CIDRE Portfolio

1. One Austrian Education System Reflection

After having read School and Education in Austria, I couldn't help but notice some parallels between schooling in Austria and in the United States. The article explains that schools in Austria are organized into five stages- early childhood, primary, lower-secondary, upper-secondary, and tertiary education. Students typically complete primary education at age 10, followed by four years of secondary education. Where student's track to is dictated by a student's socio-economic background. 

Another similarity is in school autonomy and leadership. The article explains that schools experience a limited degree of autonomy,  such as in resource use and management. Schools have very little say in planning and structures. Schools take 21% of decisions relating to the allocation of resources, resource management, and professional development. A higher percentage of decisions is mentioned in regard to the organization of instruction. Since the 1990s, Austrian schools have seen an increase and been encouraged to implement curricula. 

A difference in Austrian and US schools can be seen in student assessment. Student assessment in Austrian schools at first did not entail standardized testing. Assessments were mostly conducted by classroom teachers and schools. Formative assessments are expected to take place but are not regulated.  

The final similarity in US and Austrian schools is the problem with equity. In both, socioeconomic status plays a role in student achievement. The article mentions there is a difference in performance between immigrant and non-immigrant students. In Austria, it is more frequent for boys and considerably more common for students with a non-German speaking background to repeat a grade. 

2. The Sound of Music Film Review

The Sound of Music is a beloved film set in the 1930s in a small town in Salzburg, Austria. It features the true story of the Von Trapp Family singers. It begins with a view of a woman, Maria, singing and skipping through beautiful green scenery with a breathtaking view of the mountain in the distance. She is seen as difficult by her convent and is sent away to be the governess of a family of 7 children. The Von Trapp family is introduced by the father, Captain Von Trapp, who with his first impression is seen as a stoic, conservative man with a military-style parenting. He is a widower and has gone through 12 governesses. Maria's fun personality brings newfound cheerfulness and music back into the family. The family navigates this new relationship, but the story takes a sharp turn when Nazis have taken over Austria and attempt to influence their lives. The Sound of Music is a healthy mix of romance, musical and suspense that kept me intrigued from start to finish. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys musicals and romance. 

3. The Devil in Vienna Book Review

The Devil in Vienna, set in the 1930s, follows the story of Inge Dornenwald, a Jewish thirteen-year-old, and her best friend, Liselotte. The two have been friends since first grade and often spent their time together. Those times dwindle to nothing when Liselotte moves away, a short time before Austria is annexed by Germany. Liselotte returns but with her father being a Nazi, their friendship becomes forbidden and dangerous. 

The Devil in Vienna is structured by journal entries written by the character, Inge Dornenwald. While I thought that the beginning was slow, it provided a look at Liselotte and Inge's friendship dynamic. A quarter of the way in, it picks up and there is a shift in the community when Germany begins its influence. The most interesting part was seeing Liselotte's stance on politics and her experiences when moving away. Overall, The Devil in Vienna is an interesting read that emphasizes the importance of family and friendship and leaning on them during tumultuous times. 

4. One Documented Waypoint for Group-Created Clio Tour 

Collalto Palace

In 1762, the Collalto Palace housed a performance by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with his sister when he was six. This marked his first public performance. Count Collalto, the host, was very impressed by his performance and later wrote a poem about the event.

The Collalto Palace is not open to the public. Upon venturing there,  I was unsure which building it was until I came across a plaque with the name Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart across the top. This plaque commemorates the event. When translated, it says, “in the second week of October 1762, he first appeared in this house in front of the openness of the city that was to become his home and destiny.”

https://www.gpsmycity.com/attractions/collalto-palace-21437.html

5. Two Visual Thinking Analyses

This picture shows a mother holding her child. The mother's eyes are closed off to the environment around her and signaling her tiredness. The child's eyes are wide open and seeing, taking in the world around them. The child is also grasping her mother for safety. This image makes me feel a mother's unconditional love and also a love for learning and wonder. Seeing this makes me wonder what the artist was feeling while creating the art piece. 

This painting shows the beauty of the forest and of nature. In it, I can see the sun's rays escape between trees to light up parts of the dirt road in which travelers are navigating. This makes me think of the joy I feel when I am out in nature but also the tiredness after a long day out. Seeing this painting makes me wonders of the travelers in it such as where they are heading to and how long their journey is.