As of last night we could almost predict that our children will not even be close to 'common core' come 2014. As a matter of fact we on the Waianae coast is 10 years behind!!! What that means if parents don't pay for tutors, come 2014 they will not be able to test out! therefore, they will recieve less than a diploma. That means they will not be able to get a job in Hawaii or abroad.
So I am starting the argument that Languag Arts should not be responsible for 'nonfiction' meaning Language Arts should not be responsible for student achievement in science or social studies classes. As for math, Language Arts should not be responsible in team teaching for lower grades in that subject.
Why should language arts cover these subjects and the teachers in evaluation?
If one looks at the problem it is the neglect of the student beginning in elementary! Unless you have the skills one will not be able to bring that child up to achievement level. It takes strong skills in phonics etc... I have those skills and I've use them for close to 40 years! As I tell my students before and after their lesson, I still speak and write broken English because it is my language that is spoken in every day speaking in my community.
I am very up front with my students about my HQ qualification and my language practice. However, when we are classroom learning--- we use Standard English.
I also volunteer to teach on Fridays to homeless shelter here in Waianae. I teach writing and reading.
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Parents need to pay for tutors to bring their children into their benchmarks! It is their responsibility!
That's what was the outcome of last nights meeting!