tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777327999504801937.post8090950002456133165..comments2023-08-23T10:35:10.653-05:00Comments on Fumbling About In The Dark: A Very Rosh Hashanah Teachers StrikeMiss Shuganahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13200157646397610173noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777327999504801937.post-68772344235490622632012-12-02T08:51:44.729-06:002012-12-02T08:51:44.729-06:00You bring up the core points. Class size... from ...You bring up the core points. Class size... from my perspective I cannot see how kids can learn in overcrowded classes. It's like being expected to fail. Very cynical approach to education. <br /><br />We personally have felt the effect of slashed budgets. Two years ago I was always calling Department of Transportation and/or Sub Center for bus aides. Parents shouldn't have to involve themselves in seeing to it their children basic services, and yet I had a case manager begging me to make these calls. They have felt powerless and since this was affecting my wheelchair bound Kid O, I was only too glad to be of service. Even so it should not be that way. <br />Miss Shuganahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13200157646397610173noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777327999504801937.post-21745344667956540272012-12-02T08:15:40.050-06:002012-12-02T08:15:40.050-06:00After reading up on why the strike took place (htt...After reading up on why the strike took place (http://on.wsj.com/TBg3Br) and speaking with colleagues who've taught 20+ years, I realized the teaching profession is vastly evolving. Our 'job title,' roles and responsibilities have extended beyond our classroom and school buildings. Majority of educators entered into the profession because they were passionate about learning and wanted to impart their love for learning onto their students. However, today we know that students are not 'blank slates' that we can download knowledge and passions onto and they will reiterate the message at 80% (or better) proficiency. <br /><br />Teachers today wear many 'hats' and are judged heavily on 'how effective they are as a teacher' based on student test scores (http://huff.to/11kMojn). With shrinking budgets and growing class sizes, I can see why the Chicago Teacher's Union felt it necessary to strike. Documenting: the testing, (baseline testing, progress monitoring, and post -analysis), interventions used for students who are 'falling behind grade level peers,' modifying and adapting lessons for our students with IEP's, supplemental or modified work for 'gifted students,' ... and numerous other types of 'administrative paperwork,' that may come across our desk is just ONE facet of our job title. <br /><br />The strike was only only a way to take a stand for the teachers, but also for their students. The Chicago Teacher's Union held firm to show they need adequate support to provide the best opportunities for their students. We [teachers] want what is best for our students, we want future generations to 'do better,' and be able to provide a happy and efficient life for themselves. But, we also want sane, and realistic working conditions for our own sake too. Shannonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15521448109725952464noreply@blogger.com