Reflection on Conversation with Becker, Mean, and Riel on Technology & Education Reform

Although each of the three speakers said it differently, I heard a repeating theme. School reform only works if it comes from within and if it something that those involved at the teaching level can buy into. Henry Becker, said that, “unless people understand that there’s a need for reform, then the mechanism of reform are irrelevant.” Margaret Riel labeled this as an inside-outside issue and added, “A good part has to come from inside.” Barbara Means had the most practical suggestion when she said, “Just start with what it is our school needs, and then kind of work from there as opposed to requiring people to make a change.” This reoccurring theme made me think twice when I was getting ready to submit stage one of my grant proposal. At first I was only going to include the science department. However, since we are on a block schedule now and all of the teachers are looking for more engaging activities I thought I would invite almost all of the departments to get involved. So far I have heard from the English, Math and Art department and they are all willing to participate. I really want to get the social studies/civics classes involved because both of the teachers in that department are still doing the lecture-worksheet-test routine. They have both been teaching a while and are both coaches and I don’t think they have the desire to reform their curriculum. I am hoping I can “coax them” into being a bit more adventuresome by doing a debate or something. I like the strategy of “I need you” as a strong motivator to get teachers involved. Finding out what these teachers do well and building on that is how I hope to get them involved. Chester High School really needs to get teachers working together, we all get along OK, but we all teach behind closed doors. I like the idea of creating a community environment instead of a hierarchy, like these speakers are encouraging. I know from experience that nothing turns teachers off more than to act like you or your subject is more important than theirs. Also, I believe that a well rounded liberal arts education will serve students the most, and that take everyone’s cooperation.