Inspiring Students Today

Sometimes we do not think of using a movie for a formative assessment, but students today have often times been exposed to far more videos than they have books. When I utilize videos in the classroom I like to do so for a purpose. If the only purpose is entertainment, then it will not take long for students to expect that every time. They will be bored and non-compliant with videos that are educational. This movie on Caesar Chavez is part of a short unit. These students had prior knowledge about Caesar Chavez before the movie. They were introduced to him in a variety of ways. This movie is simply another assessment I am taking advantage of. You will notice I stop the movie and state the facts I want them to know. The movie simply serves as a visual aid. As I walk around the room, I am observing the students papers making sure they are writing down facts many of which they were already exposed too. You will even notice that one or more student is a little irritated. This occurs becaus

Unprofessional behavior happens in every profession including education. One thing I have noticed over the years is how much gossip has escalated. Teachers began to be scrutinized more and held accountable for more of society’s problems.   I am so old that my first evaluations were “how’s it going George? Great job, good to see you, keep up the good work.” I found myself 25 years later sitting in something called PLC’s and going over AIMS test data with an administrator. If the data turned out in your favor, you had bragging rights and a chance to ‘gossip’. You could massage your ego, and point out to everyone who would listen that the other unreliable moron down the hall didn’t have a clue compared to you. Of course, if you are the teacher with the data that did not turn out as grand as your colleague, you too can ‘gossip’. You can point out to everyone that the teacher with the high test scores (who the principal loves) is really a moron and just teaches to a test. The way you avoi