Commissioner's Corner

This Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock we will be meeting with the Vermont Commissioner of Education, Armando Vilaseca. Please use this space to suggest initial questions that he can respond to in this 'town meeting' format in Jeffords Lecture Hall. Questioners will have the opportunity to 'follow-up' the Commissioner's response with an additional question...if the format holds!!!

Holt Case Study

Let's leave this case open to your conversation without specific prompts. Your comments will "prompt" us to respond!

Profiles in Caring: Teachers Who Create Learning Communities in Their Classrooms

Strahan, et al describe three distinctly different classrooms. Let's talk about them.

What are the advantages and potential problems of involving students in decision making? Suggest some traditions and rituals that you might consider for your classroom to recognize and celebrate student accomplishments. Suggest ways to involve the community in your own teaching.

Talk about Jay's and Betty's classrooms if it fits with your thoughts.

"A Tale of Two Schools"

Please offer your comments regarding Cuban's presentation of two "good" schools that reflect very different structures. In this article, traditionalists and progressives offer us separate lenses through which we might consider what role schools ought to play in our society. Here are a few questions that might help guide your responses:
1. Do you think Cuban's criteria for judging schools might ever conflict?
2. Can you add to Cuban's 'list' of "democratic values"?
3. Consider the current social milieu, that being a national presidential election. Is it possible that both these schools can substantively advocate for democratic values? Might there be an intractable difference regarding the interpretation of democratic values?

Watson case study

The assistant principal's evaluation of Michael's class actually questions his teaching style and thereby challenges his philosophy of education. It seems Michael's teaching style and student rapport are getting in the way of his need to be more demanding. What do you think? Is Michael right? Or is Alan right? Consider Michael's strengths and challenges. How might they affect your positions here?

"Teaching Themes of Care" by Nel Noddings

Please offer your comments regarding Noddings' view of the "issues" and themes of caring that surround our teaching and learning in our classrooms today but seldom are considered or given voice. Also consider how Palmer's message in chapter two relates to Noddings' thesis.

Consider the following questions as you comment.
1. Do you agree with the author that incorporating themes of care into schools is both achievable and desirable?
2. Noddings offers several examples of how themes of care might manifest themselves in the curriculum. Can you think of any others?
3. In today's high stakes accountability education climate, do you believe there is room for caring in the curriculum?

"Metaphors of Hope" by M. B. Chenfeld

Please offer your comments regarding Chenfeld's challenge to go beyond the negative and pessimistic media coverage of American classrooms and instead celebrate the many positive classrooms built on respect, caring, corporation, and support. Also consider how Chenfeld's message relates to Noddings' thesis.

1. What do you see as the ultimate benefit of Tom's 'town meetings'?

2. Would you use 'town meetings'? Why? Why not?

Why is it difficult for Cathy to articulate the strategies and methods behind her caring and supportive classroom community?

3. Please include your thoughts regarding the consulting work of Cole.