RM

Squandering Potential Much?

Dec 12, 2013

RT
Stage· 363 messages
Dec 12, 2013

I tawk with Rebecca about her experiences teaching in the public school system and what she would change about it. Join us on Dec. 11th at 8 pm central / 9 pm EST.

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:00 AM

Hello Rebecca! And hello audience :)
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:00 AM

Hi, all. Nice to be here with you all.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from John Baker

“i think i am here and there”

RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:00 AM

Me too, John. Me, too.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“Hello, ladies!”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:00 AM

hi! :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:01 AM

So we are here tonight to tawk about the education system
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:01 AM

And talk to the wonderful Rebecca about this current system and how to make it better
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:01 AM

Do we have to? I've just been reading more articles and now I'm afraid I'll have nightmares if I continue in this vein. :P
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:02 AM

haha! it is a tough subject for sure, very complex
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:02 AM

should we start with your experiences with the system?
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:02 AM

Sure. I guess we'll orient everyone by giving them a bio. :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:03 AM

yes start with a quick bio, you are on top of things :)
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:03 AM

I am a special educator (k-12) and elementary educator (k-6) by training.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:03 AM

so you teach the young-ins
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:03 AM

In terms of experience and extra-academic training, I've been all over the map.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:03 AM

I started teaching at 15, actually.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:04 AM

I was doing horseback and safety education at a summer camp for diabetic children.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:04 AM

That's amazing!
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:04 AM

so did you like teaching or helping others?
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:04 AM

Well, lucky, maybe.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:04 AM

what about the experience did you like the most?
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:04 AM

I was born to be a teacher. It's just who I am.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:05 AM

About the summer camp? I loved it that the kids had already overcome so much (with juvennile diabetes) but still had so much energy, life and love.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:06 AM

And helping kids overcome fears. That was enough to really sell me on the career path. Wow. It's a heavy burden but a great reward.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:06 AM

let's take this comment from the audience
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mitchell Heldt

“I see many children entering kindergarten here that have not learned to speak (not Spec Ed either)”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:06 AM

I have not heard as much about this, what about you Rebecca?
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:06 AM

That happens, Mitchell, and there are a variety of reasons.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:07 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mitchell Heldt

“My aunt has a summer camp in Bellvue Iowa for juvenile diabetes. It is a lot for kids to learn so young”

RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:07 AM

One is just a natural spread in "school readiness" based on natural maturity gaps at young ages.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:07 AM

Kids get "ready" for the school environment sometimes between 4 and 7.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:07 AM

That's quite a spread, but we start them all at 5.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:07 AM

yes children enter school with different levels of ability on different things
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:07 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“Kids can be so inspirational...”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:08 AM

I think that is the mentality we should have Jenn and part of the reason we are here tonight! :)
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:08 AM

That's also true, Mitchell - I think that's why i was so in love with the environment. There, for the first time, the kids were not odballs. EVERYONE had diabetes. So then it was all just about whatever ELSE you were. :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:09 AM

So Rebecca, you started teaching when you were a teenager and then went into this little thing called the Peace Corps. and then you decided you want to teach for a career correct?
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:09 AM

No, I knew I wanted to teach, always. Just knew.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:09 AM

You have to get a degree to join Peace Corps.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:10 AM

I pursued elementary education because I thought it was the best fit for Peace Corps, which was also something I wanted to do from early on.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:10 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mitchell Heldt

“I see many children that get so little communication from their parents that they either have almost no vocabulary or they do not fully form sounds. They are so impeded by not being able to communicate that they always seem frustrated and angry”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:10 AM

That's amazing. :)
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:11 AM

That is one of the other reasons that kids enter Kindergarten not speaking.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:11 AM

So as someone who has been an educator for many years what problems do you see within the current schooling system?
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:11 AM

There are many.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:11 AM

Let me quickly mention some of my other experience so we can reference it later.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:12 AM

I have Adult Literacy certification.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:12 AM

Have tutored students with brain injuries with that.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:12 AM

Audience have I mentioned Rebecca is amazing?!
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:13 AM

I taught zero-level (remedial) English grammar and writing when I was in college. Tutored in the writing center and also utored math and reading.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:13 AM

SO that was all adult ed.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:14 AM

I taught horseback again at a Jewish summer camp, then did program mamagement and admin for them the next year, which was pregramming for young kids.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:14 AM

What else?
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:14 AM

there's more! haha :)
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:14 AM

Oh, student teaching was science and social studies, 5th grade.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:14 AM

I subbed.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:15 AM

I did a lot of teaching in PC - adult ed, support groups, peer education, ESL, and taught midwives and pregnant women health and safety.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:15 AM

so you know pretty much everything about anything
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:15 AM

:)
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:15 AM

I has a self-contained classroom for kids with autism when I got back to the States.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:15 AM

I teach adult fitness and nutrition now and am a private tutor for all ages/subjects.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:16 AM

oh yes and we should talk a little bit about your Creative Learning Center before this tawk is over, but first I'd like to address Mitchell's comments
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:16 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mitchell Heldt

“I think that we need to officially send the kids to school younger so that they have more time in the care of people who will interact with them and can feed them”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:16 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“@Mitchell, that's an interesting solution, but what about the kids that ARE well nurtured at home? Sending them to school before they are emotionally ready could have its own set of consequences.”

RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:17 AM

By most measurements, I only have one year of experience as a teacher, because I was only in the public system for a year.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:17 AM

I hear what you're saying, Mitchell, and I have to say, that State isn't doing a great job of feeding or nurturing kids, so that isn't a viable solution.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:18 AM

this is a tough subject Mitchell and I think it has more to do with the child's home life I personally do not believe children should be put in school earlier, but we need to make sure our children our better taken care of in general
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:18 AM

I know that many kids live in poor environments and don't get interaction, but institutionalization has not shown to improve their condition in the long term.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:19 AM

no there needs to be a new paradigm within our education system itself
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:19 AM

In the short-term, they may at lest be fed, but the quality of interaction is not enough to make up for the deficit that a loving family can provide. It's a problem, but that's not the answer.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:19 AM

4. When was the first time you remembered thinking there was something wrong with the current system?
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:19 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“Parents make the mistake of thinking that their children's education is the sole responsibility of the school system, when in reality the majority of learning occurs at home.”

RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:19 AM

Bam! Jennifer, that's where I am on the spectrum.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:20 AM

There are many pushes for teacher accountability, but where are the pushes for parental accountability?
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:20 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mitchell Heldt

“I visited people in Denmark and their daughter spoke english without a scandinavian accent. She said that is a requirment to graduate there to prevent problems doing business with other countries.”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:20 AM

yes there needs to be an interconnection between parents and children along with embracing knowledge for knowledge's sake not just for a "good grade"
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:20 AM

Mitchell, you seem to be advocating a business industrial model of education, which is what we already have.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:20 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“I entertained the idea of homeschooling for a long time. I send my kids to school mostly for the social aspect.”

RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:21 AM

Jennifer, I hear you and I'm having the same conundrum. I have a two-year-old. However, I don't think that the socialization that happens in school is the best model. I'm not sure i want my kid to have to muddle through the shit heap that is middle s
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:22 AM

I don't know.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:22 AM

I'm just trying to figure it out, like everyone else.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Julie Myers

“@Rebecca, you are correct. The business industrial model of education is not working. I see the graduates of this K-12 system in my classroom everyday and something IS not working!”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:22 AM

I agree the socialization process in our current system is BRUTAL... teaches conformity and little ask, in my opinion
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:22 AM

no one has a clear idea, but a lot of people are sure that something needs to change...
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:23 AM

Julie, at the college level - actually, college remedial - I saw the same thing. People with no real understanding of the way the language works or how to communicate. Kills me.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:23 AM

so what do you see that needs to be changed within our current schooling system Rebecca?
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“They learn how to "get along" at school, but they learn to be independent individuals by what's reinforced at home.”

RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:23 AM

What next?
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:24 AM

definitely agree Jenn
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:24 AM

★ Spotlighted from Julie Myers

“@Rebecca, and no critical thinking skills.”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:24 AM

let's talk about things you would like to change within the system :)
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:24 AM

Well, I don't even know how to begin.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:24 AM

I guess at the top.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:25 AM

The bureaucratic nature of school administration is ineffective and does not serve the best interests of teachers, parents or students.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:25 AM

It's cumbersome.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:25 AM

I do feel bad for those teachers out there who are genuinely just trying to help out... all the red tape they have to go through
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:25 AM

It's self-protective.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:26 AM

Hell, red tape only happens if you try to do anything different.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:26 AM

Just doing your JOB in the public school system is ridiculous!
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:27 AM

exactly! you want to really help people it takes forever! when that should be the goal, helping the learners
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:27 AM

I know I am not a fan of solely basing a child's ability on standardized testing there should be other ways of testing and measuring one's ability
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:27 AM

★ Spotlighted from Julie Myers

“In addition, the standardized testing puts teachers in the mode of needing to meet the quota”

RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:27 AM

My best friend (fellow teacher) once held up the list of the jobs that teachers were responsible for FOR EVERY CLASS before class could begin, and it was OVER 20 TASKS.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:28 AM

wow and you have little time to spend with each child.. what about those who need the most help?
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:28 AM

She wanted to know how teachers were supposed to do these things and handle lesson planning, grading, reporting, classroom management - you know, the TEACHING part.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:28 AM

I see lots of good questions in the forum - we will try to answer them!
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:28 AM

Kids who need help - well, that's me.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:29 AM

I teach special ed because I love the kids who need help.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:29 AM

And there is no time to give them help.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:29 AM

Teachers try.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:29 AM

And there are many clever tricks.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:29 AM

Grouping.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:29 AM

Partnering.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:29 AM

Peer-tutoring.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:29 AM

After-school tutoring.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:29 AM

Summer school.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:29 AM

ick summer school :p
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:29 AM

Before school tutoring.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:29 AM

that was more like a punishment wasn't it?
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:30 AM

But, seriously, in the older grades, how do you meet the needs of 20 kids per class by 6 or 7 periods?
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:30 AM

Really?
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:30 AM

That's why private tutoring suits me well.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:30 AM

It's all the best parts of teaching without the shit.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:31 AM

One-on-one connection with a kid.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:31 AM

Focusing on the problem until the problem is solved.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:31 AM

oh yeah, there is just no way. same with standardized testing, all is well and good except forcing that distribution there HAS to be kids who will need to fill those "deficient" and "below average" spaces
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:31 AM

Trying different methods.FOcusing on relationship, exchange and real understanding.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:31 AM

yes I like your thinking! :)
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:31 AM

As a tutor, I do not finance the operation of a paper mill.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:32 AM

Don't have to prove my worth every minute, just need to achieve understanding.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:32 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“@Rachel, I think it is still perceived as punishment. Just as there is a stigma attached to needing tutoring...which is unfortunate, because it shouldn't be this way.”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:32 AM

Jenn I think this is a HUGE drawback of the restrictive nature of our schooling system right now
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:32 AM

knowledge is "work"
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:33 AM

not fun or intriguing or appealing like it is and should be
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:33 AM

As a classroom teacher, I have so much beaureacratic bullshit to do that I go home every day sick to my stomach because I did not give my best to my students and didn't get all my work turned in on time.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:33 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mitchell Heldt

“I wish that school funding was tied to military spending. No new bombs without extra teacher's helpers”

RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:33 AM

Oh, Mitchell, I am now your biggest fan!
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:33 AM

I have been a teaching assistant for most of this semester and all the grading they do is CRAZY! so much paperwork!
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:34 AM

That's another issue. Teachers' salaries are...okay.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:34 AM

they NEED to be better! teacher's are amazing!
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:34 AM

Aides' salaries are piss-poor and many aides are on federal assistance.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:35 AM

Adminstrators' salaries are really damn nice, and most districts provide nice extras like cars and wardrobe for the superintendant.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:35 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“Considering that teachers are largely responsible for future generations, that should be one of the highest paid positions on the planet!”

RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:35 AM

All of the classroom aides in the autism department were receiving food stamps at my last public school post.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:36 AM

They were not allowed to work a minute extra without permission.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:36 AM

wow that's awful
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:36 AM

And I could not have done my job without my aide.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:36 AM

it's really sad to see that the financial sector is now taking hold of our education system
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:36 AM

I have a friend in Arizona right now who is an aide fiull time and has 2 other jobs.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:36 AM

wow! that's is shocking!
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:37 AM

He is making less than $2200/month combines.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:37 AM

combined.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:37 AM

That's unacceptable.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:37 AM

yes we need to fight harder for our educators
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:37 AM

so let's get back to the standardized testing issue, what are your thoughts on that?
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:38 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“Not to mention the fact that I couldn't imagine having 20+ energetic little kiddos in my care at the same time! lol”

RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:38 AM

Jennifer, regarding raises, etc. I think teachers would be content if the district covered their expenses and bought all of their supplies.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:38 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mitchell Heldt

“I paid for part of college teaching city halls to use computers. I've also taught adult ed classes so we could send our employees to electronics classes at community college”

RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:38 AM

I shelled out over $3,000 on my classroom - and I bought almost exclusively from Goodwill and the Salvation Army!
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:39 AM

Okay, standardized testing...
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:39 AM

wait teachers need to pay for all supplies they use all year too?!?
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:39 AM

Wow, that's a barrel full of money-grubbing monkeys...
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:39 AM

Okay, let's back up.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:39 AM

Our education system, at present, is run on an archaic model.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:40 AM

Free public education was a lovely idea that was really taken up as a public cause to meet the needs of the industrial revolution.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:41 AM

yes before that they didn't need parents out of the home to work, so kids stayed at home and learned
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:41 AM

It was funded by the states and the government to create literate workers who could manage blue and white collar jobs provided by industrialization.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:41 AM

With very little modification over the last century, we use the same business-industrial model
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:42 AM

and hold it to the same standards of measurement and efficacy as a business.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:42 AM

But it's not a business, it's a social institution and children are not widgets.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:42 AM

the first con if you ask me, these are children not workers
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:43 AM

The industrial model is phasing out and we have entered the "information age" - or a "knowledge economy"
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:43 AM

and a time when innovation and creativity needs to be fostered more than ever before
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:43 AM

EVEN IF our only goals are to create students who can meet the needs of the changing work force, we need to make changes - because we're still producing industrial workers.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:43 AM

However, we can do better.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:44 AM

Business doesn't need to drive social institutions.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:44 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mitchell Heldt

“A significant portion of federal funding for schools goes for just getting the kids to school and feeding them. So little money left that the kids have to bring paper towels and toilet paper.”

RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:44 AM

Yeah. That's a bullshit way to run a system, huh?
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:44 AM

But it's not true in all schools, only in some pockets.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:44 AM

Some schools are VERY well-endowed.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:45 AM

WHich seems pretty inequitable, huh?
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:45 AM

When we talk about schools, we are talking about HUMAN capital, which is very much more complex (and less-measurable) than any other kind of capital.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:45 AM

SO the considerations need to be more complex than simple economic considerations.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:46 AM

yeah I don't think the education system should be entangled with profitability.. but that is my naive way of thinking ;)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:46 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“We need to be teaching them HOW to think instead of WHAT.”

RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:46 AM

As an aside, economics isn't a hard science, so why are we using its principles to manage institutions for which we have more-pertinent and reliable science?
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:46 AM

I think this is a great point. It isn't so much about being taught the knowledge these days as it is knowing how to find the info you need and knowing how to apply it
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:47 AM

yes! thank you Rebecca! my inner scientist just gave you a standing ovation!
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:47 AM

In the case of schools, the US has an INCREDIBLE body of research on child development, on the brain and the ways that children learn, on special needs and teaching methods and modifications...
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:47 AM

We have incredible, real science that WORKS. Maybe we should...um...look into some of it?
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:48 AM

YES. Why don't people believe in reliable science
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:48 AM

what is scary about logic, reliability, and forethought?
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:48 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“We fear change. lol”

RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:48 AM

Well, at this point, Jennifer, we have nothing to lose except a shitty system that makes pretty much everyone unhappy.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:49 AM

exactly. maybe we should fear staying stagnant
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:49 AM

Look, I was talking to my neighbor last night.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:49 AM

Sweet, funy, smart 15-year-old.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:49 AM

It's her first year in public school.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:49 AM

especially when it comes to our children
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:49 AM

Her private school was getting very dogmatic, so they moved her.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:50 AM

She's an overachiever, in advanced classes and all.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:50 AM

And they're taking end-of-course exams.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:50 AM

She was bleeding and miserable from the eczema outbreak that the stress caused.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:51 AM

That's unacceptable.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:51 AM

oh yeah, anyone who says getting through school is "easy" hasn't been THROUGH it... and then add the social component.. we put a lot of stress on our children to "toe the line"
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:51 AM

She's not abnormal, really, as in doesn't have anxiety disorders or anything.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:51 AM

She's doing "well."
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:52 AM

She'll get great grades, get into a college, probably with a scholarship.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:52 AM

But she has 2 hours of homework a night and headaches and eczema.
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:52 AM

At 15.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:52 AM

that's another reason why educating children outside the home is so important. kids need to know that school isn't the be all end all and that people all learn in different ways and everyone is good at something and bad at others
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:53 AM

If that's the way the system treats kids that it's working for, then I hazard to say it could be better.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:53 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“The thing is, you ladies are absolutely correct when you speak of the nature of our economy shifting to more intellectually based endeavors; brain vs. brawn. And if our children aren't prepared for this future, they don't stand a chance.”

RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:53 AM

Yeah. But, again, this girl has supportive parents and is winning in the public system.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:54 AM

it's really looking at it as staying on this path no one is happy on vs. looking to future ways to make the education system better
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:54 AM

What about kids who are neither able to play the public school game nor have supportive parents?
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:54 AM

★ Spotlighted from Julie Myers

“So what is the solution?”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 2:54 AM

those are the kids who get left behind I am afraid.. :/
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:54 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mitchell Heldt

“I had the advantage teaching that I would have 8 students or less motivated to learn. I don't know how teachers with more than 30 deal with issues. Seems like most classes need a few assistants just for disciplne”

RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:54 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“No reason a kid should be that stressed out over testing. Poor thing. My daughter does it too.”

RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:54 AM

So - what's the solution?
RT

Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:54 AM

That's what we're here for!
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:55 AM

We've gotta come up with something.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:55 AM

Honestly, I don't think reform is going to help.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:55 AM

As my good friend says, it's like putting a Band-aid on an axe wound...
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Rachel McDonnell · 2:55 AM

yes and part of the point is that we all have something to contribute to this answer.. no one's voice is invalid, which is the type of education system we should strive for
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:55 AM

I mean, there are some obvious things that would help IMMEDIATELY.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:55 AM

Smaller classes.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:56 AM

More equitable distribution of resources.
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Rachel McDonnell · 2:56 AM

I'd like to plug your Creative Learning Center Rebecca, because I think the wave of free education is definitely one way to help us in this aspect
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:56 AM

Oh. That. :)
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:57 AM

It's actually my bestie's brain child.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:57 AM

It's a donation-based learning cooperative.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:57 AM

Community education.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:57 AM

Affordable. Accessible.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:57 AM

All teachers are volunteers. Maybe they get a little money at the end of the month after expenses are covered by donations.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:58 AM

And you know what? She's been running this since the summer AND IT'S WORKING!
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:58 AM

So I'm trying to start a splinter group here in Georgia.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:58 AM

Pretty excited about that.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:58 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mitchell Heldt

“I would like to entertain the idea of not only smaller classes but smaller schools. Why do so many grades need to be at the same place?”

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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:58 AM

I like that, Mitchell.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:58 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mitchell Heldt

“I would also like to see children wear uniforms so that the money issues and peer pressure would go away”

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Rachel McDonnell · 2:59 AM

That's amazing! I LOVE the idea of free education,especially as costs become more and more of a concern.. knowledge and education needs to surpass our monetary needs, especially looking long-term.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:59 AM

I am also not opposed to uniforms. But I do understand the argements against them. I am neutral. Was neutral as a kid, too.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 2:59 AM

http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/512/house-rules
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:00 AM

Listen to this, if you have time. Explains inequity a little bit more in-depth.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mitchell Heldt

“Also, breaking 9 and 10 away from 11 and 12 might reduce some bad influences”

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Rachel McDonnell · 3:00 AM

I would not be for uniforms, I don't think clothing has as much to do with the socialization as our focus on rewarding those who "fit" certain images vs. those who don't. I don't think more uniformity is need, personally I think more room to allow
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:00 AM

Good idea.
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:00 AM

for a child's individual interests may be more productive
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:00 AM

I have been looking into and visiting some different models, and there is so much to draw from!
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:01 AM

Homeschooling.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:01 AM

Unschooling.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:01 AM

World Schooling.
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:01 AM

yes I love unschooling! great idea!
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:01 AM

Waldorf Schools.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:01 AM

Private Schools.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:01 AM

Magnet Schools.
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:01 AM

also a huge fan of the Waldorf method :)
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:01 AM

Oooh, oooh - look up Hacker Scouts!
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:02 AM

Lots of potential there for a more-inclusive program!
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:02 AM

https://www.facebook.com/HackerScouts
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:02 AM

(got the link :) )
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:02 AM

I'm doing Montessori-ish with my kiddo.
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:02 AM

so there is hope for the future!
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:02 AM

where do you think we should go from here?
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:02 AM

My bestie just joined a homeschool coop with her 4 and 2 year-olds.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:02 AM

She loves it!
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:03 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“I disagree with uniforms. The kids are already limited in their self expression. And peer pressure would still exist, regardless.”

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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:03 AM

That's probably true.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:03 AM

But the thing is, there is infinite variability.
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:03 AM

★ Spotlighted from Julie Myers

“Hacker Scouts - STEM orientated”

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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:03 AM

As every teacher knows, each class has a personality.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:03 AM

It's like its own amoeba or something - the parts make a whole.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:04 AM

So, in some schools and some classes, uniforms might work.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:04 AM

Definitely not all.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:04 AM

Nothing works everywhere.
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:04 AM

and you must account for personality too, I know I personally would have bucked a uniform just because someone told me I "had to" wear it.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:04 AM

I do not believe in blanket solutions.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:04 AM

Especially not for a country as diverse and large as the US.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 3:05 AM

alright we should wrap this up, is there any thought you have for our immediate future Rebecca?
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:05 AM

how can we start to get these changes rolling?
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:05 AM

What works, the programs that are INCREDIBLE are mostly specialized programs, outside of the public system.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:05 AM

The autism training facility I was trained at was AMAZING.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:05 AM

Happy kids functioning as well as individually able.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:05 AM

So, the answer is small, not large.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:06 AM

A mentor of mine - the lady who got me started in tutoring -
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:06 AM

started her own tutoring center after 28 years as a K and 1st teacher.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:06 AM

She is has compound dyslexia.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:07 AM

So her program draws those kids, though isn't limited.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:07 AM

He place is magical because SHE is magical.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:07 AM

THe environment, her special knowledge, her relationships.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:07 AM

SHE built that, policy did not.
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:08 AM

very inspiring! I think we could all use a few more people in our lives like her. :)
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:08 AM

SHe also started a "homeschool away from home program" that I got to participate in. And she does summer schooling so the kids don't fall behind...and it is FUN!
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:08 AM

Anyway, what I'm getting at is a complete redesign, but i don't know what the answer is.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:09 AM

There isn't one answer, only lots of questions.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:09 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mitchell Heldt

“Also, have you noticed a trend of increasingly violent students?”

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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:09 AM

And this.
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:09 AM

maybe that can be the subject of our next tawk? :)
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:09 AM

★ Spotlighted from Julie Myers

“I am completing my Masters of ED and in one class over 25% of the education studnets who work in public K-12, home-school their children. Why do you think that is?”

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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:09 AM

Because school sucks, that's why!
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:10 AM

And because you can do better teaching outside the school environment, not in it.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:10 AM

Look, we are missing QUALITY interactions in the school system.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 3:10 AM

ain't that the truth.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:10 AM

Kids don't have QUALITY interactions with adults in authentic situations.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:11 AM

They don't have QUALITY interactions with peers in authentic situations - school is a constructed bubble environment.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:11 AM

They don't have good interactions with the outside world.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:11 AM

That needs to change.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:11 AM

But it can't in an institutional paradigm.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:11 AM

SO waht are we left with?
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:12 AM

exactly. and that is what we need to change.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:12 AM

But, to what?
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:12 AM

I don't know either.
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:12 AM

brainstorming new, potentially better ideas?
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:12 AM

But it needs to be small and personal.
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:12 AM

agreed.
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:12 AM

alright we should wrap this up but I think we need to have another tawk on this
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:12 AM

Technology is doing some cool things, besides being a distraction. :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 3:13 AM

and hash out some new ideas that may help us personalize education to the student more
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:13 AM

Kahn Academy is incredible.
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:13 AM

never heard of it, what is it?
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:13 AM

https://www.khanacademy.org/
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:13 AM

Free online math tutorial videos.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:13 AM

I always tell my kids and adults about it.
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:13 AM

awesome! MIT has free courses and access to research materials as well :)
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:14 AM

It's perfect for doing work at home, away from the teacher.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:14 AM

Yeah, Coursera.org is awesome.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:14 AM

See, and this speaks to something important, too:
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:14 AM

Adults can pursue education, and will find ways to do it.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:14 AM

Why not LET our kids pursue more instead of force-feeding them quite so much?
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:15 AM

Joy in learning comes from accomplishment, not from oppression, as it were.
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:15 AM

exactly, kids are naturally curious... let's let them do what they do best investigate and learn about things that interest them
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:16 AM

I mean, there is a place for scope and sequence and direct instruction, but scripted teaching and prescribed curriculum timing is too much!
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:16 AM

Joy in teaching comes from TEACHING, not reading a script!
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:16 AM

I would bet the teacher's would rather not teach that way either
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:16 AM

jinx! lol
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:17 AM

well thank you so much for tawking with me tonight Rebecca!:)
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:17 AM

:)
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:17 AM

Thank you, Rachel.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:17 AM

And audience.
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:17 AM

we should do this again! there is much to discuss! And yes thank you audience! :)
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:17 AM

I apologize for ranting more than anything else.
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:17 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mitchell Heldt

“One thing that would help would be to have unemployed engineers talk to science and math to accomplish fun things”

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Rachel McDonnell · 3:17 AM

Mitchell I like this idea :)
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:18 AM

There is a lot to discuss - but there are alternatives! There are options!
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:18 AM

no way! the more discussion the better! :)
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:18 AM

This is one conundrum that it IS possible to figure out.
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:18 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mitchell Heldt

“Fun projects like making trebuchets and launching eggs can awaken curiosity”

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Rachel McDonnell · 3:18 AM

haha!
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:18 AM

Maybe not on a national level, but at least solutions for our own kids, communities and so on.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:19 AM

Dude, Mitchell - start a Hacker Scouts location. ;)
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:19 AM

yes, we can start small and build from there... change happens incrementally right? ;)
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:19 AM

Indeed.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:19 AM

I believe that everyone has something to share.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:20 AM

Adults - get out there and create real interactions with kids!
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:20 AM

THOSE are the experiences that change lives, not 180 English periods per school year.
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:21 AM

And, finally, teachers ROCK! My teachers were so good, they made me want to be like them! I love teachers! Keep up the good fight, you guys!
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Rebecca Westbrook Toker · 3:21 AM

And now, good night all!
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:21 AM

yes they do! :)
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Rachel McDonnell · 3:22 AM

thanks again Rebecca and the audience, let's do this again soon. :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 3:22 AM

good night all :)