Initial thoughts:
--Many of the Amazon reviewers were right on target. Rafe is a highly motivated, structured teacher who knows what works for him and his clientele. He has touched the lives of many young people and inspired them to become citizens of the world, critical thinkers, with a thirst for knowledge. What more can we ask of a teacher? His version of the six levels of motivation is excellent and thought provoking and to have a student act at level six is the ultimate goal, of course. His methodologies are sound and some are worth considering in other classrooms, particularly in elementary school.
Amen to his ideas on standardized testing. Politicians want results, I understand. Standardized tests are the easy way out. They reduce a kid’s performance to a number. Scan the numbers, retain or fire the teacher. Simple. Who cares if he gave a rat’s hiney about his students and they learned something other than what was being tested? From Harry Potter 5, “It is the view of the Ministry that a theoretical knowledge will be sufficient to get you through your examinations, which after all, is what school is all about.” – Dolores Umbridge
Really, learning should be an individual journey. It’s ok if Johnny wants to talk about ethanol. Is it ethical to produce ethanol? He won’t see it on the standardized science exam, but it is a worthy, controversial topic, for sure. Here’s an idea: have professional evaluators (and/or parents) interview the class before it lets out, individually and collectively. Ask them, what have you learned? What books did you read? What characters did you most admire? How have you used the scientific method in your everyday life? What behaviors have you modified?, How could YOU improve your classroom experience?, etc. Make it like a job interview. By using and teaching to standardized tests, we’re creating cookie-cutter kids.
Shawshank Redemption in fifth grade? Witness? Really? Not in most school districts in America. This guy would be sent packing, nevermind how inspirational he is. Obviously, he has been given room to operate. He takes risks. He advises his students to take risks. Probably one of the best ways to truly teach and learn, but it can be a dangerous game. He says his kids know words to plays and songs and what they mean. I’d be interested to hear the 5th grade interpretation of Start Me Up.
A really powerful idea is that you can teach students that by committing a certain action or adopting a certain behavior, they are achieving ALL LEVELS at once, or at least more than one. For instance, picking up a piece of trash: In a small way you are rewarding yourself (you are getting aerobic exercise), you are making others happy (man, this place looks great!), and you may be acting on your code of ethics (I will have a beautiful community where pride resides).
Thoughts after a day or two of contemplation:
I don’t think there’s one way to skin this cat. This idea that there is ONE WAY to do things is not fair to students. It’s ok for teachers to have different styles. Some are ultra-organized, some have much gravitas and can get away with less organization. Some rule with an iron fist (I’m looking at you, Muriel), but I think the kids need it. Who’s to say which is best? Kids should to see all of these personalities. Heaven knows they will see the gamut in their working lives. I heard a senior say at graduation, “Mr. Roberts’s class was hell. I can’t believe I survived.” But there was pride in his voice. He was a stronger, better human being for it, and he knew it.
Another way to think of the six levels is to view them as a I WANT IT NOW!, short-term, long-term continuum. Ultimately, we are trying to instill in our students a long term view--one that governs their everyday decisions and leaves the world a better place.
He deserves high praise simply for teaching his kids fiscal responsibility. I love that the currency actually takes on value, and students learn to use it wisely. It is one of the greatest gifts we can give kids, especially in this time of financial uncertainty. I heard one economist describe our current financial situation thusly: It’s like sitting down to a fine meal with your children and grandchildren, ordering all courses and then, just before the check arrives, you get up and leave. No wonder this generation is restless. Some of them have figured out that we’re saddling them with a massive bill—one they probably will never be able to pay. It’s like, “fund wars, not education.”
If he wants to make a truly significant change, I’d say go to Wall Street and Washington and teach them about level six. Maybe then they’d realize that our greatest resource is sitting in the classroom, in desperate need of a book, a computer, space to breath, or even a meal.
Rafe definitely has passion for this job. How do I cultivate (or is it innate?) that kind of passion? That’s what I really want to know. What motivates him? Maybe I missed the whole point. Is it really a code of ethics that guides him every moment?
Parting shots:
-I DON’T want this guy evaluating me, especially if my tenure is dependent on his opinion. Does he sleep? Maybe he should reintroduce himself to his own family. I agree with David—if he knew the teachers at Heritage, he would rethink his low opinion of members of his profession… I also agree with Coach Petrone. Must he slam others to make himself look good? What happened to walking in someone else’s shoes?
He spends too much time at school and not enough time with his family. Does his wife really appreciate his absence? My wife would divorce me. Like others have stated, I’m a parent to my own children FIRST and a teacher second. That will never change. Even so, most of us know how poignant it is to have a former student say you were more of a dad or mom to him/her than a biological parent was. He basically “adopts” his students, which is admirable, but don’t be fooled, there are personal costs.
--Other Amazon reviewers were right. He and his publisher appear to be shooting for inner-city cred, but when you realize his students are motivated immigrants (or children of immigrants) who still believe in the system with not a crack/meth baby seemingly in the mix, his soapbox aura doesn’t wash so well. Many students who are products of generational poverty are past despondent, they feel completely hopeless. Those are the kids that are truly tough to reach. Tough to get them to believe… Everything in context… did he write the book to inspire his readers, or was he looking for a reward? Maybe he was motivated by MANY factors. Did he donate the proceeds to charity?
In all, a worthy read. Rafe certainly makes you realize how much potential a teacher has to change the lives of students. He makes me want to do better, to achieve more. He also makes it clear why teachers keep teaching. They are motivated by a code of ethics: the way to make the world a better place is to teach our young people how to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, good stewards, and to see a task to completion. Too many of our students fold when the path gets tough. I love the Calvin Coolidge statement, “Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
So, despite low pay, the current emasculation of teachers, absent parents, etc. we must press on. We are not motivated by money, as most other professionals are. We want the world to be a better place for future generations. Time for a bake sale.
A. Larson
