In the past four years, teachers have invested incredible amounts of time and effort into learning how to shift our instruction to be more aligned to preparing students to be college and career ready.
As a high school English teacher, I work more closely with colleagues in planning instruction and assessment than I did four years ago.
Certainly, we are selecting text for our students more thoughtfully.
We teach beloved classics like “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee alongside Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?” — a combination of fiction and non-fiction few of us had imagined four years ago.
Our students are writing arguments more often and more persuasively than they did four years ago, and can read and cite relevant text-based evidence to support their thinking more fluently than four years ago.
My instructional practice has improved, and in my own district, I have become a teacher leader supporting my colleagues as they work harder than they ever have to understand and implement rigorous standards.
I know teachers like me are invested in the changes and are seeing great progress in our students’ learning.
Certainly, the past four years have not seen steady forward progress.
There have been public forums where frustrated colleagues and angry parents have voiced their fears and frustrations about curriculum and tests and teacher evaluation. We still have much work to do to close student achievement gaps between the wealthy and the poor and improve learning for all students.
However, despite the challenges we’ve faced, our state is poised to be an example to other states implementing rigorous standards.
[State Education] Commissioner MaryEllen Elia took over a state that’s seen many changes in a very short period.
I praise the new commissioner for not only applauding the teachers of New York for the progress we’ve made, but also considering us leaders and essential advisors in this work. We have much to teach — not only to our students, but to the community and families about the good, rigorous work our students engage in.
As the direct link between policy and practice, I’m glad the commissioner is listening closely to educators, to build a culture where teacher voice and leadership is trusted, supported and valued.
She has asked repeatedly for feedback on the standards and I ask all citizens, but especially educators and parents — too look at and weigh in on the standards.
Learn more and submit your feedback at http://www.nysed.gov/aimhighny by Nov. 30.
I’m grateful that Commissioner Elia is asking to hear the lessons we teachers have learned.
Amanda Barney
Mattituck
