Almost every time I have an idea that involves learning outside of the four walls of my classroom, the efforts are met with substantial push back. This fall we tried a STEAM grant to be met with an unsigned, unfunded grant and substantial critique of our early efforts to employ this kind of learning on late Friday afternoons. Guaranteed there was some error, and it wasn't perfect. We were trying to navigate many parameters. What would have been great would have been some support, encouragement, and discussion rather than tough push back.
We spent a lot of time writing a grant for STEAM supplies online and off. One part of the grant was unsigned--a part that represented tools currently being touted as exceptional creative tools, and another part was unfunded due to the fact that we needed to prove all the related standards at the last minute with little time (or will after the push back).
Then there was Farm Days--three great days at the farm to learn our social studies and science standards--time to learn in nature in an active, hands-on, experiential way--a way that research is pointing to as important. The idea was born out of the fact that I noticed some of our students did not have access to local sites of interest. I thought this would provide a common experience, and looked for ways to match it with the curriculum. The field studies went quite well. Student assessments demonstrated substantial interest as well as ideas to better the experience, and the farm even offered us the chance to get involved with a grant and visit again. But the experience was challenged and supported only if we could meet our standards-base classroom efforts. There was no "thanks for spending a week of your summer vacation planning this experience," or "let's see how we can make this work," or even better "how can we help"--instead the tone inferred you can do it if you can prove you can also be a good classroom teacher. I just don't have the energy to put in another 20-40 hours planning the field study, organizing the chaperones, and taking a chance only to be ridiculed.
Truly, I want to do a good job by my students. I want to embed standards into worthy 21st century learning. but the push back for anything other than the standard workbook-type (online/offline) learning receives little support from many in the traditional school settings. This is so challenging when I read and see so much potential and opportunity all around me.
For now, I'll return to my classroom efforts and once again put all outside-of-the-classroom efforts to teach well on hold. I'll continue to engage in multiple learning events and grow my in-class standards-based, student-centered lessons with strength.
It's challenging to be a teacher today with one foot in the real world--a world of exciting innovation, and one foot in the old-world, the traditional school setting of standardized tests and mostly paperwork. I'll keep learning, figuring it out, and seeking understanding, and in the meantime I'll continue to do all I can to teach children well.
8/30/14 Note:
I just reread this post because I noticed someone had taken a look. I can hear the frustration in my voice as I reread this words on a bright, sunny fall day. I've learned a lot since writing this post. I'm revisiting paths of innovation and change. I've received great support and advice from many in the field with regard to moving new ideas ahead. New ideas challenge old systems--it will always be that way. The key is to look for ways to grow those ideas to benefit the students with the support of all.
