“digital divide” exists between middle/upper class students and students from low-income families.

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Some reports indicate that a “digital divide” exists between middle/upper class students and students from low-income families. AND 1.2 What schools can do to help narrow the access gap that could lead to the most underserved students being economically disadvantaged in the future? AND 1.3 As a teacher, how would you integrate technology into your lessons (technology as a tool for effective teaching) and deal with the digital divide issues? (please propose at least three strategies for each and elaborate on them) [A good question to reflect upon during pandemic]

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2. What do you think about the notion of cultural literacy (what every American needs to know) or foundational knowledge for public school students proposed by E.D. Hirsch and elaborate on your response?  AND 2.1 There were a huge influx of immigrant children (most of them are ELL students) into the school district, what would you suggest (in general) we need to do in “educating all students” required by the state? (please propose at least three strategies and elaborate on them)

3. What approaches would you propose to your future educational policy makers (state/district level) to “de-segregate” our schools and to promote the communications among parents, teachers, and community. (please propose at least three strategies and elaborate on them)

In a large, inner city neighborhood, an elementary/middle school principal faced a serious problem.  Her teachers had implemented a variety of assessments including performances, portfolios, presentations, projects, research papers, and so on.  Students seemed to respond well to these different measures, and grades went up.  Parents and teachers alike were pleased with these assessment efforts until the district-wide standardized test results were published.  Surprisingly, the scores for students in grades four through eight stayed the same.  There was little improvement in the reported scores compared with scored from the prior year.  Because the inner-city school scored lower than the district average, it was placed on a watch list.  The local papers decried the school’s instruction and demanded change.

4. What are some of the reasons that could account for the supposed improvement in students’ grades even though the standardized tests showed little achievement growth?

5. What do you think the principal of the school could do in response to the negative publicity?  What suggestions would you give to the principal to change the things around?

6. What is your response to the statement of “teaching to the tests” if parents raised the issue?  Please elaborate. (Do you believe that teachers and principals should be sanctioned or rewarded on the basis of standardized tests? Why or why not?)

7. What would you suggest to the principal in regard to some “bullying incidents” OR “violence incidents” happened in the school? A proposal of concrete strategies.