Generalization. I hate this word. Actually, I am starting to loathe this word. Generalization as defined by Merriam-Webster's dictionary: a general statement, law, principle, or proposition.(1)
My understanding of generalization is “the act of making vague statements based on upon your interactions with a few.” I introduce a leadership unit with my students with a generalization, “You guys are considered the laziest generation in history.” The first response, of many, if not all of my students, is that they do not want to be part of that generalization. As a class we debate and defend this generalization.
My understanding of generalization is “the act of making vague statements based on upon your interactions with a few.” I introduce a leadership unit with my students with a generalization, “You guys are considered the laziest generation in history.” The first response, of many, if not all of my students, is that they do not want to be part of that generalization. As a class we debate and defend this generalization.
Our public education system is being attacked by the generalization:
“Public education is failing.”
“Public education is failing.”
I hate that this generalization is being placed on all public schools, especially ones here in Nebraska. I am a product of both a public high school and a parochial elementary/middle school. Yes, I am a public school educator. Yes, my own children are enrolled in a public school. And you know what, I wouldn’t trade their education for anything, I want my children to graduate from Milford Public Schools. You know why, because I believe in what we are doing in our K-12 school system to educate the whole student.
I am a very humble person, I really don’t like to “advertise” what I do, because I believe it is about our students and ALL of our students. Public education isn’t about me, my recognitions, or my colleague next door, it is about our students. Milford Public Schools is not failing. One look around our building, you will find:
I am a very humble person, I really don’t like to “advertise” what I do, because I believe it is about our students and ALL of our students. Public education isn’t about me, my recognitions, or my colleague next door, it is about our students. Milford Public Schools is not failing. One look around our building, you will find:
- A culture that cares. A culture that puts our students at the forefront of the educational learning.
- An administration team who encourages teachers to take risks inside their classrooms, yet holds the teachers to a higher standards so we meet the needs of all of our students.
- Students who are engaged in their learning.
- A school board president, who has conversations with me on frequent basis discussing the happenings inside my classroom.
- Junior and senior students taking college credit courses. During the 2016-2017 school year, our juniors and seniors have/are taking over 600 hours of dual credit classes.
- Teachers who work together to build rigorous, challenging curriculums.
- Teachers who value growth and proficiency by bettering themselves through professional development, taking courses at the local ESU, to even taking grad classes.
- ACT scores that are consistently above the state and national average.
- A band teacher conducting over 100 students in unison.
- CTE classes such as Screen Printing, Information Technology, Prostart and Robotics that teach our students a skill. Yet, also develop problem solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
- Teachers who are working beyond the school day hours to ensure student success.
- Students who are actively involved in extracurricular activities.
- Teachers who are at sporting events, concerts, speech meets to support and encourage our students.
- A culture that encourages post-secondary education, whether it is a community college or a four-year college.
- Teachers providing STEAM camps during the summer to give students an opportunity to enrich their learning.
Actually, my list could go on and on, but I think you get my point. Our public schools are working. Is there room for improvement, absolutely. As a lifelong learning, I value growth and improvement. But as I mentioned earlier, our admin team values growth and proficiency, therefore they are continuously providing and encouraging opportunities for professional development. Please quit making the generalization that “public schools are failing”, because here at Milford Public Schools, we are not failing.
Come visit our school. See the great things we are doing. You will not go away disappointed.
Come visit our school. See the great things we are doing. You will not go away disappointed.
(1) "Generalization." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2017.