A Good Working Relationship with Information Technology???
I have been looking for ways to improve the working relationship with IT in my building. I have had some frustrating experiences with them and I’ve often wondered if my degree in Instructional Technology will improve this relationship or increase my frustration. In their defense, my district is understaffed and I believe that IT is overextended. When I’ve been waiting three months to have a much needed Special Education program downloaded and I know it takes about three minutes, I have to question the way things are being handled. I’m sure I can get administration to work this out for me but that’s not really the way I wish to handle this. However, my kindly worded e-mails seem to be futile attempts and it is negatively impacting my instruction and most importantly, my students. Clearly, something needs to be done about this. As I learn more and need more from IT, I need to develop a good working relationship with them. I came across an interesting article in an on-line newsletter I subscribe to. I hope to implement some of these suggestions.
Autism Early Intervetion
I came across a CNN article that revealed a promising study for autistic children. The study introduced a new therapy to autistic children between the ages of 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 . The study revealed that the group receiving this new therapy had increased their IQ by nearly 18 points which was 10 points higher than the children getting standard autism therapy offered in the community. Recently doctors have been urged to screen children at 18 months for autism. In the past doctors were reluctant to diagnose children before the age of 2. They often acknowledge developmental delays but fail to inform parents of interventions. The major problems I see with early intervention is the lack of awareness. Many parents are trying to come to terms the fact that their child may be disabled. They are often in denial. Doctors need to be able to refer parents to available interventions. Parents need to be told to “err on the side of caution” and do everything they possibly can. They should be offered workshops at first suspicion of developmental delays that address coming to terms with it and advocating for services for their children. The findings in this study highlight the positive results from early intervention.
“Unfriend” Dictionary word of the year
The new Oxford American Dictionary announced “Unfriend” as it’s word of the year. It is defined as a verb, “To remove someone as a friend on a social networking site such as Facebook.” They say they choose their word of the year “to reflect the ethos of the year and its lasting potential as a word of cultural significance and use.” This action, while somewhat amusing, does more than add a word to the dictionary. It recognizezs that social networking has a cultural significance and lasting potential. The word choice has stirred much debate over whether unfriend or defriend is the correct term. Years from now, when that debate is raging, people will be able to choose between consulting the dictionary or unfriending the person they do not agree with.
Social Networking for collaboration
Classroom 2.o is one of the best resources I have found for web 2.0 and collaborative technology in education. It is very user-friendly and a great way to get comfortable blogging, using wiki’s and sharing information. Classroom 2.0 offers webinars, tutorials, live shows, events and collaboration with educators all over the world. It is free and easy to join.
The Frustrations of an Inclusion Teacher
I know there are many different inclusion models out there and I know some work better for others. I am currently frustrated with the current model I am a part of. Many people have the misconception that an inclusion teacher sits in the back of the room with a cup of coffee and a crossword puzzle. I’m sure there are some that do because unfortunately there are bad teachers in every department. The role of the inclusion teacher is usually determined by the general education teacher. I work with and collaborate with some wonderful teachers but not all teachers are cut out for inclusion.
I maintain the belief that special education students in inclusion should be able to succeed with the support of the special education teacher. I do not believe in modifying exams (for content) or watering down the curriculum. However, I do believe that the teachers need to be on the same page and collaborate. Many teachers are not open to this yet they are scheduled to teach inclusion classes. It is uncomfortable being a special education teacher in a room where you are not wanted. It is obvious when a general education teacher would like you to sit back and be quiet. When it is uncomfortable to ask a clarifying question or explain something differently because you know your students are not fully understanding, what is the point of inclusion? In some classes I feel like the teachers would prefer that I sit back with a cup of coffee and a crossword puzzle.
I do benefit from being in any classroom with my students because I am able to monitor and observe them. I feel very strongly that teachers should be provided with common planning time and some type of professional development to help the collaboration process. It is the job of administrators to ensure teachers are comfortable with inclusion and that all students are benefitting from it.
Does Huck Finn Belong in the Classroom?
This is a subject that has been long debated. As I prepare to teach this novel, I revisit my previous research and unit plan. In searching for new ideas I continue to come across arguments that Huck does not belong in the classroom. I continue to disagree. I have heard all of the arguments before and I’d like to respond to some of the ridiculous claims.
Claim: “It’s uncomfortable. When I have 23 white students and 1 black student everybody is uncomfortable”.
Response: Isn’t it your job as a teacher to create a comfortable, respectful environment? If this is something you are unable to do then no, Huck does not belong in your classroom.
Claim: “Kids don’t get satire”.
Response: Kids are exposed to satire on a regular basis. Show a clip of “The Daily Show” or “The Colbert Report”. They get it and they enjoy it. Define satire, give examples they can relate to. Next, assign satirical passages from the text. Have them break up into to groups and do a close reading of the text. Have them present their findings to the class and clarify. My former students have really enjoyed this lesson. I never felt that my students didn’t get satire. Twain may not be as funny to them as Jon Stewart, but they got it.
Claim: “Teenagers are too immature to handle the topics this book addresses”.
Response: Huck Finn is not simply a sequel to The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and it should not be presented or read as one. It is not a child’s book. It contains elements of heartbreak and wisdom that can be appreciated best by adults. It addresses morality and the influence of society. The themes my students trace in this novel force them to reflect on their own morality and the influence society in today’s world as well as history. When you give students a reason to be invested, you’d be surprised at how they rise to the occasion.
Claim: “It is a racist novel” or “Twain was a racist”.
Response: The language is racist as is the setting. That is undeniable. I have a lot of trouble believing that the story is racist. Jim who is repeatedly referred to as “the nigger” is the kindest, most moral character in the book. I think that alone speaks volumes. Jocelyn Chadwick, an African American, says it best in her article “Why Huck Belongs in the Classroom” published in The Harvard Education Letter. “Twain brings into schools what all of us in this country desperately need, yet fear, most: discussions – frank discussions – about race, race relations, interracial relations, race language, racial stereotypes and profiling, and, ultimately, true and unadulterated racial equality”.
I begin my unit on Huck Finn with this article. If this were not enough to convince my students that it is worth reading (which has never been the case), I would stage a well researched debate and allow my class to decide whether or not we should read the book.
10 Most Useful Google Plugins for WordPress | WebDesignFan.com
Above is some information I found that may be helpful in class. I’ll probably spend the next few days trying to figure out what these things mean and how to use that rss feed. Any tips?
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