In an interview with a local news station, the young man referenced the state standardized tests, but also focused on why education is important to him.
Although the method by which the young man went off was rather inappropriate – it’s frowned upon to lecture a teacher in front of students – I echo his and my students’ frustration with teachers who do not “teach.” The particular lady in the cell phone video didn’t even get up from her desk. I know there are plenty of teachers out there who do the packet teach method, but that is not my style at all – and I can’t think of a single one of my students who learn that way.
After spending the last several weeks with them emphasizing the importance of resumes, going beyond expectations, and challenging themselves to get ahead, they’re starting to see education as a tool for success…unfortunately for many of them, they feel it’s a tool over which they don’t have control.
I asked one of my girls who really enjoyed our history lessons if she was interested in taking AP US History next year (by far one of my favorite classes in high school). Her answer was heartbreaking: “I’d love to, but I don’t think I learned anything from history the last few years. I don’t think I’m prepared. I’m sure I’d fail.” She had already set herself up to fail in her head, not because of any excuses of her own of laziness or stupidity, but because she felt her former education hadn’t adequately prepared her for the challenge of AP.
If she feels like her previous coursework didn’t prepare her for another high school class, I can’t imagine she’ll ever feel prepared to take on college. I wanted to wrap her in a big bear hug and tell her it’ll be hard, but if she pushes herself, she can do it. However, given that this young lady is a softball player and raises pigs in her free time, I don’t know if she’s the big bear hug type…
Leave a Reply