In this episode, we had Ms. Carla Zuill on to speak about the upcoming rgistration process for getting your child into school for September. This was followed by Mr. Wolf who came on and really got us excited about the upcoming 90th Anniversary breakfast.
Interestingly enough, it seems that every time the Talking Teacher looks lately, I see something about educational reform. Interesting. The Talking Teacher wonders if it is because we here in Bermuda are now on this reform venture, or is it just reform season? Hmmmm, makes me wonder...
One of my meanderings brought me to this article which The Talking Teacher found to be rather interesting. It is on reform in Texas. I submit a piece of the article:
They've laid out the framework in a 48-page report called Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas.
Nearly two years in the making, the document spells out school leaders' thoughts on six key issues, including the use of digital technology, abuse of standardized testing and designing accountability systems that inspire excellence instead of punish perceived shortcomings.
The 35 superintendents from Dallas, Cypress-Fairbanks, Fort Worth, San Antonio and numerous rural and suburban school districts are responsible for educating about a quarter of the state's 4.7 million schoolchildren.
"We came together to say 'Stop this train that's going in the wrong direction,' " said Coppell school Superintendent Jeff Turner.
another part of the article says:
"When we look at our public schools today, I'd say they're doing a dadgum good job of preparing our kids for the 20th and 19th Century," Sockwell said. "It's almost like we need to blow it up and start over."
WOW!!! What a strong statement!! Reform, what a topic, where do we start? Where do we take it? One past TIME magazine issue highlighted the efforts of Michelle Rhee, who has caused a stir in Washington D.C. over her plan to reform their system.
So where does Bermuda's plan for reform fit into this whole movement for reform? We have addressed that there is a problem, this is good, the sticky part comes when trying to "fix" it.
Well, last week, the stage was set, we had the pre and primary school educators on. They were full of life, reflection and motivation. This week brought us three more of our Trailblazing educators.We are in awe of the words that were spoken by Mr. Lede St. Leger, Mrs. Alicia Zuill and Mrs. Ayesha Vickers-Brown. They shared their hopes, the joys of being an educator, debunked some myths concerning education, and proved time and time again why they were given the label of "Trailblazer". You can listen to the show by clicking on the link below. This was an historical show for us, as we had our first caller from overseas. None other than Dr. Lou Matthews called in to congratulate our trailblazers- thanks Dr. Matthews!!
Ok, so the Talking Teacher has been delinquent in posting thoughts, and for that, I apologiize, ok, give me a detention, give me a demerit. lol But I was just looking at some pictures, the world's reaction to the inaugural events. This has been an awesome event. The funny thing is that words cannot even properly describe the impact, the effects, the affects of the whole event. There is the political, the social, the marital, the unmesurable rammifications of the new president, Mr. Barack Obama. As one song writer said- it is truly a new day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Talking Teacher has truly been motivated by the events of Nov 4th, as well as those of this past Tuesday. To those of you who helped pave the way for this monumental day- I thank you!! I sat watching the events, thinking of my grandfather, trying to imagine what his reaction would have been. Would he be rejoicing? I imagine a tear, a silent tear. I am getting chocked up just thinking of him and the hundreds of others who alwyas hoped for that day, but never thought it would be in their lifetime.
If nothing else, be motivated. President Obama has raised the bar. Not only in presidential type things, but for relationships. How may you ask? When making his first appearance, he raises his hand and says, 'Isn't my wife beautiful?" WOW!!!!!!!!!! The man is smooooth!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'll end there, there is much more to express, but I end with this point- he is left handed also. :)
