Hello All!
It has been a while since I shared my most inner, secretive thoughts regarding teaching, learning, public schools, etc. Employing the use of sarcasm of course, the fact remains, it *has* been a while!
So much as transpired since my last post. We have a state legislature that appears to be determined and methodical in its efforts to rid the universe of the very thought and memory of public education! She sees public education as enemy number one and the root of all of the world's woes! Employing the use of exaggeration just a bit, the fact remains, it seems as if we are in the midst of the end of the traditional public school system as we know it. With the moving forward of Senate Bill 1 and other bills that expand vouchers, charter schools (the very thought of them makes my pressure spike) and business tax breaks, it seems as if public schools as we know it will become a thing of the past!
Indeed, so much as transpired. Dr. Ackerman is not longer at the helm of the School District of Philadelphia and has recently filed for unemployment. No comment. An older African-American gentlemen began to sour to the top of the wide field of REPUBLICAN front runners for its party's nomination to become the next President of the United States. Who would've thunk? The very idea that two black men would be running for President of the United States of America and then AT THE SAME TIME, on OPPOSING SIDES! But just as quickly as he rose, he fell, just like the economy!
The economy goes up and down like a roller coaster. Government budgets are tight and (to go back to my original topic) public education seems to be enemy number one! The solution, so they say, remove funds. Cut education spending.
Well, let me ask you this? Would you remove a police officer's gun because crime increases? Would removing doctors' medical licenses because a cure for aids hasn't been found make much sense? Or because streets aren't 100% litter free, let's remove the trash cans right? So, we'd do a better job educating our students if you cut the budget of an already underfunded educational system?
For real though?
Some call me "Flem"
- Dr. Stephen R. Flemming
- I'm an elementary school teacher turned high school English teacher, School-Based Teacher Leader (SBTL), and adjunct professor here in Philly. These posts are the views, as I see them, from room 105, my first classroom number. Enjoy, engage, and share!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Hello, we're trying to teach here!!!
The School District of Philadelphia has kept the news outlets with plenty to report on these past few months. Dr. Ackerman is no longer the superintendent, Counselor Archie is out as head of the SRC, another member has resigned and yet another (if I'm not mistaken) has moved to California but has promised to fly back to Philadelphia for meetings!
The news of the debacle and foolishness with the district seems to overshadow those of us teachers who work hard day in and day out doing what we love to do, teach! My suggestion, focus on the good within the district. Focus on the kindergartners who may be experiencing the very idea of school for the very first time! Focus on the teachers who are giving up preps and lunches to tutor this early in the school year. Focus on the principals who are teachers at heart and are pushing in or taking small groups and providing supplemental instruction---not because of some mandate, but because they are true instructional leaders!
To the media, let's turn the tide of education coverage! There are teachers, secretaries, aides, principals, students, parents, and organizations doing some wonderful things with shoe-string budgets, let's focus on that! We don't have $905,000 to spend on our classrooms, but we're working wonders with the $95 allotment (actually, $100) that we do get, plus much from our own pockets! Let's focus on that!
I watch and read the news almost daily and I don't plan on stopping now. I have my favorite news entities. But I just wish that sometimes, you wouldn't give all the wrong people their 15 minutes! Ackerman is out....be done with the coverage already! Hello! We're trying to teach here!!
The news of the debacle and foolishness with the district seems to overshadow those of us teachers who work hard day in and day out doing what we love to do, teach! My suggestion, focus on the good within the district. Focus on the kindergartners who may be experiencing the very idea of school for the very first time! Focus on the teachers who are giving up preps and lunches to tutor this early in the school year. Focus on the principals who are teachers at heart and are pushing in or taking small groups and providing supplemental instruction---not because of some mandate, but because they are true instructional leaders!
To the media, let's turn the tide of education coverage! There are teachers, secretaries, aides, principals, students, parents, and organizations doing some wonderful things with shoe-string budgets, let's focus on that! We don't have $905,000 to spend on our classrooms, but we're working wonders with the $95 allotment (actually, $100) that we do get, plus much from our own pockets! Let's focus on that!
I watch and read the news almost daily and I don't plan on stopping now. I have my favorite news entities. But I just wish that sometimes, you wouldn't give all the wrong people their 15 minutes! Ackerman is out....be done with the coverage already! Hello! We're trying to teach here!!
Monday, August 29, 2011
My Daily News debut (I guess)
I have finally made the big leagues!! I'm joking of course, sort of! Recently I wrote in to the Daily News, this after Mastery Charter School attempted to make amends with the Center City community following the idiotic actions of a few of their students. Please note, I am in no way blaming Mastery for the actions of their students! Something in these youth's brains told them it was okay to randomly attack someone walking down the street.
I do, however, put a challenge out to Mastery Charter school.
Enjoy!
http://mrflemming.wikispaces.com/DailyNewsDebut
I do, however, put a challenge out to Mastery Charter school.
Enjoy!
http://mrflemming.wikispaces.com/DailyNewsDebut
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
R.I.P. Public School????
For the past two weeks or so I have been enjoying my reading of Diane Ravitch’s book, The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice are Undermining Education published in 2010.
As a teacher in Philadelphia’s public school system, I am a stanch supporter and believer in public education and the purpose for its existence as a foundational pillar in a democratic society. Not oblivious to the laundry list of challenges that urban education faces, I am one who believes that with hard work and the necessary collaborations, we can return Philadelphia’s and other urban public school systems to the once foremost and desirable educational systems they once were.
Reading Ravitch’s book has reignited that flame and has rekindled that desire!
In recent months public schools, their teachers and principals along with their unions have become the object of much scorn, criticism, and skepticism. We are lazy, adult-interests organizations who are employed for the self-serving purpose of padding our pockets while enjoying lavish health benefits and union protection! If I did not realize that I was a teacher, I would affirm that I was speaking of big business, oil, or politicians, and their special interests organizations, but I digress!
According to many-a-governor, senator, member of congress and others charged with passing laws in this nation, an overhaul is needed. The state capitals’ and Washington's buzz word for this overall is “reform”. Education reform is what’s needed to raise the achievement levels of America’s students, so they affirm. Ravitch’s book tackles this very concept in great detail. What I can appreciate about Diane Ravitch is that she does not come from an “insider” perspective. She is not and has never been a public school teacher or administrator. So then you ask, how can she truly write and publish a book about our system? Who better to do this than an objective outsider?
Had she been a public school teacher or principal, no doubt our critics would swear that her opinions about testing and school choice are heavily influenced by her public school predisposition!
Diane Ravitch is an education historian and researcher. She has served in high-ranking government positions in education serving under President Bush, the 41st and President Clinton.
As she states in her book, she advocated for a strong system of testing and accountability and all that those terms meant for public education. But after working for sometime pushing these agendas forward, she came to a simple conclusion; they didn’t work!
I am enjoying my reading of this book and I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an objective view of how this whole emphasis on test scores and school choice are not “panaceas” (a word used often in the book) for a system that could use some extra help.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Fathers.Edu
Many times as teachers and school personnel, we assume (to no fault of our own) that many fathers are not active in the lives of the students we teach. Our frame of reference often is either our up-bringing, tradition, or what we actually seen and experienced over the years.
Unfortunately, in many cases this is true. Many men were simply there for that initial emotional experience that may have only lasted a few minutes and that was the extent of their involvement.
I, however, want to acknowledge the fathers and father-figures who are active in the lives of their children; men who are actively involved in their child's education and overall growth! Not every male, particularly those of African-American descent, is a high, dead-beat, strung out, pants-saggin', dirty draws showin, hustlin' drunk! There are still some good men out there who know how to respect and treat a lady and take care of their responsibilities at home and school.
Being on SEPTA a lot lately, I've seen in recent months, more and more young fathers pushing strollers, holding the hands of their children, and doing what appears to be right by their children!
As teachers we must be careful in our approach. In a field dominated by women, many fathers tend to feel "educationally intimidated", my terminology for not wanting to appear "stupid" in front of his child's teacher AND not wanting that teacher to think he lacks an education. It's the mother who tends to be the caretaker, the nurturer, the "one" who does the whole "school thing". Never assume, though, that the father is not involved and has no interest. Make it a point to get to know your students and their situation. Sometimes that student's "attitude" is the result of an absent mother and a father who works endless hours. The "lethargy" is the sum of that student caring for his/her siblings, while mom is out partying and dad is trying his best!
I have a unique perspective because I am a man and because I am African-American and because I am from and still reside in the inner city! My frame of reference is entrenched in a daily view both in and out of school of urban life. From this vantage point, I see many fathers who want to be even more involved but have gotten such a bad rap from the media and society that they feel the need to either give in to what's being portrayed or work all the more harder to prove they're different!
Happy Father's Day to all of the good fathers out there!
Unfortunately, in many cases this is true. Many men were simply there for that initial emotional experience that may have only lasted a few minutes and that was the extent of their involvement.
I, however, want to acknowledge the fathers and father-figures who are active in the lives of their children; men who are actively involved in their child's education and overall growth! Not every male, particularly those of African-American descent, is a high, dead-beat, strung out, pants-saggin', dirty draws showin, hustlin' drunk! There are still some good men out there who know how to respect and treat a lady and take care of their responsibilities at home and school.
Being on SEPTA a lot lately, I've seen in recent months, more and more young fathers pushing strollers, holding the hands of their children, and doing what appears to be right by their children!
As teachers we must be careful in our approach. In a field dominated by women, many fathers tend to feel "educationally intimidated", my terminology for not wanting to appear "stupid" in front of his child's teacher AND not wanting that teacher to think he lacks an education. It's the mother who tends to be the caretaker, the nurturer, the "one" who does the whole "school thing". Never assume, though, that the father is not involved and has no interest. Make it a point to get to know your students and their situation. Sometimes that student's "attitude" is the result of an absent mother and a father who works endless hours. The "lethargy" is the sum of that student caring for his/her siblings, while mom is out partying and dad is trying his best!
I have a unique perspective because I am a man and because I am African-American and because I am from and still reside in the inner city! My frame of reference is entrenched in a daily view both in and out of school of urban life. From this vantage point, I see many fathers who want to be even more involved but have gotten such a bad rap from the media and society that they feel the need to either give in to what's being portrayed or work all the more harder to prove they're different!
Happy Father's Day to all of the good fathers out there!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
0:00
Growing up watching sports with my father, there was one lesson he taught my brothers and me and that was to never get too happy before the triple zeros. The home team, be it the Philadelphia Eagles, the 76ers, the Phillies, or Flyers could be blowing out the opponent, but never get too excited before the clock runs out. The logic? Anything could happen. This was and is especially true of our beloved Eagles! But I digress.
As this school year began, I was well aware that as an entire class, this group of students struggled academically. But my passion and drive to see them succeed drove me to work extra hard to give them the best education that I could give them. Looking at PSSA scores and percentages, one would think that I sat on my fannie all year long and did absolutely nothing! However, I am increasingly coming to realize that students are more than just statics and numbers. Progress in the lives of youth cannot be measured with a calculator and cannot be crunched into excel spreadsheets.
I think of several students with whom I had the privilege of working and being their homeroom teacher. Some of whom raised Cain every year they've been in school. I think of many comments that were made that I had quite the "doozie" of a homeroom. Then I think of how many of the rough edges of these children were made smooth. I consider the fact that the words "Good Morning" are a part of their everyday vocabulary. I ponder the fact that "have a good afternoon Mr. Flemming" is second nature to once hardened "thugs" and "criminals". I reflect on the fact that many of the young men in my class now have a deeper respect and fondness for and treat our young ladies as gentleman should.
I consider the comment of one who said and I quote, "Mr. Flemming, I only got suspended four times this year." This is a dramatic reduction from eleven last year. I think of the comment made by one student who returned from the bathroom and informed me and I quote again, "Mr. Flemming, there is fecal matter and urine all over the floor."
When I with mixed emotions think of one student who said, "Mr. Flemming you're the last one I have left to look up to," I reiterate my claim that progress cannot be measured just in numbers and percentages. So while test scores look bleak and abysmal, each and everyone of my dear students has a new found confidence that will carry them through the next several years of their lives!
It is important to note that many of the students have made significant individual gains! There is still much work to be done! I have a week of teaching left before I bid my children adieu! We're going strong. I teach until the last day of school! So batten down the hatches, we are in for one more week of "Flem Flem awww krazy"!
Success is my only option! Point blank!
As this school year began, I was well aware that as an entire class, this group of students struggled academically. But my passion and drive to see them succeed drove me to work extra hard to give them the best education that I could give them. Looking at PSSA scores and percentages, one would think that I sat on my fannie all year long and did absolutely nothing! However, I am increasingly coming to realize that students are more than just statics and numbers. Progress in the lives of youth cannot be measured with a calculator and cannot be crunched into excel spreadsheets.
I think of several students with whom I had the privilege of working and being their homeroom teacher. Some of whom raised Cain every year they've been in school. I think of many comments that were made that I had quite the "doozie" of a homeroom. Then I think of how many of the rough edges of these children were made smooth. I consider the fact that the words "Good Morning" are a part of their everyday vocabulary. I ponder the fact that "have a good afternoon Mr. Flemming" is second nature to once hardened "thugs" and "criminals". I reflect on the fact that many of the young men in my class now have a deeper respect and fondness for and treat our young ladies as gentleman should.
I consider the comment of one who said and I quote, "Mr. Flemming, I only got suspended four times this year." This is a dramatic reduction from eleven last year. I think of the comment made by one student who returned from the bathroom and informed me and I quote again, "Mr. Flemming, there is fecal matter and urine all over the floor."
When I with mixed emotions think of one student who said, "Mr. Flemming you're the last one I have left to look up to," I reiterate my claim that progress cannot be measured just in numbers and percentages. So while test scores look bleak and abysmal, each and everyone of my dear students has a new found confidence that will carry them through the next several years of their lives!
It is important to note that many of the students have made significant individual gains! There is still much work to be done! I have a week of teaching left before I bid my children adieu! We're going strong. I teach until the last day of school! So batten down the hatches, we are in for one more week of "Flem Flem awww krazy"!
Success is my only option! Point blank!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Student Authors
I'm back!
Just recently I packed up and shipped the manuscripts for books that four 6th grade sections and all five kindergarten sections completed. To say that the experience was long and daunting would be an understatement.
It all began with one of my students showing me a book that she had written. To actually see her work bound and laminated was exciting! I proceeded to take down the information and email the company. That email would be the beginning of me heading up a major publishing project in my building. What started out as my two sections and a single kindergarten class blossomed beautifully into a publishing bonanza of sorts!
The students of four of the 6th grade sections and each all five kindergarten classes worked on the project for many days and weeks. Once I realized the extent of the project, all free by the way, I thought to inform my principal and vice principal of the task we had undertaken.
We anxiously anticipate the arrival of our finished product, the result of many long class periods and even stress at times! We'll celebrate with a book signing, each student signing the last page of each others work.
This is meaningful writing!
I've already set a publishing date for next year and I definitely see areas where we can make this process a little less stressful! In the end, it will be worth it all!
Let's go!!!
Just recently I packed up and shipped the manuscripts for books that four 6th grade sections and all five kindergarten sections completed. To say that the experience was long and daunting would be an understatement.
It all began with one of my students showing me a book that she had written. To actually see her work bound and laminated was exciting! I proceeded to take down the information and email the company. That email would be the beginning of me heading up a major publishing project in my building. What started out as my two sections and a single kindergarten class blossomed beautifully into a publishing bonanza of sorts!
The students of four of the 6th grade sections and each all five kindergarten classes worked on the project for many days and weeks. Once I realized the extent of the project, all free by the way, I thought to inform my principal and vice principal of the task we had undertaken.
We anxiously anticipate the arrival of our finished product, the result of many long class periods and even stress at times! We'll celebrate with a book signing, each student signing the last page of each others work.
This is meaningful writing!
I've already set a publishing date for next year and I definitely see areas where we can make this process a little less stressful! In the end, it will be worth it all!
Let's go!!!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Teacher Suspended for "blogging" about students!
So a Bucks County school district suspended a teacher with pay for a profanity-laced blog about her students.
Note: the students names were not mentioned in the blog.
Note #2: She made comments alluding to the fact that she wish she could put her true comments about some students on the report cards not the list of "canned" ones the school district develops from which we must choose.
Please note (to all of those who would love to find cause to suspend me) I am simply repeating media reports. Note, I have not expressed my opinion (though it is my right, on my educational blog site). I have simply stated what I heard through the media.
I will end with this question. Do students face any disciplinary action for profanity laced facebook status updates, tweets, etc. that mention the teacher by name and where that teacher can go and how to get there (in very colorful language, might I add)?
Let me answer. Probably not. Why? Because facebook, twitter, and blog websites are outlets for such feelings.
Oooops! I expressed my opinion on my blog and didn't mention any names. I may be on the chopping block next!
Note: the students names were not mentioned in the blog.
Note #2: She made comments alluding to the fact that she wish she could put her true comments about some students on the report cards not the list of "canned" ones the school district develops from which we must choose.
Please note (to all of those who would love to find cause to suspend me) I am simply repeating media reports. Note, I have not expressed my opinion (though it is my right, on my educational blog site). I have simply stated what I heard through the media.
I will end with this question. Do students face any disciplinary action for profanity laced facebook status updates, tweets, etc. that mention the teacher by name and where that teacher can go and how to get there (in very colorful language, might I add)?
Let me answer. Probably not. Why? Because facebook, twitter, and blog websites are outlets for such feelings.
Oooops! I expressed my opinion on my blog and didn't mention any names. I may be on the chopping block next!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
This school year so far...
Greetings! We are coming to the close of our 5th month in school and this is the first time I have written since the beginning of the school year! There is a perfectly good explanation for the hiatus.
I was "warned" and in fact have seen for myself the statistics of this incoming class of 6th graders. I was told they are very low. The scores do not reflect any increase, year-over-year, in "test scores". Unfortunately these "test scores" have become an indicator of "true teaching and learning". With this bias in mind, I determined that I would hit the ground running. The results of formative and summative assessments proved the caveat reliable and accurate.
Only 35% of the incoming class were proficient/advanced in reading; a very low number that has steadily declined since this entire group was in the 3rd grade. Sad!
Well, lucky for me, I like a challenge! Lucky for them, they have a teacher who will work tirelessly to prove all of the nay-sayers wrong! I informed my students that this would be the first year that they will see an increase in test scores and true learning! I have worked tirelessly in the teaching of English/Language Arts and the subject of "Life" in general and am "humbly proud" to report that there has been a steady increase in scores on the various benchmark assessments leading up to the "big one", the PSSA!
I am proud of my students! I believe in my students! They will be successful as students! I will be successful as their teacher! I am a strong proponent of public education! It can work! It will work! I just want the world to beware, there are several 6th grade students leaving John B. Kelly Elementary School and they are ready to take on 7th grade and the rest of the world! We are room 105 and we are coming through! Ready or not, here we come!
I was "warned" and in fact have seen for myself the statistics of this incoming class of 6th graders. I was told they are very low. The scores do not reflect any increase, year-over-year, in "test scores". Unfortunately these "test scores" have become an indicator of "true teaching and learning". With this bias in mind, I determined that I would hit the ground running. The results of formative and summative assessments proved the caveat reliable and accurate.
Only 35% of the incoming class were proficient/advanced in reading; a very low number that has steadily declined since this entire group was in the 3rd grade. Sad!
Well, lucky for me, I like a challenge! Lucky for them, they have a teacher who will work tirelessly to prove all of the nay-sayers wrong! I informed my students that this would be the first year that they will see an increase in test scores and true learning! I have worked tirelessly in the teaching of English/Language Arts and the subject of "Life" in general and am "humbly proud" to report that there has been a steady increase in scores on the various benchmark assessments leading up to the "big one", the PSSA!
I am proud of my students! I believe in my students! They will be successful as students! I will be successful as their teacher! I am a strong proponent of public education! It can work! It will work! I just want the world to beware, there are several 6th grade students leaving John B. Kelly Elementary School and they are ready to take on 7th grade and the rest of the world! We are room 105 and we are coming through! Ready or not, here we come!
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