Watch This Compelling Video About “The Other PARCC”

7 Comments Post your own or leave a trackback: Trackback URL

1. Paul Bonner says:

   March 1, 2015 at 7:36 pm

   The other day my 15 year old son completed a biology assignment that asked him to make a 3D model of any animal and list vital characteristics of the animal. Basically a fourth grade assignment in ninth grade. This was not the most troubling part. As my son completed a head of a cartoonish moose head, I noticed how ill prepared he was to work through a model with any depth. Intellectually he is much better at standardized tests than I was, but I was making complex three dimensional drawings by the time I was 13. He has not been taught to attack a problem in a logical sequence because all instruction is based on a limited understanding of standards. Growing up, I was intensely interested in art, music and sports. I was exposed to all of these things at a noticeably profound level by the time I was in 5th grade. I learned how to use all sorts of tools through exposure to such implements and grew with each mistake and experience. My drawings and models improved with each effort and so did my curiosity and ability to reason. I have been an educator for almost 33 years, 25 secondary and 8 elementary. I have watched as more and more experiential courses such as shop, music, home ec and art have been removed from the curriculum. As I watch my son complete a rudimentary model well below what he should be able to do at 15, I realize how ill prepared he is to construct anything theoretically or otherwise. I was a studio art major in college. I often took on complex sculpture or painting projects because I had some knowledge of the materials and had learned to develop mental images into physical manifestations through experience and the ability, or confidence to solve problems . Our standardized reduction of curriculum imposes tremendous limitations on our children. My wife often points out my “ADHD” tendencies, but I didn’t struggle in school. I believe my experience with music, art and shop kept me interested and engaged in school. The common core was originally presented as way to improve thinking and learning. However, the testing regimen that has been developed with the common core has taken opportunities for such a focus away from the school day. What makes this worse is that policy makers justify this through the necessity to introduce technology for a future economy which will no longer offer jobs for skilled labor. This in and of itself is the absolute height of ignorance. Using the hands and constructing models builds intellectual acuity for any technology. Recent brain research has clearly identified the complexity of child development and thinking yet our approach to learning is simplistic and one dimensional. The learning experiences described in this video highlights the misguided approach toward intellectual development in children. It makes schooling intolerable for active children. Bring experiential learning back, bring back play and stop pretending that we will magically produce super teachers in such an oppressive environment.

   LikeLike

   Reply
2. Laura H. Chapman says:

   March 1, 2015 at 8:58 pm

   Appreciate your comments. I work in the arts and know first hand the amazing disconnect that you have observed. The old saw that you can be good with your hands without using your brain is being formalized again in a two track system of college OR career, with the absurd addition of Kindergarten kids being judged on readiness for one or the other. Of course, the origianl version in marketing the Common Core State Standards was college AND career–but the Republicans who are leading the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Acthave changed that to “Every Child Ready for College OR Career.”

   The video that started this thread is really professional work.
   After I watched it I saw another by the same filmaker on the ESEA hearings with great points made by a teacher giving testimony. Elizabeth Warren was fixated on accountability with tests the measure of choice. https://vimeo.com/117989096 These should be as widely circulated as possible.

   LikeLike

   Reply
3. artseagal says:

   March 1, 2015 at 9:04 pm

   So are all those districts across the nation under PARCC testing on the exact same days? My district starts tomorrow too. Nothing like being in lockstep – ughh. The video said it all. Sure wish every single district in the nation forced to give PARCC had strong parental voices of opposition. I have not heard of one parent opting their child out in my area and do not even know if parents think they can opt their children out. I feel sad tonight in thinking of students suffering through these tests, of little fingers as one parent says struggling to find the right keys on the keyboard in addition to having to create an essay… I am saddened that students are likely to leave the test feeling down, feeling stupid, feeling like it “is them” and not the “corporate idiots” that is the problem.

   LikeLike

   Reply
4. NY Teacher says:

   March 1, 2015 at 9:17 pm

   From the NYT on NJ PARCC opt-outs/refusals:

   LikeLike

   Reply
5. Christine says:

   March 1, 2015 at 9:57 pm

   Hi Diane, it’s Christine from MCAS in NJ. We made the film with Michael and it features a group of diverse parents from all over Jersey, but speaks to our shared concerns. Michael has helped our voices be heard. We honor him and thank him and all in the film. Watch it. Share it. Refuse the tests!!

   LikeLike

   Reply
6. Change the Stakes says:

   March 2, 2015 at 1:16 am

   Once again, Michael creates a moving testimonial with real people and not the misguided speak of ed reform advertising. He worked with NYC parents and Change the Stakes last year to make “Refuse the Test” video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ayYajsQjg8. For all those in NYC who are ready to refuse or want more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/nycoptout/ and attend this event on Wednesday! https://www.facebook.com/events/770617529654765

   LikeLike

   Reply
7. Sarah Blaine / Parenting the Core says:

   March 2, 2015 at 9:05 am

   Hi Diane,

   Thank you for sharing Michael Elliot’s video here. I am biased as I am one of the many parents who was interviewed for this piece, but I do think it sends a powerful message. Michael and the rest of the team that put this video together deserve high praise: this is what volunteerism and grassroots organizing can accomplish. The most inspiring part of yesterday’s launch event for the video was having the opportunity (snow and all!) to meet so many people from diverse backgrounds and communities who have all joined together to protest the role high-stakes testing continues to play in decimating our public schools.

   Here’s the very quick write-up I did about yesterday’s film launch event: http://parentingthecore.com/2015/03/01/the-other-parcc-a-short-film-by-michael-elliot/

   LikeLike

   Reply