I found that a lot of the responses were inspirational, and I am big on inspiring students. I thought the attempt was being made to get students really excited about learning, and I really like that.
There was one post that was about success. The teacher talked about helping students find their dreams. I am in the midst of writing a paper about dreams, hope and faith, and this is what I am writing:
Dreams inspire, hope motivates and faith sustains.
(Note: Lee points out several posts that are by teachers talking about inspiring students.)
I appreciate that the teachers are getting students to understand that it's OK to dream, it's OK to have a vision… But beyond the vision, you have to have hope that you can achieve. We have to have faith in ourselves (including the teachers).
I appreciate that the teachers are getting students to understand that it's OK to dream, but beyond the vision, you have to have hope that you can achieve. We have to have faith in ourselves (including the teachers.)
"One group that worries me more than any other is black males. These students are not performing at a level that will bode well for them in the future."
The Lee Institute has set up a concept of STEM prep academies in middle school. Our goal is to put emphasis on math, science and more importantly language arts. I think if we can teach kids how to read, write, speak and interpret, that will carry over to math and science.
I am 80 years old now. I started in 1966 in this, and have been engaged in educational issues off and on for over 45 years. Why do I keep doing this work? I often tell my wife that this is my way of outrunning death. There is so much we are not doing to give hope to students. But education can be the primary focus to help create hope.
Howard Lee is the founder of the Howard N. Lee Instutute. He talked by phone with WUNC's Carol Jackson.
