Blog due Friday, December 2

Title:  Early History of Education in America

You've studied it, read about it, and made note of the important points of the beginnings of American education through the Depression.  Now it's time to show what you know.  Select one (1) of the following prompts and create a post that shows your understanding education during that period.  Be sure that you answer the prompt.

A.  One-room schoolhouses with a single teacher responsible for all grades developed in rural areas with limited population.  A few of these schools still exist.  If you were teaching in such a school now, how could technology help you manage to teach students at so many different levels.

B.  During the Great Depression of the 1930s, some teachers continued to work for little or not pay.  What do you think motivated them?  How do you think you would react as a teacher, if a similar situation occurred?  What factors would you weigh as part of you decision?

C.  Throughout the early history of education in America, teachers were held in great respect and were expected to be role models for students.  In your opinion, how are teachers regarded today?  Give reasons for your views.

Notes:  You must answer the prompt - don't go off on a tangent.  You must make reference and create a pathway to this prompt.  You must include at least one additional source of media (pic, photo, link, etc.)

The Water is Wide Reflection

Now that you have viewed the video about a young controversial school teacher and his unconventional style used to inspire children, reflect on the questions below.  Select 4 and post the responses on your blog.  Note: Each part of Question 6 counts as an individual question.  (20 points each.) Questions must be answered using standard rules for good writing.  Be sure to number your responses.  If not, you will need to copy the questions.

Learn how to link the original blog prompt to your post.  
(20 points if done properly)
(10 points if link is present but labeled wrong)
(0 points for no link to blog prompt.)



Questions to Ponder:

1. In what ways has education changed since the 1960s?
2. In what ways has it stayed the same since the 1960s?
3. Describe a teacher you know or knew who is or was very conventional and is or was tied to doing things the way they have or always had been done. (Do not use real names.)
4. Describe three ways that Mr. Conroy inspired his children to learn that were unconventional.
5. How did he get the community to support the school?
6. What roadblocks did he encounter with
   1. the children?
   2. his coworker?
   3. the community?
7. What attributes did Mr. Conroy have that were characteristics found in most effective teachers? (List at least 5 and explain with example from the movie.)
8. What idea/thought do you carry away from this movie that you will apply to your future career?