This is Not a Test--JLV
Jose Vilson's book, "This is Not a Test" has been thought provoking. I have enjoyed his candid personal stories of his journey to a career in education, and I appreciate the fact that he lives in the neighborhood in which he teaches. It is also note worthy that along with the birth of his son, he acknowledges that this decision of where he lives may be changing. Funny how quickly our children usurp our idealistic sacrifice. But that is another story.
I originally started following Mr. Vilson's blog because I did not like the idea that I “could not reach” students of color simply because I am not of color myself. Just tell me I can’t do something, and that is EXACTLY what I am going to set out to do. There is much research still needed on this topic before I feel like “I know”. Will I ever get there? Not sure, but I do know that I want to reach EVERY student. Not just the ones who I naturally identify with. Refer to last week’s post about representing the languaculture of where you live.
If a student is not comfortable in my classroom, I want to change that. While I cannot change the color of my skin, nor can I change the evil that other’s do to someone because of the color of their skin, I can work hard to bridge the gap. Most of what J.L. Vilson speaks of in his book is along the lines of what I have already contended--take the time to get to know your students--truly seek to find who they are--embrace them--and then approach their education from the knowledge that I do not need to “change” anyone, but I do have information they need--then become the coach that they need to be successful. I am still a big believer that this is the key to differentiation.
There was a second message in the book that I find just as relevant. The insistent call to teachers to step up and speak out. Instead of business or politics making decisions for our students, those who are the professionals in the field need a voice. He makes an interesting point that the biggest obstacle for teachers to getting involved is exhaustion. Teaching pulls energy from you--all those students need, need, need--and we give it away because it is what we do. Truly a calling. So what is the answer? Not sure yet, but one thing that the district I work in does that is so beneficial is daily PLC time. Time set aside (apart from student tutoring time, or conference and grading time) to get together with the immediate team to plan and support each other. We are able to explore new techniques, activities, and ideas. Priceless.
But that is another subject--back to speaking up. Can we find it in us? What is working? What is NOT working? Excerpt from Jose’s poem of the same title as the book.
This is an exam unmoved by mayoral cycles, and I?
A bubble you cannot erase
A mouth you cannot tape
A heat you cannot beat
I come in a swarm of thousands
So I am a bee you cannot eat
This is not a test!
This is not a test, Mr. President
Given an answer sheet, these students shaded in
L-O-V-E over A-B-C-D
Love this. Students are already letting us know what they think of the current education system. Dropout rates, ODD, eye rolling, lack of participation. They are speaking. Are we?
