Teacher Value

This weekend in N.B. there were excellent presentations regarding curriculum. I was extremely impressed with the passion each presenter displayed. Although many different subjects were chosen for curriculum "disection", one common theme was revealed. The value of caring, interested teachers is critical. Teachers drive the curriculum. If anyone thinks differently, ask students what classes they learn the most and like to attend, the answer is how teachers work with the students. A true teacher will find ways for students to learn and will continue to learn their practice. Applause for teachers!!!

What's in a Grade?

In the Saturday edition of the Star Phoenix, there was an article about giving marks as grades in math. Many teachers in the public system are no longer giving a percent grade in grade 9 math. They believe too many students have received a 65% and feel defeated and the mark does not explain what they know and need to work on. One teacher made a comment that generations have received percent grades and want that form of reporting as they feel they understand it better. Since the Ministry requires a percent grade for credit classes in grades 10, 11, and 12 the concept of not giving a grade becomes a non issue. We are governed by a body that determines what we have to do. As we have discussed in class many times, post secondary requires grades from high schools. It seems we are spinning in circles and once again doing what is cost effective rather than what might be best for students. My belief is that a percent grade is still a good way of reporting if evaluation and assessment are done correctly. Too often a grade is made up of an assignment, term exams and a final exam. Surely, something else occurred in the classroom.

Interesting Reading

In the recent issue of Maclean's magazine it discusses high school students and PISA results.Canada had done quite well in this assessment. Why do students struggle in University when they should be strong academically according to these assessments? According to the article the results do not include differences that are statistically significant, the egalitarian system in Canada and our high performers do not score as high as the high performers from other countries. It is promising that some universities are now watching students closer to identify struggling students and help those in need. In B.C. students must write an English 12 exit exam. Finally, many students and their parents in North America fear high school math courses and choose easier courses or don't take math at all to ensure higher entrance marks for university. "In Hong Kong it would be unthinkable to not do mathematics in Grade 12."

Parent Teacher Interviews

We completed our first round of interviews. Does that ever sound like product! parents were asking questions about improving marks but seemed genuinely interested in how to improve marks. It seems like parents are interested in process if it will improve the product. Teachers also changed their process for interviews. The teachers called each individual family inviting them to the interviews. Our attendance more than doubled from last year! One teacher mentioned how they say across from a paret for the first time. The student is in grade 11. The teacher has taught over 28 years. Did it really only take a phone call to make this happen? This shows how we have to keep trying to involve parents and not give up when things don't work.

Process, Product, and Praxis

I have included this example in my class project. In Construction class students learn to properly measure and cut pieces of wood. With the proper pieces and learning skills regarding finishing a product is built. Praxis is identified when students are excited about using tools for the first time, students gaining a sense of belonging to the school because they are successful in a class which they have never before experienced.

Perspectives on Curriculum

In class we discussed the roots of curriculum and how we look at the roles of teachers and students. I met with a group of teachers in my school to discuss "isms" and where they see the curriculum, themselves and the students. Every single teacher saw curriculum from a different ism compared to their role.

We also looked at the "daunting" task of working your way through the curriculum guide. There are very different perspectives on how the curriculum is viewed from a teacher in her second year of teaching compared to a teaching of 20+ years of experience. Departmental exams are intimidating for teachers to ensure coverage of all objectives. If it is so important or non accredited teachers to cover all objectives, how do we ensure accredited teachers also cover all objectives?

Videos and Resources

How are we using curriculum today? What are we hoping for ous students in the future?



I found this video and like the message. As educators we need to think about what students do on a daily basis. Through class discussions we recognize the importance of technology but that alone is not enough. How can we use technology as a tool to further learning. Seeing students use technology does not prove laerning is evident but we can mesh students' "new" learning style with our "old" teaching methodology. Presently, students and teachers are not on the same page.



"Catching the Knowledge Wave" Jane Gilbert
Identifies The Knowledge Society and discusses Lyotard's search for many reasons, many truths and many knowledges. Gilbert looks at what we could do differently "we need a new way of thinking about what we teach and why we teach it, a new way of thinking about the traditional disciplines that underpin the school curriculum."

"Toward a sensible school-to-work system" Bob Williams
This article looks at the skills needed for the world in the future.

"The Employability Skills Profile" Kurtis Kitagawa

Generic skills that employers look for when hiring and developing current employees.


"Competing models for public education" Robert Freeman
Cultural model of education compared to an industrial model. What we do is not always what we are.

Term Project

Through discussions in class this weekend I had many different ideas for my class project. I now realize what I want to do and need to do. I plan on looking at curriculum in terms of Principal Supervision. I often observe teachers and look at the lesson, classroom management, teaching strategies, etc. This process should be deeper. I would like to discuss why teachers are teaching what they present. To do this I need to understand how I look at curriculum and understand individual differences of teachers in regards to curriculum. Is it right to think an entire staff should be on the same page in terms of curriculum. As a Principal, I have to also look at the accountability factor with parents. Any comments?

Administration supervising teachers need to have an open mind regarding curriculum. They can not enter a classroom thinking they always know best. It is important to understand individual differences in the delivery and understanding of curriculum. When thinking of the wrong approach this video came to mind. The students and teachers are the important people in the classroom while the supervisor should be there to help.






I am currently looking at the PAA curriculum. This isn't the first time! However, I am looking at the guide from a critical perspective. I am realizing two completely different approaches. One is to help students develop for employment purposes. It is stated that if a student wants to use this class towards apprenticeship, the teacher must pass a course if they are not a journeyperson in the particular field. What other course in school mandates a teacher to take another course and pass a test? There are many teachers currently teaching classes they are not formally trained to teach. Should they have to now take an extra class and write a test to prove they have the correct knowledge to deliver the material?

Principles of Education

Perhaps I am simplifying this too much. I believe the main principle of education is learning for everyone. In the past learning was strictly focused on the student. Through professional development teachers are continuing to learn although this aspect needs to occur for all teachers. Schools are now beginning to include the community in learning. We are all learning together and from each other.

Definition of Curriculum

I look at curriculum as a guide to help teachers in the journey of further learning for both students and teachers. Curriculum guides are extremely beneficial to new teachers and teachers with new assigned courses. Curriculum is knowledge based - both gained and shared.