Do you have BOYS who don't like reading???

As a classroom teacher, one of my main concerns was 'How can I get my reluctant readers interested in reading?'... I'd ask other teachers, attend professional development seminars, read books, and search the internet to find whatever available about the topic. What I read and researched seemed to connect to what was happening in my classroom... most often, it was my male students, (not all) but mostly, which would openly state that they disliked reading. They did not read for pleasure at home and being an avid reader and knowing how important literacy skills are for success in most occupations- I needed to change they way these students viewed reading. Not only for their success as students but for their futures and perhaps (this was always my secret wish) I could lead them to a new path, one that leads them to loving literacy. Whether my reluctant readers found a love and passion for comics, mysteries, reading blogs, or a love of technical or how-to books! So long as it changed their view of reading; I was elated!

Students aren't born with a hate/distaste for reading. This is developed over time, sometimes it is developed along with difficulties and obstacles along with a lack of strategies to overcome them. Educators know the importance of reading at home, as well as the importance for "read alouds" to take place at home but the reality is that it will not occur in every home. It did not for me as a child and yet I grew to love reading and was a very successful student. As I thought about this topic, I came across an article that focused on using comics and graphic novels to stimulate interest- I thought- HECK- I'll try anything! I bought a variety of books from the Scholastic Arrow, Lucky, and other sources that were financially feasible for me and brought them into class. As time went on, I introduced my students (all of them- not just the reluctant readers) to the various types of literature available to them and made it available, always, in our classroom library.

I found that my reluctant readers would pick up books that were typically nonfiction in nature:  books about cars, motorcycles, bugs, athletes, biographies of athletes, magazines, and even articles from the local paper that I would laminate and keep over time if I found the topic something appropriate for the classroom.

A few years ago (about 3 years)- I came upon a resource called "Guys Read." It came with a video which I played and found that "Guys Read" is a not for profit literacy project developed by one of my favorite authors, Jon Scieszka. (pronounced Sheska) He is the author of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, The Frog Prince Continued, The Stinky Cheese Men and Fairly Other Stupid Tales, Math Curse, Science Verse, the Time Warp Trio series, and many more amazing books. (find them HERE)

Here is a summary of what Jon Scieszka's research has found out about boys and reading...

After polling boys throughout the country about the activities they enjoy, the findings were similar in every city from Manhattan, NewYork to Manhattan, Kansas-

Here are the top 4 activities boys prefer and in this order:
1. Video Games
2. Sports
3. Eating
4. Reading

Disturbing, TRUE data: 8th grade boys are 50% more likely to be held back than girls!

What do WE (researchers, educators, administrators, reading specialists, parents, anyone working with kids!) need to do to make a change?!!

1. Acknowledge that boys are different.... because they are!!
* Boys across the nation have already voiced their interest in nonfiction literature. They enjoy reading action- adventure books, books about sports, memoirs from their sports favorites... We need to give them the freedom to read the above-

My belief is that once we have allowed them the opportunity to read about their interests, these reluctant readers will begin to enjoy reading- once you (the teacher) feel you have 'hooked' them into reading, then is the time to introduce other genres. If you push too soon- you will get resistance... this is me, speaking from experience, I've had it happen each way. Let them develop a love for books, then you've made a life long reader- KUDOS!

Guys read suggests:
2. Expand the scope of texts/materials available; include a wider variety of reading!

Texts other than literary fiction should be provided:  Magazines, newspapers (sports section), comic books, graphic novels, Magic Tree house books, start a Boys Only Book Club, boys are attached to the plot of a book versus the characters- tailor lessons to discussing plot development! Allow boys to run their books clubs
3. Recommend titles other boys have enjoyed!

Have boys share books and make recommendations regarding specific titles they have enjoyed. "Book Hooks" where children share a portion of a favorite book with the class to entice others to want to read the book and then have a sign-up list available for the book for interested students. "Book Hooks" are sometimes called 'book blessings' or 'authors chair' but any program in a similar format will do the job!

4. Find and Have Male Role models to share books and connect with your boy readers, especially your most reluctant ones.

SHOW that other MALES read too...Once boys see that other boys/men read, reading for pleasure will no longer be thought of as a 'girls-only' activity. Develop reading buddies with older boys from upper-grades in your school or surrounding schools.

Look into community leaders and your school's community/business partnerships, most likely you will have many males willingly wanting to come in to share a favorite book!

go to the Guys Read website- for more suggestions!  http://www.guysread.com/

5. EMPOWER BOYS! Put boys in charge of their own reading!

*Develop reading lists that they may choose from that contain "guy-friendly" titles.

*Consult with your colleagues, your media specialist, and local librarians- you would be amazed at the perspectives others may offer....

Remember to also check the Guys Read website for more recommendations! 

http://www.guysread.com/

(information adapted from Guys Read video available from Scholastic and/or Guys Read website.)

Ralph Fletcher also has wonderful information regarding what boys need as writers... check back for future postings on his book- Boy Writers: Reclaiming Their Voices
His website has an abundance of wonderful resources- check them out at
http://www.ralphfletcher.com/index.html

Numeracy Helper- a Math Teacher's DREAM!! K-8

A while ago I came upon a newly beginning website called "Numeracy Helper." I subscribed to the newsletter as I am always willing to try something new and as each newsletter came in, I became decidely more and more aware of how hard the developer of this site works to create these resources for teachers. Not only does he work hard, but the resources are absolutely fabulous- they are exactly what teachers are looking for. The activities align perfectly with state and national (NCTM) standards. They can be used as whole group lessons, teachers can model them and then students can go to computer stations to finish as independent work. Another wonderful component is that there is a built in differentiation piece as most activities are input and output directed- therefore students must use what they know to work with the various modules! I have highly recommended this site to all the educators I work with in my district and now I'm letting everyone now that as of right now... Numeracy Helper is offering a free site license (and unfortunately- I didn't get this but hopefully you can!!) to all new newsletter subscribers- so don't hesitate... visit the site today...

http://www.numeracyhelper.com/

Google Image Swirl

Google Image Swirl: a Fun Toy!

I think to be able to keep up with all the cool gadgets and programs that have become available out there, you really need to stop working or decide not to sleep!! Well, I found this really neat tool today toiling around when I really should be working on the 10 papers that I have due NEXT week!!! But had I not found it, then I could not have shared it with you!! It's called "Google Image Swirl" and you can either choose from the images that they have provide or type in a subject of your own. I typed in french bulldogs because although my mother in law thinks they are ugly, I think their ugliness makes them oh so lovable!!!

My Google Image Swirl creation... a masterpiece... (not quite so...)
http://image-swirl.googlelabs.com/html?query=bulldog%20francais#91

IDEAS FOR THE CLASSROOM/ How can this be used in a classroom?

I could see this tool as being an engaging opening for a lesson on Social Studies, History, or Science. Teachers could model how to use Google Image Swirl and then children can work in groups or pairs and create projects. Students then write a sentence or paragraph (depending on their ability) to describe what their "swirl" represents. This tool is great for visual learners.

Here is the link to the site..
http://image-swirl.googlelabs.com/

How you teach READING poll?

I'm currently working on a research project on the preference of teacher's and reading instruction. If you are and elementary school teacher and you teach reading during part of the day- PLEASE answer the poll question and leave a comment regarding which style of reading instruction you think is best for students and which you prefer to teach. If you have examples you would like to share from your classroom, please do so but do not use the actual names of your students. You can, however, use the actual name of the program you are using!!!

launching my own website soon!!

www.TeachYourHeartOut.com

Within the next few days, I will be launching my own website that will give you access to lesson plans, materials, and resources on a variety of topics such as ...Reading (Guided Reading, Reader's Workshop, Differentiated Instruction, what to do with the other groups while working with small groups, Reading notebooks, Read Alouds, Shared Reading and much more), Writing (Writer's Workshop, Language Arts, Spelling Games, Spelling Lists, Phonics, Phonemic Awareness, How to integrate Language Arts and all the elements of it into the Writing Block, how to get kids to write fluently, how to get boys to write creatively, Children's Literature and Mentor Texts, Writer's Notebooks, Strategies for successful writer's, and much more), Math (problem solving skills, how to increase fluency with math skills, number sense, algebra in grades k-6, measurement, children's literature in the math block, using math notebooks in the math classroom, using reading strategies in the math block, and much much more! Science, Social Studies, Assessment, Classroom Management, and Behavior -- Everything you need to be successful in the classroom- YOU'LL FIND it at www.teachyourheartout.com Check back soon for a live link!!

TASHE program

I'm currently working as a mentor in a fabulous program with Palm Beach Community College.They provide a teaching certification program for second career seekers (mostly of hispanic descent- but not necessarily) called TASHE: Transitioning and Supporting Hispanic Educators. As mentors, we provide the support that the mentees need, whether it is information needed for coursework, or assistance in the classroom with curriculum, classroom management, and/or behavioral challenges with challenging students. The mentors are such a supportive group; we are constantly in touch with one another making sure we are up to date with what the mentees are in need of, we have held our first mini-conference where we discussed ESOL strategies, reading strategies, CRISS strategies, Reading and Writing workshop, and setting up a classroom, and we are planning on holding our next conference within the next four weeks. We are now working on implementing VoiceThread within the website, and updating our current website with resources for our mentees and other students who are enrolled in the teaching program at PBCC. We (those of us who want to see all educators- preservice and currently employed- succeed) want to make sure anyone and everyone has access to these resources that we believe are helpful to all educators!

Check out our links and some of our mentors websites!!!
http://www.palmbeachschooltalk.com/mcdonaldl/Literary_Lady/Welcome.html
http://www.pbcc.edu/TASHE.xml
http://www.projectcriss.com/

Increase traffic to your blog!

Looking to increase traffic to your blog?

I've got your answer....

If you are a relatively new blog/blogger and/or you just don't see the traffic to your blog that you want, then you should check out a new concept called "BLOG-UPP." It is a completely free program that will advertise your blog on other blogs.... FOR FREE!!!!

What do you need to do? It's EASY!....Download the widget "BLOG-UPP" and display it on your site. There is a waiting period for approval, approximately 24 hours, however Blog-Upp immediately starts working for you!!

The widget will post some blogs throughtout the day; this is how your blog will gather some viewers. Visitors from other blogs will see your blog advertised, click on it, and it will take them directly to your site! Viola! Magic... I've seen an increase in traffic since I've taken on my BLOG-UPP widget and I'm VERY HAPPY!!!! Try it- It's FREE!!

Lesson Study.. What is it? How can it help?

Why is it that Japanese students seem to outperform us in mathematics and science when we study the results of testing? Many seem to 'generalize' the answer to one notion...they have better students...This is not true. A typical classroom in Japan would look very similar to one here in the U.S. The difference is in the teaching practices and the delivery of material.



Japanese educators continually develop themselves and their teaching practices through the practice of Lesson Study. In their practice of Lesson study, Japanese teachers will work in small teams to develop lesson plans based on content/curriculum goals and the learning/emotional goals of their students. Once lesson plans are completed and agreed upon by the team, one teacher will deliver the lesson to his/her class while the other teachers observe.

After the lesson has been taught, the teachers meet again and discuss the lesson as a whole, delivery of instruction, interaction of students, achievement of instructional and affective goals. The lesson is then revised upon all the findings and then taught by a second teacher to a different group of students, while teachers observe.



In Japan, lesson study is a very important component of professional development. Japan's emphasis on this process has gained the attention of the National Council of Teacher's of Mathematics and the National Science Foundation. Check out the following link to find multiple resources on the process of lesson study, materials to help implement lesson study, and research that supports it's use in schools.



http://www2.edc.org/lessonstudy/lessonstudy/

Banyan Creek second-graders learn more while enjoying their education

September 29, 2008
Banyan Creek second-graders learn more while enjoying their education
> Posted by DAve DiPino at 4:01 PM

At Banyan Creek Elementary School, Susanna Livingston teaches a class of gifted second-graders and has found an innovative way to motivate her students.“First, and foremost, I prepare my students to be the world's future scientists, researchers, cancer curers by using inquiry skills,” Livingston said. She said her class has been renamed “the Livingston Township" at Banyan Creek Elementary School. Through regularly scheduled activities, some students who previously were uninterested in science are now excited about the subject.

Donations from parents and support from area businesses have allowed Livingston to purchase a pair of durable plastic goggles for each child to protect their eyes. Plus every child has his or her own lab coat, purchased slightly larger than their current size so that it will fit them through out elementary school.


The class also has participated in a recent “Read-In Celebration” held each month at the Livingston Township. In September, the read-in's theme was Dr. Seuss.focus was
Each student brought in as many Dr. Seuss books as they had at home and could physically carry to school, along with a blanket and pillow or sleeping bag, since the day's focus was to read, relax and enjoy, Livingston said.

Adding It Up: Helping Children Learn Mathematics

Adding It Up: Helping Children Learn Mathematics

Shared via AddThis

Do you...Squidoo?? some say you can make $$ too...

If you are reading my posts, then you know I love learning about TECHNOLOGY!!! Well, I've just found a new obsession...SQUIDOO!! It's like a blog but somewhat different. If I knew a bit more about it I could draw you a Venn Diagram and label the differences on separate sides of the circles and the commonalities in the middle...but I am in the learning stages of my 'squidooing'... and don't quote me on that term because it's my own- It's not an official Squidoo term, though Squidoo does contain it's own vocabulary and jargon. Instead of pages, you create lenses. The great part of it all is that there are people actually making MONEY from their lenses... I've posted a link to a 'lens' that really intrigued me.

Do I think I'm going to hit it rich?? Who knows? Will I have fun? Most certainly...will my students like this...ABSOFREAKINLUTELY!!! Definitely check it out... It is totally free- and if you are so opposed to making money, you can donate all your profits to charity!

Check out my first Squidoo lens and find links to making money with Squidoo...

http://www.squidoo.com/teachyourheartout

Hi Readers, I just wanted to share a few articles that were posted this year on a blog. I was going to import articles printed in my local newspaper, the Sun Sentinel, but I am not yet able to complete the task. Hopefully, it will be done soon enough!!

Second grade class gets grant to get gross

> Posted by DAve DiPino on April 20, 2009 at 11:50 AM

The "Livingston Township" meets before their trip to the South Florida Museum's Grossology Exhibit. Susanna Livingston, gifted education second grade teacher at Banyan Creek Elementary School in Delray Beach, recently found about the Target field trip grant through an e-mail she received from Banyan Creek Elementary's principal William Fay.


According to Livingston, Target had begun offering field trips to help educators fund programs in which students can be taught in settings other than the classroom."I had written a Target Grant before (not a field trip grant but for a Literacy Program for Parents and Title I families at my previous school). I clicked on the link and began filling out the information. Everything had to be completed online which was a challenge but when I received an e-mail notification that I was one of the recipients and would soon receive the funding for all the second grade students (almost 150) at our school I was thrilled.The highest amount that the grant could be written for was $800, our grade level received the entire amount to send almost 180 students to the South Florida Science Museum," Livingston said. She spent two of her off nights and four hours of her personal time to write the grant making it possible for the students to attend the exhibit for $1 per student rather than the original cost of $8 per head.


The Grossology exhibit will only be at the museum until May 1, the "Livingston Township" intends to attend this week in a scheduled field trip. We will also conduct some grossology experiments when we return from the field trip. One will be creating edible poop- although sounding rather gross that is what grossology is all about- the study of things that gross you out! But let me place your fears aside- edible poop is just chocolate but it looks like real poop- you would just make strangers very nervous if you were to eat it nearby without them knowing, especially if you just picked it up off of a bench they were sitting near," Livingston said.

At the South Florida Museum large crowds are coming from all over Palm Beach County, including a Jupiter resident and her daughter."It's a cool exhibit about all the functions of the human body like puking, farting and snot... It's cute you'll like it. Check out the baby alligators in the exhibit," said Laura Kramer, who attended the exhibit with her daughter.

Wordle- great tool

Wordle- A great Tool

How can it be used?

...generate vocabulary terms for a topic

...post background knowledge about a topic of study

...stimulate interest about an upcoming unit

How do you use it in your classroom??

What are other ways of using it in the classroom??

Here's the link.... http://www.wordle.net

Edutopia

Edutopia- What works in public education...
George Lucas Foundation

Early in 2008, I subscribed to an educational magazine called Edutopia. I did it on a hunch knowing that what I was looking at was some powerful writing... I had never seen the website nor the magazine ever before.

It was a typical early evening; after having cooked dinner, fed the children, washed the dishes, I finally got to my favorite part of my day... surfing the web in my totally rad wetsuit looking for some useful resources for the classroom. Before it became time for the alarm clock to ring, right before the moment my arms started becoming noodled, I came across the Edutopia website and was VERY impressed, you could even say I was amped! I thought, what the hay, it's a free trial subscription... how can it hurt??

Call it a woman's intuition or just a knack for detecting great educational resources, I was right on the money with my prediction. Well, I don't just love my magazines- I crave them, I can't wait for them to come in the mail- beware the hands that would ever dare to throw an issue away, that would be like throwing a first edition of Dickens to the men in gray suits!! I find myself keeping them for tons of reasons.... I will refer to them for information to give others, or I may 'tab' a page with a great article with some awesome links. I might even suggest an article for a parent. They offer everything a classroom teacher needs, information from trends in technology to how to reach all multiple intelligences in the classroom.

The best part of all is that you can access their website and gain access to archived magazines and articles, blogs kept by Edutopia authors, and other wonderful resources. You don't necessarily have to purchase a subscription but for the low rate in comparison to other magazine subscriptions and organizations, Edutopia is well worth the money. Trust me- I am not a Junkyard Dog, a Mushburger, or a Kook....I double pinky promise!!


****My application of surfing terms is dedicated to my daughter Sara who has become a surfer-girl, beach bum, fun-in-the-sun, Florida- beauty.... I love you pooh bear...xoxoxo

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Math and Science Links

Although technology integration has been a key topic of discussion among many educators, forums, and found within hundreds of blogs, the reality of what will happen, based upon the discussions in districts and ultimately what will evolve within classrooms for the upcoming school year (and future school years) is the movement and emphasis upon mathematics and science.

Teachers will find that they will be required to spend more time focusing upon mathematics and science education because of it's importance for every student's future. Technology will be integrated among the study of math and science; those teachers who can do so will be sought after to lead the path for future educators.

Due to this trend, I will be including more math and science links on the bottom of the blog; hopefully making them easier to find. If you have some that you highly recommend- Please let me know and I can add them to the list. When possible I will list whether the site is directed more toward elementary or secondary education. Summer is quickly coming to an end and so I wish you all a Happy Summer (remainder of a few weeks!!!!) ....that was my little addition of math...get it... remainder....addition....LOL.... my very dry attempt at humor.....

Grants and Funding for your classroom/school!

With districts around the country facing budget cuts, the bottom line for teachers is more out of pocket expenses. Last year I spent more money for my classroom than I can remember spending ever before. Paper seemed to be a hot commodity, white paper, colored paper, construction paper, glue was the second runner up! I had written four grants the year prior but only one was funded; the grant really helped though because we were able to have science supplies I never would have been able to purchase had I not had grant money!

Grant money is definitely a great source of funding for a classroom. There are plenty of grants that are available throughout the year but now is the time to write; when you have some time to spare. Tech&Learning has posted a great resource for those looking for grants that I have posted here. It provides the name of the grant, the company, the link, and the grant deadline. I highly recommend writing at least two, just in case one is denied. If you have lots of time on your hands then write more than two. Make sure to follow the grant guidelines, I know from experience and from having friends who are on grant committees, those grants that do not stick to the guidelines and adhere to the format are not even looked at. With more and more educators and grant writers out there, "if you cannot respect to follow the guidelines then they will not bother to look over the grant proposal", so I've been told.

I hope you find the grant calendar useful. If you are unable to read it once you've clicked on it- I've posted the link below.... The best of luck to the grant writers out there!!!

http://www.techlearning.com/uploadedFiles/dellgrantscalendar09_10.pdf

A Great Blog- Prestwick Cafe!

I'm in the car on my way to Tennessee. The first amazing thing I love about computers is that I can check to make sure I spelled Tennessee correctly, which I did! Horray for me!! (I've always excelled in spelling but it never hurts when you feel a bit uneasy about your spelling to hit the 'spellcheck' button- just to be on the safe side. The second amazing and incredible aspect (I truly LOVE this part) is that I can access the internet while my husband drives the car!! I love leisurely reading or blogging in the backseat while he does the driving. Now, of course, I did offer to drive but he wants to do it...so I'm happy to be in the back reporting the following to you all...

I've just found a very resourceful blog called the Prestwick Cafe. Full of interesting and helpful topics, links to other helpful blogs, I wanted to mention it because as an educator and new to the blogging world- I want to bring to 'LivingLearners' readers the most useful sites and blogs so that my readers don't have to spend time looking for those resources themselves. I you will enjoy it. Here is the link... http://prestwickhouse.blogspot.com/
Tell me what you think by leaving a comment!! Thanks!

A Literacy Must-Have Resource!

One of the most useful tools that I've come across during my years of teaching has been the International Reading Association's (IRA) website, ReadWriteThink.org. It has resources, links, downloadable materials available for all educators from Kindergarten throught 12th grade! If you find that you've found a great lesson on how to create a "flip-book" but have no idea what a "flip-book" is because you are new to the education field as you're previous job was being the CFO of the Trumpt National Bank; well have no fear... there are video lessons on how to create a variety of resources that teachers use in the classroom, i.e. a 'flip-book'.

Check out the following resources and look for some of your own!
http://www.readwritethink.org/materials/flipbook/
http://www.readwritethink.org/materials/alphabet/

The best part of IRA's ReadWriteThink is that there is no cost to access any of the materials... They are completely free!! There are benefits to being a member of IRA, and having been one myself for over 12 years, I can only state that I find the benefits FAR outweigh the price of membership. If you'd like to visit the IRA's website and see about membership and current research regarding literacy and language, check out their wonderful website; another wonderful tool for educators of all areas!
http://www.reading.org/General/Default.aspx

iTeachtoo!

I found a great new tool online and I think if you are a teacher you should sign up and join today!! It is called "I teach too" and it is a 'collaborative' type of website that educators post lessons that they have either created themselves or have found to be useful. It has some awesome lessons and although it seems to be a relatively new site, it already has a wealth of materials!!! I've posted a great resource on the website that I created for my district. The tool is geared towards 2nd grade math but really can be used by teachers of k-3 and will give you a variety of tools to use for teaching mathematics. It is aligned to Florida's new Mathematic Benchmarks and the current Palm Beach County Mathematics Textbook. It is a tool that will be used by teachers in the Palm Beach County School District and I would love for teachers to check it out and leave a comment or add an additional resource!!! The link to "I teach too" is

http://www.iteachtoo.com/index.cfm?go=main.registerform

When asked "How did you hear about us?", please mention this blog- livinglearners.blogspot.com! Let me know what you think!!!!

Moodle

I've been reading about Educational Technology over the past two days and this word 'Moodle' had kept popping up everywhere. Well, of course, being the 'Curious Georgina' that I am, I had to find out what it was. It looks very interesting.... If you use it, please leave a comment. As I try to find some semblence of a definition for you- (you may look up the Wikipedia one if you like)- you can check out Moodle for yourself at the website. It is an absolutlely FREE tool to use and seems to have amazing uses for the classroom...so Moodle away! http://moodle.org/

Guided Reading or Reader's Workshop

I've just finished attending the most fabulous Reader's Workshop professional development that I've seen in quite awhile. Conducted by the Teacher's College of Columbia University, the focus was on teaching reading and writing through the use of the Reader's and Writer's Workshop. I have used both in my classroom for quite sometime, though the emphasis in the district where I am employed is focused more towards the Guided Reading approach, there can be no denying that the Reader's Workshop works. By looking at the amazing gains that this school has made because of the implementation of this system and the informal research I have conducted within my own classroom setting, it is clear to me that the better approach is the Reader's Workshop. I will be posting information on how to implement the Reader's workshop in the classroom setting within the next 2 weeks. Those using it already- PLEASE- leave your comments!!

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Readicide

My thoughts so far- WOW- Kelly Gallagher has put into words what I feel districts and schools are doing to reading by implementing these "systemic" changes to the way we teach reading. We can no longer enjoy books, educators (some, of course, NOT ALL) dissect every little piece of the book until you no longer remember the book that was read but the minuscule lessons that were pulled from each page and picture, extracted by the most eloquent of educators! Let us no longer kill books, let's just read them just to enjoy them sometimes.... Just read! Check out his podcast by clicking the link.
http://www.stenhouse.com/html/readicidepodcast.htm

Welcome...and needing some advice...

I am an educator by birth! I've always known that I was meant to be a teacher. I've just finished my 12th year in the classroom; the grades I have taught have ranged from teaching first grade as an interim teacher to Drop out prevention 4/5 split, to gifted and talented learners. I've even spent a year instructing K-5 in a science lab but as this year closes out I look forward to a change in direction. A position as a Learning Team Facilitator awaits me at 2 different Title 1 schools. I will no longer have a classroom of my own. My poor daughters (2 of them)!

Most of my career has been spent in both 3rd and 4th grade classrooms, and (if your an educator in Florida as I am) typically preparing students for the dreaded FCAT. I do- in some ways- believe in some form of standardized testing, however felt an immense amount of pressure to focus on my students who were not performing at grade level standards. I'm sure there are many teachers out there who feel the same way.

What I am curious to know.. is the following.....

*Transitioning from a classroom to a more "coaching" type of position, what should I expect? (I'm feeling a bit 'bittersweet' about my move...)

*How many teachers/educators out there are unsatified with their jobs because of the pressure that administration places on 'us' because of state standardized testing?