My late wife taught special ed at several Title 1 schools. She eventually resigned as classroom sizes became unmanageable. A classroom with too many on Behavioral Plans (BIPs) is tough denying kids who really need the help because of a few requiring too much attention. She complained about Native Americans who had a sense of "you owe me" and blacks relocated from New Orleans who came with chips on their shoulders. She found ways to break through those barriers even with some parents who were not concerned. She relished the progress she made and thought if she could get a few kids ahead it was a victory. As my sister (a former teacher herself) warned the teaching would be joy but the admins would drive her out. And it came true.
I think all kids have innate curiosity that needs to be nurtured. I was well influenced by her thinking as I watched her work many evenings preparing various reports, assessments and plans. Most teachers are not required to create those individual plans, but I suspect they have utility. Kids are not the classroom count on day # that sets the budget. What does count is classroom assistants, adequate counselling and nursing staff and librarians - all in support of the front lines. As in the military, the officers don't matter because their troops, the front lines do. Officers are supposed to provide whatever supports are needed for those front lines but the educational rulers think they are the important ones.
We need a real General to get the Colonels and Captains to think kids first and ensure the troops have the necessary tools. And of course we need those teachers to be engaged and well trained (including some practicum), not a haven for those otherwise less capable. Teachers are in a profession not a job. An adequate salary is needed but money isn't why professionals work.
My late wife taught special ed at several Title 1 schools. She eventually resigned as classroom sizes became unmanageable. A classroom with too many on Behavioral Plans (BIPs) is tough denying kids who really need the help because of a few requiring too much attention. She complained about Native Americans who had a sense of "you owe me" and blacks relocated from New Orleans who came with chips on their shoulders. She found ways to break through those barriers even with some parents who were not concerned. She relished the progress she made and thought if she could get a few kids ahead it was a victory. As my sister (a former teacher herself) warned the teaching would be joy but the admins would drive her out. And it came true.
I think all kids have innate curiosity that needs to be nurtured. I was well influenced by her thinking as I watched her work many evenings preparing various reports, assessments and plans. Most teachers are not required to create those individual plans, but I suspect they have utility. Kids are not the classroom count on day # that sets the budget. What does count is classroom assistants, adequate counselling and nursing staff and librarians - all in support of the front lines. As in the military, the officers don't matter because their troops, the front lines do. Officers are supposed to provide whatever supports are needed for those front lines but the educational rulers think they are the important ones.
We need a real General to get the Colonels and Captains to think kids first and ensure the troops have the necessary tools. And of course we need those teachers to be engaged and well trained (including some practicum), not a haven for those otherwise less capable. Teachers are in a profession not a job. An adequate salary is needed but money isn't why professionals work.