I had the opportunity to attend a meeting for administrators for our school division last week. The theme of the meeting was intervention. The focus for learning and the learning community is extending to the way we respond to intervention. I know that these strategies have been used in our school and this is the divisions way of putting on paper a concept that has been used with a structure to it. We were introduced to a model called the Pyramid of learning. It is a 3-tiered approach to programming for students that need additional help. The emphasis is placed on the students outcomes instead of students deficiencies. The pyramid that was presented is sectioned into three. The first being the teacher response, the second being the intervention teachers response and lastly the resource teachers response.
I know that these are for the students and that is why I have a career and job. But, I do have concerns with the amount that is placed onto the classroom teacher. There needs to a balance between what is expected from the teacher and from the others in the partnership. I as a teacher do go the extra mile for my students, and will work hard to increase their capabilities as learners. I just want there to be a balance so that we do not overwork teacher more than they already are.
Balance is certainly one of the toughest part of being a teacher. Hopefully we all find ours.
I totally understand what you are saying. It seems as though more and more responsibilities are heaped upon the classroom teacher. Fortunately, teachers are a resilient lot and if anyone can handle it, they can!
Thanks for posting this, Deedee. I am definitely feeling overwhelmed with some of the expectations placed on me as a classroom teacher with so many students, many of whom need more than I am able to give them. The balancing act is always a tricky one, and tricky for administrators too as they determine who does what in their schools.
Balance is a difficult concept that we deal with as educators. I try to do all I can for my students, especially those who are struggling, but at the end of the day I have to take care of myself and my family. It would be nice to be able to rely on other agencies and individuals to support our students but unfortunately this support is not always present.