I have been talking about a blog for a long time. I have never been sure I have enough to say to be a very good blogger, but a recent conversation I had gave me the impetus to begin.
Last week I had the privilege to present a workshop on writing for teachers in my area. There were a small number in attendance (my workshop was not a "make and take", but that may be a topic for another post). The group was small in number but very enthusiastic and willing to express their thoughts, opinions and experiences.
One such participant was a teacher of 30 years experience. She related to us what occurred at her school when our latest Reading Program was adopted by the state. Her administrators went room to room removing all other resources for teaching Language Arts to make sure the teachers were teaching the new program "to fidelity"!?!?!?!?
Now I don't know this teacher's history, having just met her. But I do know that in order to be teaching she has been to college, most likely has a master's degree and over the course of 30 years has amassed not only a wealth of experience, but resources and materials garnered through personal study or professional development. What an insult to her and all the teachers in that district and what a travesty for the students. Educational malpractice we might even call it!
HELP! It's time to "free our students" from this insanity.
