Prezi from 11-07-2012 PD

Global Achievement Gap - Chapter 1 & 2

Read Chapters 1 & 2 from Global Achievement Gap.  We will discuss some of this at future Professional Development sessions.  So that we can focus that meeting time and honor your time - we are hoping that you will begin some discussion on this blog.  This will help us use our meeting time more effectively and help plan upcoming sessions.

When I read the following paradox, I thought about my 22 years of teaching.  Some in math, some in computers.  I have been thinking about changes in schools and changes in my perspective.

 "Ironically, the increased emphasis on testing has come about because of a growing fear, shared by many in this country, that if we don't turn out better-educated and more highly qualified students -- especially in math and science -- then more and more of our jobs will go to better prepared students in developing countries." page 6 - Global Achievement Gap

According to Tony Wagner, there appear to be two achievement gaps -

• The gap between the quality of schooling that most middle-class kids get in America and the quality of schooling available for the most poor and minority children.
• and the Global Achievement Gap - the gap between what the BEST schools are teaching and testing and what students need to succeed in the global economy.

Read the following questions.  Respond to any or all questions:

Question #1 -

Do you agree that there are Achievement Gaps? Give specific examples to support your opinion.

Question #2 -

What do today's high school graduates need to know in order to succeed in the workplace?

Question #3 -

Look at the Survival Skills in Chapter 1 - pick one that you feel you do a good job of supporting in your classroom.  Give examples of how you promote this skill.  Pick one that you feel you feel is important and that you need to work on improving in your classroom.  Why do you think this is important?

Question #4 -

Discuss ways you have seen the world change in the past 20 years.  How have schools changed in the past 20 years?

What is Rigor?

Rigor is a term that gets thrown around a lot in education.  Rigor can mean different things to different people. When we are asked to design or teach a rigorous curriculum - what does this really mean?

Please take some time to respond to this post - give specific examples

• What does Rigor mean to you?
• What does Rigor look like in your classroom?  What would I see if I walked into your classroom - what would I not see?
• Why is Rigor important for our students?