Why Our Work is Important

We have begun a new school year with a bang, presenting a very comprehensive first unit of curriculum for science instruction. Now we have the challenge of continuing this process through the year, providing teachers with the subsequent units as the calendar turns. As we begin to get exhausted from just meeting the needs of our classrooms, let me try to give a bit of perspective on our work.

First, consider the importance of what we have already done. Teachers who attended other district trainings by and large emerged frustrated and feeling as though they had wasted their time. Teachers who left our training emerged charged up and well-equipped. They were charged up because they saw the support they needed being provided, and they felt empowered because it was not handed down from on high, but the product of teacher initiative.

Our District is beginning a come-back. Those of us who have been here a few years have struggled to create islands of functionality amid a tossing sea of disarray. Our project provides a solid example of what teachers can do when given responsibility and resources. We are doing much more than has ever been expected of teachers, and we aren't doing it because we have been told we must, but because we actually want to take responsibility for our curriculum. We actually want all the students at our middle schools to have access to high quality, inquiry-based science instruction. And we know that we are the only chance for this to happen.

The problems we have in Oakland are not ours alone. They are common to most urban districts. We have a chance to respond creatively to these challenges, through our collective efforts. The curriculum guides we build now will provide the basis for instruction and collaboration for years to come. The reason these guides are valuable is because they reflect the best teaching practices in use right here in Oakland. They reflect the active involvement of dozens of teachers from many different school sites.

I am going to close with a reprise of a few of the comments we received on our evaluations last week, just as a reminder of the impact we are having on our fellow teachers.

"The binder program is the most structured and useful I've seen so far. I have no science background and only found out yesterday that Ill be teaching physical science, and my site's textbooks aren't ready. I was in a huge panic. But now I have a great resource and sense of structure to begin with & now I'm very hopeful about the beginning of the year!"

"One of the most useful workshops I've been to. It was a workshop tailored exactly to the needs of 8th grade science teachers. Excellent for new teachers -- they come away with things they can use immediately. Great for experienced teachers because there are advanced practices discussed as well."

"I have never been more convinced that curriculum materials/texts etc. that have been developed by teachers are the best way to get teachers to change what they do."

Let's keep up the good work!

I hope to see everyone at the next team meeting at Old Chabot on 9/27/01, from 4 to 6.

Anthony Cody