Creativity Counts

In response to Mrs. Steven's Blog, below is my thoughts about creativity.

Creativity

• Creativity is being original and trying new things without being afraid of being wrong.
• It does not have limits.
• It is structureless and a completely new idea that has never been done before

Why does it Matter in Education?

• Creativity is just as important as academics in education.
• It helps our future country because preparing creative people will allow our country to expand and advance in ways other people do not think is possible.
• It gives students value, especially the ones that may not be the best in math and science.

How can we Fix this?

• By putting the same level of importance on academics and creativity will encourage students.
• By not punishing students for being wrong and failing something, they will be more open to trying creative ideas outside the box.

The Future of Texas Education

In response to Mrs. Steven's blog, I read two very interesting articles about the future of education in Texas from a few angles like opportunities and changes that may occur. Below is my reflection.

The Texas Monthly article focuses on the opportunities future teachers will have.

• The article shows the results from the crazy budget cut back in 2011 and I was shocked at what I learned. I knew that many teachers were laid off, but I had no idea that the number of schools asking for wavers to have more than twenty two students in a classroom nearly tripled.

• The article also focuses on a problem that education will have in a few years. There is going to be a large demand for teachers in Texas, but there will not be people to fill those positions because fewer people are getting teaching certificates.

•  This shows that people that are going to graduate college in a few years with a teaching certificate will probably have several job opportunities.

The Great Teachers article focuses on Wendy Davis' platform for changes in education.

• By having some of the programs that Davis wants to pass, more people that are in the top of their class may be more interested into going in the educational field.

• Having more counselors that were teachers, so they have the experience to give advice that will benefit student's education.

• Bring Texas teacher pay in line with the rest of the country's teacher pay.

My Year Ahead

In response to Mrs. Steven's Blog, there are many things that I should reevaluate for the new year.

1. I am wanting to be more organized at both school and my house. I can do this by taking the time to put things in their correct spot instead of throwing it in a random spot and letting things pile up. In school if I am more organized, I will be able to work more efficiently and save time, so my grades will benefit. I am hoping to create habits that I can carry out throughout my life to stay organized.

2. I am going to balance my schedule better this year. I am going to keep my priorities straight and manage my time wisely. I will get all my school work done, go to practice, spend time with friends and family, and continue my tutoring job. In order to do so, I am going to have to limit my time on each and  complete the most important first. I am hoping that my life will be less stressful if I remain balanced.

3. I am going to work hard in volleyball this year. I am going to work on techniques, skills, and strategies that will benefit me in the long run. I am going to do my best every time I get on the court, so I will not let anyone down. I am hoping that all my hard work will pay off this year and I will be getting  a volleyball scholarship.