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Commissioner of Education talks at conference for future teachers

By Emma Popewelch

Posted on Monday, March 28th, 2005, 12:00 am

andrew gordon

FLIGHT SCHOOL - Robin Kennedy, an employee of the NASA Challenger Center, shuffles cards while teaching students and teachers about the importance of communication at Saturday´s conference for future teachers.

“Shouldn’t education be about learning?” asked Susan Gendron, Maine Commissioner of Education. Gendron gave the keynote address during the fifth annual Mathematics and Science Future Teachers Club spring conference, which focused on the future of education.

“The old system was about a bell curve – some get it and others do not – but today education is pushing to encompass all students,” she said.

A national statistic Gendron shared shows 70 percent of high school and 50 percent of college students reaching graduation. Gendron said she sees early and individual interaction as the key solution. As early as third grade, children can implement the skills required to succeed in math and science, although not full-fledged algebra, some of the activities children are participating and succeeding in incorporate pre-algebraic skills.

In assessing the need for student learning, Gendron highlighted the ever-changing technological field. Classrooms are using laptops and PDAs. With these tools, teachers are able to transform the mode with which children gain information. Changing curriculums toward self-direction and problem solving will gear students towards the business and economic world. A program called Real World Relevance education and learning is being documented in legislation for Promising Futures, Gendron said.

This legislation incorporates funding for a technology initiative as well as a comprehensive plan to link networks between Maine high schools, community colleges and the universities. The goal is an emphasis on exit skills or skills necessary to enter society.

Laura Bolstridge, a sophomore secondary education and mathematics major, said she was pleased with the plan.

“I am glad to hear of government involvement in the goals and possibilities concerning the future of education,” she said.

Gendron cautioned participants away from standardized tests and assessments. She said that although it is a potential tool, the obtained data is not utilized.

“Teaching to the test is not the goal. Instead, the information must be used to target areas needing attention,” she said.

“Your challenge as future teachers and leaders is to take this opportunity and push the boundaries as far as possible,” Gendron said.

“I came because it was an interesting opportunity to hear from someone in the field,” said Robert Slaugenhoup. “I left with new and interesting ideas regarding the emphasis of teaching to a students needs and interests.”