This article discusses the fact that our schools are not spending enough time teaching science. As a result, our children are not being prepared for careers in the sciences, such as technology, medicine, engineering, inventing, etc. We are preventing students from exploring, discovering, and being innovative. I feel that my district does not currently place a significant amount of time, resources, or funding into the sciences. I have no curriculum to teach science. I have very few hands-on manipulatives to make science exciting. I'm curious...does your district provide resources, materials, manipulatives for science? Is science considered a crucial component?
http://www.kansas.com/2011/01/26/1691151/test-us-students-failing-science.html
Christopher came home crying yesterday because of Math overload. As nearly as I can tell (conferences are coming up soon and I will ask then) the mornings are devoted to Math and Science gets rotated in, like it's becoming a special? And don't get me started on my feelings about the marginalization of Art and PE! For someone who struggles in Math and loves Science and Social Studies, Christopher is being given a pretty tough road to travel. I don't see any other way to interpret a schedule that is unbalanced in favor of Math and Reading than one that is teaching to the standardized tests. Do you?
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. This goes back to Jenny's question the other day about scheduling. How do you deal with a district that requires you to spend specific amounts of time on math and reading? A balanced education should include a regular dose of Science and Social Studies.
DeleteThat was a bit more rant-like than I intended. My main point is I agree with you, and we need to determine for ourselves the relative value of the subjects, and find a way to teach accordingly.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with Mark on the idea that somethings tend to get marginalized like Art and PE. Our students need time to play and develop other aspects. I emphasized this in one of my posts that the system is developed and working one area of the brain instead balanced growth. Some teachers will only teach to the state tests. They may speak otherwise but it becomes apparent. I hope he isn't getting paper/packet overloaded.