Recently, the news has reported wanting to publicly release the names of teachers whose students have not made growth on state standardized tests, as a means of humiliation and motivation. In the “dog eat dog” world we’ve come to live in, a failing economy and struggling education system would lead people to make irrational decisions such as this. So what is the real problem and is there a reasonable solution?
Some politicians believe publishing the names of teachers whose student’s test scores have not improved over the past year will only motivate them to do better. Which begs the question, how can a teacher improve his/her student’s test scores if the real problem is they don’t now how? Many teachers may not have the educational tools or resources that they need to take the next steps towards improvement. Some might need to be trained in new teaching or studying techniques that could help them in the classroom. Taking these factors into account, humiliating individuals who have chosen teaching as a life career, do not deserve this kind of treatment. This does not sound like a level headed solution to me, nor does it show positive growth or improvement for the downfall in our education system.
There must a better solution to this problem than what has been concluded thus far. I, myself do not know the right answer, however I do know many great teachers who go unnoticed for the amazing things they do everyday, how about we publish their names? Not to mention all the talented teachers who have yet to be hired and are awaiting their chance to make a significant difference in the world. Whatever the “right” decision may be, let’s hope a rational one can be made and a more important issue can be tackled…like the growing unemployment rate…
Walt Gardners, a veteran teacher, sheds more light and information on this topic below:
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/walt_gardners_reality_check/2010/08/
No comments:
Post a Comment