[etni] Fw: Response to recent posts
- From: "Ask_Etni" <ask@xxxxxxxx>
- To: "ETNI" <etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 5 Jul 2009 06:19:44 +0300
----- Original Message -----
From: Esther Revivo - estherrv@xxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Response to recent posts
Some thoughts and reactions to recent posts:
Rivka wrote: "I agree with you that it's ridiculous to begin implementing a
program next year when we don't yet know what the program is." BRAVO! A sane
voice to be heard!
Barry wrote, " an overwhelming number of teachers (including almost all the
ones I studied the program with), feel frustrated and insulted." Yup. That's
me!
Michelle wrote, " Why in the world is Math always given more importance and,
as a result, more hours, than English? " Could the reason possibly be that
the MOE and our principals knowing that we are gluttons for punishment,
seeing us slaving for no recompense, have decided long ago that no matter
how difficult the circumstances, "...We shall overcome!" ( I don't think
this is what Joan Baez had in mind.....) So why should they bother giving US
more hours? No matter what, we Eng. teachers will come through and
successfully get the job done, regardless of the difficulty and cost to our
health; family or overdraft.
Veronica wrote: "However, if we ALL refuse to teach the new program, then it
can not go on... The universities etc will take into account that No
students are taking the new F. The students will not suffer if we all stick
together."
Theoretically, she is right. For example: In the USA in the mid '70's, the
price of instant coffee went up exorbitantly in the space of a few days. A
consumer group begged the nation not to purchase ANY coffee the following
week. Sales dropped by either 60 or 70%. SADLY, here in Israel, I don't
believe we'd achieve this percentage of solidarity. Why? Well, some teachers
are petrified of their principals. Mine is a gem, but years ago I had one
that was terrifying. (Seriously, I wouldn't be surprised it he beat and
abused his wife and children.) A teacher's life can be made miserable by
such a principal should teachers refuse to "follow orders." (I was one of 5
teachers on a staff of 78 teachers who had the guts to openly fight for his
dismissal. In the end we succeeded, but the tension and suffering we five
sustained during this "war" was horrific.) Thus, who am I to pass judgment
on others?
So, "X" number of teachers won't refuse a boycott for THAT reason. Another
group of teachers either have not yet received tenure, or are desperate for
their boss to "go to bat" like mine did to get them on THE list for early
pension. (It is extremely difficult for an English teacher to be released as
we know just how dire the need for even more Eng. teachers is) Hence, the
percentage of those who won't cooperate in such a boycott rises.
Add to that the extremely frustrated teachers like myself who teach in
Development Town areas ( not in central Israel.) We are torn because we know
that the vast majority of our youth already have the cards so stacked
against them (regarding the chances of them failing the 4 or 5 point exam.)
We'd feel guilty standing in their way when as it is, they are on the
periphery of the "playing field" when the powers at be make up these new
programs. (Sorry, but my experience has shown me time and time again that
without question, kids in Chatzor Ha'glilit, Kiryat Gat, Ofakim and Netivot
are way down on the list of priorities at the MOE !!!!!!!) That is my
personal opinion after 31 years on the job-- you may disagree.
Additionally, you have the many "gutless" individuals in any group of
citizens (no insult intended, but let's face it: A lot of people don't have
a big mouth like I do and are afraid to speak up about anything no matter
what the issue.) So......how many are we left with??????
Someone once suggested English teachers forming a separate union. The idea
is brilliant! Our subject is definitely among the most important,
prestigious and necessary of all topics taught in high school. The problem
is once again implementation. Who would take on such a humongous task????
We'd probably meet obstacles galore from both the Histadrut and the Irgun
even if we did have a group of saints willing to form such a union.....
So, as none of the teachers on my staff did the HOTS course yet (Irgun
directive,) I have signed up to do the summer on-line course. This doesn't
mean I plan to TEACH the new module..... but I want to know "what's going
on" and pray that by Sept. a bit of needed sanity will prevail and the whole
thing will be put off another year until:
A) All the glitches are ironed out AND a pilot for FOUR pointers has taken
place (Including weak 4 pointers,)
B) WE FINALLY GET A BIT OF MULAH ($$$$) FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS MADNESS!
Truly, enough is enough!!
(That wasn't a raised voice; rather frustration as I feel so utterly
frustrated and helpless when our weak four pointers are in danger of failing
because the MOE doesn't consider them a priority. It was also frustration
caused by my poor bank balance...... :) But then, I already mentioned above
that I am among the frustrated that Barry mentioned.
Shavua Tov and please ETAI participants, fill in those like myself unable to
attend the ETAI conference what went on/ was decided regarding this issue.
My dream is that there will be an announcement there that the whole HOTS
part of teaching literature is being put on hold at present. But, I guess
I'll win the lottery before THAT happens.....
A very frustrated-
Esther Revivo
Ulpanat Tzvia Sedot Negev
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