#IMMOOC Week 1 Round 2

Well, here I go again! Growth Mindset has me believing I can successfully finish IMMOOC this time and keep my blog updated. Here is a bit of what I wrote in September when I started my blog up again at that time.

"I started this blog a little over two years ago. Unfortunately, it ended then as well.

However, this summer I have again been inspired to blog (and hopefully keep it up this time).  George Couros's book, Innovator's Mindset, has played a large part in motivating me. Seeing George Couros speak in person has also motivated me. Being a part of IMMOC and sharing other's journeys has motivated me.  But still, I resisted.

This past weekend, I got the opportunity to see Ron Clark speak at ISRA Fall Conference in Noblesville, IN. That inspired me as well.

The message through these sources has been made clear to me. I need to share what I know. I need to share what I do. I need to share, period!  Even if the only person reading my blog is me, it will be worthwhile."

I still believe all of the things I stated. I still know I need to do this. I am reading and focusing on the ideas in The Innovator's Mindset for the 3rd time because, quite simply, it is worth reading again and again. There are more gems of knowledge floating around in that book than I could grasp in just one reading.

The gem I am choosing to focus on for the rest of this blog post is from p. 9 of the introduction:  "Twenty-first-century education is not about the test; it's about something bigger."  Focussing too much on "the test" will stop innovation in its tracks!

Unfortunately, I have spent the last 2 days administering our state test. Fortunately, I work with some of the most amazing students. Fortunately, I have an administrator who knows that constant test prep isn't good education. Fortunately, I believe I am a good educator despite what the results of this test might "show". Fortunately, there are people in my life (colleagues, friends, family, and my online PLN) who encourage me and keep me going when I get discouraged.  

Did I mention that I teach students with learning disabilities, other health impairments, autism, and histories of school failure (defined by not passing "the test")?  

I wish the individuals who decide my students need to take this test, with most of the accommodations and tools they rely on to help them in class taken away from them, had to watch those students take "the test". For what they would see is this:

1.  Children persevering though the odds are stacked against them.
2.  Children encouraging each other to do their best because Mrs. Guiff believes in them no matter what.
3.  Children who are so much more than test takers:  sons, daughters, siblings, grandchildren, athletes, musicians, artists, dreamers.  
4.  Children forced to spend more time sustaining their attention than they are able to successfully do on a "normal" day.
5.  Children who rise to the challenge no matter what.
6.  Children managing anxiety.
7.  Children, just children.

I feel blessed to be able to teach in a place where I am able to look my students in the eye and tell them I won't judge them based on one test score, I know they show me their capabilities on a daily basis, and they prove to me just how worthy they are. I am glad to teach in an environment where I am allowed to teach children, not just tests. 

And I will continue to do that as innovatively as possible!