An Opportunity Presents Itself
This week I have had the opportunity through: Quiz Bowl, our GT field trip and a GT event at the STEM center, to talk with parents about the education of their student, in the GT program, here in Katy. While most conversations were led by the parents, asking me many questions. Others, were more of an interview, by me, of them. I am curious as to what parents feel is the ideal learning environment, for their child. Do they trust the advanced curriculum (GT), of our district, or do they desire a more challenging and demanding program?
What I discovered by having open, honest conversations: is both interesting and compelling. What I ascertained, both from parents of my own students, as much as from parents, of those who I do not teach, is that there are two types of GT or advanced classrooms, in the junior high/middle school realm of education: those that add more work and call it challenging and those that empower students to design the framework of their own learning. Teacher-driven or student-driven.
I asked parents how they were taught growing up and how they feel their children are being educated today? For some parents, their response was, that they are basically content. They trust their child's teachers and although they may have an issue with a few, of their educators, they see the benefit of GT/advanced classes and are happy with the level of rigor. Others, are frustrated and they are seeking more opportunities for growth outside the classroom: Math/Science, Quiz Bowl and other science competitions, to name just a few.
While one parent bought an old Dodge GT to rebuild with his son, others are visiting museums and events, just about every weekend, to broaden their child's mindset and outlook on academic scholarship. Either way, the GT parents, I spoke to, have a plan and they are hoping that the gifted curriculum matches up with it. Many parents, echoed this sentiment: "Not more, different, not lead, empowered." All of us agree on this. But how can we get this ideal into all GT classrooms? Not just GT classrooms but Pre-AP, academic and even Special Education classrooms? This is a post about the gifted program (GT), so my focus is on those classrooms specifically, however this ideal environment should be implemented in every classroom, at different degrees, not levels, based on academic skill and aptitude.
Grades or Grind?
How can we change the mindset of those teachers who think that a longer essay or more questions is differentiation enough, in an advanced classroom? I had one parent tell me that his 7th grader's GT ELA teacher, is so challenging that he is often failing the class. He says he understands the need to be challenging, but demanding at a 7th grade level, not a 9th grade level. He questioned this teacher about this level of rigor, and the teacher's response, "Grades don't matter, it is all about growth." This upset this parent and his reply was, "They matter to me and most parents, you can't make something out of reach, and then punish student's with poor marks, if they can't meet the over-exaggerated expectations."
I, in turn, asked this parent, "What do you feel are over-exaggerated expectations in regards to your child's education? What would you like to see improved in your child's GT education?" What I got in response, was partially expected and overwhelmingly insightful. I think it will resonate with every teacher and every administrator.
Parents are our greatest ally, and if we stop to listen to their critique and concerns we will only be able to grow as educators. It may sound like a complaint, but it is merely a vested interest, in the education of their child. As parents we feel the same way, as this father, yet somehow we often, hold it inside, without a venue in which to express it. But, if we as educators, open our doors and minds, and truly listen, we will come upon: meaningful, refreshing and stirring ideas from parents in our community.
The Shape of Things
His response: "I see a classroom not as four walls, but as a simple location, from which to springboard into an infinite world of possibility. When my child comes home and at the dinner table, is excited and sharing what he learned in school that day, I know that those four walls came down, and that he had a true adventure. This adventure resonates with him, and he embraces learning because he was allowed to think for himself and make his own choices. Not those written in stone, but those that are both flexible and challenging, but very much, acquirable and meaningful.
When it becomes routine and teacher-driven then all of the above is removed. A true GT classroom, I feel, is one where my son is active not only physically but mentally. This can only happen regularly, if teachers push him to excel, but also give him the opportunity, to fail and grow. Grades unfortunately, are a requirement, so many focus on those, but if the engagement and self-advocacy is there, then the grades will fall into place, accordingly."
I asked finally, "Why did you choose to put your son in GT classes?"
"At first it was the mere idea of my son being gifted, he is smart and needs that challenge. But after awhile, it became more of, the pace and the depth of complexity, that a GT class provides. I know that this may not be happening in every one of his classes, but where it is, it is the best gift a child can receive from a teacher. The trust to excel at their own speed, but with a nudge to go further, that impetus to keep them forever intrigued and curious, because without that, learning becomes flat."
I responded: " I wholeheartedly agree. Learning should never be flat. It should always be fluid and expanding to the needs of the child. Taking on an endless shape of meaning and interest. Only then does it truly become student-centered."
"Yes," he said as we were making our way back to the bus, to return us back to campus, "It is not the speed but the shape that matters. Please keep allowing my son to be a triangle or square, whatever his heart desires, that is why he loves your class and GT so much, he loves the angles from which he can choose. GT should always be about the puzzle and how all the shapes fit."
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