I am a teacher. When I wake up in the morning, I start thinking about how to make learning real to my students. When I try to close my eyes at night, sometimes I cannot, because I’m dreaming about projects that they might enjoy or new ways to engage them. I am not special. I am just doing my job. This week, I am attending the Mickelson Exxon Mobil Teacher’s Academy with approximately 200 other math and science teachers from around the United States. Our focus? Inquiry based learning that integrates math and science. I’m inspired by the other educators, our lunch time conversations, and to hear their passions for teaching. I’m also incredibly sad and disappointed.
Repeatedly this week, I have heard the general concensus: “We only get 30 minutes to teach science.” or “We get to teach either science or social studies because that’s all we have time for.” Kids in America are getting shortchanged. These teachers? They are working hard to play the testing game that was created by No Child Left Behind. I have watched education slipping downward since my first year of teaching. I have watched testing come to the forefront over learning. I have watched the pressures of incredible amounts come down on schools to perform on these tests. Tests that do not even truly define what our students are learning. Tests that have caused STEM to be placed on the backburner in our classrooms.
We must teach our children how to think, not merely fill them full of facts to pass tests. Our conference noted that other countries, which outperform us on tests, cover only 40% of the material tested. The US? We cover 80% every year. We rush through curriculum, putting our kids on treadmills, throwing stuff at them over and over, and the learning? It’s suffering because of it. At times? It’s non-existent. This week, I’ve heard conversations from amazing teachers who feel frustrated, tired, and a complete lack of understanding from lawmakers and those creating the testing culture. It’s a disconnect that feels, at times, like it cannot be repaired.
Our kids need the chance to solve problems, get creative, and be innovators. It’s disheartening as a teacher to hear that this is happening all over the country. No Child Left Behind has done nothing more for our students than to leave them behind in learning. Our country went to the moon in a rocket designed by amazing scientists and engineers. Does the future hold scientific accomplishments and innovation like this for our students? I’m afraid to answer, knowing the education our kids are getting now. Knowing what it could be? I’m hopeful that it is not too late.
This week? The conference has been inspiring! It’s all about real, authentic learning. The kind that engages kids, excites them, and makes them want to explore. The kind that has become pushed aside in America’s schools. Above all, I have seen passionate teachers who truly want change. Will anyone hear us?
