According to Linda Darling-Hammond, the reason the world is becoming “flat?” Globalization due to massive technological advancements in recent decades. Whereas the United States used to be the gold standard when it comes to education, recently we are quickly falling behind other countries which are more effectively adapting to the times. “The amount of new technical information is doubling every two years, and it is predicted to double every 72 hours by 2010” (Darling-Hammond 4).
When thinking about the exponential advancement of technology, I can’t help but think about what we’re being faced with as teachers in 2020. If 10 years ago new technological information was already doubling every 72 hours, I guess the amount of new tech teachers are being bombarded with in 2020 isn’t a fluke. Tech is only going to expand from here -- Put on your learning caps everyone! My head feels like it wants to explode when I begin to try to think about our educational system, its problems and what I would change. When we think about trying to improve our system, there is no one quick-fix. This would have to be a massive shift in educational philosophy and policy altogether. Darling-Hammond points out that in addition to inequities in schools caused by poor funding and lack of resources… We also simply need to revise what we are teaching our students. Recently, higher-achieving nations “Reveal a robust and disciplined approach to teaching mathematical reasoning and complex problem solving where knowledge is continually applied to real world problems and students are asked to go beyond routines to use mathematics flexibly in new situations” (12-13). I have often marveled at the lack of real world knowledge that our students graduate high school with. (Disclaimer: next sentences may be offensive to math or science people)... Why is it that students are required to take calculus before learning anything whatsoever about financial literacy? Why are students required to take biology in which they need to memorize all the parts of a cell, before knowing anything applicable to their own bodies, health and nutrition? To try to improve our system, there would need to be a massive amount of policy change from our government. Without wanting to be too political here, when I think about how most federal programs targeting education reform were basically eliminated during the Reagan era, as well as the damage done by the No Child Left Behind Act, it hurts my soul to even begin think about the long-term implications of Trump, DeVos and education in this country. Probably not the best perspective to take, but I sometimes think it’s just easier not to think about the big scary picture at all and just focus on my students. Darling-Hammond, Linda (2010). The Flat World of Education. New York, NY: Teachers College, Columbia University.
4 Comments
Sheri
9/4/2020 07:28:41 pm
I loved what you said about "This would have to be a massive shift in educational philosophy and policy altogether." I wrote in my blog about how there needs to be a cultural shift which points to the same idea as yours...our values and focus on education are completely morphed and out of alignment. Our communities and government SAY they value education but their ACTIONS don't back up their statements. And like you...not to get political but our country really lost credibility and momentum these past few years. I've never been more scared for our future and embarrassed by our actions as a nation. I have absolutely no idea how to remedy any of this other than doing what I can, with what I have and staying optimistic.
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Laurie J. Gaynor
9/5/2020 03:22:45 pm
You will be glad to know I introduce my 4th grade students to financial literacy- I justify it by linking it to math standards. I agree with you. Many have considered 21st century skills as soly technology based. Yet that won't help a student if that student doesn't know how to navigate their money choices. Every student graduating high school needs to know the basics of Financial Literacy,how to file their taxes and their civic rights/duties. Your voice is not alone. We need to begin the revolution one step at a time.
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Lynda J Tuttle Bergenr
9/6/2020 10:00:50 pm
I feel much like you do. I am amazed at what is considered important academically. I think that financial literacy is too important to ignore, especially for my bunch. I start relating math to money almost immediately. I am amazed that middle school students do not know the name and value of coins or how to count money, and not just SpEd kids. I am amazed at how many students do not know their body, and are almost embarrassed to learn about it.
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Kathy Flynn
9/17/2020 07:29:35 pm
Don't even get me started on Betsy DeVos!!! What an embarrassment. She insists kids get back into the classroom at all costs. SHE is willing to take that chance. She is not even a teacher and has never been a public servant. And she certainly does not understand our public schools. We are in trouble - and not just because of Covid. Our nation's schools desperately need adequate funding for all learners, from all cities, regardless of median income. I read that our graduates are "70%" overall in America. Where are the other 30%? Were they served in their public schools? I am concerned every day for our kiddos!
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About Dustin Green:High School PE Teacher Archives
March 2021
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