Effecting Change at School and District Levels

My experiences at Walden has offered me opportunities to become more effective as a teacher.  What I have learned during this time in the program has not only helped me in the classroom, but outside the classroom as well.

I conducted action research on the importance of STEM education.  In my research, I found there are many teachers who have no idea what STEM education consists of.  This was startling to me since the future of our country is in STEM careers.  With this information, I went to my principal to present my findings.  I was then able to present the information to the staff.  In the training, I, along with another colleague, was able to inform the staff of STEM education, the importance of STEM, and suggestions of how to implement STEM in the classroom.  Our School Improvement Plan is due to be revised in 2013.  We are considering adding the implementation of STEM education as a goal.  

There were some personal challenges for me going outside my comfort zone.  I do not mind speaking in front of my classroom, but am very nervous about speaking in front of adults.  I would prefer to be in the background support others as they present, but this was a burning desire inside me.  I know that we must take drastic measures in order to promote change. With that in mind, I practiced in the mirror and with my husband to overcome this fear.  

The other challenge I have had to face is the negative attitudes of some staff members.  People are creatures of habit and do not enjoy change.  My colleagues are no different.  Many staff members did not see the importance of STEM education and did not want to change what they were doing in the classroom.  They were also concerned with the additional changes of implementing the new Common Core curriculum.  I fully understand the stresses and pressure, but if we do not make changes now, our students and our country will suffer in the future.  

What's Our Sputnik?

In the article “What’s Our Sputnik?” Thomas Friedman discussed the determination of the United States to be globally competitive after Russia launched the Sputnik satellite.  According to Friedman, the US has lost that determination and needs another Sputnik-like event to spark that determination and commitment to science education reform again.  Unfortunately, I think Friedman is right!

The education system has created a level of anxiety and competitiveness among teachers.  State standardized scores are being used to determine a teacher’s worth.  Teachers are feeling the pressure to do better than the next teacher, when in reality, we should be working together to do what is best for all students.  It feels like the pressure for  education reform is solely the teacher’s responsibility.  Unfortunately, teachers can only work with what is given to us. 

There are schools in other countries that are out performing the US, so why are we not learning how to be successful from them?  Countries, like Finland, South Korea, and Singapore, are ranking at or near the top in reading, math, and science.  Finland’s model focuses on all students having equal access to equal education.  This is in direct contrast to the US where parents have so much authority when it comes to their child’s education.  If they have the money, they can buy the best education.  What about families who are not able to “buy” a good education?  These children are still left behind! 

Our country will never admit we are still failing our children unless there is another Sputnik-like event to get our attention.  I think we have become complacent and believe that the NCLB plan is working.  It may be working, but not for ALL students, which means it is terribly flawed and needs to be changed.  I am not sure what our Sputnik is, but I hope it happens soon because our students are not gaining much ground in becoming globally competitive.