Arts High School Orientation

I would be lying if I said that I went into Arts High with no preconceived notions or expectations. Coming from the dance perspective, I actually expected more of what I saw as the dance studio space, and to be honest the training level of the students there. I had the idea that these students were ready to be thrown into Julliard right away after leaving Arts High, I made myself believe that I may not be a qualified enough teacher to teach there if I was offered a job. However I was relieved in a way to see that the students were still wet around the ears, and could use a lot of training, and that I could be a great teacher for them. Of course yes I have a lot to learn but hypothetically speaking in terms of what I have seen now against what I assumed. Not to say they were not wonderful or anything less, but I can see there is room for training and discipline in the art of dance for the students.
Outside the dance aspect of the school, generally I was very impressed with the classrooms and the enthusiasm I saw in the students while learning and discussing class material. For example while touring the school we stepped into a visual art class where the students were critiquing each other's work and discussing things that could be done to improve upon their work. I sensed a level of maturity in the students that is often missing in many cases otherwise, excited and serious about what they had to do while in school. I was truly touched by the young man who was recently voted senior class president, touched almost to tears. When he was asked how his friends feel about him have the opportunity to go to school and do what he loves and enjoys while in school, he responded playfully saying "why would they be mad? Oh you mean because their not one of the chosen ones?" This brought a smile to my face because I wish for so many children to be have the privileges these children are getting here at Arts.
Though I am sure there are cases where some students may take their opportunity for granted, I am almost certain the majority have earned their position and are working hard at maintaining it within Arts. It's sensitive because I understand what these kids are facing when they leave the hallways of Arts High, and even though each child in the Newark community can not be impacted as these students most certainly will be, it warms my heart to know that positivity starts with the handful of students learning and growing there now.

Responce to No Child Left Behind

I admit I was a little naive about NCLB and its position in the school system. I understood from a broad perspective what it entailed but I did not know about the numbers and the details supporting it, like the three percent of students that are exempt and the remainder of "special students" who are counted which can bring the scores down for a particular school. For as long as I have been in school, the whole idea of testing has never been a beneficiary aspect of school, or at least it never seemed so. I remember my teachers would often neglect current class material to cram things to teach us quickly before testing time. In my philosophy education class, we have been talking about Emerson, Dewey and DeBois' educational philosophies, and I realize that the common idea among all of their philosophies lies in learning by experiences and through a focus on the needs of the children alone. America thinks that they have finally caught a handle on education and bringing equality to education for all students, however this testing method with its apparent advantages I think they project a more disadvantage because children are still being neglected in the process, and others are pressured to perform to the best of their ability despite their disposition good or bad.