"You'll never amount to anything!" As a parent, how would you feel if your child came home from school with this comment from a teacher? In fact, if your child is a minority, your child may indeed be coming home with that message. Are you aware of the various ways this message is being transpired in the classroom? Statistics tell us that teachers call on boys more than girls in Science and Math classes. Minorities are boxed into certain goals that "fit" stereotypes. Achievement gaps don't all stem from a lack of resources in a classroom. Money cannot buy nurturing. Money cannot buy compassion. It's about attitude. Is your child's teacher directing the lesson to the "whole" group? How would you know if this is happening? One clear way - look at the school's overall school rating. What is the achievement gap? That's the clearest indicator. If the gap is wide, then there is a more inherent problem than classroom resources, standardized lesson plans, or incorporating the latest teaching techniques. Another indicator is student involvement in extracurricular activities. If this number is only a fraction of the overall school population, then a red flag should pop up. Children respond to positive environments and positive people.
The teacher sets the tone.
"Bad" teachers kill dreams silently. They are not aware of it. It may be that they may not have a strong grasp on the subject. They may not be accustomed to teaching very challenging students. They may not feel comfortable asking for help. Whatever the reason, students all over the nation are dropping out because of it. Maybe, the children are telling us something. Are we listening? Can a person in authority say: "Hey, I know you're a nice person, but classroom teaching is not your bag?" Test scores are a mere reflection in the inconsistency of dynamic instruction. Think what a difference it would make at a school if every teacher were an expert in her field and a teacher who could relate any topic to what she is teaching. Isn't that what separates Ivy League schools from the rest? The quality of instructors is top-notched. Why do we allow teachers who do not have a true command of their subject to teach our children?
Certification tests tell only a fraction of the story. Anyone who graduates from a program of study can claim to "know" the material. But, can the person teach the material? That's a different matter all together. Parents need to be aware of the challenges we face. Despite what the current education climate is out here, there is still a need for great teachers. Politicians know that and community leaders know that.
It's time we set our sights on having only the best of the crop teaching our kids. Subtle biases and prejudices have no place in front of innocent minds.
Children know. They can read us very well.
They are paying attention.
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