Impoverished atmosphere at ESM

One of our goals at ESM is to have intrinsically motivated students. In order accomplish this goal, we must remember Maslow's Hierachy of Needs. I am very afraid that because of our impoverished environment we are creating a culture that does not respond to our student's basic needs. As we all recall, the most basic needs are physiological, safety, loving and belonging, self-esteem, and finally self-actualization. At this point, we're not meeting some of the basic needs of the student's. Of most concern are things like basic hygiene needs not being met, i.e. soap and paper towels in the bathrooms on a regular basis. Not to mention the lack of other supplies including paper, pencils, notebooks, folders, etc. For student's to accomplish the goal of intrinsic motivation (self-actualization) their other needs must be met. We must all work together to eliminate the culture of poverty.

http://www.ruralhealth.utas.edu.au/comm-lead/leadership/Maslow-Diagram.htm

This is the only positive thing I could think of.

10/9 Meeting

I would like to address the complaints regarding the way teachers were talking to students on the way downstairs during practice the last two days. I do shout at the kids because I'm scared for their safety. Conrad said, nobody should shout at a child individually unless they are in "imminent danger". Running around the halls unsupervised is an example of imminent danger; sliding down the stairs is an example of imminent danger; running down the stairs with their laces untied is an example of imminent danger. Until we, as individual teachers and as a whole staff, confront our students about these minor problems, they are in imminent danger. One day, unless this sloppy behavior stops, someone will get hurt. It's no use talking to a child after he/she has fallen down the stairs. Let's be proactive and stop being intimidated by the students. It is better to stop something bad happening than learning from mistakes. If the "shouting" at the children is to stop, all teachers shouldn't let their students leave the lobby in the morning or their class throughout the day until their shirts are tucked in and all laces are tied. We all miss incidents, but if you see one no matter what it is, address it and make it right. Please don't turn a blind eye. I understand the point of view of saying it differently,however, when the child is half a flight of stairs above or below the teacher, talking to the students simply is not going to work. I personally apolgize if I have affended any teacher by shouting at our students, on the other hand you need to come to me and personally express your concerns.

The Imagine Academy of Environmental Science and Math will provide students with a world-class learning opportunity by maintaining a caring learning environment, working with parents/guardians and local communities to develop the intellect and character of the students who choose to attend the school, utilizing innovative teaching techniques delivered by a superior faculty, and offering a challenging, environmentally based curriculum that prepares children for lives of leadership in a rapidly changing world.

Is this our product? This is a portion of the mission statement taken out of the charter proposal.

The teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn is hammering on cold iron. Horace Mann

Bus Dismissal, Schedule Changes, ECT.

I am absolutely appaulled by the idea of my 5th grade science class missing science for an entire week, because of a few classes and teachers can not get their classrooms quiet. And, that can not happen because these same children have been given new teachers and new schedules. The eighth graders had 2 science teachers, then 3 science teachers, then a new third science teacher. There is no consistency in constant change. I think that if this school, staff, and students are going to make it, then there has to be some CONSISTENCY, somewhere. Everytime that something isn't working, then it changes, dramatically. How can our students ever achieve academic achievement, justice, integrity, or fun if every week since the beginning of school, there has been a change of some kind in the schedule.

School Schedules

Research shows that when young people have opportunities for “voice and choice,” they are more likely to participate in, be engaged in, and benefit from learning opportunities, both inside and outside of school. This is of particular importance for the middle school. How we create a school schedule that restructures time and learning respects young people’s opinions and ensures that they are engaged?

In some expanded-time schools teachers report that students are more engaged in their education specifically because they are choosing the enrichment activities they want to participate in. When students feel they can take ownership of their education, they are that much more likely to be motivated to achieve at high levels.

Any Thought?

What can we do to improve all group gatherings?

This morning's gathering had its ups and downs. What can we do to make it more functional and less of a crowd control issue? The all school gathering is not only a way to share information but it can help tailor the ESM school "family" climate.

on creating blogs

If your goal is to comment to an already existing blog then click on "comment" below the blog and post your contribution. This creates a tree-like expansion that continues the SAME topic. That way 1 discussion topic expands in an organized system.


If you wish to introduce a NEW topic then you click "new post" up at the top. Others would then contribute to that topic by clicking on "comment" as mentioned above.

I have found that classroom management should incorporate classroom/teacher's expectations. Teachers must have expectations for their students. These expectations need to be visible to students. They must be reminded of them daily. I have not seen any expectations posted in the classrooms. But, I see the consequence chart posted everywhere.

Kimberly

I think that the blog board is a great opportunity for everybody. I feel like disciple at our school is mostly the teacher tries to control everything and the student(s) power struggles. I have had trouble with teaching procedures because middle school has had so many changes that being consistent has been difficult. I keep revisting the procedures and rules, hoping they will sink in. I want all the new teachers to know that sometimes you have to pick your battles and all day isn't a battle.
-Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning. Gloria Steinem

chadduck

Classroom Discipline

What are your classroom strategies for effective discipline? Do you find that you are able to avoid power struggles? Do you find yourself raising your voice (yelling) more than you would like? Read my short comment on discipline and comment on what strategies you use, would like to use in your class. What problems are you facing? How can we as a school move towards a more positive environment?

Our school should not focus on discipline in the sense of punishment. We should focus on discipline in the original sense of leading (think of the word disciple).
We should spend a considerable amount of time encouraging students to behave well and explicitly teach students how to disagree with someone without losing their temper and fighting. We need carefully worked out discipline policies, so the kids know exactly what steps they themselves are supposed to take (take a break, make a plan, etc.)

Try to see each student as a puzzle to be solved rather than a problem requiring you to exert your teacher power. Most behaviors have a genesis that makes sense somewhere along the line. The fun part is trying to figure out what put the behavior in place and then resolving the issue for the student.

I look forward to reading your thoughts.

Welcome to the ESM BLOG

This is a place where we can discuss issues that we all face as charter school educators. Please keep a few rules in mind as we explore this medium as a means for sharing ideas, learning, and inspiring.

1. Assume goodwill, honesty, and sincerity
2. Please refrain from profanity
3. Respect all entries
4. Sarcasm is discouraged (this will be difficult for me)

The goal of this BLOG is to support an ongoing dialogue amongst educators, helping us grow together as a team to reach our shared vision for the school.