After reading the NETS technology standards for students, I saw that there is a lot they have in common with the standards for teachers. Students are now expected to be able to do a lot with technology, being as it is considered the learning tools of the 21st century.
I teach in a 5th grade classroom, and a lot of the work that the students put in will be looked at by middle school administrators. The process for going to middle and high school in New York City is a lot different than most cities and towns. Here, students apply to different schools, just like they would to college. Putting together portfolios and writing essays and taking entrance exams is part of 5th grade in order to prepare to move on to 6th. If there was a standard that I would really want to address with my students, it would be the first standard. Obviously they need to be familiar with all of them in order to be successful, but it is one step at a time.
I have recently worked very closely with six students in my class who were preparing portfolios for Mott Hall and Columbia Prep (located at Columbia University). These are just a couple of the best ranked middle schools in the city. They worked hard writing a strong essay, preparing for an exam, as well as putting together a portfolio of all of their work. What makes them unique, however, is all the work they have done using their ePortfolio. It showed strong evidence that they are creating a strong background and confidence using technology. My school even released netbooks to them to take on their interviews (this is a serious process).
The world is changing and education and the standards are changing with it. I just want to make sure that I keep my students on the right path.
Matthew,
ReplyDeleteI never realized the middle school and high school entrance process was so intense in NYC. Our 6th graders are expected to apply for a middle school/high school; however it is a simple packet looking for fairly basic information. The only type of entrance exam they would have to experience is if they wanted to go to a private school. I think the process these students must go through in NYC is great. This will help to teach students the importance of taking responsibility for their learning. They will also gain great experience through this process, which will only help to prepare them for when they begin applying to colleges.
Liz
Matthew,
ReplyDeleteI am like Liz and I never realized that NY schools had such rigorous requirements to get admitted into middle school. It is actually exciting to me because then elementary school becomes something that is actually important and has an impact on your future. So many of students take school very casually and don't put forth the effort because it is automatic that they are going to go to their home school, which is pretty good in the county. They figure that they have time until they really start applying themselves in order to prepare for their future. I think it is really neat that these kids at such a young age are using EPortfolios and learning how to create something that represents their best work and who they are as learners. I'm glad you shared that...I would've never known.
Cara Roberts
Liz,
ReplyDeleteNYC is a very competitive place for education. I am sure being as how you're a teacher in New York, you know of all the cuts in the state. The city is facing some tough times. The mayor is looking to cut over 4,000 jobs of the 80,000 plus teachers. Things are nightmarish in the city, but I guess what it comes down to is focusing on the present. I am a bit nervous since I have only been teaching for 4 years, but I needed to make sure that these students of mine were well prepared for their middle school tests and interviews. The process is pretty rigorous. I am just glad they are comfortable coming to me for help.
Cara,
ReplyDeleteThat process isn't like that all over New York State. Even in NYC, we have zone middle schools, where if students don't apply anywhere else, they will go to their zoned school. Other than that, though, it is as if they were applying to college. Exams, essays, interviews, the whole nine yards. Part of being a fifth grade teacher in NYC is not only getting them ready for sixth grade, it is getting them ready for the process to get into the middle school. It can be pretty stressful for an eleven year old child.