![]() Even more disturbing is the lack of useable information on the relationship building process. Veteran educator, James Comer, states that, "No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship." Yet, the value of relationships is often downplayed or ignored completely in teacher preparation programs. Unless there is a connection between teacher, student and lesson, learning becomes tiresome to all involved. But while we address what we teach and when we teach it, we must not forget to include how we deliver those lessons. Many are working tirelessly to rectify that. Unfortunately, far too many in our ranks are unqualified and poorly trained. What is true is that a very high proportion people who are long-term unemployed, homeless, on welfare or in the correctional system do not have high school diplomas.I most certainly realize the extreme importance of being a competent teacher. Many high school ‘drop outs’ have gone on to have extraordinary, successful lives. It’s not true, of course, that pulling out of high school inevitably leads young people into trouble. They’re more likely to engage positively in their communities and less likely to depend on social programs. They’re more likely to go on to college or other learning programs. Research indicates that in general, high school graduates are more likely to find employment, to earn at higher levels and to pay more taxes than non-graduates. The social and economic costs are enormous. About 7,000 young people ‘drop out’ of the nation’s high schools every day, close to 1.5 million a year. ![]() In some communities the graduation rate is less than 50 percent. graduation rate is now around 75 percent, which puts America 23rd out of 28 countries surveyed. had the highest rates of high school graduation in the world, now it has one of the lowest. As it happens, the solution is not a mystery but putting it into practice will involve a major shift in current policies. The program looks not only at what’s going wrong in high schools, but how to put it right. ![]() What should America do about its disastrous high school dropout rate? That’s the focus of TED Talks Education, the first ever TED/PBS television special, hosted by John Legend, the award-winning musician. Sir Ken Robinson: Why We Need to Reform Education Now For every student that finally “got it,” for every rookie teacher that said, “you inspired me to stay,” I get the raise that never quite made it to my paycheck. It finally dawned on me that there was no other profession that would let me change children’s minds and have an impact on their future, long after the school day and school year were over. And while I am no longer in the classroom or at the schoolhouse, I remain an educator. “Next year I will switch jobs, make more money and have far less stress.” But, I just could not seem bring myself to do anything else. The students did not appear to be motivated, the paperwork was overwhelming and the constant change of educational direction was discouraging. In the spring of my career, I found myself questioning the choice of my life’s work. Yet, in spite of the highs and lows, I cannot think of another profession that brings both joy and challenge on a daily basis. The celebration is often cut short by some catastrophe the next day. Most of the time, their major accomplishments are shared only with colleagues and family members and not the media. They are usually not deemed worthy of news coverage unless there is a scandal or a strike. Pierson: This Will Make You Appreciate Your Elementary School Teacher Read excerpts of both amazing essays below. We are especially excited about this edition because it contains not only a beautiful essay from Pierson, but also an offering from the most-watched speaker on TED.com, Sir Ken Robinson, who also appear in TED Talks Education. And this week’s TED Weekends on the Huffington Post explores the influence of connections in the classroom. Pierson challenges other teachers to understand the power of relationships. Pierson believes deeply in forming strong bonds with her students: through simple things like apologizing, laughing and just acknowledging their successes, even in times when they are technically failing. In this talk -Ī teaser of next Tuesday’s TED Talks Education on PBS - Pierson is going to make you wish you had been lucky enough to be her student. Photo: Ryan LashĪs the daughter and granddaughter of educators, teaching is in Rita Pierson’s blood. Rita Pierson and Sir Ken Robinson both give incredible talks in the PBS special TED Talks Education.
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