Spring 2010 was a wrenching experience for teachers in BPS “Turnaround” schools, whether they were invited to return or dismissed without cause, as well as for the students and their families. There is no evidence that such measures will improve our schools. I”ll leave it to our union representatives to protest the lack of “due process”. As I”ve said before, I believe there is learning going on in every school and that it cannot be measured solely by a test score.
I visited Orchard Gardens K-8 School to see for myself. Visiting classes and walking through the halls on the day before MCAS testing, I observed a clear focus on teaching and learning. This was evident in interactions between teachers and students, in high quality student work displayed on the walls, and in the variety of activities going on. Lots of math lessons, of course”¦ fifth graders were doing a peer review of their work while second graders focused on different ways to find half of something. The dance teacher had all her students working on their regular warm-up stretches, laughter accompanying their movements as they tried to balance their bodies without toppling over! Her objectives were prominently displayed and an attractive word wall reinforced “locomotor” vocabulary.
Although I visited just a few classes at Orchard Gardens, there was no easily discernible difference between those taught by “retained” vs. “dismissed” teachers. Classrooms were inviting, students were engaged, and teachers were presenting effective lessons while responding to diverse needs. I am so tired of policies that blame teachers for the inequities of our society, rather than engage all of us in the collaborative process that is needed to address them.
Amika Kemmler Ernst is a recently retired BPS New Teacher Developer with extensive experience as a classroom teacher, curriculum developer, and graphic artist. Her “We”re Learning Here“ Project features images of everyday learning in our public schools, along with the words of the students pictured.