and it makes me sick. I think it's the root of so many of our problems, including this one. I'm sorry for ranting/venting, but this is my biggest soapbox issue.

[smokew11]

:thumbsup That, to me, is the biggest problem today: student motivation, accountability and apathy, and it all ties together. And unfortunately, those are things that a teacher can only do so much about. Those things start at home, and if a kid doesn't get the push, encouragement, and attention from parents (or whoever they go home to) about their education, what is driving them to give a shit? If their parents don't care, they won't either because they can get away with it. They are not being taught the value and importance of education, learning, responsibility, and taking pride in their performance and work.

I will say this - my parents were never incredibly overbearing... but they didn't have to be, because I knew if I didn't do my work and do it well, it was not going to slide at all. From an early age they made it clear that my schoolwork was of the utmost importance to them and to me, and they were the first to notice both when I did well and when I didn't. That was all it took. Most of my friends were the same way with their parents; if kids are held accountable - as they should be - and parents take a real interest in their kids' schoolwork, it's like night and day in the classroom.

My mother is a teacher and she spends nearly all of her free time trying to come up with extra projects and new lesson plans and all sorts of other things to try and motivate her students, but she can do that until she's at the end of her rope, and it just won't matter if the students don't care. It is heartbreaking for me to see her frustrated when she can't get kids to put in any time and effort into their work.

Apathy is, in my opinion, the single worst quality about this country and has been for a couple of generations now, and it makes me sick. I think it's the root of so many of our problems, including this one. I'm sorry for ranting/venting, but this is my biggest soapbox issue.

something interesting regarding your post..we learned about this in my practicum, before student teaching..

children from more affluent families that take vacations together, go to museums, are involved in stuff like scouts or church only lose (x) percentage of learned information over the summer

students from broken homes, inner city, families that dont spend time together or challenge eachother and spend their summers watching cartoons lose (y) percentage of learned info over the summer

i wish i could give the exact percentages of X and Y, but as you can imagine, the 2nd group of student retain MUCH less info over the summer and come to school almost behind the other kids already.

[davehead86]

:thumbsup That, to me, is the biggest problem today: student motivation, accountability and apathy, and it all ties together. And unfortunately, those are things that a teacher can only do so much about. Those things start at home, and if a kid doesn't get the push, encouragement, and attention from parents (or whoever they go home to) about their education, what is driving them to give a shit? If their parents don't care, they won't either because they can get away with it. They are not being taught the value and importance of education, learning, responsibility, and taking pride in their performance and work.

I will say this - my parents were never incredibly overbearing... but they didn't have to be, because I knew if I didn't do my work and do it well, it was not going to slide at all. From an early age they made it clear that my schoolwork was of the utmost importance to them and to me, and they were the first to notice both when I did well and when I didn't. That was all it took. Most of my friends were the same way with their parents; if kids are held accountable - as they should be - and parents take a real interest in their kids' schoolwork, it's like night and day in the classroom.

My mother is a teacher and she spends nearly all of her free time trying to come up with extra projects and new lesson plans and all sorts of other things to try and motivate her students, but she can do that until she's at the end of her rope, and it just won't matter if the students don't care. It is heartbreaking for me to see her frustrated when she can't get kids to put in any time and effort into their work.

Apathy is, in my opinion, the single worst quality about this country and has been for a couple of generations now, and it makes me sick. I think it's the root of so many of our problems, including this one. I'm sorry for ranting/venting, but this is my biggest soapbox issue.

I think this is slowly changing in our society. My generation (25 year olds) has become fed up with the entitlement and apathy of Americans. Every teacher I talk to that is this age has the same feelings about this subject.

Heres to hoping for a shift in our countries thought pattern on this.

[smokew11]

I think this is slowly changing in our society. My generation (25 year olds) has become fed up with the entitlement and apathy of Americans. Every teacher I talk to that is this age has the same feelings about this subject.

Heres to hoping for a shift in our countries thought pattern on this.

completely agree. i mean i guess everyone says this about the younger generation, but theyre so fucking lazy and the entitlement..my god

[davehead86]

Another problem is the Welfare Generations. These children have parents and yes GRANDPARENTS who have been milking the Welfare / Foodstamp programs in the urban areas. We see this around our area. These children dont have parents that work so they are unmotivated to thinka bout getting a good job. Their parents sit at home and play video games / watch tv for a living why cant they?

[IUgrlAtWKU]

I think this is slowly changing in our society. My generation (25 year olds) has become fed up with the entitlement and apathy of Americans. Every teacher I talk to that is this age has the same feelings about this subject.

Heres to hoping for a shift in our countries thought pattern on this.

Well I'm 26, it's my generation, too. :lol I see what you mean, I guess, but I'm not totally convinced it's getting better. I mean if you talk to teachers who have been doing it for 20, 30, even 40 years for some of them, I hear constantly that in the last 10 years or so, the respect factor from students has just gone down the pipes. And I mean respect for their schoolwork, for their teachers, for themselves, etc.

I know every generation has their problems, but the information and data is there - performance is tanking in a lot of areas, despite all the tools that students today have at their disposal. You'd think the trend should be going up with all those considerations, and it just isn't.

[smokew11]

Well I'm 26, it's my generation, too. :lol I see what you mean, I guess, but I'm not totally convinced it's getting better. I mean if you talk to teachers who have been doing it for 20, 30, even 40 years for some of them, I hear constantly that in the last 10 years or so, the respect factor from students has just gone down the pipes. And I mean respect for their schoolwork, for their teachers, for themselves, etc.

I know every generation has their problems, but the information and data is there - performance is tanking in a lot of areas, despite all the tools that students today have at their disposal. You'd think the trend should be going up with all those considerations, and it just isn't.

its simple. No Child Left Behind. students know that they have to REALLY fuck up for their school to fail them, so they arent actually accountable for their work

the middle school i student taught at had a strict policy- a student can only be held back once..no matter what happens the following year he/she will be promoted to the next grade.

i had one of them in my class and he refused to do any work. the principal was constantly on us asking what we were doing to motivate him. are you serious?? he knew he didnt have to do anything but show up to pass

[JRS1386]

The big push now is to differentiate instruction and a teacher should be adjusting their teaching to also challenge the students who are learning on a faster pace then their peers.

I am actually in a college course now that is called Differentials and Assessment and i'm sure you guessed this, but differentiated instruction is the first half of the course. There are so many ways that teachers can differentiate their teaching its crazy. I am becoming an elementary teacher and I am scared crapless of how diverse my class will be, but I am gaining the tools I need to help reach the needs of all students of different learning modalities.

There is a lot in here that I simply do not agree with. The major thing is that motivation most definitely should come from a teacher. It is a teachers responsibility to know their students and how they learn and try to actively engage them in the learning process. That being said, parents/guardians need to help with this process as well. Someone also mentioned accountability and to an extent I agree with the fact that student's really aren't being held accountable. There are several reasons for this and the biggest one is money. I don't know how many in here know of Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) but it essentially is a grading scale for schools and judges them on standardized testing. If a school misses AYP for 3 years (I believe) the government takes over their school and can essentially wipe out the staff. This has made teachers focus even more on standards and more on just trying to push students through to the next grades. There is a school district, which I won't name, near my school which has a no fail policy, which I think is horrible.

I really have hope for the new generation of teachers. We are being taught many new strategies that will help reach out to different learning styles and hopefully will be able to connect with students at a young age and get them interested in learning. That being said, I also feel like education in whole (both teacher side and standard/testing/government side need major overhauls).

[smokew11]

I am actually in a college course now that is called Differentials and Assessment and i'm sure you guessed this, but differentiated instruction is the first half of the course. There are so many ways that teachers can differentiate their teaching its crazy. I am becoming an elementary teacher and I am scared crapless of how diverse my class will be, but I am gaining the tools I need to help reach the needs of all students of different learning modalities.

There is a lot in here that I simply do not agree with. The major thing is that motivation most definitely should come from a teacher. It is a teachers responsibility to know their students and how they learn and try to actively engage them in the learning process. That being said, parents/guardians need to help with this process as well. Someone also mentioned accountability and to an extent I agree with the fact that student's really aren't being held accountable. There are several reasons for this and the biggest one is money. I don't know how many in here know of Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) but it essentially is a grading scale for schools and judges them on standardized testing. If a school misses AYP for 3 years (I believe) the government takes over their school and can essentially wipe out the staff. This has made teachers focus even more on standards and more on just trying to push students through to the next grades. There is a school district, which I won't name, near my school which has a no fail policy, which I think is horrible.

I really have hope for the new generation of teachers. We are being taught many new strategies that will help reach out to different learning styles and hopefully will be able to connect with students at a young age and get them interested in learning. That being said, I also feel like education in whole (both teacher side and standard/testing/government side need major overhauls).

not trying to ruin your idealism but differentiated instruction is something good teachers have always done. "differentiated instruction" is a buzz word

the minute youre called a nigger by a puerto rican (and you're white) your idealism will change a little bit. motivation should definitley be continued by the teacher, but it needs to start at home.

i moonlight as a social worker, working with kids who have behavior disorders. before i was teaching, i went to a kids house right after school, got there at 3:15. mom was upstairs taking a nap, dad was about 5 beers deep with some friends playing ps3 on a 40"plasma (this was 5 yrs ago, when that setup cost about $4000). neither parents worked and they had cooler stuff than i had. how could i convince that kid that he should be doing his homework?

[JRS1386]

As far back as I can remember I never had any differentiated instruction in any grade level. I knew it has been around for a while from my class but I think it is important that it is becoming more and more commonplace and actually being taught in the colleges.

[buzz05232000]

something interesting regarding your post..we learned about this in my practicum, before student teaching..

children from more affluent families that take vacations together, go to museums, are involved in stuff like scouts or church only lose (x) percentage of learned information over the summer

students from broken homes, inner city, families that dont spend time together or challenge eachother and spend their summers watching cartoons lose (y) percentage of learned info over the summer

i wish i could give the exact percentages of X and Y, but as you can imagine, the 2nd group of student retain MUCH less info over the summer and come to school almost behind the other kids already.
It's a variable, but there are soooo many more factors (which I don't doubt you are aware of)

not going to go into my professional experience, but genetic makeup, IMO, has a substantial role in retaining knowledge

all of this, however, has nothing to do with behavior (motivation)

and really, classroom behavior has nothing to do with motivation

motivation is all about incentives and expectations portrayed by the instructor

all of this is learned in the first couple years of teaching

[smokew11]

It's a variable, but there are soooo many more factors (which I don't doubt you are aware of)

not going to go into my professional experience, but genetic makeup, IMO, has a substantial role in retaining knowledge

all of this, however, has nothing to do with behavior (motivation)

and really, classroom behavior has nothing to do with motivation

motivation is all about incentives and expectations portrayed by the instructor

all of this is learned in the first couple years of teaching

agreed. it was just one small tidbit that i remember from college

[TwoStep2888]

teaching irl is exactly as it is portrayed in the hit family comedy School of Rock ©, starring Jack Black and iCarly — so teachers, just let loose and really Rock™!!

[buzz05232000]

Well I'm 26, it's my generation, too. :lol I see what you mean, I guess, but I'm not totally convinced it's getting better. I mean if you talk to teachers who have been doing it for 20, 30, even 40 years for some of them, I hear constantly that in the last 10 years or so, the respect factor from students has just gone down the pipes. And I mean respect for their schoolwork, for their teachers, for themselves, etc.

I know every generation has their problems, but the information and data is there - performance is tanking in a lot of areas, despite all the tools that students today have at their disposal. You'd think the trend should be going up with all those considerations, and it just isn't.

it's cyclical, to say that one generation is way different than another is kinda dumb

every generation has said the same thing about the other

however, technology has changed the atmosphere a bit, it really removes their social barrier

[smokew11]

As far back as I can remember I never had any differentiated instruction in any grade level. I knew it has been around for a while from my class but I think it is important that it is becoming more and more commonplace and actually being taught in the colleges.

maybe you had some shitty teachers.

in classes i had we were given choices between certain projects or coming up with our own, had class discussions and debates, i had opportunities to teach my high school class, etc

basically if you're following Gardner's multiple intelligences or even simply always considering kinistetic, visual, etc., you are differentiating instruction

(i know theres much more than that, that was just the jist)

[buzz05232000]

teaching irl is exactly as it is portrayed in the hit family comedy School of Rock ©, starring Jack Black and iCarly — so teachers, just let loose and really Rock™!!

all i got from the post is this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEJL2Uuv-oQ

[buzz05232000]

Heres to hoping for a shift in our countries thought pattern on this.

this poster had no motivation in school

[smokew11]

it's cyclical, to say that one generation is way different than another is kinda dumb

every generation has said the same thing about the other

however, technology has changed the atmosphere a bit, it really removes their social barrier

eh i dont agree with this all that much, unless im reading into it wrong..

many kids from inner city schools, poor families arent nearly as comfortable with computers as say, my brother was when he was 6. technology is just another barrier. its one everyone will have to get over to be successful, but ive taught kids where everyone in the family has their own laptop and ipod, and other kids who's 9-person family shares a 10 year old Compaq

[buzz05232000]

eh i dont agree with this all that much, unless im reading into it wrong..

many kids from inner city schools, poor families arent nearly as comfortable with computers as say, my brother was when he was 6. technology is just another barrier. its one everyone will have to get over to be successful, but ive taught kids where everyone in the family has their own laptop and ipod, and other kids who's 9-person family shares a 10 year old Compaq

social barrier is that they'll say whatever the fuck they want because they do so on the interwebz

even if students don't have access to a computer, this social mannerism fosters in social groups.

just think, even WHITE AMERICA students watch tosh.0 and try to replicate any chance they can get

[IUgrlAtWKU]

it's cyclical, to say that one generation is way different than another is kinda dumb

every generation has said the same thing about the other

however, technology has changed the atmosphere a bit, it really removes their social barrier

I'm going to disagree with you, but I'm not going to call your thinking dumb. Clearly the "kids these days" thing has been around forever, but I'm talking specifically about the educational apathy issue. It has been discussed quite a bit here, and it's thought to result from a number of factors that are also proven to be more prevalent today, including (but obviously not limited to) broken homes, families below poverty, parents working multiple jobs, etc. I think it's very apparent that there is a widespread issue here.

[smokew11]

social barrier is that they'll say whatever the fuck they want because they do so on the interwebz

even if students don't have access to a computer, this social mannerism fosters in social groups.

just think, even WHITE AMERICA students watch tosh.0 and try to replicate any chance they can get

gotcha :thumbsup

I'm going to disagree with you, but I'm not going to call your thinking dumb. Clearly the "kids these days" thing has been around forever, but I'm talking specifically about the educational apathy issue. It has been discussed quite a bit here, and it's thought to result from a number of factors that are also proven to be more prevalent today, including (but obviously not limited to) broken homes, families below poverty, parents working multiple jobs, etc. I think it's very apparent that there is a widespread issue here.

i agree. people have said "kids these days" since the beginning of time. cavemen carved it into the caves in France.

that said, its truer now more than ever in terms of apathy. when i was in school more than half the kids in my class tried and did their homework for the most part. now, more than half the kids dont try and dont do work.

[smokew11]

on that note, i gotta teach America's youth bright and early tomorrow. night thread

[VanHorneDog]

having heard teachers say the same things about students for most of my life (my mother is a teacher) she should not be canned. what she said is true, her frustration is true. i would be more worried if she wasnt frustrated, she obviously still cares about the kids. its when teachers dont get frustrated trying to teach that they lose that drive.

did she pick the wrong avenue to discuss her frustration? probably, i dont know specifics. but, canning a teacher who obviously still cares over a words is silly. It teaches a very poor lesson to the students that they can get whatever they want. it also shows a lack of faith in civility, you have the right to free speech. where as yes you can be fired for what you say, is the lesson we are teaching young people going to be to speak your mind or to hold your tongue and just be bitter?

[VanHorneDog]

Disagree. I don't think it's a teacher's job to motivate students. That should come from the home. I'd imagine it's hard enough to get 25 kids in a room to be quiet and pay attention for 40 minutes without having to rile them up for learning. Your motivation to learn should come from either consequences at home or having to repeat a grade, imo.

where did you go to school?

i always had 40 kids in a classroom. half the class was getting them to shut up.

[breckbrew]

Anyone think there is a correlation between the ease of getting into college now and the lack of motivation, especially in high school?

[eric81485]

Anyone think there is a correlation between the ease of getting into college now and the lack of motivation, especially in high school?

You could also say it is a financial correlation.

[Noles20]

Anyone think there is a correlation between the ease of getting into college now and the lack of motivation, especially in high school?

You think it is easier to get into college now? If you exclude community college, I think it is more competitive now. It certainly takes a lot more to get into the state schools now.

[breckbrew]

Obviously, near the top, it's still highly competitive, maybe even more so than it was, but as long as you can come up with the money, a C average will still get you in the door somewhere.

[UTTAD-BTCS]

having heard teachers say the same things about students for most of my life (my mother is a teacher) she should not be canned. what she said is true, her frustration is true. i would be more worried if she wasnt frustrated, she obviously still cares about the kids. its when teachers dont get frustrated trying to teach that they lose that drive.

did she pick the wrong avenue to discuss her frustration? probably, i dont know specifics. but, canning a teacher who obviously still cares over a words is silly. It teaches a very poor lesson to the students that they can get whatever they want. it also shows a lack of faith in civility, you have the right to free speech. where as yes you can be fired for what you say, is the lesson we are teaching young people going to be to speak your mind or to hold your tongue and just be bitter?

I agree with the fact that she's so frustrated about these kids means that she cares about them and wants to teach them. It's when a teacher could care less that it's a problem and that teacher should be fired.

I disagree though that she picked the wrong avenue to discuss her frustrations....she didn't use her last name, the school's name or even any kids first name in her blog.....she was expressing her discontent with kids today and that things need to be fixed....she wasn't calling out one person and belittling anyone or even her school.....she was generalizing kids today and how things are and that something needs to change.

I think by doing this, even though not intentionally, she's bringing light hopefully to some parents and maybe people high up in the school system that don't teach that this is what's going on and things need to change.

[DoOrDoNotNoTry]

Anyone think there is a correlation between the ease of getting into college now and the lack of motivation, especially in high school?

Absolutely not. Higher education is nothing more than a business.

And even if it wasn't, I don't see how any correlation could be drawn whatsoever.

[breckbrew]

Absolutely not. Higher education is nothing more than a business.

And even if it wasn't, I don't see how any correlation could be drawn whatsoever.

Right, so because its a business, they look to increase their profits, meaning, they'll look to increase enrollment and collect as many tuition payments as possible. The easiest way to increase enrollment is to relax admissions standards. If a student knows he can cruise along at a C level and still get into a college, what's his motivation?

I don't know what the answer is, just something I noticed. It seems a lot of students think they are entitled to a college education, which could reduce their motivation to excel in school.

[davehead86]

Right, so because its a business, they look to increase their profits, meaning, they'll look to increase enrollment and collect as many tuition payments as possible. The easiest way to increase enrollment is to relax admissions standards. If a student knows he can cruise along at a C level and still get into a college, what's his motivation?

I don't know what the answer is, just something I noticed. It seems a lot of students think they are entitled to a college education, which could reduce their motivation to excel in school.

They feel like they are entitled because teachers and parents were told that their kids could do anything and that all of them should be able to go to college.

College is simply a holding ground so that we dont have a giant influx of people into the workforce every year at 18.

[ShotgunDMB]

So, we all agree American education is a disaster and we're turning into a country of retards who care about infotainment more than actual knowledge? Cool.

[Noles20]

So, we all agree American education is a disaster and we're turning into a country of retards who care about infotainment more than actual knowledge? Cool.

No. I believe the schools are just a symptom. The problems are with families and parents.

[eric81485]

No. I believe the schools are just a symptom. The problems are with families and parents.

Truth. :thumbsup

[GoLdpHiShDMB]

at my old highschool in nj a student called a teacher the "n word", the teacher grabbed the kid, and the kid punched the teacher in the face. teacher got fired immediately

[smokew11]

at my old highschool in nj a student called a teacher the "n word", the teacher grabbed the kid, and the kid punched the teacher in the face. teacher got fired immediately

cant grab a unless its self defense. ive been called a nigger, its well documented on ants lol. sounds par for the course

[manderso]

iso: Smoke

Edit: YNHYDTS

2nd Edit: I support this lady. Kids suck bad.

[smokew11]

iso: Smoke

Edit: YNHYDTS

2nd Edit: I support this lady. Kids suck bad.
:thumbsup

[GoLdpHiShDMB]

cant grab a unless its self defense. ive been called a nigger, its well documented on ants lol. sounds par for the course:lol:lol:lol good call.

[MDrums54]

whatever happened to freedom of speech?

[TwoStep2888]

whatever happened to freedom of speech?

freedom of speech does not mean anyone can say whatever they want whenever they want and suffer no consequences. the First Amendment doesn't protect one from being fired, or criticized, or anything like that. It is protection against direct gov't censorship.

[smokew11]

whatever happened to freedom of speech?

calling someone a nigger in school is not freedom of speech. its disruptive (at the very least).

anything deemed disruptive is against the rules in school

[eric81485]

calling someone a nigger in school is not freedom of speech. its disruptive (at the very least).

anything deemed disruptive is against the rules in school

I think he meant freedom of speech for the teacher.

[smokew11]

I think he meant freedom of speech for the teacher.

gotcha. conversation evolved a bit

[Matt Richman]

and don't forget merit pay. Oh, and vouchers so that all the nieghboring poor kids can transfer to this very wealthy and high acheiving school district that this teacher teaches in.

I'm a student around montgomery, in HS, and totally agree with you!

Not.

Have you read Diane Ravitch's new book?

[thechad90000]

If I can be fired from a regular job for something like this then why can't the teacher be fired for this too. I personally wouldn't fire her but the school district has every right to.

[thechad90000]

I'm a student around montgomery, in HS, and totally agree with you!

Not.

Have you read Diane Ravitch's new book?

Good one.