Chalk

I really enjoyed the film "Chalk." I thought that it was very funny as well as informational. It taught me some of the best approaches to being a teacher and what not. Mr. Stroope was very funny and really wanted to be teacher of the year. I thought it was good that he ccontinued to try and learn even though his students were using words that he didn't understand. He went to the library to get books describing how to be a better teacher. I think that ist is good to admit that he needs work and is trying to learn to do that. I also think that it is important to have goals in his teaching career like Mr. Stroope did. I think that by having goals and setting guidelines for attaining these goals that it is easier to accomplish them.

Autism and Education

I really enjoyed reading about this article because it put a good perspective on life. It was neat to realize that this mother, although having two completely different children tried to treat them very equally. She hated to say it, but she made a good point that maybe some of the money that we are giving to disabled individuals, should be spend on individuals that are very gifted to help them exceed to farther places in life. By giving money to gifted students, they have the potential to figure out information about helping cure different disabilities.

I thought it was interesting to see how there is no government money given to gifted education until recently there was a federal grant available. I think that there is maybe too much money and emphasis given toward "No Child Left Behind" and that there should be more money given toward students and individuals that have a greater potential in their career path.

Overall, I really enjoyed this article and I could relate it back to another Developmental Adapted Physical Education course I am taking, because we have been talking about the Rehabilitation Act, in Section 504. We have been discussing treating everyone equally and giving everyone an equal opportunity.

I also found this website that helped me better understand the No Child Left Behind Act. It describes in detail different aspects to No Child Left Behind. http://www.nea.org/home/NoChildLeftBehindAct.html

Steve Chambliss

I really enjoyed listening to Steve Chambliss speak about his experience within the schools over the past 41 years. He really emphasized not doing the same thing for 41 years, and I couldn't agree more. I think that you need to be experienced in different fields and have a whole grasp on life before you can be an effective teacher. I also think that his point about allowing yourself to be diverse and putting yourself out there... out of your comfort zone is very important. It allows and forces you to learn more about yourself as well as the most effective teaching style for you personally.

I thought that it was a really good point that Steve Chambliss emphasized by saying that you need to get the kids involved more in situations. The more they are involved in the better they will learn. I think that hands-on experiences, especially as a young child, the better that a student can comprehend a certain concept.

I thought it was very beneficial for Steve Chambliss to talk to our class and I really enjoyed listening to his experiences.