We have talked enough about falling educational standards in Australia. Or have we?
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How alarming is it when the number of students attaining national proficiency standards has dropped as low as 54 per cent. China has 91 per cent of its students attaining this standard. In comparison to other states and territories NSW rates in fifth in maths, fifth in science and sixth in reading - very worrying statistics.
There is a call for a return to the basics, which, especially in the formative infants years is imperative. Spice up the curriculum in the primary years, but don't get too far from the basics.
There is a huge problem, and much soul searching will be done by authorities to put Australian education on the right track. Irrespective of what is in the curriculum, good educational practitioners are required to impart knowledge to our young ones. Teacher training/education is equally as important and good students should be encouraged to take on teaching as a career.
WITS
Out of the gloom, a bright light. With Naplan results analysis showing the 10 most improved schools in Years 5 and 9, 2014 - 2018. Boorowa Central School ranked third in the ranking of Year 9 results with an increase of 10.3 per cent behind Ballina Coast High 10.6 per cent and Coonamble High 10.5 per cent.
WITS
Teaching can offer so many rewards, especially when a student experiencing difficulties has that 'light bulb' moment. Sometimes you really have to search to find such a moment and much has to do with establishing an environment in a classroom that motivates children to want to learn. Please let me share a very rewarding moment in my teaching career.
I had a class of children for two years who did need some help. One, David, was in Year 6 and I feared he was going to go to high school unable to read. I used to read Paul Jennings stories to the kids - they loved them. Halfway through the year I refused to read another story, saying all the books were up the back of the room. David kept pestering me to read a story and I kept refusing to the extent he started to call me "Mr Stinge", quite justifiable, at least David thought so.
After a month or two I noticed David's head into a Paul Jennings book opened to a story I hadn't read to the class. Skimming down the page, I asked David what the story was about.
He'd got sick of waiting for 'Mr Stinge' he said, and promptly told me about the story, very accurately. A 'light bulb' moment - David was reading.
WITS
Another fair dinkum 'idiot'. A gentleman was at Melbourne Airport checking in at the gate when an airport employee asked, "Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?"
The gentleman replied, "If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?"
The airport employee smiled knowingly, nodded, and said, "That's why we ask."
WITS
The Irish have the odd 'idiots'. Father O'Flaherty asked Mrs O'Reilly how many children she had. Four was the reply. "That's a good Catholic woman you are. When will you be having the next?"
"I'm not Father," she replied, "I read that every fifth child born on the world is Chinese."
WITS
Thirteen days to Christmas - pray for a very wet one to ease the fires and drought.
