Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
a. synthesize information from the media to create an opinion about education.
b. define vocabulary related to education.
c. share opinions in front of a group.
d. organize and submit classwork for a grade.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students will answer the following questions in their notebooks: If you could take one fune class in school, what would it be and why? Examples of fun classes include cooking, electronics, wood shop, auto shop, sewing, fashion/interior design, and athletics. How can taking a fun class improve your performance in other classes? 5 sentences - students will share answers for EC.
2. Today's Vocabulary:
a. mediocre - below average, bland, dull
b. status quo - keeping things the way that they are now, no change
c. flat - when performance remains unchanged
3. Today's Notes from "Stupid in America"
a. 57% of parents give the schools their children attend an A or B grade.
b. Despite giving schools more money, tests scores continue to remain flat.
c. In NYC in 2007, only 2 of 80,000 teachers were able to be fired due to being protected by their contracts.
4. Questions to answer and discuss - 3 sentences:
a. Should bad schools be closed or be given a chance to improve? Why?
b. Should students get passed along even if they have not mastered the work? Why?
c. Should teachers be available 24/7 to students? Why?
5. Students will have a notebook check today - 200 points - May 12 to May 23.
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class tonight. Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. brainstorm a list of problems in education today.
2. increase vocabulary related to education.
3. analyze the media's portrayal of American education.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students will complete this chart:
What's Wrong With American Schools?
a. drugs
b. drop out rate
c. lack of books
d. lack of $$
e. unqualified teachers
f. unsanitary buildings
g. racism
h. security/violence
2. Today's Vocabulary:
a. reluctant: hesitant, not wanting to do something you have to do
b. monetary: having something to do with money
c. consensus: when everyone agrees
3. Viewing Activity: Stupid in America: A 20/20 Documentary: Today we will watch this documentary and discuss issues related to the state of education in America today. Students will take notes on the video. We will pause the video to discuss along the way.
Homework: There is no homework assigned for tonight.
After this class, students will be able to:
1. brainstorm a list of problems in education today.
2. increase vocabulary related to education.
3. analyze the media's portrayal of American education.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students will complete this chart:
What's Wrong With American Schools?
a. drugs
b. drop out rate
c. lack of books
d. lack of $$
e. unqualified teachers
f. unsanitary buildings
g. racism
h. security/violence
2. Today's Vocabulary:
a. reluctant: hesitant, not wanting to do something you have to do
b. monetary: having something to do with money
c. consensus: when everyone agrees
3. Viewing Activity: Stupid in America: A 20/20 Documentary: Today we will watch this documentary and discuss issues related to the state of education in America today. Students will take notes on the video. We will pause the video to discuss along the way.
Homework: There is no homework assigned for tonight.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
a. define and identify a highly qualified teacher.
b. analyze educational statistics.
c. read and understand non-fiction.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students should answer the following questions in their notebooks: Do you feel as though your teachers are knowledge able in the subjects that they teach? Describe one who is and one who is not. Students will share their answers for EC.
2. Today’s Vocabulary:
a. Highly Qualified Teachers: According to No Child Left Behind, every teacher must have:
a. college degree in the subject that they teach
b. passed certification exams
c. have a state issued teaching license
3. Reading activity: Lawsuit - State failing to educate... (40 points)
Write your answers on the article:
a. As you read, circle 5 words that you don’t know.
b. Underline 4 important points.
c. What is the main change that parents are suing for?
d. Should students all learn the same things? Why or why?
e. What does the article say about teaching credentials?
f. What is the difference between the Iowa lawsuit and other states’ lawsuits?
g. What do you think is the meaning of the term “adequate resources”?
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class.
After this class, students will be able to:
a. define and identify a highly qualified teacher.
b. analyze educational statistics.
c. read and understand non-fiction.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students should answer the following questions in their notebooks: Do you feel as though your teachers are knowledge able in the subjects that they teach? Describe one who is and one who is not. Students will share their answers for EC.
2. Today’s Vocabulary:
a. Highly Qualified Teachers: According to No Child Left Behind, every teacher must have:
a. college degree in the subject that they teach
b. passed certification exams
c. have a state issued teaching license
3. Reading activity: Lawsuit - State failing to educate... (40 points)
Write your answers on the article:
a. As you read, circle 5 words that you don’t know.
b. Underline 4 important points.
c. What is the main change that parents are suing for?
d. Should students all learn the same things? Why or why?
e. What does the article say about teaching credentials?
f. What is the difference between the Iowa lawsuit and other states’ lawsuits?
g. What do you think is the meaning of the term “adequate resources”?
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
a. describe the cause and effect relationship between parent involvement and student achievement.
b. reflect on personal experience with parental involvement and school.
c. create a brochure advertising the benefits of a Parent Information Center.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: In their notebooks, students should answer the following question: Consider this statement: If teachers and parents worked together, student achievement would increase. Do you agree or disagree? Why? Give two examples to support your opinion.
2. Question to answer and discuss: Describe what it looks like when parents and teacher work together to support students. 2 sentences.
3. Questions to answer and discuss: How involved is your parent in your school activities? Does this involvement bother you? Would you like your parent to be more or less involved in your education?
4. Task: Create a brochure for a Parent Information Resource Center - 40 points. On your brochure, you should include the following:
a. front cover with the name of the center (connect to OHS)
b. why parents need to go - 3 reasons
c. information offered to parents - 5 services
d. how parents can contribute - 3 ways
e. how parents can help their kids do better in school - 5 tips
f. list of important staff - 4 people
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class tonight.
After this class, students will be able to:
a. describe the cause and effect relationship between parent involvement and student achievement.
b. reflect on personal experience with parental involvement and school.
c. create a brochure advertising the benefits of a Parent Information Center.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: In their notebooks, students should answer the following question: Consider this statement: If teachers and parents worked together, student achievement would increase. Do you agree or disagree? Why? Give two examples to support your opinion.
2. Question to answer and discuss: Describe what it looks like when parents and teacher work together to support students. 2 sentences.
3. Questions to answer and discuss: How involved is your parent in your school activities? Does this involvement bother you? Would you like your parent to be more or less involved in your education?
4. Task: Create a brochure for a Parent Information Resource Center - 40 points. On your brochure, you should include the following:
a. front cover with the name of the center (connect to OHS)
b. why parents need to go - 3 reasons
c. information offered to parents - 5 services
d. how parents can contribute - 3 ways
e. how parents can help their kids do better in school - 5 tips
f. list of important staff - 4 people
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class tonight.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
a. analyze the concept and application of equality.
b. analyze educational statistics.
c. define terms related to education.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up Part 1: Students will answer the following questions in their notebooks: When you think about the quality of your education, do you think it is equal to the quality that other schools have? Why or why not? What does equal mean to you? Students will share answers for EC.
2. Warm-Up Part 2: Students will answer the following questions in their notebooks: It is said that students would do better in school if they had more access to technology. Is this true? Why or why not? Would you want to use a computer every day? Why or why not? How can iPods and cell phones be incorporated into classroom lessons? Students will share answers for EC.
3. Today’s Vocabulary:
1. Brown vs. Board of Education: a landmark case that decided that separate was not equal in the education of black and white students.
2. Achievement Gap: the difference in test scores between white and minority students.
4. Question to answer and discuss: How are vocabulary words 1 and 2 related?
5. Reading Activity:
"Creativity is important but neglected" - article from eSchoolNews.com:
a. As you read the article, write 3 words you don’t know.
b. In one sentence, write the main point of the article.
c. How can schools incorporate more creativity into their curriculum - 3 ideas.
d. Are schools out of touch with what employers want? Why or why not?
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class tonight.
After this class, students will be able to:
a. analyze the concept and application of equality.
b. analyze educational statistics.
c. define terms related to education.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up Part 1: Students will answer the following questions in their notebooks: When you think about the quality of your education, do you think it is equal to the quality that other schools have? Why or why not? What does equal mean to you? Students will share answers for EC.
2. Warm-Up Part 2: Students will answer the following questions in their notebooks: It is said that students would do better in school if they had more access to technology. Is this true? Why or why not? Would you want to use a computer every day? Why or why not? How can iPods and cell phones be incorporated into classroom lessons? Students will share answers for EC.
3. Today’s Vocabulary:
1. Brown vs. Board of Education: a landmark case that decided that separate was not equal in the education of black and white students.
2. Achievement Gap: the difference in test scores between white and minority students.
4. Question to answer and discuss: How are vocabulary words 1 and 2 related?
5. Reading Activity:
"Creativity is important but neglected" - article from eSchoolNews.com:
a. As you read the article, write 3 words you don’t know.
b. In one sentence, write the main point of the article.
c. How can schools incorporate more creativity into their curriculum - 3 ideas.
d. Are schools out of touch with what employers want? Why or why not?
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class tonight.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. define terms related to education.
2. critically analyze a film related to education.
3. assess their own understanding of issues related to education and grief.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up/Today's Vocabulary: Students should write the following terms and definitions into their notebooks:
a. cultural proficiency: values and behavior of an individual that enable that person to interact effectively in a diverse environment
b. LaGare Consent Decree: federal court order that mandates that disabled students have an equal opportunity to participate in high school sports that are available for 'normal' students
2. We will finish watching "We Are Marshall."
3. Questions related to the movie for answer and discussion:
a. In the movie, it is said that winning is everything. Do you agree? Why or why not? Give one example of when it is and one example of when it isn't.
b. After someone dies, how do you know when it is time to move on and pick up the pieces? How can you pay respect to the dead while also still giving respect to the living?
c. Why do survivors feel guilty about surviving? What can relieve that guilt?
4. When you are an outsider in a new community, what can you do to fit in and get along with others?
5. How can teachers/coaches inspire students and push them outside of their comfort zone?
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class tonight.
After this class, students will be able to:
1. define terms related to education.
2. critically analyze a film related to education.
3. assess their own understanding of issues related to education and grief.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up/Today's Vocabulary: Students should write the following terms and definitions into their notebooks:
a. cultural proficiency: values and behavior of an individual that enable that person to interact effectively in a diverse environment
b. LaGare Consent Decree: federal court order that mandates that disabled students have an equal opportunity to participate in high school sports that are available for 'normal' students
2. We will finish watching "We Are Marshall."
3. Questions related to the movie for answer and discussion:
a. In the movie, it is said that winning is everything. Do you agree? Why or why not? Give one example of when it is and one example of when it isn't.
b. After someone dies, how do you know when it is time to move on and pick up the pieces? How can you pay respect to the dead while also still giving respect to the living?
c. Why do survivors feel guilty about surviving? What can relieve that guilt?
4. When you are an outsider in a new community, what can you do to fit in and get along with others?
5. How can teachers/coaches inspire students and push them outside of their comfort zone?
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class tonight.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
a. apply knowledge from a speaking presentation.
b. compare and contrast two movies on the same theme.
c. demonstrate sympathy and compassion.
Agenda:
Warm-Up: Students will answer the following questions in their notebook: Describe your Career Day experience. What did the speakers talk about? What two new things did you learn? Was this a valuable use of class time? Why or why not?
Movie Comparison Exercise: Today we will continue to watch "We Are Marshall." As students watch, they should take notes on characters, events, and theme.
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class tonight.
After this class, students will be able to:
a. apply knowledge from a speaking presentation.
b. compare and contrast two movies on the same theme.
c. demonstrate sympathy and compassion.
Agenda:
Warm-Up: Students will answer the following questions in their notebook: Describe your Career Day experience. What did the speakers talk about? What two new things did you learn? Was this a valuable use of class time? Why or why not?
Movie Comparison Exercise: Today we will continue to watch "We Are Marshall." As students watch, they should take notes on characters, events, and theme.
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class tonight.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
a. reflect on personal experiences.
b. analyze how school community can help young people.
c. interpret character actions in movies.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Students will answer this question in their notebook: Has anyone close to you, under the age of 18, passed away? What were the circumstances - accident, illness, homicide? How did this effect you? When a student passes away, how can the school community be a source of support? What do you think is the philosophical reason that people die young (i.e., it's God's work, karma, bad luck, etc.)? Write 1/2 page.
2. Today we will begin watching "We Are Marshall." This is a movie about a coach who supports and inspires students after a major passing at their school. As you watch, please take notes on:
- characters
- events
- theme
We will finish watching the movie on Wednesday and do a compare/contrast analysis between this movie and Freedom Writers.
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class tonight.
After this class, students will be able to:
a. reflect on personal experiences.
b. analyze how school community can help young people.
c. interpret character actions in movies.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Students will answer this question in their notebook: Has anyone close to you, under the age of 18, passed away? What were the circumstances - accident, illness, homicide? How did this effect you? When a student passes away, how can the school community be a source of support? What do you think is the philosophical reason that people die young (i.e., it's God's work, karma, bad luck, etc.)? Write 1/2 page.
2. Today we will begin watching "We Are Marshall." This is a movie about a coach who supports and inspires students after a major passing at their school. As you watch, please take notes on:
- characters
- events
- theme
We will finish watching the movie on Wednesday and do a compare/contrast analysis between this movie and Freedom Writers.
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class tonight.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
a. define and describe respect and disrespect.
b. classify people and professions.
c. define the role of teachers.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Students will answer the following questions in their notebooks: What is respect? Give an example. What is disrespect? Give an example.
2. Today's Vocabulary:
a. character education: a theory that says that students should be taught proper manner, behaviors, and attitudes in school (as opposed to at home)
b. group mentality: a person will act differently on their own as compared to with a group - on their own, they follow their own conscience, but with a group, they follow a leader, usually to a negative result
3. Respect Ratings Activity: Rate the level of respect that you have for the following professions/people based on a 1 to 10 scale (1 = low, 10 = high) and write the reason why:
a. teacher
b. doctor
c. corner store owner
d. McDonald's employee
e. your mom
f. the person sitting next to you
Share will share answers and rationales and discuss the issue of respect.
4. Questions to answer and discuss: Is it the job of school teachers to teach you manner and behavior? Why or why not? Why would a school even consider such a mission?
5. Question to answer and discuss: Are teachers babysitters? Explain your answer.
6. We will have a notebook check at the end of class today - 200 points.
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class this weekend.
After this class, students will be able to:
a. define and describe respect and disrespect.
b. classify people and professions.
c. define the role of teachers.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Students will answer the following questions in their notebooks: What is respect? Give an example. What is disrespect? Give an example.
2. Today's Vocabulary:
a. character education: a theory that says that students should be taught proper manner, behaviors, and attitudes in school (as opposed to at home)
b. group mentality: a person will act differently on their own as compared to with a group - on their own, they follow their own conscience, but with a group, they follow a leader, usually to a negative result
3. Respect Ratings Activity: Rate the level of respect that you have for the following professions/people based on a 1 to 10 scale (1 = low, 10 = high) and write the reason why:
a. teacher
b. doctor
c. corner store owner
d. McDonald's employee
e. your mom
f. the person sitting next to you
Share will share answers and rationales and discuss the issue of respect.
4. Questions to answer and discuss: Is it the job of school teachers to teach you manner and behavior? Why or why not? Why would a school even consider such a mission?
5. Question to answer and discuss: Are teachers babysitters? Explain your answer.
6. We will have a notebook check at the end of class today - 200 points.
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class this weekend.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
a. create a new school calendar.
b. examine the benefits and drawbacks of year-round school.
c. watch and respond to an educational video.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students will perform the following task: Create a school calendar where kids go to school all year long but still get three months off.
2. Question to answer and discuss: What 3 things are needed in order to implement a year-round school?
3. Question to answer and discuss: Would you want to go to school all year, assuming you will have periodic breaks? Why or why not? What would be the benefits? Drawbacks?
4. Video Activity: Today we will watch a video clip from TED.com called "Once Upon a School" by David Eggers. Students will respond to the clip's main point and provide an opinion on the topic of 1-on-1 tutoring and mentoring.
Homework: There is no homework for this class tonight.
After this class, students will be able to:
a. create a new school calendar.
b. examine the benefits and drawbacks of year-round school.
c. watch and respond to an educational video.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students will perform the following task: Create a school calendar where kids go to school all year long but still get three months off.
2. Question to answer and discuss: What 3 things are needed in order to implement a year-round school?
3. Question to answer and discuss: Would you want to go to school all year, assuming you will have periodic breaks? Why or why not? What would be the benefits? Drawbacks?
4. Video Activity: Today we will watch a video clip from TED.com called "Once Upon a School" by David Eggers. Students will respond to the clip's main point and provide an opinion on the topic of 1-on-1 tutoring and mentoring.
Homework: There is no homework for this class tonight.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
a. identify an allusion in education literature.
b. describe the causes and effects of teacher absenteeism.
c. read for comprehension and analysis.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students should answer the following questions in their notebooks: What happens in a school with a high rate of teacher absenteeism? When a teacher is out, what is the effect on the students? What is the effect on other teachers? Why do you think teacher don't come to work? What can prevent teachers absences? Students will share their answers for EC.
2. Today's Vocabulary:
a. Allusion: a reference to some common story or item in popular culture
b. Authentic: for real, something true to life
3. Reading Activity: "I know what you did last math class" from the NY Times - students will read article, answer questions below, and discuss the issue of school-to-parent communications.
a. What is this title an allusion to?
b. Describe the way that teachers at our school get in touch with your parents. Is this effective communication? Why or why not?
c. What method of parent communication is discussed in the article? List 4 things that parents can check/monitor using this method?
d. What are the consequences or results of more stringent parent communication? Describe 1 positive and 1 negative.
e. Is this new communication method biased or prejudiced? Which parents would be left out?
f. List 4 words you don't know from the article.
g. Write a 5 sentence opinion about the issues in this article.
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class tonight.
After this class, students will be able to:
a. identify an allusion in education literature.
b. describe the causes and effects of teacher absenteeism.
c. read for comprehension and analysis.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students should answer the following questions in their notebooks: What happens in a school with a high rate of teacher absenteeism? When a teacher is out, what is the effect on the students? What is the effect on other teachers? Why do you think teacher don't come to work? What can prevent teachers absences? Students will share their answers for EC.
2. Today's Vocabulary:
a. Allusion: a reference to some common story or item in popular culture
b. Authentic: for real, something true to life
3. Reading Activity: "I know what you did last math class" from the NY Times - students will read article, answer questions below, and discuss the issue of school-to-parent communications.
a. What is this title an allusion to?
b. Describe the way that teachers at our school get in touch with your parents. Is this effective communication? Why or why not?
c. What method of parent communication is discussed in the article? List 4 things that parents can check/monitor using this method?
d. What are the consequences or results of more stringent parent communication? Describe 1 positive and 1 negative.
e. Is this new communication method biased or prejudiced? Which parents would be left out?
f. List 4 words you don't know from the article.
g. Write a 5 sentence opinion about the issues in this article.
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class tonight.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
a. define terms related to education.
b. analyze the portrayal of educators in the media.
c. determine main points and independently learn new vocabulary.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students will answer the following question in their notebook: What do you think was the purpose of the Michael Jackson contest last week?
2. Today's Vocabulary:
a. tenure: a level of statis when a teacher has "paid their dues" and becomes a permanent part of the staff; in PA, it takes 3 years to make tenure
b. status quo: a Latin term that means "keeping things the way they are"
3. Questions to answer and discuss about Freedom Writers:
a. What are 3 mistakes that Ms. Gruwell makes as a new teacher?
- neglected her marriage
- trying to be friendly with her students without really knowing them
- wasn't trying to get along with her colleagues
b. How did Ms. Gruwell try to change the status quo at her school?
- tried to keep the same students/not respecting tenure
- gave the kids an opportunity to change their minds
c. Opinion: Is it wise/advisable for a teacher to sacrifice her personal life to help her students? Why or why not?
d. Ms Gruwell taught for 4 years before she left teaching. Is 4 years anough time to become an expert teacher? Why or why not?
4. Reading Activity: Students will receive a copy of "Great educators have attitude of unconditional love" from the Arizona Republic. Students will read article. Students will underline 5 important points, circle 5 words that they don't know, read the rebuttal, and write a 5 sentence opinion. Students will share their answers and discuss this issue.
Homework: There is no homework assignment for this class tonight.
After this class, students will be able to:
a. define terms related to education.
b. analyze the portrayal of educators in the media.
c. determine main points and independently learn new vocabulary.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students will answer the following question in their notebook: What do you think was the purpose of the Michael Jackson contest last week?
2. Today's Vocabulary:
a. tenure: a level of statis when a teacher has "paid their dues" and becomes a permanent part of the staff; in PA, it takes 3 years to make tenure
b. status quo: a Latin term that means "keeping things the way they are"
3. Questions to answer and discuss about Freedom Writers:
a. What are 3 mistakes that Ms. Gruwell makes as a new teacher?
- neglected her marriage
- trying to be friendly with her students without really knowing them
- wasn't trying to get along with her colleagues
b. How did Ms. Gruwell try to change the status quo at her school?
- tried to keep the same students/not respecting tenure
- gave the kids an opportunity to change their minds
c. Opinion: Is it wise/advisable for a teacher to sacrifice her personal life to help her students? Why or why not?
d. Ms Gruwell taught for 4 years before she left teaching. Is 4 years anough time to become an expert teacher? Why or why not?
4. Reading Activity: Students will receive a copy of "Great educators have attitude of unconditional love" from the Arizona Republic. Students will read article. Students will underline 5 important points, circle 5 words that they don't know, read the rebuttal, and write a 5 sentence opinion. Students will share their answers and discuss this issue.
Homework: There is no homework assignment for this class tonight.
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