CHANGE?

Why do the majority of us fear change? Is it because change is uncomfortable? Is change unfamiliar? When I speak of the idea of change, I am talking about any change in the way projects are completed, ideas thought about, or views discussed in our society. The saying "If it aint broken, don't fix it" is an easier way to say "I don't want to change it because I fear the hard work and the unfamiliar outcome"

Sometimes the idea or plan is not broken. An important concept to remember though: Any idea, concept, or plan can be improved whether it is broken or not. Another important concept: What isn't broken for one person, may be broken for another.

This is what rotates around in my brain when I think of the public education system. I think that our public education system is broken. Many may feel that it is not broken. I will give some validity to my statement.

District where standardized test scores are high
- Schools get more funding for programs
- Local Newspaper prints schools test scores
- Realty Companies advertise on this same page
- Property value increases
- Families move from low scoring districts to high scoring districts
- More student population
- More schools have to be built

Some of these outcomes may not sound too bad.
The problem: We are getting away from the idea behind "The Purpose" for a public education system. We are there to give students tools and vehicles to help them with the learning and maturing process. We are not there to teach to a test that is given at the end of the school year. I am sorry, it's not given at the end. The test is given in March. We are expected to teach a full 9 months of material in 7 months.
We as a society have lost focus on why kids even go to school. I see it every day. All students care about are their grades. Why? This is all their parents care about! Their parents pay them for good grades! That is the most ridiculous idea I have ever heard of. Where I am from, this is called a bribe. Great lesson to be teaching your kid!
We need to put the focus not on assessment, but on learning. This will be a huge undertaking. There are going to be a lot of people that say the system is not broken. If you are a teacher, I don't see how you can deny the broken system. It needs to start with discussions like this one. Let's start moving for change!!