Change is not always good.

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, 

I hope everyone has had a good and productive week! School just seems to be flying by. I'm pretty sure no one minds that though. Anyways, I'd like to get your opinions about an article I read this week about Texas changing graduation requirements for high school students.

The article goes into detail about how Texas legislation and lawmakers are "scrambling" to diminish the requirements for graduation of high schoolers that was passed only four years ago. Just so we are clear what law was passed four years ago is referred to the "4x4" which means in order to graduate high school in Texas all students must complete 4 years in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. The law was initially passed to help prepare students for college curriculum, and most students who attended high school in Texas graduated by this plan (also known as the "recommended plan"). Problem is, now many individuals are wanting to change the "4x4" rule and instead lessen the years/credits in mathematics, sciences, and social studies. To compensate for students having fewer credits in these three subjects they would be required to have "endorsements" in order to get their diploma. The endorsement courses would be offered in areas such as business and industry, engineering, and humanities.

Many professionals and education agencies and organizations seem to agree that Texas should "scale back" on math, science, and social studies. A few people have mentioned that by removing the 4x4 plan students have more freedom to choose what they feel is best for them after graduation. This is simply saying that if Texas does eliminate the 4x4 rule then students who do not desire to go to a four year college could already be trained and ready to start a job right after graduation due to taking the "endorsement" courses. Several of the arguments that are made state that plenty of industrial, manufacturing, and mechanical jobs are available for people with just a high school diploma, but because the fresh graduates do not have the required knowledge or skills they cannot be accepted for the open positions. I can understand that a four year university is not for every student, but I do not agree with taking out the 4x4 rule in our high schools.

If Texas does choose to do away with the 4x4 requirement then the number of students who need remedial math in college will most likely increase. The number of students needing remedial math is already high, but we would be adding more to it if less math credits is required to graduate. In turn, more students taking remedial math in college would cost the state over 1 million dollars.  Math is a pretty sore subject for most people, and I know from personal experiences that not all high school graduates or college students can identify the Pythagorean theorem (see picture below). This is a formula to find missing measurements of a triangle, and I know that it is taught in high school.

Retrieved from: http://pixabay.com/en/plate-chalk-mathematics-graphic-67320/

Of course this formula looks complicated, but it really is not. With students freshly graduated and at the college level not knowing how to properly apply this formula to a problem I see cutting back the required amount of credits for mathematics is not the best idea. Instead of cutting back, maybe Texas could implement dual credit for specific courses that students take. An example would be my old high school, it offers pre-nursing courses and within three years (starting your sophomore year) you can earn a few college credit hours and become a CNA (Certified Nurse Aide). This benefited many of my peers who planned on becoming a nurse by allowing them to have first-hand experiences in the field and a strong background knowledge of what to expect before going to nursing school. All I'm trying to say is I believe Texas educators, lawmakers, and legislators would be hurting students more than helping them if they eliminate the 4x4 rule. 

How do you feel about this? Would you have been as successful only taking two years of math in high school? Do you think this is the best decision for the youth of today?

Until next time darlings, 

April Avery 

Make-Over for U.S. Education System

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

This week has been pretty hectic, but I'm sure we all are starting to get busy as the semester proceeds. After reading a few articles on education I found through Google, I found this interesting piece.

http://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2013/02/15/3-ways-to-radically-remake-us-schools-and-education

As a future educator, I like what this article has to say. It talks about changing the education system that Americans are accustomed to in order to better meet the needs of both students and the economy. Pretty brilliant right? I most certainly thought so. It was excited to see that political leaders of today were speaking out about how changing the education system and the way we teach can enhance the U.S. economy.

Before I go into the details, just let me ask this question first, would you rather be in a traditional or technologically advanced classroom?

 

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A few key points (three to be specific) are noted that could be done to radically shake the current foundation of education across this nation. The first thing is to start integrating college course work when students are in high school so they can potentially have an associate or technical degree before they graduate. Wouldn't that be cool? You just graduated high school and already have a steady, stable job with benefits. Secondly using technology to its full potential. Of course we do use technology in the classroom, but are we really getting the most out of it? I do not think we are; there are tons of resources and ample amount of college courses offered online that high schools can tap into or introduce to their students. The third change that was mentioned was to adopt different employment options for students. This means that instead of pushing for all students to go the traditional route and attend a four year university, asking the students what they feel is best for them (including them in decisions for their future). Informing students that they have other options than just a four year university; letting them know and have access to information on technical schools, trade schools, and degrees that they can obtain strictly online or within two years at a community college. Let's face it, a four year university is not the best route for every student and their are people who would be happier and more successful with an associate or technical degree or with a license for a trade.

So my question to you all is would you have rather graduated high school being able to start a career immediately or are you happy taking the traditional route by attending a four year university?

Until next time darlings, 

April Avery

Goals and Aspirations

Hello ladies and gentlemen,

My name is April Avery and I am currently a junior at Prairie View A&M University. I am majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Generalist Early Childhood (EC) – 6^th grade. This blog is to share my ideas and thoughts related to education and what I believe makes an efficient teacher.

As a future educator, I have already started making goals to achieve once I get into the classroom. My main goal is that my students will be able to achieve 100% mastery level over everything we cover, and relate our objectives to their real life. In order for me to be truly successful I believe that my students need to be successful in all of their endeavors.

Since I plan to teach at the elementary level, I know that I must be a prime example for my students. The picture above is a perfect example of how I can begin to lead by example. By applying this quote to real-life, my students can observe that I have the ultimate faith in their ability to achieve anything they put all of their heart into, and I as their teacher will do whatever it takes to make each one of them achieve or exceed their own goals.

Teaching is not just something to do, for me it is about making a difference in the pupils I will come in contact with.  Knowing that many teachers often lose interest in the field or become repetitive in their lessons, a goal of mine is to keep the desire and compassion that I feel now throughout my career as an educator. As I progress through my career, I hope to obtain more knowledge on how to better myself as an educator, more creative ideas to integrate into my lessons, and a stronger compassion towards teaching. 

Below you will find a link to a video that reinforces another reason why I want to become a teacher.

Teachers do care

Until next time darlings,

April N. Avery