In the week that President Obama's announced twenty-three new executive orders regarding gun control in the wake of the Newton school shooting tragedy, the nation is gripped by two news stories of scandal from the world of sports. Lance Armstrong admits (maybe) to using performance enhancing drugs, and news of the touching story of the death of the girlfriend of former Heisman hopeful Manti Te'o of the storied Notre Dame football program turns out to be a hoax.
If you don't know the story, here it is from the news source that broke it, Deadspin.com.
What? Deadspin.com. Since September, this story, crafted into an inspirational story of loss and hope has been perpetrated by media from sports outlets like Sports Illustrated and ESPN to broader outlets such as CBS and CNN. Long story short, Manti Te'o began sharing a story about losing his grandmother and girlfriend within hours of each other, making his team's quest for an undefeated season even more meaningful. It turns out the girlfriend was a fiction. Maybe he knew, maybe he was the victim of a hoax. In either case, the public is a victim of careless media.
We write about education, so what does this story matter?
A piece on the Atlantic analyzed this story and ended with this line "If you want to trick someone, lie to them. If you want to fool someone, tell them what they want to hear."
How is it possible in the information age, that so many media outlets failed to take the simple step of checking public records or inquiring a little deeper into the veracity of a story? It is troubling that only an largely unrecognized internet outlet would take the trouble to do so.
In trying to research information for this blog, it is increasingly evident that media outlets are "receivers" of the news more than "investigators" of the news. Governments and institutions employ media relations people to create and craft the stories they want to be told. Newspapers and television reporters regurgitate what they're told and sell it to the public as truth, often lacking any depth or critical analysis in their reporting.
This is why even when PBS teams up with TED to "talk education" we get Bill Gates, Ken Robinson, and Geoffrey Canada as the exemplars of what's wrong and what's right in education. They give us a story we want to hear, words we want to be true for everyone. This Teach For America gets exaggerated claims of success without anyone caring about the numerous failures. It's why the media can call the approach of Khan academy "online learning on steroids" without anyone saying, "what makes it substantially different than a lecture?"
Increasingly, a one-dimensional and inadequate narrative of the story of public education is sold to the public and we lack the strong journalistic media to check all claims and facts to present all sides of a story. Instead of looking for the primary sources and roots of information which is often difficult to find and hard summarize, they take what they're told, pass it along, and move on to the next item.
The misleading story of Manti Te'o's girlfriend is unfortunate, but could have been prevented if news outlets would have simply tried a few searches of public databases and independently verified sources. Instead, they simply passed on what they'd been told.
Showing posts with label media. Show all posts
Showing posts with label media. Show all posts
Friday, January 18, 2013
Friday, August 24, 2012
A Message to Students Returning to School
I found this video yesterday, and I'm not sure who made it, but it is a funny and inspiring message for students as they return to school.
Some highlights:
"If you look at human history from like the time of the agricultural revolution, the period of time featuring compulsory public education looks like this...(250 years very short)"
"You'll also notice this 250 year period has been a pretty good one for humans, featuring Steam Engines, the internet, antibiotics, skyscrapers... and landing a freaking mini-Cooper on Mars! This is not a coincidence."
"Physical Education is NOT an oxymoron because your body was not born knowing how to do this...(picture of Olympic gymnast in action)
"The whole pleasure of being human is being STUPID, but learning to be less STUPID together."
"Public Education isn't a charity project, I pay for your school because I want you to grow up and make my life better."
"You've been chosen for a mission that's been denied to 99.9% of all humans ever."
It's four minutes long, but worth the time. And if you missed yesterday's post, we're still hoping to hear more first day stories from you.
Some highlights:
"If you look at human history from like the time of the agricultural revolution, the period of time featuring compulsory public education looks like this...(250 years very short)"
"You'll also notice this 250 year period has been a pretty good one for humans, featuring Steam Engines, the internet, antibiotics, skyscrapers... and landing a freaking mini-Cooper on Mars! This is not a coincidence."
"Physical Education is NOT an oxymoron because your body was not born knowing how to do this...(picture of Olympic gymnast in action)
"The whole pleasure of being human is being STUPID, but learning to be less STUPID together."
"Public Education isn't a charity project, I pay for your school because I want you to grow up and make my life better."
"You've been chosen for a mission that's been denied to 99.9% of all humans ever."
It's four minutes long, but worth the time. And if you missed yesterday's post, we're still hoping to hear more first day stories from you.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Khaaaaaaaaan! Academy
Shatner is clearly not a fan.
The future of education involves technology. No one disputes this. Less certain is how that technology will and should be utilized. If you are savvy enough to locate this post then you have most likely heard of Khan Academy. If you haven't then you need to watch the 60 Minutes segment linked below. Everybody who's anybody in education including Bill Gates and everyone in the media seem to be falling in love with the potential of what Khan academy might mean for the future of our schools. I'm in love too. I love the simplicity and usefulness of Khan's videos. But as a Star Trek fan and teacher, I am wary since Khan was formerly managing hedge funds and also has ties to Bill Gates. I, like Captain Kirk, approach the unknown carefully. I wish I could say it is because I am smart. It's not.
Khan's emergence is nothing short of amazing and it illustrates how the internet has redefined our world and access to knowledge. When I watch some of his videos I get sort of hypnotized. They are great. His intellect shines through; even just hearing his voice and seeing his illustrations you realize how capable his mind actually is. But they are videos. A lot of folks seem to forget this. To describe them as better than lecture is like saying DVDs are better than VHS. It is a logic that is hard to argue with I suppose.
The brilliant Sal Khan seems to best understand how to use this as a resource. He stresses the non-profit approach and that to me is a profound fact. The technology use is meant to free the teacher up to help kids. These videos have tremendous potential to achieve quick concise conveyance of knowledge and empower teachers to do more.
Yet as the phrase "flipping the classroom" shows, there are potential issues with implementation. Please forgive me and other teachers for pausing and thinking but we do so with cause. Maybe we are wary of how powerful people are drooling over this approach to learning. Resources such as Khan's are perceived by decision makers as more than they can possibly be. Another latest greatest thing. You hear the phrase "the future"...that alone makes me cringe a little. What will be the implications of all this? I couldn't pretend to know(actually I could but won't).
Some issues that arise:
Should all students everywhere access the same uniform version of the same set of information? Is that a good thing? (I get annoyed I can't ask questions or get simple clarification.) There are few if any teachers working to develop this stuff...from what I can tell. Some cite the "gamification" of math skills as they work to earn "badges." It'd be better to tie that into the reliance on standardized testing as a whole. I could go on, but I am a busy man. Google for yourself, but as always be mindful of the source. You can't trust everybody as you can trust the TU.
For now, all I know is that I have used Khan's videos with my students as well as for myself. Maybe he could put all these videos on one of those new laserdisc or something?
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Friday Afternoon Inspiration- Redux
I know this isn't the normal stuff of the Teaching Underground, but yesterday I shared a video of the "Reading Rainbow" intro at the end of my post. It seemed too good to be coincidence that I ran across a similar video just today. I couldn't help but share. Another great Jimmy Fallon parody- Jim Morrison and The Doors cover "Reading Rainbow."
Friday, February 17, 2012
Jon Stewart Takes on Arne Duncan
In case you missed it, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart hosted education Secretary Arne Duncan last night. No time to comment this morning, but Valerie Strauss at the Answer Sheet has a few words about the appearance. We've embedded the video here for your viewing pleasure.
Part One:
Part Two:
Part One:
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Exclusive - Arne Duncan Extended Interview Pt. 1 | ||||
| ||||
Part Two:
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Exclusive - Arne Duncan Extended Interview Pt. 2 | ||||
| ||||
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Ellen Spotlights Chester Teacher
On today's Ellen show, teacher Sara Ferguson of the Chester Upland School district in Pennsylvania appeared as a guest. Everyone in America should know this story. It is not just a sad story about deficiencies in school funding. It is a story that provides an excellent contrast to the common perception of teachers in America today. These teachers continued to work and serve this community EVEN WHEN THE MONEY RAN OUT! If you weren't able to see the show, here's the five-minute clip of her appearance.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
5 Things to Make You "Smarterer" Than Us
It is hard to believe that what this post's title suggests is even possible, but just a short time ago the Underground had only a limited knowledge of what was happening everywhere across this great country. Then we started a blog. Look at us now. Frightening huh?
In an effort to foster similar growth among our "audience"(both of you) we'd like to recommend a few things worth reading(Thank you Al Gore for inventing the Internet). We will periodically begin sharing links to readings and subjects we feel would be informative or interesting.(everything our own posts are not) Enjoy!
The Answer Sheet- Valerie Strauss is my idol. It won't take long when you read her stuff to realize why.
This article from Dissent Magazine (which is pretty far left)summarizes concerns with those driving reform agendas. Whether it is Michelle Rhee, CNN's Education contributor Steve Perry, NBCs Education Nation, or a simple state mandate beware what lies behind the curtain.
"Tested"-An article that addresses some the issues with over-reliance on standardized testing .
Are Schools Necessary?-Yikes! We obviously feel they are but it helps to listen to those with different viewpoints from your own.
Harlem Children's Zone-The well documented effort in NYC and some less well known insights exploring the efforts of Geoffrey Canada(that deserve to be applauded but maybe not copied eveywhere).
These are just a start. Feel free to share others in the comments section.
In the NBC television series "Cheers", the bar was located underground...coincidence?
In an effort to foster similar growth among our "audience"(both of you) we'd like to recommend a few things worth reading(Thank you Al Gore for inventing the Internet). We will periodically begin sharing links to readings and subjects we feel would be informative or interesting.(everything our own posts are not) Enjoy!
The Answer Sheet- Valerie Strauss is my idol. It won't take long when you read her stuff to realize why.
This article from Dissent Magazine (which is pretty far left)summarizes concerns with those driving reform agendas. Whether it is Michelle Rhee, CNN's Education contributor Steve Perry, NBCs Education Nation, or a simple state mandate beware what lies behind the curtain.
"Tested"-An article that addresses some the issues with over-reliance on standardized testing .
Are Schools Necessary?-Yikes! We obviously feel they are but it helps to listen to those with different viewpoints from your own.
Harlem Children's Zone-The well documented effort in NYC and some less well known insights exploring the efforts of Geoffrey Canada(that deserve to be applauded but maybe not copied eveywhere).
These are just a start. Feel free to share others in the comments section.
In the NBC television series "Cheers", the bar was located underground...coincidence?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Here I Am, Stuck in the Middle With You
I read an encouraging article today in our local Charlottesville newspaper, The Daily Progress titled "Expert Seeks Deeper Education Reforms." Dr. Pedro Noguera from New York University believes that we place too much effort trying to get students passing scores on standardized tests. Noguera also says, "we have found ways to insure that with the right strategies we can educate all kinds of people.” I appreciate the use of "strategies" versus "strategy."
I certainly appreciate Dr. Noguera's point of view, but to paraphrase a quote from a previous post, "we're drowning here and he's describing the water." A few solutions are hinted in this talk. He states “the people who make policies have never been educators and they simply don't understand, and even when they see it firsthand, they still don't understand what it takes to get young people excited about learning.”
I agree, but would also add that I don't understand what it takes to get an urban New Yorker or a rural Georgian excited about learning. I'm confident that given the right support and a little experience I could learn quickly, but the expert on exciting these young people about learning are the students themselves, their parents and caregivers, and the teachers who interact with them daily. Until the power to inform educational policy shifts from the distant politician and insulated departments of education to the stakeholders most invested in public education real education reform will not be realized.
The article closes with another quote from Noguera, “when you have students entering high school and reading on a third-grade level that is not a high school problem... that's a systemic problem.” We have learned in various disciplines that system problems have system answers. Top down reform cannot fix a systematic problem. In a hierarchical system, the actors at the top have too much vested to entertain significant change at the top level. What we end up with are myriad changes at the bottom of the pyramid which still support the unchanging structures at the top.
Where does this lead? As a teacher, the title of this post is addressed to my students. We are stuck in the middle together. Academics and educational experts know what quality education looks like and they expect us to deliver. Politicians and district and state level administrators expect us to meet standard measurements of performance delivered in the form of test scores and pass rates. This means that I live in two realities, with my students. We balance the demands of both, but more and more, the weight on the side of standardized testing grows and grows.
Here in the classroom, we are stuck, in the middle. The article referenced above stuck out because it is proof for me that people understand what we need in public education. Yet still, schools and teachers are torn between serving two masters. One master says test scores are the only metric we care about and the other says focus on learning that matters and not the tests. (Someone wise had something to say about serving two masters.)
That's the end of the post, but I can't create a title like this without giving proper credit, so here's a little Stealer's Wheel for your Wednesday afternoon.
I certainly appreciate Dr. Noguera's point of view, but to paraphrase a quote from a previous post, "we're drowning here and he's describing the water." A few solutions are hinted in this talk. He states “the people who make policies have never been educators and they simply don't understand, and even when they see it firsthand, they still don't understand what it takes to get young people excited about learning.”
I agree, but would also add that I don't understand what it takes to get an urban New Yorker or a rural Georgian excited about learning. I'm confident that given the right support and a little experience I could learn quickly, but the expert on exciting these young people about learning are the students themselves, their parents and caregivers, and the teachers who interact with them daily. Until the power to inform educational policy shifts from the distant politician and insulated departments of education to the stakeholders most invested in public education real education reform will not be realized.
The article closes with another quote from Noguera, “when you have students entering high school and reading on a third-grade level that is not a high school problem... that's a systemic problem.” We have learned in various disciplines that system problems have system answers. Top down reform cannot fix a systematic problem. In a hierarchical system, the actors at the top have too much vested to entertain significant change at the top level. What we end up with are myriad changes at the bottom of the pyramid which still support the unchanging structures at the top.
Where does this lead? As a teacher, the title of this post is addressed to my students. We are stuck in the middle together. Academics and educational experts know what quality education looks like and they expect us to deliver. Politicians and district and state level administrators expect us to meet standard measurements of performance delivered in the form of test scores and pass rates. This means that I live in two realities, with my students. We balance the demands of both, but more and more, the weight on the side of standardized testing grows and grows.
Here in the classroom, we are stuck, in the middle. The article referenced above stuck out because it is proof for me that people understand what we need in public education. Yet still, schools and teachers are torn between serving two masters. One master says test scores are the only metric we care about and the other says focus on learning that matters and not the tests. (Someone wise had something to say about serving two masters.)
That's the end of the post, but I can't create a title like this without giving proper credit, so here's a little Stealer's Wheel for your Wednesday afternoon.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Still Learning
I've learned a great deal in the last week or so. I've learned that when you are up 10pts with :45 secs to go, the game is not over, ask any UVA fan...if you can find one right now. I've learned that people making huge decisions concerning our state standardized tests don't really seem to think letting teachers and parents know about or even see these tests is that important. I've learned yes you can in fact teach in almost total darkness. I've learned that despite the concerns we have as teachers about the future of our schools and kids, some people out there still want to join up. I've learned that there is a great deal going on in the world. Some of these events make you smile, some make you scratch your head and some make you cry. Being a teacher can allow you(or cause you) to experience all of these emotions, sometimes simultaneously.
Thinking about the piece of the world I spend so much time in I was reminded of an old SNL skit on teaching a history class.
Thinking about the piece of the world I spend so much time in I was reminded of an old SNL skit on teaching a history class.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Daily Show Takes on Teachers
You know you've made the big time when John Stewart targets you. I would love to see more attention to school and teacher issues in the media, but so few people are willing to move any deeper into the conversation than pointing the finger at the easy solution. Here's John Stewart's take:
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