Good evening everyone! It's been a little bit since I last posted. I've been busy. I resigned from my position as PTSA President at the Middle School. It was hard, but I learned a lot! I started my quest to change the way testing is done in the schools. That seems to take up more time than I thought. Our leaders don't really like or want change. It seems that the less work they have to do the better. It makes me sad every time I get an email from a so-called "Educator." They have either never experienced great education, or they can't remember what great education looks and feels like. Just when I think I've gotten somewhere, I get a phone call or an email that puts me back at square one. When I emailed my school board, I got the reply of "Thanks for your email." Nothing else. Ah well, I won't give up!
I also discovered I have a spy. Not really sure why. It seems to me, if people want to know what I am doing they can ask me. One person likes to report to the district office on my Facebook activities. Seriously? I don't want to become the type of person who can't trust people, but this situation is causing me some serious trust issues. I invite anyone who is interested to read this post. If you disagree with what I post, by all means, share it with me. I welcome opposing views. If you agree with me, let me know..help me make schools better! If you are the spy, and you are getting all excited to share this with those in charge, please know, I plan on discussing everything with those who can make changes. If you are the spy..you are not my friend, so it is best if you unfriend me on Facebook. You aren't doing anyone any favors. If you are the spy...you are part of the problem!
I also had a birthday! Holy cow! I am 47! I can't believe it! I feel great. I know who I am, and what I believe! I have some amazing friends who I know I can trust. I truly have a blessed life!
So, now that you know what has kept me from my blog, let me tell you what I am up to now.
Macen took his SOL's. He will be retaking one of them. He didn't learn anything new, and one of his scores didn't change much. Why then do I continue to allow him to test? This will be his last year of it. He's not gaining ANYTHING from the tests. His teachers feel bad, and they get judged by his less than remarkable score. I am so tired of it!  My child is judged on so many things. He can't win. I know of other kids who go through the same thing. It's an unkind practice. These kids will not have the same learning experiences that other have, simply because they don't test well. They are slower at some things, but brilliant in other ways. When do those kids get to shine? When do those kids get to be leaders? It saddens me.
Part of my plan to change how our schools are run, is to open up learning opportunities for every child. We need to change the way we teach them. Not every kid needs to master algebra. They need to know how to do math that will help them have a life. If they are more artistic or musically inclines, let's teach them through music and art. Let's get to know the kids strengths, and work with those instead of their weaknesses. If their strengths grow, the less weakness they will have.
Well, it's late and I need to spend time with my child. Have a good night everyone!