Readers Response

The folllowing are two responses to my ramblings that the writers were unable to get posted:

In response to "Educational Challenge:

As a teacher who has spent now half of my life teaching in Catholic schools, I am mystified by the entire discussion. First off,I want to know how these kids are being compared. What tests/assessments are being used in the comparisons? No one has ever told me this. Secondly, what value is there in this constant comparison? I haven't figured that out either. We Americans are a rather reactionary people. I recall that when we thought the Russians would beat us to the moon (Oh my!) we suddenly decided that every American child needed more science instruction. So there we went. That group is now working at JPL trying to get spacecrafts to far off places in the solar system or trying to contact E.T. (Yes, E.T.)But now, that is just not where it's at for Americans, so in many public schools, science is an afterthought at best. As to math, I agree with Mr. Carroll, why are we pushing our kids to learn a concept, like algebra, before their minds have developed the necessary abstract thinking capabilities. Half the time kids do not even know why we are trying to teach them what we are teaching them. And sadly, we often can not even tell them; but it's in the book, so they better learn it.

It seems to me, as Mrs. Yenny suggests, we are a bit confused these days about what it means to be "educated" or what schools and teachers should be focused on. In fact, a basic tenet of educational practice that does not take much of an education to understand is called "time on task". I learned this as a new teacher. Simply stated it means there is a direct correlation between the time you spend doing something (practice) and the resulting product (learning). Hmmmmm.

The curriculum today is jammed with so much "stuff" (often at the discretion of a non-teaching world) that the teacher and student often feel overwhelmed.
Speaking for myself, on many days I spend time trying to decide what I should focus on for the benefit of my students and what will have to be left out, because there just is not enough time in the school day for it all (Yes, 4:00 dismissal sounds good to me!!). My grandparents and parents did not have this kind of a school experience, that I am sure of. It was the "3 R's" along with a whole lot less "extra-curricular" distraction in their world when growing up.

In any event, I guess it is important to note that our kids today have learned a lot of stuff that I never have and never will.I have a feeling these things will serve them well in the years ahead.

(By the way, no one ever taught me how to use a computer when I was in grade school, or high school for that matter, but I seem to have mastered at least the basics.)
In the meantime, let's keep encouraging our kids to work hard and believe in their ability to learn. Let's challenge them to excellence by expecting them to do their best.
Let's teach them what we know and value and give them real opportunities to use what they have learned. And I'm pretty sure all will be well.


Mr. Kristoff


In response to the "Hidden Accomplishments":

I haven't been successful in commenting on the blog, but wanted to send an email to recognize the teachers in Pre-K and Kindergarten who put on the Christmas program for those grades. Though I'm sure the level of organization pales in comparison to the larger event, it is such a special program and one of my very favorite experiences at Holy Angels thus far. I think it is especially meaningful to the children, because it is so age appropriate. I am so very appreciative of all that Mrs. Mac, Ms. Melinda and the other teachers do to enable our children to shine in their own special way.

Clare Maher


Thank you to every member of the Holy Angels community who offers input!