Why blog?

This blog was started in an effort to document some useful tools available for teachers, media specialists, and others involved in education. I am currently a high school English teacher pursuing a masters degree in Instructional Media. Most days, I love my job. I get to be around some amazingly unique individuals, and hopefully teach them something that will help them become successful adults. However, I go home many days feeling frustrated. I believe that all too often I "teach to the test." And I believe that the current educational environment practically forces that upon teachers. This does not mean I blame administrators, NCLB, accountability, assessment, parents, fellow faculty, or students on my teaching deficiencies. The blame lies solely with me. I fail to come up with lessons that do something other than "teach to the test." I am too selfish and too concerned with what my students' benchmarks scores or EOI scores will look like. Yes, that is important, and I in no way take those assessments lightly. HOWEVER, if all I do as a teacher is prep my students for the next benchmark or EOI, then I have failed miserably. When my students leave my classroom (and someday my library) I need to have given them something more than test-taking tools and how to identify tone, metaphors, and similes. I need to prepare them in ways that allow them to become creative, critical thinkers. I need to use the tools that they use on a regular basis. I need to incorporate technology--ipods, cell phones, computers, etc. in a way that isn't just an afterthought. Hopefully, this blog will serve as a way to showcase useful ways of doing just that. And hopefully, I can become an educator that doesn't just "teach to the test."