Looking at the State standards, I realize that there is a need for them. I think that the state standards give a guide for teachers to plan their lessons and assess their results. It is important for teachers to know what levels of proficiency the state has deemed necessary for each core standard. It is also important for teachers to differentiate their lessons and assess their students using multiple intelligences. Quite often teachers have a certain style of teaching. If they are to follow these standards, they can create a well rounded style, and in turn give students a more comprehensive education.
I would be the first to admit that any good teacher will end up meeting these standards without even knowing them. However, after teaching for 13 years and I can honestly say that is more idealistic for most teachers. Whether you are a novice or expert teacher, you still need to tailor your lessons appropriately to state regulations. I think that these standards give you that ability to build them in to each lesson. In my case, the textbook I use for my class labels the standards that each chapter and lesson incorporates. This is also very helpful because we are mandated to include the core standards into each of our weekly lesson plans. I believe that in my case I am so used to using them on a weekly basis that I would not want to do without them. I will say though at first, I did not believe I needed to use them and was very close-minded. i am glad that I adjusted my thinking and accepted these standards because they are not going away.
2 comments:
Mike,
I agree that standards are necessary but I'm not the biggest fan of differentiated instruction. Maybe it has to do with my subject but in my school it seems to be done for us.
As science teacher, it seems the differentiation is done before the students walk in the door. We have 4 levels of each subject. Between Biology, Chemistry and Physics we have a basic, College Prep, Honors and Advanced Placement. With all the levels split out, it seems that there isn't much differentiating that needs to be done at each level.
Dear Mike,
I enjoyed reading your post. I feel that you made some excellent points. The standards are an excellent guide for teachers. In my post, I focused more on the standards being a guide for new teachers. However, experienced teachers also need to be given some direction. I honestly feel there is no harm in having general standards that must be followed. However, not having any standards could be a disaster. For example, if there were no standards then every teacher would likely teach different topics. There would likely be no uniformity, and when students enter college they would all have different educational backgrounds. This in essence would mean that some students would get "left behind". This is exactly what President Bush's "No Child Left Behind" legislation is meant to prevent.
Also, Mike, I agree with you completely that differentiated instruction is essential. I have taught in a school similar to the school where Paul works where general biology, college preparatory biology, honors biology, and advanced placement biology are taught. I still find that one must differentiate one's instruction. Even the students in each level have different needs. Now, I teach in a school where all students are grouped into one level of biology. Believe me when I say that differentiation is necessary.
Sincerely,
Marc Vogel
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