Definitions

My principal Kim Baker and I at a conference in D.C.

The principal at Elefante Blanco in Brasilia

The principal at a public elementary school in Teresina 

Alex, the principal at CCL with Little Miz English

Definitions:

Encino Fundamental: n. the term for grades 1-9 in Brazil.  These schools are funded by each city.

Encino Medio: n. the term for grades 10-12. These schools are funded by each state. 

Public School: n. free to students.  However, the resources and instruction is sometimes lacking and is considered the lesser quality education.

Private School: n. very expensive.  Often has more resources, better instruction, and higher passing rates than the public schools.  This is the desired education for most Brazilians but is not accessible to all Brazilians. 

Vestibular: n. the exam to get into university. This is a very difficult test and students often have to take a different test for each university they want to apply to. 

Public Universities: n. paid for by the Federal government.  These are seen as the best universities but are extremely difficult to get into.  Acceptance is based on a student’s test score only.  Private secondary schools have a higher acceptance rate for the public universities so a lot of parents/families make great sacrifices to send their children to private schools. 

Technology: n. In Brazil technology is a luxury.  Very few public schools have access to a lot of technology.  The public schools we visited in Brasilia did not have computers in any of the classrooms or LCD projectors, or even overhead projectors. Technology is not a luxury in Utah but seen as a common place necessity.  Each teacher has his or her own computer. There is most often an LCD projector and in my district, most classrooms now have Apple TV.  Schools often have more than one computer lab and are starting to get iPad labs.  I talked with a chemistry teacher in Brasilia who had almost no supplies in her lab, which instantly humbled me because I have been whining about only having four net books in my classroom!  I’ve learned through this experience that a universal teaching skill is to make the best of what resources you do have.  While I may not have enough computers in my classroom for each student, I have learned that the majority of my students now have smart phones.  I’ve started adjusting the ways I incorporate technology by having students use their smart phones instead of computers to do interactive activities.  The teachers in Brazil are even better at providing a quality education without access to technology.  The teachers make sure their lessons are engaging and interactive for their students. 

Motivation: n. the eternal and universal educational challenge.  In talking with a lot of teachers in a variety of public schools, a common frustration was student motivation.  I found that so interesting because that is also a common frustration among American teachers!  However, the root cause of a lack of student motivation is very different.  Most teachers in the US would say students are unmotivated because they already have everything they want and do not see a need for education.  The Brazilian teachers told me that most Brazilian students are unmotivated because they do not feel they have the opportunity to go to college because it is so difficult and students in a public school have a distinct disadvantage over those in a private school. 

Assessment: n. the hot topic in America!  This is one of the biggest focuses of American education. One of the biggest questions being asked is “how can we know if students are learning?”  There is a big push for common summative/formative assessments.  Student test scores are now becoming a part of teacher evaluation and pay.  Testing has always been a sensitive issue in the US because most tests are standardized and are limiting in the information they provide. These tests are used to group students and to determine college acceptance (though they are used in conjunction with other elements such as GPA, citizenship, and extracurricular activities).  Assessment has brought about the push for data-driven instruction and standards-based grading.  Assessment seemed very different to me in Brazil.  While teachers are concerned whether or not their students are learning, there is less emphasis on formative assessment. The major focus on assessment is on preparing for the vestibular.  When a teacher assesses his or her students, he or she writes a test. Then the teacher gives the test to a specific person who types up the test and then prints it off. I was very surprised to see that most schools just have one printer, rather than a copy machine.  The tests were always printed in color and one at a time and the secretary would then staple all of the tests by hand.  I take it for granted that I can make an assessment in about ten minutes.  I type it up, printed, and then copy it for my students.  In talking with one of the teachers in my program who spent time with a teacher near São Paulo, commented that her teacher  had 300 students but was only allowed 150 copies each term.  

Principal: n. A school leader. In the US the principal is the main leader of a school. He or she is responsible for overseeing academics, athletics, and the budget.  A principal must have an administration license and often a master's degree.  A principal is usually a vice principal for a while before he or she becomes a principal.  In Brazil a principal is usually one of the teachers at a public school (but not necessarily at a private school).   The principal is either appointed or elected into his/her position.  The principal I met with at Elefante Blanco in Brasilia was voted in.  She received 100% of the student/parent votes but only 50% of the teacher's votes.  She thinks this was because she had not been at the school for very long.  She will be the principal for three years and then will have to run again if she wants to continue to be the principal.  Principals do not have any extra training or receive any instruction! Alex, the principal at CCL, continues to teach classes at CCL along with being the principal.  He has a lot of responsibility!  He is very resourceful and contacted his professor at Kent state who recommended some books for him to read.  Erica has her administrative license and I am almost finished with mine so were also able to recommend resources for Alex.  Alex is an amazing example for his teachers and works hard to help them have international experiences to enhance their teaching and learning.