Arts High School # 2 Dec.11/07

I finally received my e-mail from the teacher at Arts High School this week after sending four e-mails. My visit was enjoyable I was introduced to the music staff and I started my observation. I met with my assigned teacher Dr.Carter who has been teaching there for four years. He said to me that he likes it here, but the commute is getting tough. We spoke for a while about things than his advanced Choir came in the classroom. I was told there were going to do their vocal warm up than go into the auditourium to work on there Holiday Music. I went to watch them practice, and I must say they are very good. The girls solo choir set up and performed a song and combined with the piano accompaniment and the feel of the song brought tears to my eyes, that's how good they were.
Over all I was a little disapointed that my e-mails were unanswered weeks ago, but the visit this week was worth the wait also meeting such a talented and devoted staff, there warmth towards me and there approach towards teaching was productive for me. RL peace

Outline for final Project

1.) w the same classroom structure?

5.) If all schools have the same teaching philosophy?

6.) The types of students goes to these schools?

7.) What the classroom look like in these school and how the
Teacher was teaching. (Example: Did she use videos, the internet, textbooks, schools.

10.) Conclusion Intro

2.) What are school districts approaches to different classroom management
a.) Passaic School District
b.) Newark School District
c.) Bayonne School District

3.) Are these schools Abbott?

4.) If all schools follo
etc.)

8.) The major components that differ classrooms from different
school districts.

9.) Some school statistics about these three

Classroom Structuring

A teacher must structure the classroom in order to effectively teach students. The physical layout of the classroom is an important consideration when planning learning experiences. Even the arrangement of the classroom furniture can help or hinder a student's independent functioning and his recognition and compliance with rules and limits. Keep in mind the when planning the physical arrangement of the classroom so that it will be structured effectively. Many students have organizational problems, not knowing where to be and how to get there by the most direct route. Structuring the environment gives them visual cues to help them understand. Teachers need to structure the environment so it is not as distracting.
Schedules are a part of the classroom structure. A schedule can help a student organize and predict daily and weekly events. Their schedule lets them know where they should go next.
Utilizing clear and consistent schedules facilitates a smooth running classroom and grants more time for real teaching and learning. As students learn to comprehend and follow schedules, they develop good independent functioning skills and direction.
Another way structure is used to help students function successfully is in the setting up of teaching tasks.
RL peace

"Abbott v Burke"

According to a report in the New York Times in February 2002, “Abbott v. Burke may be the most significant education case since the Supreme Court’s desegregation ruling nearly 50 years ago.” Another article was also published in New Jersey Lawyer in October 2001 stating, “Abbott is one of the most remarkable and successful efforts by any court in the nation to cut an educational break for kids from poor families and generally minority-dominated urban neighborhoods.”
In the Abbott v. Burke case the Education Law Center (ELC) in Newark, NJ, served as attorneys for the plaintiff-class of over 300,000 school children and 60,000 preschoolers who were from predominately low-income and minority students who attended schools in 31 poor urban communities across New Jersey. The New Jersey Supreme Court in the landmark rulings, Abbott IV (1997) and Abbott V (1998), ordered a set of education programs and reforms to be the most fair and just in the nation – the “Abbott education adequacy”. The goal of these programs is “to give every child the opportunity to attain his or her own place as a contributing member in society with the ability to compete with other citizens and to succeed

No Child Left Behind Act..

Historically, the job of educating people has been left up to both local and state governments. However, in 1965, recognizing the universal importance of education, the federal government took on a larger role in financing public schools with the passage of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
ESEA has continued to assist the states through reauthorizations, and in 2001 it included No Child Left Behind. It asked the states to set standards for teacher quality and student performance.
According to a January 2007 U.S. Department of Education report titled, “Building on Results: A Blueprint for Strengthening the No Child Left Behind Act”, on January 8, 2002, President Bush signed the landmark No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) into law. This act was passed by an overwhelming bipartisan majority in Congress. It was designed to end bigotry and low expectations so that, as the President said, “All students will have a better chance to learn, to excel, and to live out their dreams.” Academic standards would be set by states, schools would be held accountable for results, and the federal government would support them. This Act is challenging our students to succeed and our schools to improve.
The report also states, “No Child Left Behind is a work in progress; every day, we learn what works so students can make greater progress.” The data and information collected over the past five years after the law’s passage helps to determine what actions must be taken to continually succeed.

Arts High School 11/01/2007

I left Montclair University at 10 am and I arrived at Arts High School at 10:40 am. I was early so I sat in my car until 11 am than I went inside. I was met by the principal of the school and at that time she did not introduce her self as the principal and she did not tell me her name. Just to have a seat here in the office. Later I found that to be kind of rude that I had to guess that she was the principal. I was the first one there from MSU. Slowly as the faces from my class became familiar I was asked to go into another room so I followed a MSU student who introduced herself and said she was doing her student teaching here and she loved it.
When I sat in the auditorium the choir was practicing. I love singing and I minored in voice at my other University years ago. I found that this High school group was there advanced group. I found this out when I introduced myself to the lead director. His group was wonderful and the students sounded really professional ,singing in odd meters. For high school students that is hard to pull off. So I complement them and there talented staff at the school and the students.
Now, at 11:45 we started the Q&A part before the tour of the school. Many questions were asked by the students and also I had a few questions. Overall In the notes I took I was very satisfied and I feel I covered all that I need to know about Arts High School from my questions and questions other students asked. I was also pleased to see my old friend of 29 years Dennis Argul. He teaches Band and Brass classes, and he has been there for years. My overall view of this day at Arts High School was one I am glad I was a part of. Thank you RL peace

The Power of Students and their Teachers

Kids, Music, and acting out

I don't know what the hell is going on with kids or teens today and the music they are listing to. I am a musician for 29 years making money performing for 23 years and I never let any song or lyric influence me in thinking about killing , doing drugs,drinking, or attempting suicide or what ever the hell is going on at that period in my life no matter what my age was. I have played in a heavy medal band in 1987-88 and it was heavy with a hardcore following as well as the members of the band. Again no bad thoughts . I GUESS i am angry with this last incident that occurred this week with that student from Ohio, and when I was reading the headlines the article said he was influenced be the music of Marilin Manson? "WHAT THE F--- he is a singer, song writer .I may not agree with the things he may sing about or the way he dresses, but who the hell "SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE " ???? That kid knew what he was doing "crazy" describes the word that comes to my mind and accountability ( where were the parents?) One angry teacher - student in it for life trying to make a difference.. RL peace

Teaching Against Idiocy

According to the ancient Greeks, the use of the term "idiocy" meant egotistical behavior, caring only for oneself, having total disregard for things that affect the community, and not being concerned with common things. In his article, "Teaching Against Idiocy", Professor Parker makes the distinction between the traditional and accepted use of the term " idiocy, which means foolish behavior or something that does not have or make sense, and the Greek usage of the term. He sees that the purpose of schools in our democratic communities is to educate students for the public life. Students need to be prepared to make contributions to and participate in public affairs.
Some schools are located in popular developed areas, whereas others are located in more remote and isolated areas. By making use of schools' diversity teachers should bring different views bearing on both the academic curriculum and the social curriculum. By encouraging students to deliberate on problems they face as a community, and on those subjects they are expected to study, students develop the ethic of deliberation, a principle of right or good conduct and morality. Deliberation includes listening, using evidence, thinking about alternatives, and finding an acceptable and just solution to a common problem.
Because of the fact that they are public spaces and because of their diversity, schools are well placed to get the job done.

RL peace

"The free common school system In America"

In America the history of so- called "free common school system" is really a myth to me. What I mean, and don't misquote or misunderstand me, is that I love my country, but in regards to this topic I feel that there is so much written facts times and dates of when laws were enacted from so many different sources and people are the facts real to me? I personally am looking to the future of education .
In today's schools "accountability" is the most important thing. The NCLB Act has accomplished many noteworthy tasks and also many not so noteworthy things. I have personally witnessed both sides,and I have heard lengthy comments from both friends and colleagues who have been teaching for years. I do agree with "accountability", but if a student does not care about there education in our country and continuously remains aloof and definitely does not want to be educated in our schools no matter how hard you try to communicate with him or her, then who should be held responsible,quoting again the " Free common school society" ? RL peace

" MSU at my age "

My experience at MSU at my age as an undergrad student is "cool". I believe that because at my age and my so called "World experience" is an advantage to becoming a new certified teacher. I feel that by being around younger people it keeps me young and sharp, also eager to learn something new, and compete. My goal is to build a music program somewhere and leave money for a scholarship fund for students to go to college to study music." Not a dream this will happen" ."LOOK OUT YOU YOUNGER TEACHERS HERE I COME" RL peace...

" Kids,gangs,& school "

My title should say it all. I have chosen this title because I have seen what these three things can do to a young impressionable kid. The lure of easy money, acting cool,dressing like no one can touch you! carrying a weapon, and defying anyone who assorts authority.
I remember my first week last year. This was not my only experience, now I remember going to my next class and being stopped on purpose in the hallway, and a student whom I never saw or have spoken to said " Do you know me man " I replied no!
he said OK you will get to know me ask around. This student apparently doesn't know me and was trying to scare me into believing he is a gangster,"Gangsta". OK I walked to my next assignment and didn't pay it no mind. A few weeks later I had this student in my class, well he really is a "$#@^&&" you know what I mean so I gave this student my speech, he listened and could not believe what I have done and gone through in my life. We kind of connected and I gave him some good advice he really took it to heart and changed his life I would see him and talk to him at school or at his job that got him away from the gang life style. "Truth" If you can reach one kid and make a difference than it is totally worth more than "GOLD" . peace RL

" I am A Martian From Mars "

My first question:

What are your schools like? Well there are many different types like Private, home schooling, public schools, and special needs schools.

My second question:

Who are your students? Our students range from ages 3 to 19 sometimes older?
They come from many different economic backgrounds. The students also come from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds. There are also in place a program to help students to learn our language (ESL-English as a second language).

My last question?

Who are your teachers? The majority of teachers have at least 10 years of experience. They say that 8 out of 10 people who teach are women.The most important thing is that our teachers try to prepare students for life after grade school by exercising their creative and critical thinking skills. RL peace

Teaching and "Respect"

If you are reading this blog than what I am saying may be helpful for you future

educators. The title I have chosen today is about teaching and Respect. How do you

get it? where does it come from? is it your appearance? the way you dress? your

hair,or lack of hair? your weight? are you too tall? too fat? too pretty? too ugly?

too happy? very depressed? angry at the world? etc...

These things are what some people feel and live with day to day. I can tell you

from many years of experience teaching I have gone through some of these things

I have written here today. The best advice I can give to anyone is Know your

strengths and weaknesses. Always be in control in your class room. The most

Important thing is always come prepared, planning is the key to success

When you are prepared you look confident and in total control. Don't forget kids

need good leaders and great teachers (roll models) who set examples for our kids.

My next blog title: ? RL peace